Is Potbelly Healthy? Discover the Truth Behind Your Favorite Sandwich Shop


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If you’re a sandwich lover, chances are you’ve heard of Potbelly. The chain has gained popularity for its toasted sandwiches and quirky atmosphere. But when it comes to the health factor, opinions range from “it’s just fast food” to “they use fresh ingredients, so it must be healthy”.

So, is Potbelly healthy or not? That’s what we’re here to uncover. We’ve done our research on everything from the nutritional content of their menu items to their ingredient sourcing practices. We’ll give you the facts and let you come to your own conclusion.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” -Hippocrates

We believe that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to making informed decisions about what we eat. At the end of the day, everyone’s definition of “healthy” may differ based on personal preferences and dietary needs. However, arming yourself with information can help you make choices that align with your values.

Follow along as we delve into the world of Potbelly and explore whether this beloved sandwich shop lives up to the hype in terms of healthfulness. Let’s get started!

What’s in Potbelly’s Sandwiches?

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal on the go, it’s hard to beat a good sandwich. But with so many different options available, it can be tough to know which sandwich chain is the healthiest choice. One popular option for sandwich lovers is Potbelly Sandwich Shop. Here’s what you need to know about the ingredients that go into their sandwiches.

Meat Ingredients

Potbelly offers a variety of meats for their sandwiches, including roast beef, turkey, ham, salami, meatballs, and bacon. While these meats can be tasty and satisfying, they are generally higher in fat and calories than vegetarian options. If you do choose a meat-based sandwich, opt for leaner meats like turkey or roast beef instead of higher-fat ones like bacon or salami.

It’s also worth noting that some of Potbelly’s meat-based sandwiches come with additional toppings like cheese or mayo. These add even more calories and unhealthy fats. Consider skipping these extras or asking for a lighter amount if you want to keep your sandwich as healthy as possible.

Veggie Ingredients

Vegetarian sandwiches are often an excellent option for those looking to stay healthy while enjoying a sandwich. At Potbelly, there are several vegetarian sandwiches to choose from, including a Mediterranean sandwich with hummus and veggies, a grilled veggie sandwich, and a mushroom melt.

One thing to watch out for when ordering a vegetarian sandwich is the bread. Some types of bread may contain more sugar or refined carbohydrates than others, so ask for whole wheat or another high-fiber option if possible.

Condiments and Sauces

Finally, it’s important to consider the condiments and sauces that come with your Potbelly sandwich. While some options like mustard or balsamic vinaigrette are relatively healthy, others like mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and barbeque sauce can be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar.

Consider skipping heavier sauces and opting for lighter alternatives like mustard or Sriracha instead. If you do choose a saucy sandwich, ask for just a light drizzle instead of drowning your entire sandwich in sauce.

“When it comes to dining out – especially at fast-food chains – limiting condiments is key to controlling salt intake,” says CNN nutritionist Lisa Drayer.

In general, when ordering from Potbelly (or any other restaurant), consider a few tips to keep your meal as healthy as possible:

  • Choose whole-grain bread if available
  • Opt for leaner meat options, or go vegetarian
  • Avoid heavy toppings like mayo and cheese
  • Stick with healthier condiments like mustard or vinegar-based dressings
  • Watch portion sizes – restaurants often serve large portions that contain more calories than necessary

By making smart choices, it’s possible to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal at Potbelly without wrecking your diet. So next time you’re craving a sandwich, why not give them a try?

Are Potbelly’s Ingredients Fresh?

Potbelly is known for its sandwiches, salads, soups, and other food options. If you’re wondering whether these menu items are healthy or not, it all starts with the ingredients that are used to prepare them.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

Potbelly operates on a philosophy of sourcing fresh high-quality ingredients from reliable local farmers and suppliers. The company ensures that all their suppliers meet their quality standards before they decide to purchase any products for use in its restaurants.

The sandwich chain uses locally sourced greens like spinach and lettuce, as well as tomatoes ripe off the vine. Local chefs then roast the meat that you see behind the glass counter to create warm, delicious subs.

“Focus on using great, wholesome ingredients and treating them with care โ€“ they taste better that way,” said Ryan LaRoche, culinary director at Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

This approach gives customers fresh meals that have minimal processing, preservatives, and other harmful additives.

No Artificial Colors or Flavors

To ensure the utmost safety and satisfaction of their diners, Potbelly highly restricts the use of certain additives, including artificial colors, flavors, and transfats.

The brand remains loyal to offering freshly made meals utilizing natural preparations to make sure nobody has to consume any artificially flavored or colored food. Whether it’s mustard, pickles, bacon, milkshakes, or bagels โ€“ everything offered by the chain maintains its authenticity thanks to mindful and responsible preparation.

“Our goal is for people to walk through our doors knowing what to expect when they order a sandwich or shake: real, crave-worthy food crafted with love by experienced cooks and bakers using authentic techniques, customization, and quality ingredients,” said Robert Wright, the VP of marketing for Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

Freshly Baked Bread

Perhaps one of the biggest draws of a sandwich place is its bread. If you’re worried about consuming unhealthy carbs or gluten, then there’s excellent news from Potbelly:

Their signature bread is freshly baked in-store daily, using whole grains such as wheat flour, specially formulated to provide a perfect blend of texture and taste that will hold any sandwich combination scrumptiously in place.

“We make our own bread because we want it to be fresh for every customer. Thatโ€™s why you can hear the sound of the oven open so often,” LaRoche shared.

Produce Quality Standards

Potbelly has strict specifications on how their products are produced – including proper handling and storage temperatures for all its ingredients. The production brigade checked thoroughly through all supplies before accepting them into inventory!

This means that vegetables like mushrooms, onions, jalapenos peppers, and beans utilized in preparing salads are free of pesticides and herbicides’ residues. Ingredients are tracked back to their source and checked for freshness before being allowed in store kitchens.

“Frankly, if that produce doesn’t meet Potbelly standards, we just won’t serve it,” said Clay Sanger, the director of culinary innovation at Potbelly.

Therefore, when eating a meal prepared with potbelly ingredients, you an assured that they had undergone rigorous testing and were subject to guidelines ahead of acceptance!

Potbelly proudly serves food made from scratch, using real and responsibly sourced ingredients grown, guided by flavor, not fast-food gimmicks. It remains crucial to maintain a healthy diet, while indulging in your favorite Potbelly meals!

How Many Calories Are in Potbelly’s Sandwiches?

If you are someone who is looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is important to keep track of your calorie intake. This is especially true when eating out, as many restaurants offer meals that are far higher in calories than what you may expect. When it comes to Potbelly sandwiches, there are a wide variety of options available with varying calorie counts. In this article, we will explore the calorie content of some of Potbelly’s most popular sandwich offerings.

Calories in Classic Sandwiches

Potbelly’s classic sandwiches are some of the restaurant’s most popular offerings. These sandwiches come on fresh-baked bread and feature high-quality meats and cheeses. Some popular classic choices include Turkey Breast, Italian, and Tuna Salad.

The number of calories in these sandwiches can vary depending on which ingredients are included. For example, a regular-sized Turkey Breast sandwich contains 540 calories, while a regular-sized Italian sandwich contains 740 calories. The Tuna Salad sandwich, however, is typically lower in calories, containing only 450 calories for a regular size.

“There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how many calories any individual needs per day.” -Mayo Clinic Staff

Calories in Skinny Sandwiches

Potbelly also offers a selection of “skinny” sandwiches, which are designed to be healthier options compared to their classic counterparts. These sandwiches have fewer calories and less fat than the classic sandwiches, without compromising on flavor. Examples of skinny sandwiches include the TKY Supreme, which features turkey breast, Swiss cheese, and cranberry honey sauce, and the Mediterranean, which includes hummus and feta cheese.

A TKY Supreme skinny sandwich contains only 320 calories, while the Mediterranean skinny sandwich has just 410 calories. Both of these options are significantly lower in calories than their classic counterparts but still offer plenty of flavor and nutrition.

“Healthy does NOT have to mean bland or boring!” -Tammy Lakatos Shames

Calories in Bigs Sandwiches

If you’re feeling extra hungry, Potbelly also offers a selection of “bigs” sandwiches, which are larger than the regular-sized sandwiches. These sandwiches can be great for sharing, or for those days when you need an extra boost of energy. Some popular bigs options include the Wreck, which features salami, roast beef, turkey breast, ham, and Swiss cheese, as well as the A Wreck, which includes all of the same ingredients as the Wreck plus pepperoni.

The number of calories in these sandwiches is naturally higher than in the regular-sized options. For example, a regular-sized Wreck sandwich contains 620 calories, while a big-sized Wreck contains 1660 calories. The A Wreck, on the other hand, contains a whopping 1820 calories in its big size. If you choose to indulge in one of these sandwiches, it may be best to split it with a friend or save half for later.

“Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up foods that you love, but rather understanding what works best for your body.” -Pop Sugar Fitness

Calories in Vegetarian Sandwiches

Potbelly also offers a variety of vegetarian sandwiches for those who prefer plant-based options or simply want to reduce their meat consumption. Some examples of vegetarian sandwiches available at Potbelly include the Mediterranean, Mushroom Melt, and Grilled Cheese.

The calorie content of these sandwiches can vary depending on the ingredients used. For example, a regular-sized Mediterranean sandwich contains 520 calories, while a regular-sized Mushroom Melt sandwich contains 570 calories. The Grilled Cheese sandwich, which is lower in protein than other options due to its lack of meat, generally contains around 500-550 calories.

“Eating more plant-based meals can have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.” -Heather Mangieri, registered dietitian

Potbelly sandwiches can be a nutritious option for those looking for a quick and filling meal. As with any restaurant, however, it’s important to consider the calorie content of your meal before making an order. By choosing healthier options like skinny sandwiches and vegetarian options or sharing larger sandwiches with friends, you can enjoy Potbelly while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Is Potbelly’s Menu Suitable for Special Diets?

Gluten-Free Options

Potbelly offers several gluten-free options on their menu. The restaurant provides a detailed ingredient list and nutritional information to help customers make informed choices. According to the company website, their Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread is carefully made by removing the wheat flour and replacing it with rice flour, potato starch, and corn starch.

Customers who are sensitive to cross-contamination should be aware that all sandwiches are prepared in a shared area where utensils and equipment may come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients.

“As someone with celiac disease, I was pleasantly surprised with the availability of delicious gluten-free options at Potbelly! Their gluten-free bread was one of the best I’ve ever tasted!” -Sarah L., Yelp

Vegan Options

Potbelly has limited vegan options on its menu but strives to accommodate plant-based eaters. Some sandwich components come from animal sources, such as cheese and meat, so vegans need to be selective when ordering.

According to the company website, the Veggie sandwich is suitable for vegans when served without cheese and mayo. Other vegan items include the Mediterranean Salad and PB & J sandwich. However, customers should verify the dressings and sauces used in salads and sides before making an order.

“I love Potbelly for providing tasty sandwich options even for us vegans! The Mediterranean Salad is my go-to dish.” -Lila G., Google reviews

Low-Calorie Options

If you’re looking for low-calorie options at Potbelly, there are several choices available on the menu. These include sandwiches like Turkey Breast, Grilled Chicken, Hammie, Caprese, and Farmhouse Salad.

Potbelly offers a “Power Protein Pack” that includes hard-boiled eggs, hummus, and other nutritious snacks to add protein and keep you feeling full.

“Potbelly’s Power Protein Pack is an excellent choice for those looking to cut calories but not compromise taste. I appreciate the convenience of having healthy snacks readily available.” -Natalie D., Yelp

Potbelly has several options for customers with special dietary needs such as those who are gluten-free, vegan, or watching their calorie intake. However, customers need to be aware of cross-contamination risks associated with shared preparation areas. It is recommended that customers ask staff about potential allergen exposures before making their order.

What Are the Healthiest Options at Potbelly?

Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers a wide range of sandwiches, salads, and soups. However, not all of them are healthy options. If you’re looking to make a smart choice for your body, here are two menu items that stand out:

Power Protein Salad

The Power Protein Salad is one of the healthiest options at Potbelly. This salad packs quite a punch with 30 grams of protein! The salad consists of romaine lettuce, grilled chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, cilantro, and croutons.

If you want to reduce your calorie intake, ask for the dressing on the side or opt for either the balsamic vinaigrette or non-fat vinaigrette. Remember to get rid of unwanted extras such as cheese, bacon bits, or other high-calorie toppings.

“When ordering salads, be mindful of dressings, cheeses, nuts, croutons, and other unhealthy add-ons,” says Jessica Fishman Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN.

Veggie Sandwich

Another healthy option that vegetarian customers can enjoy is the Veggie Sandwich. The sandwich includes fresh vegetables like spinach, cucumber, tomato, mushrooms, onion, and provolone cheese. You can customize it by leaving off any unwanted extras or swapping out the white bread for multigrain bread for a healthier choice.

If you’re looking for an even lower-calorie option, ask for the sandwich without the cheese and choose mustard instead of mayo. Pair this sandwich with a bag of baked chips and unsweetened tea for a perfect meal combination.

“If youโ€™re looking for vegetarian options, try any sandwich or salad and swap the meat for avocado,” suggests nutritional therapist Kayleen St. John.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop has plenty of other healthy menu items not mentioned here. It’s always a good idea to look up the nutrition facts beforehand, so you can decide what works best for your dietary needs. With smart choices, Potbelly can be an excellent option for those looking for healthier fast-food alternatives.

Does Potbelly Offer Nutritional Information?

If you’re wondering about the nutritional information of food served at Potbelly Sandwich Shop, you’ll be glad to know that they provide it on their website. Whether you want to keep track of calories or monitor salt and sugar intake, Potbelly has made it easy for customers to make informed choices.

Most people who eat at fast-food restaurants do not consider the health benefits of what they order. However, with a little research online, you can find the required data to calculate your calorie intake per meal. For those who are looking for quick, healthy bites while on the go, Potbelly offers sandwiches, salads, sides, and soups.

Nutritional Information for Sandwiches

Potbelly is well-known for its warm, toasted sandwiches. With so many options available – from meat-based sandwiches to vegetarian ones – you might wonder which sandwich would be best for your diet. The good news is, all sandwiches come in two sizes: original and big. If you opt for the smaller size option, you could save around 200-300 calories compared to its larger version.

Their Turkey Breast & Cheddar sandwich is one of the most popular options, containing only 580 calories in its Original form. Other healthier choices include Mediterranean Chicken (450 Calories), Farmhouse Salad Sandwich without Bacon (470 Calories) or Veggie Club (560 Calories), especially if requested โ€˜thin-cutโ€™ as this helps reduce bread content. Be mindful of add-ons like mayonnaise, cheese, or sauces; they can elevate the calorie count quickly.

Nutritional Information for Salads

If you’re trying to incorporate more greens into your diet, Potbelly’s salads offer fantastic opportunities to do so. Most salads at Potbelly are topped with protein, such as chicken or bacon. However, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, the Powerhouse Salad (with hummus!) and Chickpea Veggie Salad come highly recommended.

The Wreck Salad, which comes packed with meats like roast beef, turkey breast, and ham, may look tempting – but be warned. This salad has almost 800 calories! Stay away from croutons, tortilla strips, crispy onions, or unnecessary add on’s. Instead, stick to wholesome ingredients like avocado, boiled egg, or fresh vegetables.

Nutritional Information for Sides and Soups

Potbelly offers a range of sides and soups to complement their sandwiches and salads, making it perfect for a quick lunch stop. Tomate Basil soup is considered an excellent low-calorie option, only weighing in at around 210 Calories per serving. Chicken Enchilada Soup and Broccoli Cheddar also contain less than 300 calories.

Be cautious of mac & cheese and other fried side options, they tend to pack almost four times your daily worth calorie intake. On the lighter side, cucumber/tomatoes/corn Side Salad can easily replace high caloric side options, while helping you achieve a balanced meal even when eating out without breaking the bank and maintaining healthy habits.

“In our fast-paced lifestyle and day-to-day tasks, nutritional values often get thrown to the sidelines. It’s nice to have restaurants like Potbelly sharing this information so that customers make informed choices,” says registered dietician Kayla Grosse ‘
.

There are healthier menu options available at Potbelly Sandwich Shop; however, all meals are not created equal. Read the nutritional chart online before ordering, skip oversized portions, meat-packed sandwich options, mayonnaise or croutons. If you are not sure about the best low-cal options in your target area, consult a registered dietitian for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Potbelly’s menu a healthy option?

Potbelly’s menu offers both healthy and indulgent options. While some sandwiches may be high in calories and sodium, they also offer salads, soups, and vegetarian options that can be customized to fit dietary needs.

Does Potbelly offer any healthy alternatives on their menu?

Yes, Potbelly offers several healthy alternatives on their menu. They have vegetarian options, salads, and soups that are lower in calories and sodium. They also offer whole-grain bread options for their sandwiches.

Are Potbelly’s sandwiches high in calories and sodium?

Some of Potbelly’s sandwiches can be high in calories and sodium. However, they also offer options that are lower in calories and sodium, and allow customers to customize their orders to fit their dietary needs.

Can you customize your order at Potbelly to make it healthier?

Yes, customers can customize their orders at Potbelly to make them healthier. They offer whole-grain bread options, and customers can choose to add or remove ingredients to fit their dietary needs. They also offer salads and soups that can be customized.

What are some of the healthier options on Potbelly’s menu?

Some of the healthier options on Potbelly’s menu include their vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and soups. They also offer whole-grain bread options and allow customers to customize their orders to fit their dietary needs.

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