Getting the Most from Your Subway Tuna Sandwich

As a Subway regular few things beat the delicious flavor of Subway’s tuna sandwich. Whether you’re grabbing a tuna sub for lunch or stocking up for later you want to know how long that tuna will stay fresh.

Subway uses quality tuna in their sandwiches, but it is still perishable like any protein. Follow proper storage and use good judgement to maximize the shelf life of your tuna sub.

How Long Does Subway Tuna Last at Room Temperature?

Once prepared, Subway tuna sandwiches are best eaten right away. The raw tuna mixed with mayo is prone to spoiling if left unrefrigerated.

• Tuna salad at room temperature should only be left out for 2 hours max. After sitting out longer, discard the sub

• On hot days above 90°F, reduce time at room temp to just 1 hour before trashing the tuna.

Bacteria multiply rapidly in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F. Leaving tuna subs out for extended periods allows hazardous growth.

Properly Storing Subway Tuna Sandwiches

To safely preserve tuna subs and avoid waste, follow these storage guidelines:

• Keep tuna subs refrigerated if not eating immediately. Refrigeration keeps tuna salad under 40°F.

• When refrigerating, wrap sub tightly in plastic wrap or put in a sealed container. This prevents dried out bread and contamination.

• Eat refrigerated tuna subs within 2-3 days for best quality. Discard if tuna smells funky.

• For longer fridge storage, unwrap sub and store tuna salad and bread separately. Tuna keeps 5-7 days, bread keeps 1-2 weeks.

• Freeze extra tuna salad in an airtight container up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

• Do not freeze sandwiches as the bread will become soggy. Simply assemble with frozen tuna salad when ready to eat.

Following proper refrigeration and freezing allows you to safely store Subway tuna subs for later meals.

How To Tell If Subway Tuna Is Bad

Over time, Subway tuna salads will deteriorate in quality and become unsafe to eat. Check your tuna subs for the following signs of spoilage before consuming:

• Unpleasant sour or ammonia-like smell. Fresh tuna has a mild briny scent.

• Change in color from pink to brown, grey or green.

• Slimy texture instead of smooth and creamy.

• Mold growth – discard immediately if you spot mold.

• Discoloration of the bread or crust.

Your eyes, nose and common sense are the best tools for determining if tuna has spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out!

Enjoy Your Tuna Sub Safely

Subway tuna subs pack a tasty punch, especially with veggies and that tangy signature sauce. By following proper handling and storage, you can safely enjoy every last bite even days later.

Keep these tips in mind when buying your next Subway tuna sandwich:

• Eat fresh tuna subs ASAP, within 2 hours if possible
• Refrigerate tuna sandwiches right away if not eating immediately
• Wrap tightly or separate components for optimal fridge storage
• Use frozen tuna within 3 months
• Check for bad smells, textures and mold before eating leftovers
• When in doubt if tuna is still good, play it safe and discard

With some basic care, Subway tuna subs will stay deliciously fresh for multiple meals. Just don’t let that tempting tuna linger too long at room temperature or in the back of the fridge!

By following these guidelines, subway lovers can get the most out of every tuna sandwich purchase. Stay satisfied with safe, tasty Subway tuna subs even on your busiest days.