It's easy to underestimate the calorie content of a simple sandwich, especially when it's crafted with care by a restaurant chain. But as we'll see, these seemingly innocuous sandwiches can pack a surprising amount of calories. Here's a look at five chain restaurant sandwiches that are total calorie bombs, along with some insights into why they're so calorific and what you can do about it.
Jersey Mike's Chipotle Cheese Steak
This sandwich is a 1040-calorie powerhouse, featuring beef, grilled onions, peppers, white American cheese, and chipotle mayo. While it's a delicious treat, it's definitely not something you'd want to eat every day. The key to its high calorie count is the combination of protein-rich beef, calorie-dense cheese, and the creamy chipotle mayo. If you're looking to cut back, consider opting for a lighter sandwich or sharing this one with a friend.
Jimmy John's Roast Beef & Cheddar
At 1140 calories, this toasted sub is a substantial meal. It's loaded with beef, cheddar, horseradish sauce, crispy fried onions, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo. The high calorie count is due to the generous portion of beef and the creamy mayo. To make this sandwich more diet-friendly, try ordering it without the fried onions or using a lighter spread like hummus instead of mayo.
BJ's California Chicken Club Sandwich
At 1270 calories, this sandwich is a flavor explosion. It features chicken breast, smoked bacon, avocado, melted Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and roasted garlic aioli on toasted sourdough bread. The calorie bomb is a result of the combination of protein-rich chicken, fatty bacon, creamy avocado, and the indulgent garlic aioli. If you're watching your weight, consider ordering a smaller portion or skipping the avocado.
Capriotti's Chicken Chipotle Crunch
A medium-sized Chicken Chipotle Crunch at Capriotti's is a massive 1720 calories. It's made with premium grilled chicken, American cheese, crispy cheddar onions, fresh lettuce and tomato, and chipotle ranch dressing. The high calorie count is due to the premium ingredients and the generous portion of chicken. For a more moderate calorie option, the mini size is 550 calories, which still packs a punch.
McAlister's Deli Jalapeño Turkey Crunch
This 1370-calorie sandwich is a protein-packed delight. It features roasted turkey, jalapeño chips, bacon, pepper jack, avocado, and mayo on a jalapeño roll. The calorie bomb is a result of the combination of protein-rich turkey, fatty bacon, creamy avocado, and the creamy mayo. If you're looking to cut back, consider ordering it without the avocado or using a lighter spread like hummus.
The Takeaway
These chain restaurant sandwiches are a testament to the fact that even seemingly healthy options can be calorie-dense. While they're delicious, it's important to be mindful of their calorie content and make informed choices. Opting for lighter ingredients, smaller portions, or sharing these sandwiches can help you enjoy them without guilt. Remember, moderation is key, and it's always a good idea to balance indulgent treats with healthier options.
