Your Vegan Options at Subway
While Subway's menu is heavily meat-focused, the chain has made efforts to include and expand its plant-based offerings, particularly in recent years. The availability of specific vegan items, however, is heavily dependent on your geographical location. The most reliable vegan option globally is the simple but customizable Veggie Delite, which features a variety of fresh vegetables. For those seeking a heartier meal, regions like the UK offer more substantial choices, including a Plant Patty, vegan cheese, and even desserts. Understanding these regional differences is key to a successful vegan order.
The Ever-Present Veggie Delite
At virtually any Subway worldwide, the Veggie Delite is a dependable choice for vegans. This sandwich is built primarily on your choice of vegan-friendly bread and filled with the full selection of vegetables available on the line. Load up on a variety of fresh toppings like lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, red onions, banana peppers, jalapeños, and black olives. For added flavor and richness, ask for avocado, if available. Remember to specify that you want your sub with only vegan ingredients to avoid any miscommunications with the sandwich artist. This base can be transformed significantly with the right combination of sauces and seasoning, making it far from a boring salad-on-bread.
Vegan Breads and Sauces
Your choice of bread is crucial for a truly vegan sub. While options differ, most locations offer at least one or two vegan bread types. In the US, Artisan Italian (white) and Hearty Multigrain are reliably vegan. In the UK, the options are broader, including Italian White, 9-Grain Wheat, Hearty Italian, and Gluten-Free bread. Similarly, the sauces and condiments available can make or break your sandwich. In the US, staples include Yellow Mustard, Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, and Sweet Onion Teriyaki. The UK boasts an even wider selection, with Garlic & Herb sauce, Sticky Sweet Chilli, and Marinara being popular vegan choices. Always double-check ingredient lists, as regional suppliers can vary.
United States vs. United Kingdom Vegan Menus
The disparity in vegan options between the US and UK is significant, and it's essential to be aware of what to expect based on your location.
Vegan Options in the US (2025)
- The Veggie Patty: In 2021, Subway updated its Veggie Patty to be plant-based, but its availability is inconsistent across US stores. Always call ahead to confirm if your local Subway carries it.
- Beyond Meatball Sub: A limited-time offer in 2019, the Beyond Meatball sub is currently not available on US menus.
- Standard Offerings: The Veggie Delite sub or salad, paired with vegan breads and sauces, remains the most consistent option.
- Sides: Lay's Classic Potato Chips and applesauce are typically vegan-friendly side options.
Vegan Options in the UK (2025)
- Plant Patty and Specials: A reliable Plant Patty is available, and the menu frequently features new vegan items. Past examples include the T.L.C. (Tastes Like Chicken) and Plant Picante.
- Vegan CheeZe: Subway UK offers a dairy-free Vegan CheeZe, allowing for a more complete sandwich experience.
- Loaded Wraps: The Rockin' Moroccan Wrap, featuring a spiced plant patty, is an example of a set vegan menu item offered in the UK.
- Desserts: The Vegan Double Chocolate Cookie is a popular treat.
- Sides: Hash Browns and Crinkle Cut wedges are also available as vegan sides.
Customizing Your Vegan Order
To create the best possible vegan sandwich at Subway, here are some tips:
- Start with the Right Foundation: Choose a confirmed vegan bread like Artisan Italian (US) or Italian White (UK). If you prefer a wrap, ensure it is dairy-free. Plain tortilla wraps are usually vegan.
- Add a Protein: If in a region with vegan protein options, add the Plant Patty (UK) or confirm the availability of the Veggie Patty (US). Otherwise, bulk up on extra vegetables or avocado for substance.
- Load Up on Veggies: This is where you can make your sub unique. Don't be shy about asking for extra servings of your favorite fresh vegetables. A large pile of veggies can be surprisingly satisfying.
- Select a Vegan Sauce: This adds the most flavor. Opt for classic choices like Yellow Mustard, Sweet Onion Teriyaki, or oil and vinegar. Check the local menu or ask a team member to confirm if other sauces like BBQ, Marinara, or Garlic & Herb are vegan.
- Be Aware of Cross-Contamination: Since all ingredients are prepared in a shared space, cross-contamination is a possibility. If this is a concern, politely ask the sandwich artist to change their gloves and use fresh utensils.
Subway Vegan Options Comparison
| Item | US Options (2025) | UK Options (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Filling | Veggie Delite, Veggie Patty (select locations) | Plant Patty, Veggie Delite, Rockin' Moroccan Wrap |
| Bread | Artisan Italian, Hearty Multigrain, Sourdough | Italian White, 9-Grain Wheat, Hearty Italian, Gluten Free |
| Cheese | None consistently available | Vegan CheeZe available |
| Sauces | Sweet Onion Teriyaki, Yellow Mustard, Oil & Vinegar | Sweet Onion, Garlic & Herb, Marinara, Sticky Sweet Chilli |
| Dessert | None confirmed | Vegan Double Chocolate Cookie |
| Hot Sides | None confirmed | Hash Browns, Crinkle Cut Wedges |
Conclusion
So, do Subway do vegan sandwiches? The answer is a clear yes, but with a significant asterisk. The classic Veggie Delite is a universally reliable vegan option, offering a highly customizable, vegetable-rich meal. For a more extensive and protein-heavy selection, the UK menu provides a better experience with its dedicated Plant Patty, Vegan CheeZe, and dessert options. US vegans must manage expectations, confirming the availability of the plant-based Veggie Patty at their specific location and sticking to vegetable toppings and standard vegan breads and sauces. Regardless of your location, customizing your order and communicating clearly with staff is key to a satisfying vegan meal at Subway. For more insights on eating out while vegan, see the guides at Veganuary.
FAQs
Does Subway have a vegan cheese?
In the UK, yes, Subway offers a specific Vegan CheeZe. In the US, a consistent vegan cheese option is not widely available, so it is best to order without cheese.
Is Subway's bread vegan?
Most Subway locations offer vegan bread options, but they vary by region. For example, Artisan Italian and Hearty Multigrain are vegan in the US, while Italian White and 9-Grain Wheat are common in the UK. Always check the specific ingredient list for your country.
What is the Veggie Patty at Subway made of?
The ingredients of the Veggie Patty differ regionally. In the UK, it is a fully plant-based item and has been certified as vegan. In the US, it was reformulated in 2021 to be vegan but is not available at all locations. It is important to confirm locally.
Are Subway's cookies vegan?
Generally, no. In the US, the standard cookies contain eggs and dairy and are not vegan. However, Subway UK locations offer a specific Vegan Double Chocolate Cookie.
Did Subway have a vegan meatball sub?
Yes, but it was a limited-time special and its availability varied by region. In the US and Canada, a Beyond Meatball sub was offered for a short period. In the UK, a Meatless Meatball Marinara was a permanent option for a while but has since been discontinued in favor of other vegan specials.
Which sauces are vegan at Subway?
Many sauces are vegan. Common vegan options include Yellow Mustard, Oil and Red Wine Vinegar, Sweet Onion Teriyaki, and Marinara sauce. Always verify ingredients for specific sauces at your location, as formulations can change.
How can I avoid cross-contamination at Subway?
To minimize cross-contamination, you can politely ask the sandwich artist to change their gloves before preparing your sub and to use clean utensils. You can also request that they use fresh vegetable toppings from new bins if possible.
