The Ultimate Sandwich Chain Cold Sub Taste Test: Subway vs. Jersey Mike’s vs. Jimmy John’s vs. Quiznos
## Introduction: The Quest for the Perfect Cold Sub
The humble cold sub sandwich. It’s a lunchtime staple, a road trip companion, and a satisfyingly simple meal. But in a world saturated with sandwich chains, which one reigns supreme? We embarked on a mission to find out, conducting a rigorous taste test of the cold sub offerings from four major players: Subway, Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, and Quiznos. Our focus was on consistency, quality of ingredients, and overall flavor profile. We ordered the same basic sandwich – an Italian or similar variation – from each establishment, adhering to the same build (lettuce, tomato, onion, oil/vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper) where possible, to ensure a fair and unbiased comparison. Buckle up, sandwich aficionados, because this is going to be a delicious ride!
## The Contenders: A Sandwich Chain Showdown
Before diving into the taste test, let’s introduce our competitors:
* **Subway:** The behemoth of the sandwich world, Subway is known for its customizable options, affordable prices, and widespread availability. It’s a familiar name to almost everyone, but can its mass appeal translate to top-tier taste?
* **Jersey Mike’s:** Boasting fresh-sliced meats and a commitment to authenticity, Jersey Mike’s aims to deliver a classic sub shop experience. Their “Mike’s Way” topping combination is a signature feature, setting them apart from the competition.
* **Jimmy John’s:** Famous for its speed and simple, no-frills approach, Jimmy John’s prides itself on fresh ingredients and a streamlined menu. Can their efficiency deliver a truly exceptional sub?
* **Quiznos:** Once a major player, Quiznos has seen a decline in recent years, but they still offer a unique toasted sub experience. While toasting isn’t the focus here (since we are testing “cold” subs), we’ve included it for comparison and to see if they can deliver a quality, standard cold sub.
## Methodology: How We Judged the Subs
To ensure a fair and accurate assessment, we established a clear set of criteria for evaluating each sandwich. These included:
* **Meat Quality:** Was the meat flavorful, fresh, and appropriately sliced? Did it have a pleasant texture?
* **Bread Quality:** Was the bread soft, chewy, and able to hold the fillings without falling apart? Did it complement the other ingredients?
* **Ingredient Freshness:** Were the vegetables crisp, vibrant, and flavorful? Did the condiments enhance the overall taste?
* **Overall Flavor Balance:** Did all the elements of the sandwich come together harmoniously? Was it a well-balanced and satisfying bite?
* **Value for Money:** Did the sandwich offer a good value considering its price, size, and quality?
* **Construction:** Was the sandwich put together well? Did the ingredients stay in place or did they fall out with every bite?
Each sub was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 in each category, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. We then tallied the scores to determine the overall winner.
## The Taste Test: A Sandwich-by-Sandwich Breakdown
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s a detailed breakdown of our experience with each sandwich chain:
### 1. Subway: The Italian B.M.T.
**Order:** Footlong Italian B.M.T. with lettuce, tomato, onion, oil & vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
* **Meat Quality (2/5):** The meat was… there. It lacked distinct flavor and had a somewhat processed texture. The salami and pepperoni were thin and didn’t contribute much to the overall taste.
* **Bread Quality (3/5):** The bread was soft, as expected from Subway, but it was also a bit bland and didn’t have much character. It did hold up relatively well, though it started to get soggy towards the end.
* **Ingredient Freshness (3/5):** The lettuce and tomato were acceptable, but not particularly impressive. The onion was a bit strong and overpowering.
* **Overall Flavor Balance (2/5):** The sandwich lacked a cohesive flavor profile. The individual ingredients didn’t blend well together, and it tasted somewhat bland overall. The oil and vinegar didn’t have enough tang.
* **Value for Money (4/5):** Subway is definitely one of the more affordable options, which is a plus. However, the lower price point reflects the lower quality ingredients.
* **Construction (3/5):** The sandwich was adequately constructed, but the ingredients tended to slide around, making it a bit messy to eat.
**Overall Score: 17/30**
**Verdict:** Subway’s Italian B.M.T. is a decent option for a quick and cheap lunch, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of flavor or quality. It’s a reliable choice for those on a budget, but not a standout sandwich experience.
### 2. Jersey Mike’s: The Original Italian (Mike’s Way)
**Order:** Regular Original Italian (Mike’s Way: lettuce, tomato, onion, oil & vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper).
* **Meat Quality (4/5):** The meat was noticeably higher quality than Subway’s. It had a richer flavor and a more appealing texture. The salami, provolone, and ham were all well-balanced and contributed to a savory flavor profile.
* **Bread Quality (4/5):** The bread was fresh, chewy, and had a slight tang. It was a significant improvement over Subway’s bread and provided a solid foundation for the sandwich.
* **Ingredient Freshness (5/5):** The vegetables were exceptionally fresh and crisp. The lettuce and tomato were vibrant, and the onion had a pleasant bite. The “Mike’s Way” topping combination of oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper was perfectly balanced and enhanced the overall flavor.
* **Overall Flavor Balance (5/5):** The sandwich was a harmonious blend of flavors. The salty meats, tangy vinegar, and fresh vegetables created a truly satisfying and delicious experience. It tasted like a well-crafted, authentic Italian sub.
* **Value for Money (3/5):** Jersey Mike’s is more expensive than Subway, but the higher quality ingredients justify the price. You get what you pay for.
* **Construction (4/5):** The sandwich was well-constructed and held together nicely. The ingredients were evenly distributed, ensuring a consistent flavor in every bite.
**Overall Score: 25/30**
**Verdict:** Jersey Mike’s Original Italian (Mike’s Way) is a clear winner. The high-quality ingredients, fresh vegetables, and perfectly balanced flavor combination make it a standout sub sandwich. It’s definitely worth the extra cost.
### 3. Jimmy John’s: The Italian Night Club
**Order:** Italian Night Club with lettuce, tomato, onion, oil & vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper (added).
* **Meat Quality (3/5):** The meat was decent, but not as flavorful as Jersey Mike’s. The salami, capicola, and provolone were thinly sliced and had a pleasant texture, but they lacked a distinct character.
* **Bread Quality (4/5):** Jimmy John’s uses a distinct French bread roll. It was crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a good texture contrast. It held up well to the fillings, but it could be a bit dry.
* **Ingredient Freshness (4/5):** The lettuce and tomato were fresh and crisp, but the onion was a bit mild. The addition of oil and vinegar (requested, as it’s not standard) helped to enhance the flavor, but it could have been more generous.
* **Overall Flavor Balance (3/5):** The sandwich was good, but it lacked the complexity and depth of flavor of Jersey Mike’s. The individual ingredients were fresh, but they didn’t quite come together in a memorable way. It relied heavily on the bread.
* **Value for Money (3/5):** Jimmy John’s is priced similarly to Jersey Mike’s. The value proposition is arguably a bit lower, as the ingredients aren’t quite as high quality.
* **Construction (5/5):** Jimmy John’s prides itself on speed and efficiency, and this is reflected in their sandwich construction. The sandwich was perfectly assembled and held together incredibly well. It was easy to eat and didn’t fall apart.
**Overall Score: 22/30**
**Verdict:** Jimmy John’s Italian Night Club is a solid choice for a quick and easy lunch. The fresh ingredients and excellent construction make it a satisfying sandwich, but it doesn’t quite reach the same level of flavor as Jersey Mike’s. The reliance on bread flavor to carry the experience is noticeable. The additional cost for adding oil/vinegar is a negative compared to Jersey Mike’s standard inclusion.
### 4. Quiznos: The Italian
**Order:** Quiznos Italian with lettuce, tomato, onion, oil & vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper (where possible – Quiznos has limited customization for cold subs).
* **Meat Quality (2/5):** The meat was the lowest quality of the bunch. It was dry, lacked flavor, and had a rubbery texture. It tasted processed and artificial. The variety of meats was also limited compared to the other chains.
* **Bread Quality (3/5):** Quiznos’ bread, while usually toasted, was surprisingly bland when served cold. It lacked the chewiness and flavor of the other breads. It also became soggy relatively quickly.
* **Ingredient Freshness (2/5):** The vegetables were wilted and lacked flavor. The lettuce was limp, and the tomato was mushy. The onion was barely noticeable.
* **Overall Flavor Balance (1/5):** The sandwich was a complete disappointment. The individual ingredients were of poor quality, and they didn’t come together to create a pleasant flavor profile. It was bland, dry, and generally unappetizing. The lack of standard toppings found at other chains was also a detriment.
* **Value for Money (2/5):** Quiznos is priced similarly to Jimmy John’s and Jersey Mike’s, but the quality is significantly lower. It’s not a good value for the money.
* **Construction (2/5):** The sandwich was poorly constructed. The ingredients were unevenly distributed, and it fell apart easily. It was a messy and frustrating eating experience.
**Overall Score: 12/30**
**Verdict:** Quiznos’ Italian was the clear loser of this taste test. The poor quality ingredients, bland bread, and poor construction made it an overall unpleasant experience. We would not recommend it.
## The Results: And the Winner Is…
After carefully evaluating each sandwich, here are the final scores:
* **Jersey Mike’s: 25/30**
* **Jimmy John’s: 22/30**
* **Subway: 17/30**
* **Quiznos: 12/30**
**The champion of our cold sub taste test is Jersey Mike’s!** Their commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, combined with their signature “Mike’s Way” topping combination, resulted in a truly exceptional sandwich experience.
## Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Sub
While Jersey Mike’s emerged as the clear winner in our taste test, it’s important to remember that taste is subjective. Your personal preferences may differ, and you may find that you prefer the simplicity of Jimmy John’s or the affordability of Subway.
Ultimately, the best way to find your perfect cold sub is to try them all and decide for yourself. Use our taste test as a guide, but don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own personal favorite. Happy sandwich hunting!
## Bonus Tips for Ordering the Perfect Cold Sub:
* **Don’t be afraid to customize:** Most sandwich chains allow you to customize your order to your liking. Add or remove ingredients, change the type of bread, or request extra sauce.
* **Ask for recommendations:** If you’re unsure what to order, ask the staff for recommendations. They can often suggest popular combinations or help you find a sandwich that suits your taste.
* **Pay attention to the bread:** The bread is the foundation of any good sandwich. Choose a bread that is fresh, flavorful, and able to hold the fillings without falling apart.
* **Don’t skimp on the toppings:** The toppings are what give a sandwich its flavor and personality. Load up on your favorite vegetables, condiments, and spices.
* **Eat it fresh:** A cold sub is best enjoyed fresh. The longer it sits, the more likely it is to become soggy and lose its flavor.
## The Future of Sandwich Taste Tests
This taste test focused on the core Italian sub, but the world of sandwiches is vast and varied. Future taste tests could explore other popular sub varieties, such as turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian options. We could also delve into regional sub shop chains or even compare homemade subs to those from popular chains. The possibilities are endless! Let us know in the comments what sandwich taste tests you’d like to see in the future.
**Enjoy your sandwiches!**