Product Review: Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches
With Wendy’s recent downsizing of it’s “Biggie” size menu, the options are sure to please Wendy’s fans. Each sandwich can be personalized by adding or removing any component; no mayo or mustard? Consider it done. Each sandwich is encased between two tasty and firm pieces of artisan-style bread, and even comes with a pickle! Honey mustard or barbeque sauce can dress your favorite flavor, and the optional pepper jack cheese is a nice addition.
The Frescata Club is stacked high with Black Forest Ham, Roasted Turkey Breast, 2 strips of bacon, and the standard tomato, lettuce, and mayo. Swiss or pepper jack cheese can be added, but the standard Frescata club ranks in at 440 calories, and 16g of total fat. Not bad for a fast-food sandwich, but the sodium content (due to the deli meat I presume) is a whopping 1530mg. Save the salt on your next couple of meals, and you’ll probably be all right.
The Frescata Roasted Turkey & Swiss is made with Roasted Turkey Breast, Swiss Cheese, and has the addition of Bacon and American Cheese by request. This sandwich comes in at 490 calories and 21 g of fat, with the same sodium content as the Club. Hold the mayo, and you will lower the fat by at least 6g.
The Black Forest Ham & Swiss is similar in makeup as the Roasted Turkey& Swiss, sans the Turkey. This one comes in at 480 calories and 20 g of total fat; it also has 28 g of protein, the highest protein content of the four sandwiches for those who may be considering an Atkins-type diet in the near future.
Last but not least, the Roasted Turkey Basil & Pesto is my absolute favorite of the four; Roasted Turkey Breast, Swiss Cheese, Roasted Red Peppers, and the addition of a delicious Basil Pesto spread make this sandwich a delight for the palate. The Roasted Turkey Basil & Pesto also has the lowest calorie content: 420 calories, and 16g of total fat.
The Frescata sandwiches are a new concept for Wendy’s, as the bread is baked fresh and is very different in both taste and texture than a standard bun. Think of a European-inspired baguette; the outside is slightly tough, with a sponge-like interior. Wendy’s fares well with their contribution to the recent surge in entrÃ?©e-style, gourmet versions of fast food. The Frescata sandwiches are a step in the right direction for the diet and health-conscious consumer, and are appealing as an alternative to greasy burgers and fries this season. The deli cut meats are high in sodium so be forewarned if you are watching your salt intake. Still, the cold sandwiches are made to order and provide for a fresh alternative with a retail price between $5-$5.50 in most markets.
