Pepperoni is one of the most popular pizza and sandwich toppings around Its smoky, spicy flavor enhances everything from a slice of pizza to a meaty sub sandwich. But with various types of pepperoni on the market, many consumers wonder exactly what they’re eating when they bite into the savory meat
In particular, Subway sandwich lovers may be curious whether the pepperoni served at the sandwich chain is made from beef or pork. Understanding the ingredients can help you determine if Subway’s pepperoni fits your dietary needs and preferences.
Breaking Down Subway Pepperoni’s Ingredients
According to Subway’s published ingredients, their pepperoni contains both pork and beef. The full ingredients list is as follows:
- Pork
- Beef
- Salt
- Spices
- Dextrose
- Lactose (milk)
- Maltodextrin
- Flavor (smoke)
- Garlic
- Onion
- Sugar
- Preservatives: Sodium Nitrite (250), Sodium Erythorbate (316)
Based on this ingredient list, Subway’s pepperoni is made from a blend of pork and beef as the primary meats. Salt and spices provide seasoning while sugar and dairy ingredients like lactose give sweetness and texture.
Preservatives like sodium nitrite help maintain the shelf life and stability of the processed meat. Natural smoke flavoring gives it the characteristic smoky pepperoni taste. Overall Subway’s pepperoni contains fairly typical ingredients for commercial pepperoni.
How Subway Pepperoni Compares to Other Types
Since it contains both pork and beef, Subway’s pepperoni differs slightly from some other commercial pepperoni options:
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Pork pepperoni – Many brands like Hormel use 100% pork meat for their pepperoni. Subway blends pork with beef.
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Beef pepperoni – Some pepperoni contains all beef, but Subway’s includes pork.
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Turkey pepperoni – This alternative uses lean turkey meat instead of beef and pork. Subway’s contains no turkey.
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Halal/Kosher pepperoni – These versions comply with religious dietary laws. Subway’s pepperoni does not carry halal or kosher certification.
While Subway’s ingredients vary somewhat from these other types, their pepperoni still has the classic American pepperoni flavor profile consumers expect. The pork and beef blend offers a balance of rich, savory meatiness.
Nutritional Profile of Subway Pepperoni
How does Subway’s pepperoni stack up health and nutrition-wise? Here is the nutrition data for a typical serving of Subway pepperoni:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 1g
Like most processed meats, the calorie, fat, and sodium content are relatively high compared to fresh meats. A single serving provides about 13% of your daily recommended sodium intake.
However, the protein content from the pork and beef provides some nutritional benefit. When consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, Subway’s pepperoni can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Are There Health Concerns With Processed Meats Like Pepperoni?
Pepperoni and other processed meats have come under scrutiny for potential health risks when consumed in excess. Here are some aspects to keep in mind:
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Cancer risk – Studies link high processed meat intake to increased cancer risk, especially colon cancer. Enjoy pepperoni in moderation.
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Heart disease – Processed meats may raise cholesterol and blood pressure. Limit portion sizes and frequency.
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Sodium – Most pepperoni is high in dietary sodium, which can increase hypertension.
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Nitrites – Pepperoni contains sodium nitrite to inhibit bacteria growth. Some studies link nitrites to cancer when over-consumed.
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Red meat – Pork and beef have been tied to increased Type 2 diabetes risk and heart disease mortality.
While sensationalized at times, these potential risks are based on excessive, frequent consumption of processed meats. Enjoying Subway pepperoni as an occasional treat poses minimal concern for most healthy adults.
Should You Add Pepperoni to Your Subway Sandwich?
Given its rich flavor and indulgent texture, Subway pepperoni can be a tasty addition to subs in moderation. Here are some tips for enjoying it responsibly:
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Stick to a 3-6 inch sub and ask for extra veggies to increase nutrients and fiber.
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Opt for wheat bread over white to get more minerals and protein.
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Pair it with low-fat cheese and lots of veggie toppings to balance the higher sodium and fat.
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Limit yourself to no more than one Subway pepperoni sub per week as part of a healthful diet.
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Choose lower sodium options like turkey and rotisserie chicken when dining at Subway more frequently.
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Avoid extra meat, cheese, condiments and opt for mustard over mayo to limit calories.
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Substitute pepperoni with roasted red peppers, banana peppers or pickles for a flavor boost without the nitrites.
Overall, enjoying the signature smoky flavor of Subway’s pepperoni in moderation can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. Just be mindful of your overall processed meat intake for optimal health.
Subway Pepperoni FAQs
Still have some questions about Subway’s famous pepperoni offering? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is Subway pepperoni gluten-free?
No, Subway’s pepperoni contains wheat/gluten as it uses lactose (milk) as an ingredient. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid it.
Can you get turkey pepperoni at Subway?
Unfortunately, Subway does not offer turkey pepperoni as an option. Their pepperoni contains only pork and beef.
Is Subway pepperoni halal or kosher?
Subway’s standard pepperoni is not halal or kosher certified since it blends pork with beef. Some locations offer halal meat options, but not kosher.
What is bad about pepperoni?
The main health concerns with pepperoni relate to its high sodium, nitrite, and saturated fat content. Overconsumption may increaseProcessed meat risks.
Is salami healthier than pepperoni?
While variable by brand, salami tends to be lower in fat and calories compared to traditional pepperoni. However, both are processed meats that should be eaten in moderation.
The Bottom Line on Subway Pepperoni
Subway pepperoni lovers can rest assured that the meaty topping is made from a straightforward blend of pork, beef, spices, and curing agents. While too much processed meat isn’t advisable, enjoying Subway’s pepperoni occasionally as part of a veggie-filled sub poses minimal concern for healthy adults. Just be mindful of portions and frequency to balance its sodium and saturated fat content as part of your overall diet.
