Jason’s Deli Gluten-Free Menu

For anyone who is familiar with gluten-free bread, you know that Udi’s is one of the top bread out there. It is a bread that tastes great straight out of the package, no heating or toasting necessary. Once I discovered Udi’s it has been difficult to try other bread because I love how I can just make a sandwich as easily as I did before being gluten-free with equally, if not better, amazing results.

On July 6th, I decided I would give Jason’s Deli a try. Before I headed out, I checked their allergen list online to prepare myself for what I could and could not eat. Unfortunately, I decided to go at lunchtime so it was extremely busy.  I have not been to a Jason’s Deli for years, so I looked at the menu, and could clearly see where items were listed with a ‘g’ for gluten-free, however on their regular menu it didn’t mention anything about sandwiches being safe, just salads and some of their potatoes.  I know when I looked online it showed that their meats and cheeses were safe, but it was not reflected on the menu.  I asked the server at the counter and he wasn’t sure either and said if it is not listed with a ‘g’ it would not be safe.  I was so confused.  He said they had gluten-free bread, and I could see the Udi’s loaves behind the counter, but if it didn’t list which meats and cheeses were safe, what would I have on my sandwich bread?

I asked to talk to a manager, and he showed me a special gluten-free menu they had behind the counter. He explained how since they just started it the previous day they were still pretty new to it.  I suggested that they keep the gluten-free menu in front so people could see it, and he replied that they only had 4 so they would wait until someone asked to look at them. I went ahead and ordered a roasted turkey and cheddar sandwich with a side of potato salad for myself and a tuna salad sandwich with hummus and chips for my husband, both on gluten-free bread.

As I waited and watched the sandwich makers make sandwiches I had a sudden panic about cross-contamination. I quickly went up and asked the manager if they use new gloves and a separate surface when making gluten-free sandwiches. He told me, no, but they could.  This worried me. I told him that yes absolutely, I would like them to use new gloves and a separate surface and when my sandwich was complete he assured me that he helped make them and made sure they used a clean area.  Again, I can understand they are new to this, but I would have hoped the staff would have been well-trained before the introduction because cross-contamination would be extremely easy here.

I took the sandwiches and set off to enjoy my lunch poolside. The end result was fantastic.  The turkey sandwich was just like the deli sandwiches I enjoyed when living in NYC..massive! The tuna salad was delicious too, and usually, I am not a huge fan of potato salad, but this one has got to be my favorite, it was kind of like a mashed potato salad.  It was so nice to be able to eat a sandwich from a chain like every other person.

In the end, I had a very good experience and will go back again; however, I can see how the opportunity for cross-contamination would be great, and it is necessary to ask them to change gloves and use a separate, cleaned surface from the rest of their sandwiches. Hopefully, once they have been doing this for a while, they will know to do this on their own.  I would also suggest that they make the special gluten-free menu readily available and that they mark the finished sandwich on the outside of the wrapper as being gluten-free, perhaps with a sticker or even a big ‘G’ written on it.  This would avoid any confusion when next to gluten sandwiches, and give some piece of mind to the customer.

A big thank you goes out to Jason’s Deli for providing to the growing gluten-free population! You can check out our Jason’s Deli gluten-free options review here.

Jason’s Deli Gluten-Free Menu

Soups

• Tomato Basil

Salads

• Mesa Chicken Salad
• The Big Chef (request gluten-free dressing)
• Nutty Mixed-Up Salad (request gluten-free dressing)
• Chicken Club Salad (request gluten-free dressing)

As always, when dining out gluten-free, do your due diligence and make sure the staff understands your needs. There are very few restaurants that are 100% gluten-free, so cross-contamination is always a risk. If you don’t feel comfortable with what you are hearing from the staff, perhaps it is best to dine elsewhere.

For information about other gluten-free restaurants menus, check out our gluten-free restaurants page.