Does Subway Have Protein Bowls? Your Complete Guide

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Since being permanently added to the menu in 2021, Subway has offered a popular and customizable protein bowl option, also known as a "No Bready Bowl". This versatile menu item allows customers to enjoy their favorite sandwich fillings without the bread, catering to a variety of dietary preferences, including low-carb and keto diets.

Quick Summary

Subway offers protein bowls, a permanent menu item known as "No Bready Bowls," which contain the fillings of a Footlong sub without the bread. These customizable bowls are designed for low-carb and keto diets, featuring a footlong's worth of protein and vegetables.

Key Points

Availability: Yes, Subway offers protein bowls, a permanent menu item also known as "No Bready Bowls".
Content: A protein bowl contains the fillings of a Footlong sub—including the same portion of protein, cheese, and vegetables—but without the bread.
Customization: You can convert most Footlong subs into a protein bowl, allowing for a high degree of personalization.
Dietary Benefits: Protein bowls are ideal for low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets, offering a substantial meal with lower calories and carbs.
Portion Difference: The main distinction between a protein bowl and a standard salad is that the bowl contains a Footlong's worth of protein, while the salad has a 6-inch portion.
Popular Options: Menu items like the Rotisserie-Style Chicken, Steak & Cheese, and Tuna can all be ordered as protein bowls.

Yes, Subway offers protein bowls (formerly known as 'No Bready Bowls')

Yes, Subway does have protein bowls. These are a permanent menu item and are essentially the contents of any Footlong sub served in a bowl, without the bread. They are a popular choice for individuals following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, and those simply looking for a lighter, carb-free meal. The portion of meat, cheese, and vegetables in a protein bowl is the same as what you would find in a full-sized Footlong sandwich, offering a substantial and satisfying meal.

How to order a Subway protein bowl

Ordering a protein bowl is a straightforward process, whether you are in-store or using the Subway app. When ordering, simply specify your choice of protein bowl and then customize it with your desired ingredients, just as you would for a regular sub.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choose your protein: Select the protein from the menu, such as Rotisserie-Style Chicken, Steak & Cheese, Tuna, or Black Forest Ham.
Add your veggies: Customize your bowl with a variety of fresh vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and peppers.
Select a sauce: Pick a sauce or dressing to complete your bowl. Options range from Peppercorn Ranch to Sweet Onion Teriyaki, though it is important to be mindful of the sugar and calorie content if you are watching your intake.
Consider add-ons: Optional extras like cheese, guacamole, or extra protein can be added to your bowl for an additional charge.

Popular Subway protein bowl options

Subway offers several protein bowls based on their classic Footlong subs, including but not limited to:

Rotisserie-Style Chicken Protein Bowl: A popular option featuring juicy, flavorful chicken.
Steak & Cheese Protein Bowl: Combines savory steak and melted cheese.
Tuna Protein Bowl: Features a Footlong's worth of 100% wild-caught tuna mixed with mayonnaise.
Oven Roasted Turkey Protein Bowl: A lean and classic choice with oven-roasted turkey breast.
Spicy Italian Protein Bowl: For those who prefer a little heat, with pepperoni and Genoa salami.
Meatball Marinara Protein Bowl: Includes all eight meatballs from a Footlong, served in marinara sauce.
Veggie Patty Bowl: A satisfying vegetarian option with the veggie patty and your choice of veggies.

Protein bowl versus salad: What is the difference?

Although similar, Subway's protein bowls and salads have a key difference in the portion size of the protein and cheese. This distinction is crucial for customers who are looking for a more protein-dense meal.


Feature	Protein Bowl ('No Bready Bowl')	Subway Salad
Protein Portion	Equivalent to a Footlong sub portion.	Equivalent to a 6-inch sub portion.
Cheese Portion	Equivalent to a Footlong sub portion.	Equivalent to a 6-inch sub portion.
Vegetable Portion	Footlong portion of vegetables.	Footlong portion of vegetables.
Serving	Served in a bowl without bread.	Served in a bowl with a bed of lettuce.

For those seeking a significantly higher protein content, the protein bowl is the more appropriate choice. Some customers have even noticed that at some locations, a protein bowl may cost more than a salad, highlighting the value of the extra protein included.

Can you customize any Footlong sub into a protein bowl?

With very few exceptions, you can turn any Footlong sub on the menu into a protein bowl. This flexibility is a significant benefit, allowing customers to enjoy a carb-free version of their favorite sub combination. This includes premium options like the Steak & Cheese, Italian B.M.T., and Chicken & Bacon Ranch. This customization makes Subway a versatile choice for various dietary preferences.

Nutrition and dietary considerations

Subway's protein bowls offer a great way to control calories and carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for those managing their weight or following a ketogenic diet. By removing the bread, you eliminate a significant source of carbs and can focus on lean proteins and fresh vegetables. For example, a Roast Beef Protein Bowl can provide around 30 grams of protein with only about seven grams of fat, depending on toppings and dressing.

Tips for maximizing your nutrition:

Choose lean protein: Opt for lean options like Oven Roasted Turkey or Rotisserie-Style Chicken.
Load up on veggies: Pile on all the fresh, non-starchy vegetables you can to increase your fiber and nutrient intake.
Watch the sauce: Many sauces can add hidden sugars and calories. Choose a low-calorie dressing or opt for a simple drizzle of olive oil and vinegar.
Double the protein: For an even bigger protein boost, you can double your meat portion for an extra charge.

The takeaway: A convenient low-carb option

In conclusion, Subway's protein bowls, also referred to as "No Bready Bowls," are a convenient and customizable option for anyone seeking a low-carb, protein-rich meal. By offering a footlong's worth of meat and cheese without the bread, they provide a satisfying alternative to traditional sandwiches. Whether you're adhering to a specific diet or just want a lighter, healthier meal, the protein bowl is a fantastic choice with plenty of customization options.

For more information on specific nutritional details, refer to Subway's official nutrition information.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Subway protein bowl, also called a "No Bready Bowl," is a menu item containing the meat, cheese, and vegetables typically found in a Footlong sub, served in a bowl without any bread.

Yes, Subway protein bowls were introduced as a permanent menu item in 2021, available at participating restaurants.

The main difference is the portion size of the protein and cheese. A protein bowl includes a Footlong portion, while a standard salad contains a 6-inch portion.

Yes, for an additional charge, you can add double meat to your protein bowl to further increase the protein content.

Yes, because they are served without bread, Subway protein bowls are a popular choice for those following a ketogenic diet. You can further reduce carbs by choosing low-sugar sauces.

Options like the Oven Roasted Turkey or Rotisserie-Style Chicken protein bowls are generally considered among the healthier choices. For example, the Roast Beef Protein Bowl can be a very lean option depending on customizations.

You can order a protein bowl by name, such as the 'Rotisserie-Style Chicken Protein Bowl,' and then customize your veggies and sauce, just as you would with a sub.

Yes, protein bowls can be ordered and customized through the Subway app or website for in-store pickup or delivery at participating locations.