Choosing the Healthiest Sub Roll for Nutritious Sandwiches
When making sandwiches at home, the type of bread or roll you choose makes a big impact on the overall nutrition. Seeking out healthy sub rolls to use as the base for both hot and cold sandwiches ensures you maximize flavors while minimizing calories and carbs.
What Makes a Sub Roll Healthy?
Not all sub rolls are created equal when it comes to dietary benefits. Here are some top qualities to look for in a healthy sub roll:
- 100% whole grains
- At least 3g fiber per serving
- Less than 150 calories per roll
- Low in saturated fat and sodium
- No high fructose corn syrup
- No artificial flavors/colors/preservatives
Benefits of Choosing Healthy Sub Rolls
Building your sandwich on a nutritious foundation yields advantages including:
- Sustained energy and satiety
- Stabilized blood sugar levels
- Essential micronutrients
- High antioxidant content
- Lower risk of heart disease and diabetes
Varieties of Healthy Sub Rolls
You can find assorted varieties of wholesome artisan sub rolls to suit any sandwich style, both classic and gourmet. Beneficial options include:
Sprouted Grain
Sprouted grain rolls utilize whole grains that have begun germinating, which unlocks more nutrients and allows for better absorption during digestion. Studies show sprouted bread has less starch, more protein, and increased essential amino acids along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Ancient Grain
Sub rolls made with ancient heritage whole grains like amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and teff deliver higher amounts of protein and fiber compared to modern wheat. The dense texture and nutty flavor of ancient grains also provides sandwich satisfaction.
Seeded
Seeded sub rolls studded with chia, flax, hemp, poppy, sesame, and sunflower seeds supply a spectrum of key nutrients. The healthy unsaturated fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in seeds offer nutritional value while adding flavorful crunch.
Gluten Free
For those avoiding gluten, sub rolls made from grain alternatives like almond flour, cassava, chickpeas, brown rice, and tapioca maintain the fiber and density necessary for structural sandwich integrity. Brands certified gluten free ensure safety.
Multigrain
Sub rolls integrating diverse healthy whole grains like buckwheat, oats, rye, spelt, and wild rice promote gut health by feeding microflora. The assortment of grains also provides an array of antioxidants as well as protein, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc.
Nutritious Sub Roll Ingredient Pairings
Certain ingredients naturally complement multigrain and seeded sub rolls, balancing flavors and textures. Combining healthy sub rolls with nutritious fresh fillings yields delicious sandwich options including:
Vegetables
Bright, crisp vegetables like avocado, bean sprouts, cucumber, roasted red pepper, tomato, and spinach add hydration, vitamins, and fiber. Try spreads like hummus, mustard, and low-fat whipped garlic herb cheese.
Lean Proteins
Non-processed turkey, roast beef, grilled chicken, and plant proteins like black bean burgers or marinated tofu team well with hearty sub rolls. Layer on greens, salsa, caramelized onions, sauerkraut, and sharp cheeses.
Seasonal Produce
Taking advantage of what’s ripe gives sandwiches vibrant flavor. Grilled summer squash, roasted beets, shredded carrots, strawberries, and stone fruits taste delicious between nutty, seed-flecked sub rolls with tangy nut cheese and basil.
Tips for Building the Perfect Healthy Sub Roll Sandwich
Follow these helpful guidelines when constructing fortifying sandwiches on nutritious sub rolls:
Pile on Produce
Pack as many vegetables into each sandwich as possible - like spinach, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, mushrooms, onions, sprouts, and avocado. The more the better for nourishing benefits!
Power Up Proteins
Incorporate satiating, sustainable proteins like bean spreads, nuts, seeds, eggs, tuna, salmon, roast beef, turkey, chicken, and plant-based meat alternatives.
Include Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
Accent sandwiches with additions like pickles, olives, hot peppers, herb pesto, stone-ground mustard, salsa, sauerkraut, and sliced fruits to introduce vitamins, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds.
Watch the Cheese
Use cheese sparingly, since most types are high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat. Seek out reduced-fat, high-protein options like cottage cheese or part-skim ricotta instead.
Layer on Nut Butter
A thin spread of nut or seed butter adds a boost of healthy fats and plant protein while balancing sweet and savory flavors.
Drizzle on Vinaigrette
Skip creamy salad dressings and opt for oil-based herb, fruit, or nut vinagrettes. They add plenty of taste without unnecessary calories or artificial additives.
Sandwich Combinations for Healthy Sub Rolls
Take your sandwiches to the next level of nutritious and delicious with these healthy sub roll recipe ideas:
Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Mash chickpeas with Greek yogurt, lemon zest, curry powder, diced apple, and celery on sprouted spelt rolls with baby spinach and red onion.
Caprese Sandwich
Layer fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction and olive oil between two seeded whole grain sub rolls.
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Pile smoky grilled jackfruit, red onion, cabbage slaw, and pickles on whole wheat potato rolls with your favorite sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Banh Mi Inspired Sandwich
Fill a crusty baguette with ginger marinated tofu, cucumber, cilantro, pickled carrot/daikon, and spicy Sriracha mayo.
Ready-to-Enjoy Healthy Store-Bought Sub Roll Options
Seeking out nutritious healthy sub rolls from your grocery store bakery section offers convenience while still reaping dietary benefits. Top contenders include:
Dave's Killer Bread Organic Seeded Hamburger Buns
These hearty seeded buns supply 7g protein and 5g fiber per serving along with organic flax, sunflower, poppy, millet, and sesame seeds baked into sprouted whole grains.
Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Sesame Sprouted Whole Grain Buns
Containing the protein and nutrients of all-natural grain seeds, these buns use 7 sprouted whole grains and legumes to provide abundant nutrition and digestibility.
Toufayan Bakeries Whole Wheat Pita Bread
Each whole wheat pita round contains 6g protein, 5g fiber, and just 140 calories, perfect for tearing open to fill with hummus, feta, veggies, olives, and lean shaved lamb.
With so many exceptional options now available from dedicated artisan bakeries, selecting nutritionally exceptional sub rolls for flavorful sandwiches has never been easier or more appetizing.
FAQs
What makes a sub roll healthy?
Healthy sub rolls are made with 100% whole grains, have at least 3g of fiber per serving, contain less than 150 calories per roll, are low in saturated fat and sodium, and have no artificial ingredients.
What are some varieties of healthy sub rolls?
Some varieties include sprouted grain rolls, ancient grain rolls, seeded rolls containing chia/flax/sesame, gluten free rolls made from grains like brown rice, and multigrain rolls with things like quinoa, amaranth, and wild rice.
What are good healthy sandwich fillings?
Great fillings include vegetables, lean proteins like turkey or tofu, seasonal fruits and veggies, bean spreads, nuts, seeds, eggs, sustainable seafood, plant-based meat alternatives, fermented foods like kimchi, and condiments like pesto and salsa.
What are some ready-to-eat healthy store-bought sub rolls?
Some leading healthy options are Dave's Killer Organic Seeded Buns, Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Buns, and Toufayan Whole Wheat Pita Breads, all widely available in grocery stores.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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