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’s turkey has been a hot topic of debate for years. Their infamous “Eat Fresh” campaign boasted healthy, fresh ingredients, but is their turkey all that it’s cracked up to be? I decided to investigate this subway turkey controversy and get down to the bottom of whether Subway’s turkey is 100% real turkey.
A Look Back at Subway’s Turkey Controversy
Subway found themselves in hot water back in 2017 when a lawsuit alleged their turkey products were not entirely real turkey. The lawsuit claimed the turkey actually contained a mixture of soy, water sugar and other additives.
This sparked outrage and skepticism among Subway’s health-conscious customer base. People felt deceived and started to question everything about Subway’s ingredients. The core issue became determining if Subway’s turkey was truly 100% turkey like they claimed.
Subway defended their turkey and tried reassuring customers it was high quality, real turkey without fillers. However, the damage was done and the mystery around their turkey persisted. Customers demanded transparency and third-party testing to validate Subway’s claims.
The Great Subway Turkey Test
With curiosity reaching a boiling point, various entities decided to put Subway’s turkey to the test in hopes of deciphering fact from fiction. They aimed to identify the exact ingredients used in Subway’s turkey and quantify how much was real turkey versus filler.
Some of the key studies and investigations included:
-
A research team from Canada tested Subway’s oven roasted turkey and Black Forest ham Their DNA analysis found the turkey samples contained about 50% turkey DNA The rest of the DNA came from non-turkey ingredients,
-
The American Chemical Society examined oven roasted turkey samples. They detected the presence of soy protein and other additives, concluding the turkey was a mixture of real turkey and fillers.
-
A reporter from Inside Edition conducted an independent lab test of roasted turkey samples from 3 Subway locations. The lab found no evidence of soy products and determined the turkey was indeed 100% real turkey.
-
Subway itself had samples of its oven roasted turkey analyzed by two independent labs. Both labs reported finding 100% turkey DNA with no fillers detected.
Interpreting the Conflicting Research on Subway’s Turkey
As you can see, the various investigations into Subway’s turkey arrived at different conclusions. Some found a high percentage of soy fillers, while others detected nothing but pure turkey. What are we to make of such contradictory evidence? Here are a few considerations:
-
Testing Variability: The methodologies used and specific turkey samples tested likely varied between studies. This could account for the conflicting results.
-
Supply Chain Complexity: With thousands of locations, Subway may source turkey from multiple suppliers. Ingredients could vary across geography and suppliers.
-
Product Differences: Studies may have tested different turkey products (e.g. roasted turkey vs turkey cold cuts). Ingredients may differ across turkey menu items.
-
Formula Changes: Subway may have modified their turkey product recipes after the lawsuit, replacing fillers with 100% real turkey.
Given these factors, it’s certainly plausible for some research to turn up trace fillers while other testing detects only pure turkey meat. The reality likely lies somewhere in the middle.
Is Subway’s Turkey Healthy? Potential Concerns.
The uncertainty around Subway’s turkey has cast doubts about its healthiness. Some customers are apprehensive, but how risky is Subway’s turkey really?
Here are a few considerations around potential health concerns:
-
Processed Meat: Even if Subway now uses 100% real turkey, the meat still undergoes processing. The WHO has classified processed meats as carcinogenic.
-
Additives: Past use of soy, sugars and additives means Subway’s turkey would be more processed and less natural than fresh-cooked turkey.
-
Salt Content: Subway turkey likely contains added salt for flavor and preservation, which may raise sodium intake.
-
Portion Size: Customers may get very generous portions of processed turkey in Subway sandwiches compared to fresh turkey.
Overall, while Subway’s turkey may not be alarmingly unhealthy, it’s smart to keep portion sizes modest. Fresh, homemade turkey dishes are likely the healthiest option.
Has Subway Cleanup Up Its Turkey Act?
In the aftermath of the turkey controversy, Subway says they have taken steps to ensure their turkey meets “high-quality standards” customers expect.
Specifically, Subway says they:
-
Worked closely with suppliers to ensure only 100% real turkey is used
-
Enhanced quality control across the supply chain
-
Refined turkey product recipes to remove any former fillers
-
Committed to using turkey raised without antibiotics
While it’s wise to take companies’ PR messaging with a grain of salt, these measures would theoretically address past concerns if executed properly. Only time and continued independent testing can serve as the real judge of whether Subway’s turkey standards have truly improved.
For now, customers find themselves left to weigh all the evidence and interpret the degree of trust they place in Subway’s turkey ingredients. Many seem cautiously optimistic while still desiring more transparency.
The Takeaway: Apply Skeptical Optimism to Subway’s Turkey
After reviewing the facts, I walk away with this perspective:
Subway likely makes a concerted effort to provide quality turkey these days. However, skepticism remains warranted given past questions over their ingredients. It seems wise for customers to apply cautious optimism, recognizing the progress Subway has probably made but still looking for more transparency and proof.
As for me, I’ll keep enjoying the occasional Subway turkey sandwich when a craving strikes, but I’ll primarily opt for freshly roasted turkey when possible! The evidence suggests Subway’s turkey is likely decent quality, just probably not the pinnacle of healthy, natural ingredients. But for a quick, affordable sandwich, it satisfies the spot.
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
Subway’s fresh food was filled with additives and preservatives
It has historically been a common practice among fast food restaurants to use preservatives and additives in their food, and Subway is no different. But few such eateries advertised their food as “fresh,” which makes Subways actions a little more devious. Advertisement
In addition to the yoga mat chemical, some Subway breads had tasty ingredients such as sodium stearoyl lactylate and ammonium sulfate, both used to help condition the dough. The restaurants protein wasnt any better, containing artificial flavor enhancers such as autolyzed yeast extract, hyrolyzed corn gluten, and hydrolyzed soy protein. CBS News once described Subways meat as, “a processed concoction of actual meat and lots of water thats held together by things like modified food starch and soy protein concentrate, and then goosed with artificial flavorings.”
Those looking at Subway as a healthier quick-serve option will be happy to know the restaurant has said goodbye to these artificial ingredients. In an attempt to get closer to its “Eat Fresh” slogan, Subway announced in 2015 that it would be removing all artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives from its menu by 2017. 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 deli turkey real turkey?
Deli meats are usually whole cuts of meat that are cooked, seasoned, and sliced. Think of a turkey breast or roast beef that’s been cooked and cut thin for sandwiches. These meats keep their natural structure and contain fewer additives.
Is the turkey from Subway 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.
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 subway meat turkey based?
Not all of the meats at Subway are turkey based but, some people may be surprised to find out that all of the meats in the Cold Cut Combo are turkey-based. The turkey meat that is available at Subway is processed with real turkey meat and other ingredients. The salami that is included in the Cold Cut Combo sub is a turkey-based salami.
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 Turkey?
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.
Is Subway chicken real?
The meat at Subway is still real food and real meat but, may be viewed differently by each person. All of the chicken currently offers at Subway is real chicken. Can You Eat Subway Chicken Cold The oven-roasted turkey offered at Subway and the meats found in the Cold Cut Combo are all turkey-based.
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.