We all have those days where we're desperate for a sandwich. But there are times when you just don't know where to go. For those of us who have both Subway and Jimmy John's as options, maybe one is your go-to 100 percent of the time, or maybe you're still having trouble deciding where your loyalty falls. Jimmy John's versus Subway is a tricky choice, but there are a few things to consider before choosing which one reigns supreme.
Their Selections
At Subway, the possibilities are endless. With tons of bread, veggies, meat, cheese, and sauce options, you really can't be disappointed. You can even get your sandwich toasted if you'd like, which really takes it to the next level. The Subway menu also includes other items like breakfast sandwiches, pizza, flatbreads, salads, cookies, tons of chip options, fountain drinks, and bottled beverage options.
At Jimmy John's, the menu is fixed. There are only two types of bread (French and wheat). There are still a ton of great options though, including 8" subs, Plain Slims, Giant Club Sandwiches, and the J. J. Gargantuan. You can add or remove fix-ins to satisfy your preferences.
The Jimmy John's menu also includes an item called Un-whiches (bread-less sandwiches made with lettuce), which is a good option for those of you who are gluten-free. The giant pickles are also an iconic menu item, along with the cookies, Jimmy Chips and fountain drinks.
Health and Nutrition
For all of you trying to be healthy, it's good to compare both of the sandwich shops. Subway is known to be one of the healthiest fast food choices since you have the chance to add as many veggies as possible, and completely customize your order. But honestly, when it comes to calories, carbs, and fat, it really depends on the type of sandwich and fix-ins you choose.
The bread used to make subs is quite calorie-dense, so it is healthier to not have bread at all. Subway doesn't have the Un-which option like Jimmy John's, but they have salads, which generally have far fewer calories than subs.
Timeliness and Convenience
With Subway, you'll have to get up and go no matter what. If the line isn't too bad, it shouldn't take more than five minutes to get your much-needed sammie. You can even order online to save some time when picking up.
Jimmy John's is the best option if you're at work, in class, or studying because they deliver Freaky Fast. And truth be told, they are super quick. If you walk into the store, though, your sandwich will still just take a couple of minutes to prepare.
Prices and Controversy
Subway offers a few $6 footlong options, along with tons of meal deals. Six-inch sandwiches cost anywhere from $3.75 to $5. Jimmy John's prices stay relatively constant, but have gone up in the last few years. Prices vary among the different options, but an 8" sub would cost around $6. Therefore, Jimmy John's is relatively more expensive than Subway, but still a good deal.
At both stores, the sandwiches sometimes end up being too small. Therefore, customers think they're being ripped off. There were also some issues a few years ago with Subway's food hygiene and including an ingredient in their bread that's also found in yoga mats. But improvements have been made and as far as we know, there's really nothing sketchy anymore.
Which Is Better?
Both Jimmy John's and Subway offer satisfying options that are perfect for a filling lunch. But I decided to survey some college students to find out which one was best. About 60 precent preferred Jimmy John's and 40 percent preferred Subway. It turns out that more students would be willing to pay for Jimmy John's rather than heading to Subway.
Both Jimmy John's and Subway have their perks and their flaws. Whichever one you prefer, no one's judging. After all, it's just a sandwich.