When it comes to ordering at Subway, not all sandwiches are created equal—especially if you ask the employees behind the counter. While the fast-food chain is known for its “Eat Fresh” motto and customizable options, some menu items might make even the most seasoned sandwich artist cringe.
From questionable chicken choices to subs with a surprising lack of authenticity, there are a few orders that Subway insiders suggest steering clear of.
Whether it’s freshness concerns, messy prep, or hidden nutritional pitfalls, these 12 items have earned a less-than-stellar reputation among the staff.
So before your next visit, take a peek at what you might want to avoid if you want to make the most out of your meal.
1. Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki
Subway’s Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki may sound tempting, but employees warn it’s not the freshest choice. The chicken, marinated in a sugary sauce, reportedly stays in the fridge for up to four days, doubling its intended shelf life.
By the end of this period, the chicken can develop an unpleasant odor. This long marination might also result in a less-than-fresh taste.
The teriyaki sub is also high in sugar and sodium, making it a less healthy option. For those craving chicken, insiders recommend choosing the steak, known for being fresher and safer. Pairing heavy sauce with potentially stinky chicken doesn’t live up to the “eat fresh” motto.
Thus, while the taste might initially appeal, the underlying quality and health impact suggest reconsidering this choice.
2. Buffalo Chicken
The Buffalo Chicken sub at Subway uses the same pre-cooked chicken strips as the teriyaki, just in a different sauce. Employees note these strips often sit in sauce for days, leading to rubbery chicken and an off smell. Even when fresh, the sub is high in salt and fat, contributing to an unhealthy profile.
The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing adds extra calories and unhealthy fats. The processed chicken strips themselves are high in sodium, making this a choice to avoid for health-conscious diners.
Given its questionable freshness and poor nutrition profile, this sub fails to impress both employees and nutritionists. Opting for an alternative chicken option might be a wiser decision for those concerned with both taste and health.
3. Chicken & Bacon Ranch Melt
A six-inch sandwich contains about 570 calories and 29 grams of fat, not counting extras. This indulgent sub is loaded with bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing, piling on sodium and saturated fat.
Employees have mixed feelings about the chicken quality, as it shares similarities with other criticized chicken options. Nutritionists warn that regularly eating such a fatty, salty sub can exceed daily limits, negatively impacting heart health.
Instead of making this a regular meal, consider it an occasional treat. Opt for something lighter and fresher for more frequent Subway visits. The rich flavors may satisfy a craving, but the health risks warrant caution.
4. Oven-Roasted Chicken Patty
A 2017 investigation found the chicken might be less than half actual chicken, with significant soy filler. Despite Subway’s denials, the odd texture and flavor have been noted by staff and customers alike.
Former employees describe the scent as more like wet pet food than chicken, with the patty often days old and reheated. These characteristics make it a less desirable choice for those seeking genuine chicken flavor.
With fresher protein alternatives available, opting for other options might be a smarter choice. The texture and smell issues coupled with its processed nature suggest passing on this patty. Consider seeking sandwiches with more authentic ingredients for a more satisfying meal.
5. Cold Cut Combo
Consisting of bologna, salami, and turkey-based ham, the meats are pressed together and described as “gross, nasty fillers” by staff. The shiny, slick surface of the pre-sliced meats can be unappetizing.
Health concerns also arise, as this combo is high in sodium and preservatives. Processed deli meats have been classified as a Class 1 carcinogen by the WHO. Employees avoid it themselves, likening it to a steam-rolled hot dog.
Choosing fresher alternatives like carved turkey or roast beef offers better taste and quality. While easy on the wallet, the health implications and unappealing presentation make the Cold Cut Combo a questionable choice for Subway diners seeking quality.
6. Tuna Salad Sub
Subway’s Tuna Salad Sub has faced controversy over its authenticity. A 2021 investigation couldn’t find tuna DNA, sparking claims of a “mixture” mimicking tuna. Subway denied these, stating that heavy processing could obscure DNA detection.
Aside from authenticity issues, the tuna salad is calorie-dense due to full-fat mayonnaise. A Footlong Tuna sub can reach 900 calories, half from fat. Some customers report warm or crusty tuna from prolonged exposure, raising food safety concerns.
For those craving tuna, homemade may be a safer option where ingredients are known.
7. Meatball Marinara
The Meatball Marinara sub is loved by some but dreaded by Subway staff for its messiness. The meatballs roll, and sauce spills, making it hard to assemble. This sub ranks as messy and challenging for employees.
Preparation reports include meatballs arriving frozen, reheated in bags, raising quality concerns. Nutritionally, the sub contains 18 grams of fat and over 1,000 mg of sodium in just a 6-inch sandwich.
Given these factors, it’s best reserved for a treat rather than a regular meal. While the flavors can satisfy a craving, the mess and nutritional profile suggest moderation.
8. Subway “Melt” Sandwiches
Subway’s “Melt” sandwiches, introduced in 2021, promised panini-style sandwiches with extra cheese. Execution fell short, as toasting methods led to uneven results. Employees reveal sandwiches often ended up scorched on the outside and lukewarm inside.
The advertised double-sided cheese was misleading, with cheese placed only on one side. Making these melts was cumbersome for staff, often resulting in burnt sandwiches.
Many locations have phased out the melts, and their reputation suggests avoiding them. For those seeking a cheesy, toasty option, alternatives with consistent quality may be preferable. The concept might appeal, but practical execution and taste leave much to be desired.
9. Chopped Salads
Subway’s option to turn any sub into a salad seems appealing but is impractical. Employees find it time-consuming, as ingredients need chopping, disrupting the fast-paced workflow. The process creates extra dishes and hassle during busy times.
The salad’s price matches a footlong, but fewer veggies might be served. The lettuce mix may not always be fresh, further detracting from the appeal.
For a better value and experience, ordering a regular sub with extra veggies might be wiser. While the idea of a low-carb option is enticing, the execution and freshness concerns suggest reconsidering. An alternative venue specializing in salads might offer a more satisfying meal.
10. Seafood Sensation
The Seafood Sensation has been discontinued in many areas, attributed to its lack of authenticity. Featuring imitation crab mixed with mayo, it’s made primarily of flavored whitefish. Employees describe the concoction as fish paste, with a strong fishy odor.
Sales were slow, which meant the mix could linger in the fridge, enhancing the unpleasant smell. Customer descriptions of the aroma as “like death” highlight the off-putting nature of this sub.
While it may still be available in some markets, skipping this sub is advisable. Even amidst limited seafood options, the Seafood Sensation falls short. Pursuing fresher, more genuine seafood choices might satisfy cravings without compromise.
11. Breakfast Egg Sandwiches
Subway’s breakfast offerings include egg patties, often criticized for their texture. Pre-cooked and frozen, they are reheated, resulting in a rubbery consistency. The egg’s appearance and taste have been noted as unappealing by reviewers.
Breakfast items don’t rotate as quickly, risking longer shelf times. This could lead to less freshness compared to lunchtime ingredients.
Opting for simple alternatives like a toasted bagel might be more appealing. While the concept of a breakfast sandwich is convenient, the execution leaves room for improvement. Waiting for fresher lunch items might be a better strategy for those seeking quality and satisfaction.
12. Stale Bread or Wilted Veggies
Subway’s freshness relies on its ingredients, but stale bread and wilted veggies can mar the experience. Employees have noted instances where vegetables aren’t fresh, arriving brown or becoming mushy.
Bread, though baked daily, might not always be from the same day, affecting the sandwich’s overall quality. Checking the appearance of ingredients can guide better choices.
Requesting the freshest available bread can enhance the meal. Avoiding limp veggies in favor of more robust toppings might also help. Being mindful of ingredient quality ensures a more satisfying dining experience. Keeping an eye out for freshness can contribute to enjoying Subway’s offerings to their fullest.
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