Subway is one of the most popular sandwich chains, known for letting customers customize subs with a variety of meats, cheeses, veggies, and condiments. However, a persisting rumor claims that Subway’s meat is not what it seems – that it all actually comes from turkey, no matter what kind you order. Is this meaty myth fact or fiction? Let’s investigate.
The Origins of the All-Turkey Meat Theory
This urban legend has been circulating for years. It seems to have first cropped up around 2012-2013. Various stories claim that a Subway employee revealed the meat secret sparking skepticism over just what is in Subway’s roast beef ham, salami, and other meats.
The core of the myth is that Subway saves costs by making all its sandwich meats out of turkey base ingredients flavored and processed to resemble different meats. So is this mind-blowing allegation true?
Subway’s Official Response
Subway has adamantly denied these allegations. According to company statements, all Subway meats are exactly what they claim to be on the menu. The ham, chicken, roast beef, pepperoni, and other proteins are not derived from turkey in any way.
Subway insists their meats from are high quality, responsibly sourced providers. All proteins are prepared and portioned according to each location’s sandwich specifications. They state that all meats served are strictly regulated for food safety and correctly identified.
Ingredients Listings Support Subway’s Claims
A look at the published ingredients for each Subway meat product supports their assertions. The ham lists only ham in the ingredients. Likewise, the roast beef shows only beef components.
If the meats were all turkey-based, they would be required to list poultry or turkey on every sandwich meat’s ingredients, which is not the case.
DNA Testing Results
Several independent investigations, including DNA analyses at Trent University’s Wildlife Forensic DNA Laboratory, tested Subway’s meat and confirmed it matches the identified proteins.
DNA testing in 2017 again found no turkey DNA in Subway’s oven roasted chicken or rotisserie-style chicken products. Subway’s ingredients were verified accurately advertised.
Why This Myth Persists
Despite the evidence against it, this myth continues to fool some sandwich lovers. There are a few reasons this Subway turkey rumor still circulates:
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It seems unbelievable so many distinct meat flavors and textures can come from the same few proteins.
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People assume processed meats are full of fillers and flavors masking lower quality ingredients.
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It fuels conspiracy theories about fast food companies deceiving customers to cut costs.
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Some still confuse it with the “yoga mat chemical” controversy regarding Subway bread.
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Subway meats are undeniably processed and formed to uniform shapes and sizes.
While thought-provoking, the facts just don’t support the idea that Subway sneakily makes all meats out of turkey.
How Subway’s Meats Are Actually Prepared
So if not from turkey, how does Subway give each meat its characteristic textures and flavors? Here is a look behind the scenes:
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Proteins are sourced from major meat suppliers like Tyson, Smithfield, and Hormel.
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Meats arrive pre-formed and frozen in uniform portions to each location.
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Ham and salami contain seasonings like salt, sugar, and preservatives to cure and enhance flavor.
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Roast beef and steak contain added juices and natural flavorings.
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Meats are heated on-site in high tech ovens according to product specifications.
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The meats’ recognizable appearances come from molding and light processing applied by suppliers.
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While shaped, the core components remain the named meat variety.
So Subway meats may be a bit processed for consistency, but they origin from the advertised proteins, not turkey.
The Verdict on Subway’s Meats
While Subway’s meats go through some light processing for shaping and flavor, the key components are indeed the meats claimed. The myth that all Subway meats actually derive from turkey appears false.
Subway maintains their meats are carefully regulated for quality and transparency. Testing has repeatedly confirmed that the chicken, steak, ham, and other proteins match ingredients listings.
So while not the freshest cuts, you can bite into your Subway sandwich comfortably knowing that the meat inside lives up to its menu descriptions. Just don’t load it up with too many of those savory sauces and creamy cheeses!
Mobile Page Navigation for Subway Newsroom
Powered by new deli meat slicers in every restaurant, Subways Eat Fresh® Refresh is creating its best sandwiches yet
MIAMI (July 5, 2023) — Subway announces the arrival of freshly sliced meats in U.S. restaurants – its latest and biggest change since the brand began its efforts to improve every aspect of the guest experience, headlined by a better menu, which began in 2021.
To showcase freshly sliced meats*, Subway revealed a major expansion of its Subway Series menu with a new category called Deli Heroes, a collection of the ultimate deli subs. These authentic, deli-style sandwiches, ordered by name and number, will satisfy the strongest deli cravings.
“Over the past two years, we overhauled our expansive pantry of ingredients and debuted a whole new way to Subway with chef-crafted signature sandwiches. These major changes led to rave reviews from our guests and record-breaking sales,” said Trevor Haynes, President, North America at Subway. “This year’s changes are even bigger and more transformational. The addition of freshly sliced meats is the most impactful yet as it gives our guests a better sandwich – raising the bar even higher for the brand that defined fresh. We can’t wait for America to taste the difference and see how far we have come on our journey.”
The Story Behind The Slicer
Subway spent over two years preparing for the debut of freshly sliced meats in its U.S. restaurants. It was one of the most complex changes the brand has ever made, from reorganizing its supply chain to installing a deli meat slicer in 20,000 Subway restaurants – including one every five minutes over the course of nine months. The brand also invested more than $80 million in deli meat slicers and gifted them to all its U.S. franchisees. Feedback from Subway guests helped inform these updates, including the creation of a new category on its Subway Series menu.
The Ultimate Deli Sub
Subway’s culinary team spent over a year crafting classic deli-style sandwiches that also highlight its new slicer. The Titan Turkey and Grand Slam Ham feature 33% more meat than traditional subs, and the Beast boasts a half pound of meat. All Deli Heroes come with double cheese, served on Subway’s freshly baked bread with the optimal combination of sauces and vegetables – which Subway slices fresh in restaurants every day. The delectable lineup of new Deli Heroes includes:
- Titan Turkey (#15): Turkey, double provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and mayonnaise. Served on Artisan Italian bread.
- Grand Slam Ham (#99): Ham, double provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and mayonnaise. Served on Artisan Italian bread.
- Garlic Roast Beef (#17): Roast Beef, double provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and Roasted Garlic Aioli. Served on Artisan Italian bread.
- The Beast (#30): Pepperoni, salami, turkey, ham, roast beef, double provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, mayonnaise, and MVP Vinaigrette. Served on Artisan Italian bread.
Subway’s Largest Sampling Event
To help America taste the difference, Subway is putting its new slicers to the test by offering up to 1 million free six-inch Deli Heroes sub at participating restaurants across the country on Tuesday, July 11, between 10 a.m. and noon local time.**
Subway’s transformation of its in-restaurant and online guest experience continues alongside its menu and equipment updates. More than 10,000 restaurants across North America have been updated with a fresh look and feel, and the company continues to roll out enhancements to its digital experience to make online ordering easier and faster.
For more information and to learn more about Subway’s transformation journey, please visit newsroom.subway.com.
About Subway® Restaurants As one of the worlds largest quick service restaurant brands, Subway serves freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls to millions of guests, across more than 100 countries and territories in nearly 37,000 restaurants every day. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by Subway franchisees – a network that includes thousands of dedicated entrepreneurs and small business owners – who are committed to delivering the best guest experience possible in their local communities.
*Freshly sliced meats vary by restaurant.
**At participating restaurants the first 50 consumers to ask will receive a free 6” Deli Heroes sub. 1 per person. While supplies last. Add-ons addt’l. No substitutions. No addt’l discounts/coupons applied. In-restaurant only.
For more Subway News visit: newsroom.subway.com
Subway® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP LLC. © 2023 Subway IP LLC
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9179851-subway-elevates-menu-with-freshly-sliced-meats-new-deli-subs/
Subway Meats
FAQ
Is Subway cold cut all turkey?
What kind of meat is Subway?
Does Subway turkey have pork?
Is Subway turkey breast processed meat?
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.
What kind of meat does subway have?
The Subway Club comes with Oven Roasted Turkey, Black Forest Ham, and Roast Beef. The Turkey Italiano at Subway comes with Roasted Turkey, Genoa Salami, and Spicy Pepperoni. Subway meats are supplied by many different manufacturers including big names like Perdue and West Liberty Foods.
Is the Turkey in a subway turkey sandwich real turkey?
A: Yes, the turkey in a Subway turkey sandwich is real turkey breast meat. Q: Is the turkey in a Subway turkey sandwich healthy? A: A Subway turkey sandwich can be a healthy choice, but it depends on the toppings you choose. Opt for whole-wheat bread, lots of vegetables, and light mayonnaise to make your sandwich healthier.
Is subway meat real?
It depends on what you consider real, the meat at Subway is often processed containing other ingredients, preservatives, and fillers making them not 100% meat like a slice of turkey breast. The meat at Subway is still real food and real meat but, may be viewed differently by each person.