Jersey Mike’s is a popular sandwich chain known for their fresh, made-to-order subs loaded with quality meats, cheeses, and toppings. Their tasty #7 Turkey and Provolone sub is a customer favorite. But an important question has been raised – is Jersey Mike’s turkey processed?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how Jersey Mike’s turkey is handled and prepared to determine if it can be considered processed meat. We’ll also discuss the health implications of processed meats and how to make informed choices when dining at Jersey Mike’s.
What is Processed Meat?
Before determining if Jersey Mike’s turkey is processed, let’s first understand what “processed meat” means.
Processed meats are those that have been altered from their natural state in some way. This includes:
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Curing, smoking, salting, or adding preservatives to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life.
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Utilizing methods like emulsification to incorporate fat uniformly and improve texture.
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Drying, canning, or other preservation methods to extend a meat’s shelf life.
So if a meat product has undergone any of the above processes it would be classified as processed meat.
How Jersey Mike’s Prepares Their Turkey
According to Jersey Mike’s website, their turkey breast meat is:
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Sliced and prepared fresh in-store daily
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Free of nitrates and nitrites
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99% fat-free
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Free of artificial preservatives
Though their turkey is minimally processed, it does technically undergo some processing:
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Curing – Curing refers to preserving meat with salt, both for flavor and extending shelf life. Jersey Mike’s turkey appears to be cured with sea salt.
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Smoking – Smoking infuses flavor and preserves meat. It’s unclear if Jersey Mike’s smokes their turkey.
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Cooking – Cooked meat is considered processed. Jersey Mike’s states their turkey is “fully cooked.”
So while their turkey skip some concerning additives like nitrites, it does appear to be processed based on curing, smoking, and cooking preparation methods. But next we’ll explore how minimal processing affects health and nutrition.
Health Implications of Minimally Processed Deli Meat
The level of processing impacts the health effects of deli meats:
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Heavily processed meats with added preservatives like nitrites have greater links to health issues like heart disease and cancer.
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Minimally processed meats without these additives pose less risks, especially when eaten in moderation.
Since Jersey Mike’s turkey skips nitrites and artificial additives, it would be considered minimally processed. Some health benefits of their turkey:
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High in protein for satiety and muscle repair.
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Low in fat and calories for weight management.
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Free of concerning preservatives like nitrites.
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Lower in sodium than many other cured meats.
However, some cautions with frequent intake:
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Saturated fat and sodium content could still be high for some diets like heart health.
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Can contain trace amounts of preservatives from smoking.
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Heated and cured meats may still pose cancer risks when eaten regularly.
Overall, Jersey Mike’s turkey is likely one of the healthier processed deli meat options out there when consumed moderately. But it still requires caution and balancing with less processed foods.
Tips for Making Healthy Sandwich Choices at Jersey Mike’s
If you enjoy Jersey Mike’s, you don’t have to give it up completely for health. Here are some tips to build a better sub:
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Choose a mini or regular size to control portions. Their giant subs can lead to overeating.
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Select a whole wheat or multigrain roll for more fiber.
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Load up the veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers and even olives for nutrients and crunch.
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Consider adding avocado for healthy fats.
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Opt for mustard instead of mayo-based sauces.
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Pick leaner meats like turkey, chicken or ham over higher-fat options.
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Limit cheese or ask for it on the side to control calories.
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Be mindful of sodium in pickles, olives, meats and dressings.
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Create a salad sub on lettuce wraps instead of bread for a low-carb option.
The Verdict on Jersey Mike’s Turkey
In conclusion, Jersey Mike’s turkey is technically a processed meat due to curing, smoking and cooking preparation methods. However, it undergoes minimal processing without concerning additives like nitrites. Consumed occasionally as part of an overall healthy diet, their turkey subs can fit into a balanced lifestyle. But it’s always wise to optimize nutrition through whole food choices and variety in your diet.
Discover the Secret to Jersey Mike’s Mouthwatering Deli Meats
FAQ
Is the meat from Jersey Mike’s processed?
How do you know if turkey is processed?
Is Jersey Mike’s turkey real turkey?
Is all turkey deli meat processed?
Is Jersey Mike a meatless restaurant?
In 2022, says Hope, Jersey Mike’s popular meatless option, the grilled portabella mushroom and Swiss sub, received a permanent spot on the menu board as a “number 64.” The portabella popularity spawned two additional menu numbers, the “66,” a portabella cheese steak, and the “65,” a portabella chicken cheese steak.
What is Jersey Mike’s ‘Mike’s way’?
The main filling, however, is up to the customer — whether that’s roast beef, turkey, tuna, cheese steak, or anything else. According to Matt Chmiel, the company’s marketing manager, a sub made “Mike’s Way” is Jersey Mike’s most popular product, and is what the store has been famous for ever since its foundation.
Does Jersey Mike’s still make subs?
This New Jersey-based chain has been making subs for decades now, but despite enjoying tremendous growth in the last few years, still remains a grounded and ultimately likable brand. From their humble beginnings to their charity work and even an unfortunate controversy, here’s the untold truth of Jersey Mike’s.
Why did Jersey Mike’s go out of business?
Cancro had put “every dime” into growing Jersey Mike’s, and eventually set up about 35 stores up and down the Jersey Shore. In the early ’90s, however, a recession hit the United States. Because all of the company’s money had been put into growth, there was nothing left in the bank to save it from hard times.