This Chain's Italian Sub Is Better Than The Competition - Tasting Table

"It's hard to beat a good Italian sub from a neighborhood deli, but there are some big chains out there that give you a good-enough version to satisfy your hankering. That's why we ranked 7 popular chain Italian subs to find out which ones are worth picking up and which ones are so-so. While big players like Subway's 5-Meat Italian and Jimmy John's Italian Night Club sandwiches landed at the bottom of our ranking, Panera Bread's Toasted Italiano topped our list."

"Despite now using frozen dough for its bread, Panera's sandwich still managed to beat out several well-known sandwich chains. A major reason for its high score was the use of a French baguette roll instead of the typical softer loaf used by many competitors in our ranking. "The baguette's upper crust had a golden appearance and crunchy texture, while the inside remained soft and fluffy," described our taste tester."

Seven popular chain Italian subs were ranked, with Panera Bread's Toasted Italiano at the top and Subway's 5-Meat Italian and Jimmy John's Italian Night Club near the bottom. The Toasted Italiano uses a French baguette roll rather than a softer loaf. The baguette's upper crust had a golden appearance and crunchy texture, while the inside remained soft and fluffy. The sandwich layers spicy soppressata and smoky Black Forest ham with provolone, pepperoncini, lettuce, and red onions. Greek dressing and a garlic aioli drizzle provide tang and brightness. Each sandwich can be customized with various breads and free toppings and comes with chips, a French baguette, or an apple.

Read at Tasting Table