The 2014 'Yoga Mat' Chemical Controversy
In 2014, Subway faced intense public scrutiny and a viral petition over its use of the dough conditioner azodicarbonamide (ADA) in its bread. A food blogger highlighted that ADA was also used to increase the elasticity of rubber products like yoga mats and shoe soles, a revelation that quickly sparked outrage among consumers. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved ADA for use in food at specific low levels, noting it was safe when used as a bleaching and aging ingredient for flour, its presence in a fast-food product was unacceptable to many. In response to the significant public backlash, Subway announced in February 2014 that it was already in the process of phasing out the ingredient, completing its removal by April of that year.
What is Azodicarbonamide (ADA)?
Azodicarbonamide (E927 in some food codes) is a flour-bleaching and dough-conditioning agent. It enhances the dough's strength and elasticity, resulting in a more uniform texture and faster, more consistent baking. Though deemed safe by the FDA, the controversy surrounding ADA highlighted a significant gap between what is legally permissible in the U.S. and what is acceptable to a health-conscious public. The incident proved to be a major wake-up call for the fast-food industry, and other chains also moved to remove ADA from their products.
Current Subway Bread Ingredients and Nutritional Profile
So, does Subway still use chemicals in their bread today? The short answer is yes, like virtually all commercially produced bread, Subway's bread contains chemical additives, though the highly controversial ADA is no longer one of them. According to ingredient lists available for regional markets, modern Subway bread includes a variety of dough conditioners, emulsifiers, and enzymes that are common in commercial baking. For instance, a list from a regional menu includes ingredients like soy flour, vegetable emulsifiers (472e, 481, 471), and food acid (300). These are used to improve the texture, shelf-life, and processability of the bread. While these are approved by food safety agencies, they are not the simple four-ingredient recipe (flour, water, yeast, salt) you would use for homemade bread.
Another significant development came in 2020 when an Irish Supreme Court ruled that Subway's bread was not legally bread in Ireland due to its high sugar content. The court found that the sugar percentage exceeded the legal limit for a staple food, effectively classifying it as a confectionary or cake for tax purposes. While this ruling was specific to Irish law, it underscored that Subway's bread recipe contains a surprisingly high amount of sugar, a point worth considering for those on a nutrition diet.
Comparing Bread Options for a Nutrition Diet
| Feature | Homemade Bread | Subway Hearty Multigrain Bread | Typical Supermarket White Bread |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Flour, water, yeast, salt (minimal ingredients) | Enriched flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, various conditioners, etc. | Enriched flour, water, yeast, high fructose corn syrup, conditioners, preservatives |
| Sugar | Often no added sugar (unless sweetened) | Contains added sugar | Contains added sugar (often high) |
| Sodium | Low (controlled amount of salt) | Higher sodium content | Can be very high in sodium |
| Fiber | Depends on flour type (high if whole wheat) | Good source of fiber | Generally low fiber |
| Nutritional Density | High (especially with whole grains) | Mixed—some nutrients added, but highly processed | Low—processed and stripped of nutrients |
| Processing | Minimally processed | Highly processed | Highly processed |
How to Make Healthier Choices at Subway
For those committed to a nutritious diet, making savvy choices at Subway is still possible. The key is to look beyond the bread and consider the sandwich as a whole.
- Choose the best bread: The Hearty Multigrain and Flatbread are generally the best options. Hearty Multigrain offers more fiber and protein, while Flatbread has lower calories and no added sugar.
- Load up on veggies: Maximizing your intake of fresh vegetables is an easy way to boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals while reducing saturated fat and cholesterol. Subway's variety of vegetable toppings is one of its biggest health advantages.
- Opt for lean protein: Choose lean proteins like turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken over higher-calorie, higher-sodium options like meatballs or pepperoni.
- Select condiments wisely: High-calorie, high-sodium condiments can quickly undermine a healthy sandwich. Opt for olive oil, vinegar, or mustard, or use lighter sauces sparingly.
Conclusion: The Evolving Landscape of Fast-Food Ingredients
The short-lived azodicarbonamide controversy in 2014 proved that public pressure can influence even the largest fast-food chains. For those asking, "Does Subway still use chemicals in their bread?," the answer is that the specific 'yoga mat' chemical was removed long ago. However, the bread is still a commercially-produced product that contains various additives and a higher sugar and sodium content than homemade alternatives. A truly healthy diet involves understanding what is in your food and making informed choices, and in Subway's case, that means looking at the nutritional profile of the entire meal, not just the removal of one infamous ingredient. Choosing high-fiber bread, lean proteins, and plenty of fresh vegetables can lead to a more nutritious fast-food experience, even with the remaining commercial additives.
For more information on food additive safety, consult the FDA's guidance: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/food-additives-and-grs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the chemical Subway used in its bread previously?
Subway previously used azodicarbonamide (ADA), a chemical used as a dough conditioner to improve the elasticity and texture of bread, until it was phased out in 2014.
Is Subway's bread considered “real bread”?
In 2020, an Irish Supreme Court ruled that Subway's bread, due to its high sugar content, could not legally be defined as bread under Irish law, classifying it as a confectionary.
What is azodicarbonamide used for besides bread?
Azodicarbonamide is also used in the production of foamed plastics, such as those found in yoga mats and rubber shoe soles, which fueled the controversy over its use in food.
Did other fast-food restaurants use azodicarbonamide?
Yes, following the Subway controversy, reports showed that many other fast-food chains and bread manufacturers also used azodicarbonamide, and many have since removed it.
Are Subway's wraps healthier than their bread?
Not necessarily. Despite their appearance, Subway's wraps can have comparable or even higher levels of calories and sodium than some of their standard breads. The Hearty Multigrain bread often offers a better nutritional profile.
Does Subway still add MSG to its food?
According to Subway's FAQ, they do not add monosodium glutamate (MSG) to their standard menu items. However, some ingredients contain naturally occurring glutamates.
What is the healthiest bread choice at Subway?
The Hearty Multigrain is generally considered the healthiest bread option at Subway due to its higher fiber and protein content, and it's a wholegrain option.
