Are Subway meatballs vegan? A definitive guide for plant-based diets

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

With the global plant-based food market expanding rapidly, more diners are questioning the dietary suitability of popular fast-food items. For those adhering to a vegan diet, the classic Subway Meatball Marinara presents a particularly pressing question: Are Subway meatballs vegan? This article separates fact from fiction, exploring the ingredients in both past and present offerings.

Quick Summary

Classic Subway meatballs are not vegan, containing a mix of beef and pork, along with cheese. A previous limited-time Beyond Meatball sub was available but has been discontinued in many regions. Vegans should verify current regional offerings and focus on plant-based alternatives like the Veggie Delite.

Key Points

Standard Meatballs Not Vegan: The classic Subway meatballs contain a blend of beef, pork, and Romano cheese, making them unsuitable for vegans.
Beyond Meatballs Discontinued: A limited-time Beyond Meatball sub was previously offered but has since been discontinued in many areas.
Marinara Sauce is Typically Vegan: The marinara sauce used for the meatball sub is generally vegan, but cross-contamination with the meat can occur.
Build Your Own Vegan Sub: The best option is to order a Veggie Delite or create a custom sub using vegan-friendly bread, fresh vegetables, and approved sauces.
Check for Regional Variations: Menu items and ingredients can differ based on location, so always verify with your local Subway restaurant.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: For strict vegans, requesting fresh gloves and utensils is recommended when ordering a sub with non-vegan components.

The Truth About Classic Subway Meatballs

The short and unequivocal answer is no, the standard Subway meatballs are not vegan. For many years, these have been a staple of the Meatball Marinara sub, but they are definitively not plant-based. According to ingredient guides and nutritional information, the classic meatballs contain a blend of ground beef and pork. Furthermore, the recipe often includes dairy products like Romano cheese, adding another animal-derived ingredient that makes them unsuitable for vegans.

Ingredients of the traditional meatballs

To be certain, let's break down the typical components of the standard Subway meatball:

Meat: A mixture of ground beef and pork provides the core protein and texture.
Dairy: Romano cheese is mixed into the meatballs to enhance flavor, making them unsuitable for those avoiding dairy.
Other binders: Ingredients such as breadcrumbs and textured soy protein concentrate are used as fillers and binders but do not change the non-vegan status.

The once-available Beyond Meatball

There is a source of confusion for many vegan diners. At one point, Subway partnered with Beyond Meat to test a plant-based alternative called the Beyond Meatball Marinara. This limited-time offering featured vegan meatballs specially formulated for Subway. While this was a welcome option for the vegan community, it was not a permanent menu item in many locations and was reportedly phased out by mid-2022 in some areas. Customers could order the sub vegan by simply omitting the cheese. The subsequent removal of this option has left many looking for reliable alternatives.

What vegans can order at Subway today

While the classic Meatball Marinara is off the table, Subway still offers a range of options for those on a vegan diet. The key is to be selective with your choices and build your sub from the ground up.

Vegan-friendly bread options

Always check with your local store, as recipes can vary by region. In many US locations, the following breads are typically vegan:

Italian (White)
Hearty Italian
9-Grain Wheat
Sourdough

Sauces and condiments

Most sauces are vegan-friendly, but always confirm. The following are typically safe bets:

Marinara Sauce (confirm it hasn't been cross-contaminated)
Sweet Onion Sauce
Mustard (Deli Brown and Yellow)
Oil and Vinegar
Sweet Chili Sauce

Vegetables and toppings

This is where you can get creative and load up on flavor and nutrition. All vegetables are vegan, so pile them on:

Lettuce
Tomatoes
Onions
Peppers
Cucumbers
Spinach
Olives
Jalapeños
Banana Peppers
Avocado or Guacamole

Other possible vegan items

Depending on the region, other specific vegan items may be available. For example, some locations might still offer a standard Veggie Patty, but be sure to ask if it contains dairy or egg, as recipes vary.

Understanding the risk of cross-contamination

Even when ordering a clearly vegan meal, there is always a risk of cross-contamination in a busy fast-food environment. Your sub might be prepared on a surface that has recently handled meat or dairy products. To minimize this risk, you can take these steps:

Ask for fresh gloves: Request that the Subway 'sandwich artist' changes their gloves before preparing your sub.
Request fresh utensils: Politely ask for new utensils to be used for your vegetables and toppings.
Specify preparation: Request that your sub be assembled on a clean, separate sheet of paper or a new tray.

Comparison of sandwich options

Here is a quick overview of the different 'meatball' related options at Subway and their vegan status.


Feature	Classic Meatball Marinara	Past Beyond Meatball	Veggie Delite	Custom Vegan Sub
Vegan Status	No (Contains meat and dairy)	Yes (when cheese is omitted)	Yes (check bread/sauce)	Yes (fully customizable)
Main Ingredients	Beef, pork, Romano cheese	Beyond Meat plant-based protein	All vegetables	Vegan bread, fresh veggies, vegan sauce
Current Availability	Widely available	Discontinued in most regions	Widely available	Always available with customization
Key Consideration	Avoid completely	Not currently on most menus	Easy, but requires selecting vegan bread/sauce	Requires knowledge of ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the classic Subway meatballs are not vegetarian. They are made from a mix of ground beef and pork.

Yes, Subway's marinara sauce is typically vegan. However, when ordered with the meatballs, it will be contaminated with animal products. If you are ordering a vegan sub, it is wise to confirm that the marinara sauce is scooped from a separate container or heated separately to avoid cross-contamination.

Yes, Subway did have a vegan meatball sub called the Beyond Meatball Marinara. It was a limited-time offering in partnership with Beyond Meat, available in select US and Canadian locations around 2019, and was reportedly discontinued in mid-2022.

A great vegan option at Subway is a customized Veggie Delite. You can choose a vegan-friendly bread, load it with fresh vegetables like lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and peppers, and add vegan sauces such as sweet onion or marinara.

In many US locations, vegan-friendly bread options include Italian (White), Hearty Italian, 9-Grain Wheat, and Sourdough. It is always recommended to check with your local store, as ingredients can change.

Beyond subs, Subway offers salads and bowls that can be made vegan by omitting cheese and animal proteins. Some locations may also offer items like the vegan 'Plant Patty' or black bean soup, but availability varies.

To minimize cross-contamination, politely ask the employee to change their gloves and use clean utensils and a clean preparation surface before handling your vegan order.