Demystifying Subway’s Bacon: Uncovering What Kind They Use and How It’s Prepared

As one of the world’s largest fast food chains, Subway has become synonymous with custom sandwiches stuffed with all your favorite fixings. And for many bacon lovers, that means loading up their subs with crispy, smoky bacon strips. But have you ever wondered what kind of bacon Subway uses exactly? Let’s delve into the details behind Subway’s signature bacon.

Subway Relies on Classic Pork Bacon

The bacon slices served at Subway restaurants are made from pork, rather than beef or turkey alternatives. Pork bacon provides that classic salty, savory flavor profile that people expect from bacon.

Subway’s bacon is cured using a process typical of large commercial manufacturers. The pork belly is treated with a solution containing water, salt, sugar, sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, smoke flavoring, and sodium nitrite. This curing process adds flavor, preserves the meat, and retains moisture.

Some consumers have raised concerns about the appearance of Subway’s bacon looking undercooked. However, all meats arrive pre-cooked and frozen. The color is a result of storage and preparation methods, not inadequate cooking. Safety is not a concern.

Nutrition Profile of Subway’s Bacon

A serving of two bacon slices at Subway contains about 45 calories and 4g of fat. There are no carbohydrates. While high in saturated fat and sodium two bacon strips make up a relatively small portion of an entire footlong sub.

When examining nutrition, it’s important to consider the sandwich as a whole. Subway’s bacon does not seem to differ significantly from other food-service bacon products. As always, moderation is key when consuming cured and processed meats.

Preparation Process for Serving

Even though pre-cooked, Subway takes steps to make their bacon taste freshest:

• Bacon is cooked in batches then held in warming trays until orders come in.
• Workers take strips from the warming tray and place them on a paper towel-lined tray before microwaving.
• Microwaving right before serving helps re-crisp the bacon.
• Once hot, crispy bacon strips are added to the sandwich.

This quick hot-and-serve process enables workers to fulfill orders rapidly while keeping the bacon tasting great.

Recent Changes to Enhance Quality

In recent years, Subway has implemented changes to improve ingredient freshness and quality:

• They now use hickory-smoked bacon to add more robust, wood-fired flavor.
• Turkey, ham, and other meats are sliced thinner for better texture.
• New sandwich options have been added after removing less popular choices.
• Overall, Subway is aiming to compete better in the fast-casual restaurant landscape.

These upgrades show how Subway is listening to customers and evolving with current tastes. The switch to hickory-smoked bacon is likely to please bacon enthusiasts looking for enhanced flavor.

Customizing Your Subway Bacon Sandwich

While Subway only offers one standard pork bacon variety, customers can customize their bacon sandwich:

• Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, peppers, pickles, and other veggies you crave.

• Choose from condiments like mayo, mustard, oil and vinegar, and Subway’s range of sauces.

• Select different breads, cheeses, and sandwich formulas.

• Ask for extra bacon to really satisfy your bacon fix.

• Specify how crispy you want the bacon prepared.

Take advantage of these options to craft a bacon sub perfectly suited to your preferences.

Healthier Bacon-Free Options at Subway

For those seeking alternatives, Subway’s menu includes many bacon-free options:

• All veggie subs like the Veggie Delite are lower in fat and calories.

• Consider turkey or ham sandwiches for less saturated fat than pork.

• Rotisserie chicken, roast beef, and tuna subs make lighter lunch choices.

• Try the plant-based T.L.C. (Tastes Like Chicken) sub made with vegan ingredients.

• Build a customized salad with lots of nutrient-rich fixings.

• Pair your meal with apple slices or yogurt as healthier side options.

Making Smart Choices When Eating Subway’s Bacon

Moderation and balance are key when enjoying treats like bacon. Here are some tips for keeping Subway bacon in perspective:

• Opt for 6-inch subs instead of supersized footlongs.

• Don’t add extra cheese or heavy sauces like ranch.

• Load up on veggie toppings to balance the nutrition.

• Split your footlong sub into two meals.

• Opt for subs on whole wheat bread.

• Choose milk or water instead of sugary fountain soda.

• Avoid excessive snacking throughout the day if you indulge at one meal.

By focusing on sensible portions and sensible sides, you can happily enjoy Subway’s crispy bacon as an occasional indulgence.

The Verdict on Subway’s Go-To Bacon

When it comes to bacon, Subway sticks to the classic pork variety and leverages time-tested preparation methods to deliver consistent quality and taste. While some consumers have concerns, Subway’s bacon is safely cooked and comparable to other food-service providers. Recent initiatives aim to enhance Subway’s ingredients, including a switch to hickory-smoked bacon. Ultimately, moderation and smart sandwich customization provide the best way to enjoy Subway’s bacon as part of a balanced diet. So next time a bacon craving strikes, you can feel good about satisfying it with a bacon-packed Subway sandwich.