As a discerning shopper and student of the fast-food industry, I‘ve always wondered about the quality and composition of the deli meats used by major chains. One meat in particular—turkey—is an especially popular choice for health-conscious consumers looking for a leaner protein option. And no sandwich chain serves more turkey than Subway, the world‘s largest restaurant chain by number of locations.
But is Subway‘s turkey real? What kind of turkey does Subway use, and how does it compare to other chains? I put on my detective hat to find out.
Subway restaurants serve up quick, convenient sandwiches all over the world. But many customers wonder – is the turkey in their subs actually real turkey meat? Let’s investigate the truth about Subway’s turkey ingredients
The Popularity of Subway’s Turkey Subs
Turkey subs are one of Subway’s top-selling sandwiches in America. Customers appreciate turkey as a leaner protein option compared to fatty meats like bacon or salami.
Subway’s turkey breast sub provides a respectable 18g of protein for only 280 calories. It’s an approachable lunchtime choice for health-conscious diners watching their weight.
But while Subway turkey subs remain in demand, questions have emerged over just how “real” the meat inside may be.
Concerns Over Subway’s Meat Quality
In 2017, a study found Subway’s chicken contained only about 50% actual chicken DNA. The rest was mostly soy.
This raised alarm bells for customers. If Subway chicken was diluted, could other meats also contain extra fillers and flavorings?
While not fake meat per se, prior to 2017 Subway did use textured vegetable protein and carrageenan in meats to reduce costs. Many diners felt misled.
In 2011, an investigation found Subway meats consisted of meat, water, starch, and soy proteins. Artificial flavors were added too.
This cast doubt on all Subway’s protein offerings, including popular choices like the turkey subs.
Subway’s Improvements to Turkey Ingredients
In response to criticism, Subway pledged to clean up its meat standards.
In 2017, Subway introduced premium turkey made with:
- 100% turkey breast meat
- No artificial preservatives
- No artificial flavors or colors
- No textured vegetable protein
While this sounds promising, some issues remain. Subway bread still contains very high sugar levels – nearly as much as cake!
So while the turkey itself may now be 100% real, the healthy subs image is questionable. But does this upgraded turkey hit the mark for authenticity?
Is Subway’s New Turkey Actually the Real Deal?
Here are the key factors that suggest today’s Subway turkey is real:
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Ingredients List: Turkey breast is now the first and only meat ingredient listed.
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Improved Texture: Customers note the new turkey tastes less processed and has a more natural texture.
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Higher Costs: Real turkey breast costs more than processed meat mixtures. Subway’s profit margins are thinner.
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** Industry Standards:** Subway meets all FDA and USDA requirements for labeling meat as “turkey breast”.
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Customer Perception: Consumers largely agree the revamped turkey tastes like the real thing.
Of course, supply chain issues that affect all major restaurant chains could occasionally disrupt Subway’s access to quality turkey breast. But overall, they appear to have cleaned up their act.
How Subway Turkey Compares to Premium Brands
While improved, Subway turkey still differs from premium deli turkey meat. Mass-produced fast food turkey often features:
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More natural fat vs leaner breast cuts only.
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Less rigorously monitored antibiotic use in birds.
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Potentially less cage-free, free-range, or organic options.
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More sodium from brine-injection flavoring processes.
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Shorter aging periods for quick sandwich prep.
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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.
Is Subway’s Turkey Healthy and Safe to Eat?
While real, Subway’s turkey has some downsides to consider:
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Turkey production uses more antibiotics than chicken or pork. Look for antibiotic-free subs.
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Deli meats contain added nitrates/nitrites to inhibit botulism. Some studies link these to cancer.
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Bren-injection of turkey breeds more sodium than no-brine brands. Check Subway’s website for exact levels.
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Fast food turkey can harbour more pathogens like listeria than home-cooked turkeys. Reheat your sub if taking it to go.
Overall though, Subway’s turkey appears substantially improved from years past. While not the pinnacle of nutrition, among fast food options it’s now a reasonably smart choice.
The Verdict on Subway Turkey
Subway’s turkey subs endured some rocky times after ingredient quality scandals. But consumer pressure led the company to clean up its meat act.
The current turkey served at Subway does seem to be the real, whole-muscle deal. It’s far better than the odd meat mixtures of the past.
For a quick, convenient meal on the go, Subway’s turkey subs, while not perfect, aren’t a bad option if you want some protein. Just go easy on sugary sauces and dressings to limit excess carbs, sodium, and calories.
And if you’re really turkey-obsessed, making your own sub at home with premium ingredients lets you control the quality. But when you’re rushing between meetings and errands, Subway’s turkey will do the trick.
Analyzing Subway‘s Turkey Ingredients
The first stop in my investigation was Subway‘s own ingredient information. Here‘s what Subway lists for its oven roasted turkey:
“Turkey breast, turkey broth, contains 2% or less of potato starch, sea salt, dextrose, natural flavoring.”
This is a relatively short and simple ingredient list as far as processed deli meats go. The main components are:
- Turkey breast: This is the lean, white meat that comes from the turkey‘s breast area. It‘s generally the most expensive and sought-after part of the bird.
- Turkey broth: A liquid made by simmering turkey meat, bones and aromatics, used to add flavor and moisture.
- Potato starch: A natural thickener and binder that can help the meat retain moisture and shape.
- Sea salt: Used for flavoring and preservation. Sea salt is less processed than table salt but nutritionally similar.
- Dextrose: A simple sugar made from corn, used to add a slight sweetness. It can also act as a preservative.
- Natural flavoring: A vague catchall term that could include a variety of natural extracts and essences used to enhance turkey flavor.
Subway‘s turkey appears to be free of artificial preservatives, as the chain has pledged to remove these additives as part of its “Eat Fresh Refresh” campaign launched in 2021. This is part of a larger trend in the fast-food industry responding to consumer demand for cleaner, simpler ingredients.
Subway‘s U.S. turkey also does not contain two additives commonly found in other processed deli meats:
- Phosphates: Salts of phosphoric acid that can help processed meats retain moisture. Some studies have linked high phosphate intake to health issues.
- Carrageenan: A thickener and emulsifier derived from seaweed. It‘s generally recognized as safe by the FDA but has stirred some controversy.
The lack of these ingredients suggests a simpler, less adulterated product. However, it‘s worth noting that Subway‘s turkey is not organic, antibiotic-free or minimally processed, designations that some consumers equate with higher quality.
Subway‘s Turkey vs. Other Chains
To see how Subway‘s turkey stacks up, I compared the ingredients in the oven roasted turkey at several major chains. Here‘s what I found:
| Chain | Turkey Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Subway | Turkey breast, turkey broth, contains 2% or less of potato starch, sea salt, dextrose, natural flavoring |
| Jimmy John‘s | Turkey breast, water, contains 2% or less of potato starch, salt, dextrose, carrageenan, natural flavoring |
| Jersey Mike‘s | Turkey breast, turkey broth, contains 2% or less of salt, natural flavoring |
| Panera Bread | Antibiotic-free turkey breast, turkey broth, sea salt, natural flavoring |
| Arby‘s | Turkey breast, turkey broth, contains less than 2% of salt, sodium phosphate |
As you can see, the ingredients are quite similar across the board, generally containing turkey breast, salt, and some kind of natural flavoring. The main differences are:
- Jimmy John‘s and Jersey Mike‘s use water or broth, while Subway and Panera specify turkey broth, which may provide more turkey flavor.
- Panera emphasizes that its turkey is antibiotic-free, a claim none of the others make.
- Arby‘s contains sodium phosphate, an additive most others have phased out.
Compared to these major competitors, Subway‘s turkey appears to be on par in terms of ingredient simplicity and quality. The use of turkey-specific broth is a potential plus.
However, when I looked at the turkey ingredients for more upscale fast-casual chains like Mendocino Farms or Potbelly, I found some differences. For example, Mendocino Farms‘ roasted turkey breast contains “turkey breast, water. Contains less than 2% of potato starch, salt, sugar, natural flavoring.”
The lack of turkey broth and presence of water suggests a product that has undergone less processing and retains more of the turkey‘s natural texture and flavor. However, it may also result in a drier texture, which some consumers may not prefer.
Why SUBWAY Is Healthier Than You Think – Full Menu Review
FAQ
Is Subway turkey breast processed?
Is the turkey from Subway healthy?
Does Subway use real deli meat?
Does Subway use turkey?
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.
Does subway have turkey breast?
To be balanced, however, Subway did announce one month after the Canadian chicken findings that it would include turkey breasts as part of its premium ingredients. Nation’s Restaurant News explained that this would mean that the slices of turkey breast meat would be free of artificial flavoring, artificial colors, and preservatives.
Does subway sell turkey sandwiches?
Subway is a popular fast-food chain that sells turkey sandwiches. This article has provided detailed information on how to order a turkey sandwich at Subway. A turkey sandwich at Subway typically contains about 400 calories. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Is subway’s turkey breast sandwich a healthy alternative?
Still, as New Food Magazine covered in October 2020, considering that its breads had been deemed as a type of cake by the Irish Supreme Court due to its excessive sugar contents, one may want to refrain before treating Subway’s turkey breast sandwich as a healthier alternative than one made at home.