Despite some recent struggles, Subway remains a giant in the fast food world. With nearly 24,000 locations, it is the largest restaurant chain in the country, and it brings in billions of dollars in revenue each year. But with great power comes great responsibility, and Subway has not always lived up to its end of the bargain. In particular, the chain hasnt always delivered to its customers the food they think they are getting. Advertisement
Nearly every aspect of a Subway sandwich — the meat, the vegetables, and even the bread — has come under scrutiny for not being what the restaurant claims it to be. In some instances, the company has acknowledged its faults and corrected the problem. Other times, Subway has been defiant and pushed back against accusations. So whether its getting cheated out of an extra inch of sandwich, eating bread filled with unpronounceable ingredients, or devouring tuna that might not actually be tuna, here are a few examples of food at Subway that isnt really what you think it is.
Subway restaurants serve up quick convenient sandwiches all over the world. But many customers wonder – is the turkey in their subs actually real turkey meat? Let’s investigate the truth about Subway’s turkey ingredients.
The Popularity of Subway’s Turkey Subs
Turkey subs are one of Subway’s top-selling sandwiches in America Customers appreciate turkey as a leaner protein option compared to fatty meats like bacon or salami,
Subway’s turkey breast sub provides a respectable 18g of protein for only 280 calories. It’s an approachable lunchtime choice for health-conscious diners watching their weight.
But while Subway turkey subs remain in demand, questions have emerged over just how “real” the meat inside may be.
Concerns Over Subway’s Meat Quality
In 2017, a study found Subway’s chicken contained only about 50% actual chicken DNA. The rest was mostly soy.
This raised alarm bells for customers. If Subway chicken was diluted, could other meats also contain extra fillers and flavorings?
While not fake meat per se, prior to 2017 Subway did use textured vegetable protein and carrageenan in meats to reduce costs. Many diners felt misled.
In 2011, an investigation found Subway meats consisted of meat, water, starch, and soy proteins. Artificial flavors were added too.
This cast doubt on all Subway’s protein offerings, including popular choices like the turkey subs.
Subway’s Improvements to Turkey Ingredients
In response to criticism, Subway pledged to clean up its meat standards.
In 2017, Subway introduced premium turkey made with:
- 100% turkey breast meat
- No artificial preservatives
- No artificial flavors or colors
- No textured vegetable protein
While this sounds promising, some issues remain. Subway bread still contains very high sugar levels – nearly as much as cake!
So while the turkey itself may now be 100% real, the healthy subs image is questionable. But does this upgraded turkey hit the mark for authenticity?
Is Subway’s New Turkey Actually the Real Deal?
Here are the key factors that suggest today’s Subway turkey is real:
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Ingredients List: Turkey breast is now the first and only meat ingredient listed.
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Improved Texture: Customers note the new turkey tastes less processed and has a more natural texture.
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Higher Costs: Real turkey breast costs more than processed meat mixtures. Subway’s profit margins are thinner.
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Industry Standards: Subway meets all FDA and USDA requirements for labeling meat as “turkey breast”.
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Customer Perception: Consumers largely agree the revamped turkey tastes like the real thing.
Of course, supply chain issues that affect all major restaurant chains could occasionally disrupt Subway’s access to quality turkey breast. But overall, they appear to have cleaned up their act.
How Subway Turkey Compares to Premium Brands
While improved, Subway turkey still differs from premium deli turkey meat. Mass-produced fast food turkey often features:
- More natural fat vs leaner breast cuts only.
- Less rigorously monitored antibiotic use in birds.
- Potentially less cage-free, free-range, or organic options.
- More sodium from brine-injection flavoring processes.
- Shorter aging periods for quick sandwich prep.
- Pre-sliced deli meat rather than freshly carved.
So Subway’s new turkey beats processed meat mixes, but traditional turkeys it is not. Still, as fast food ingredients go, it’s reasonably good quality for the price.
Is Subway’s Turkey Healthy and Safe to Eat?
While real, Subway’s turkey has some downsides to consider:
- Turkey production uses more antibiotics than chicken or pork. Look for antibiotic-free subs.
- Deli meats contain added nitrates/nitrites to inhibit botulism. Some studies link these to cancer.
- Bren-injection of turkey breeds more sodium than no-brine brands. Check Subway’s website for exact levels.
- Fast food turkey can harbour more pathogens like listeria than home-cooked turkeys. Reheat your sub if taking it to go.
Overall though, Subway’s turkey appears substantially improved from years past. While not the pinnacle of nutrition, among fast food options it’s now a reasonably smart choice.
The Verdict on Subway Turkey
Subway’s turkey subs endured some rocky times after ingredient quality scandals. But consumer pressure led the company to clean up its meat act.
The current turkey served at Subway does seem to be the real, whole-muscle deal. It’s far better than the odd meat mixtures of the past.
For a quick, convenient meal on the go, Subway’s turkey subs, while not perfect, aren’t a bad option if you want some protein. Just go easy on sugary sauces and dressings to limit excess carbs, sodium, and calories.
And if you’re really turkey-obsessed, making your own sub at home with premium ingredients lets you control the quality. But when you’re rushing between meetings and errands, Subway’s turkey will do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions about Subway Turkey
Subway’s turkey subs are a popular menu item, but questions remain about the authenticity and healthiness of this fast food meat. Here are answers to some common FAQs:
Is Subway turkey breast processed?
Yes, Subway uses processed deli-style turkey breast, which is pre-sliced and contains added ingredients like turkey broth, salt, and natural flavors. It is not freshly sliced whole muscle turkey breast.
Is the turkey from Subway healthy?
In moderation, Subway’s oven-roasted turkey can be a fairly healthy protein choice providing lean protein with less fat and calories than meats like roast beef or meatballs. But unhealthy toppings like mayo and sodium from additives can make subs less healthy.
Does Subway use real deli meat?
Subway uses real turkey breast meat, not fake or imitation meat. However, as a fast food chain, it’s pre-sliced, processed deli meat rather than premium fresh-carved turkey breast. Subway has removed artificial preservatives and flavors to improve quality.
Does Subway use turkey?
Yes, oven-roasted turkey breast is one of Subway’s most popular sandwich proteins. Subway uses real sliced turkey breast rather than blended meat mixtures as they have in the past before ingredient quality reforms.
Is the turkey in a Subway turkey sandwich real turkey?
The turkey in Subway turkey subs does appear to be real sliced turkey breast meat after the chain’s ingredient upgrades, rather than artificial turkey-flavored meat mixes used previously. However it is still processed deli-style turkey, not fresh premium turkey.
Does Subway have turkey breast?
Yes, oven-roasted turkey breast is a standard protein option at Subway. Following controversies over meat quality, Subway now states its turkey is 100% real turkey breast with no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.
Does Subway sell turkey sandwiches?
Turkey breast sandwiches are one of Subway’s most popular menu items. Customers like turkey as a leaner protein option compared to meats like roast beef or meatballs. Subway turkey subs contain real turkey breast meat according to current ingredients.
Is Subway’s turkey breast sandwich healthy?
Subway’s turkey subs can be a reasonably healthy choice depending on toppings, providing protein and limited calories. But some downsides are sodium content from turkey processing and high sugar levels in Subway’s bread. Overall it’s an acceptable fast food option in moderation.
Subway’s fresh food is often frozen
The word “fresh,” as in Subways famous tagline “Eat Fresh,” may not have a clear definition when it comes to food. But theres a general assumption that fresh food has been procured recently and has remained in the same condition by the time it reaches your plate (in other words, it was never frozen). Apparently, Subways advertising is more than a little misleading when it comes to the freshness of its food. Advertisement
“I worked at Subway: NOTHING was fresh, everything was frozen, even the lettuce was precut in a bag in the freezer,” said one former employee on Reddit. “The meat, same deal, the bread was in little frozen dough balls. I dont understand how they can say eat fresh.”
Another former Subway employee seconded the frozen bread claim, saying, “[The manager] kept frozen (unbaked) bread for over a year. It was so old that the yeast had died, causing the bread to not rise.”
It appears things arent much better overseas. A Subway worker in the United Kingdom stated a number of items sold at the restaurant are frozen. “Steak, chicken, chicken strips, bread, etc., comes frozen and is thawed before prepping and serving … The cookies are shipped to us in bags of frozen dough balls. Theyre cooked in store in our oven.” Advertisement
Some Subway food may be expired
Food expiration dates are undoubtedly confusing and many people throw away perfectly good food simply because they believe it has gone bad.
But by and large those dates exist for consumer safety, something restaurants should take extremely seriously. According to Food Service Director Magazine, the National Restaurant Association recommends its members follow to the FDA Food Code, which states, “The day or date marked by the food establishment may not exceed a manufacturers use-by date if the manufacturer determined the use-by date based on food safety.” Advertisement
All this is to say that restaurants should be adhering to the expiration dates their ingredients are given. But some Subway franchisees are doing the opposite. One Reddit poster, a former Subway employee, claimed their manager “was really conscious of food costs … to a fault. Most commonly was changing the expiration dates of food so it wouldnt have to be thrown out. This may not be a huge deal for a couple days, but food would last a couple WEEKS.”
The sandwich artist wasnt alone in announcing their warning. Another employee advised customers to specifically avoid the chicken teriyaki. “Subway chicken is given a two-to-five day shelf life depending on the variety,” they said. “The chicken teriyaki SHOULD be thrown out by the fifth day, but a lot of employees just change the date to avoid throwing it out. This means, with shift changes, varying staff and other factors, five-day chicken could be out as long as nine days.” Advertisement
Why SUBWAY Is Healthier Than You Think – Full Menu Review
FAQ
Is the turkey at Subway real turkey?
Succulent sliced smoked turkey! No need to hold back. You can gobble it up guilt free!
What is Subway turkey breast made of?
TURKEY BREAST.
Turkey breast, water, modified potato starch, potassium lactate, salt, dextrose, carrageenan, sodium phosphate, turkey flavor, sodium diacetate, spice, caramel.
Is Subway’s turkey healthy?
The oven-roasted turkey sub is a dietitian favorite. “The healthiest sub at Subway is a 6-inch roasted turkey sub on a whole-wheat roll,” says Lisa Andrews, RD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition. “Add lots of shredded lettuce, tomatoes and onions to boost its antioxidant and fiber content,” she recommends.
Does Subway use lab grown meat?
- Subway has denied allegations that their chicken is not 100% chicken.
- Subway has sent samples of their chicken to independent laboratories, which found less than 1% soy protein in the samples.
- A judge dismissed a $210 million lawsuit against Subway based on a CBC Marketplace report that alleged Subway’s chicken was not 100% chicken.
- The judge’s opinion stated that the tests performed by Trent University were of limited or no value.
Is subway Turkey real?
Here are the key factors that suggest today’s Subway turkey is real: Ingredients List: Turkey breast is now the first and only meat ingredient listed. Improved Texture: Customers note the new turkey tastes less processed and has a more natural texture. Higher Costs: Real turkey breast costs more than processed meat mixtures.
Is all subway meat a Turkey?
Some truth behind the myth discussed that all Subway meat is turkey: the Cold Cut Combo/Trio sandwhich which has been a staple for years claims to be three meats, but in fact is all turkey. But why? This was my fave sub to make, it was so easy. Love all those ccc freaks.
Is subway Turkey good?
Shorter aging periods for quick sandwich prep. Pre-sliced deli meat rather than freshly carved. So Subway’s new turkey beats processed meat mixes, but traditional turkeys it is not. Still, as fast food ingredients go, it’s reasonably good quality for the price.
Does subway have a turkey breast sandwich?
Despite being considered average by Mashed, Subway’s turkey breast sandwich has enjoyed some popularity. In 2018, QSR reported that turkey, along with tuna, holds the title as Subway’s most popular sandwich in the United States.
Why is subway’s New Turkey better than traditional deli meat?
Less rigorously monitored antibiotic use in birds. Potentially less cage-free, free-range, or organic options. More sodium from brine-injection flavoring processes. Shorter aging periods for quick sandwich prep. Pre-sliced deli meat rather than freshly carved. So Subway’s new turkey beats processed meat mixes, but traditional turkeys it is not.
Does subway have meat?
In 2011, an investigation found Subway meats consisted of meat, water, starch, and soy proteins. Artificial flavors were added too. This cast doubt on all Subway’s protein offerings, including popular choices like the turkey subs. In response to criticism, Subway pledged to clean up its meat standards.