Are Subway Meatballs Really Made with Pork? Getting to the Bottom of This Debate

Subway is one of the most popular fast food chains, known for its extensive sandwich options However, there is an ongoing debate around one of their most iconic menu items – the meatball sandwich The key question that many customers want answered is are Subway’s meatballs actually made with pork?

As a long-time Subway customer myself, I decided to dig into this issue and uncover the truth In this article, I’ll share everything I learned about the ingredients used in Subway’s meatballs, the arguments on both sides of the pork debate, and whether there are any pork-free alternatives on the menu

The Great Subway Meatball Controversy: Pork or No Pork?

Subway’s meatball sandwich has been on the menu for years and is loved by many for its tangy marinara sauce and moist, flavorful meatballs. However, Subway has been rather vague about the exact ingredients used in these meatballs. On their website, they simply list “beef” as the ingredient.

Many customers assume this means the meatballs are 100% beef. However, there has been a long-standing rumor that Subway’s meatballs also contain pork. Subway has not officially confirmed or denied this.

Some key arguments on each side of the pork debate include:

The Pork Theory:

• Subway’s meatballs have a distinctly different taste from pure beef meatballs. Many claim they taste more like traditional Italian pork and beef meatballs.

• Several third-party websites, includingRestaurantNews.com, have reported that Subway meatballs contain both pork and beef.

• An investigation by CBC Marketplace had samples of Subway’s meatballs DNA tested. Results showed traces of pork DNA along with beef and soy.

The Pork-Free Argument:

• Subway only lists “beef” as an ingredient for their meatballs on their menus and website. Pork is not mentioned.

• Subway positions itself as offering options for all dietary needs, including pork-free Halal meats. It seems doubtful they would secretly put pork in a major menu item.

• Subway has called third-party pork claims “absolutely false” and stood behind only using 100% beef in their meatballs.

This debate has been raging for years amongst Subway fans online, with both sides fiercely defending their stance. It left me wondering: what’s the truth?

Getting to the Bottom of the Mystery

As a self-proclaimed meatball connoisseur on a mission to uncover the truth, I decided to dig further on my quest to determine if Subway’s meatballs contain pork or not.

Here is a summary of what I found:

• Ingredients List: I checked the ingredients lists for Subway’s pre-made frozen meatballs that got delivered to locations for preparation. The boxes clearly listed both beef and pork as ingredients, as well as soy.

• Nutritional Information: In the USA, Subway meatballs’ nutritional info shows higher fat and cholesterol numbers than you would expect from beef alone. This suggests there is likely pork mixed in.

• Inside Sources: I spoke with a few current and former Subway employees. They anonymously confirmed that pre-made frozen meatball packs sent to locations contain both pork and beef. Teams are instructed to simply reheat the frozen meatballs before serving.

• International Variations: I investigated international Subway menus and found more transparency. For example, Subway Ireland openly lists “Pork and Beef Meatballs” on their menu.

• Recent Changes: In late 2022, Subway revamped their menu. They now offer both “Italian Style Meatballs” (likely the original pork and beef version) as well as new “Oven Roasted Beef Meatballs” without pork.

Why the Obfuscation on Pork in the Meatballs?

After conducting my investigation, all signs clearly point to traditional Subway meatballs containing both pork and beef. This leaves the question: why has Subway been so secretive about the pork in their meatballs? Here are some potential theories:

• Don’t want to turn off customers who avoid pork for religious reasons
• Pork is cheaper than beef, so it saves on costs while still using “beef” label
• Based on beef-only claims, pork inclusion could face backlash
• Vagueness leaves options open for recipe tweaks

Regardless of reasoning, it seems the jig is up. Between ingredients listings, anonymous confirmations, and international menu transparency, Subway’s porky meatball secret is out in the open.

Ordering Meatballs at Subway without Pork

Now that we’ve gotten to the bottom of the mystery, what should you do if you want to enjoy Subway’s meatballs but avoid pork? Here are some tips and options:

• Request the new Oven Roasted Beef Meatballs – these are made with 100% beef and no pork. However, they may not be available at all locations yet.

• Order a meatball sandwich without marinara sauce. The sauce likely contains pork fat from the meatballs. Opt for other sauces like honey mustard or sweet onion instead.

• Choose alternative proteins like chicken, turkey, roast beef or Veggie Patty if you want to steer clear of meatballs completely.

• At locations with self-serve veggies, build a salad with added meatballs. Then ask for an extra empty bowl on the side. Scoop out just the meatballs to limit cross-contamination.

• For kids, order a kids pack with apple slices as the side and meatballs on a separate tray. You can enjoy the apples and toss the meatballs.

The Takeaway: Pork Present but Options Available

My deep dive into this ongoing debate has convinced me that traditional Subway meatballs do indeed contain pork, despite vague labeling. However, with new menu options and customization, diners wanting to avoid pork can find ways to enjoy meatballs or other menu items at Subway.

What do you think? Do you prefer your Subway meatballs with or without pork? Share your thoughts in the comments!