Subway’s Shift to Freshly Sliced Deli Meats
In an effort to elevate its menu and win back customers, Subway made a substantial change in 2023 by adding commercial deli meat slicers to thousands of its U.S. restaurants. This marked a significant departure from its previous practice of receiving pre-sliced, pre-packaged meats. The move was a direct response to consumer feedback and a desire to compete more effectively with rival sandwich chains known for slicing their meats in-house, such as Jersey Mike's and Firehouse Subs. The company heavily promoted this initiative, rolling out a new menu category called 'Deli Heroes' to highlight the freshly sliced meats.
The freshly sliced deli meats include turkey, ham, roast beef, and salami. Store employees are now trained to slice these meats in-house multiple times throughout the day to ensure optimal freshness. This process gives the core cold-cut subs a noticeable upgrade in texture and flavor, aiming to deliver a higher-quality experience for customers.
The Meat Breakdown: What’s Still Pre-packaged?
While the deli meats are now sliced fresh, it is important for customers to understand that not all proteins at Subway receive the same treatment. Items like the steak, rotisserie-style chicken, and pepperoni are still delivered to stores pre-sliced and pre-packaged. These items, along with others like the meatballs, remain a more processed form of meat. This distinction is crucial for consumers who are scrutinizing the quality of every ingredient. The focus of the 'freshly sliced' campaign is on the traditional deli cold cuts, not the entire protein lineup.
The "Is it Real?" Controversies of the Past
The question, "Does SUBWAY use real meat now?", stems from a history of negative press and lawsuits that have challenged the brand's food quality. Two notable examples include:
- The Canadian Chicken DNA Report (2017): A CBC Marketplace investigation in 2017 found that Subway's Canadian chicken products contained significantly less than 100% chicken DNA, with the rest primarily being soy. Subway vigorously denied these findings, commissioning its own independent tests which it claimed supported its position that the chicken was 100% real chicken with spices and seasonings. However, the initial report sparked widespread concern about the chicken's composition.
- The Tuna Lawsuits (2021): The authenticity of Subway's tuna was questioned in a series of high-profile lawsuits, with plaintiffs alleging the product was not, in fact, 100% tuna. The lawsuits were eventually dismissed. Subway has consistently maintained its tuna is 100% wild-caught.
Subway’s Current Ingredient Philosophy and Quality Control
Beyond the freshly sliced meats, Subway has also made broader improvements to its menu over the last decade. The company has removed artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives from its core menu items. This ongoing effort, combined with the new slicing initiative, forms part of a larger brand transformation aimed at improving quality and transparency.
The company's corporate website provides detailed information about its sustainable sourcing and quality control measures. For example, in the U.S., their chicken products are made from all-white meat and are free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. All chicken is raised without antibiotics. Every protein item is subject to inspection by the USDA and must meet or exceed federal standards. However, as mentioned, this processing still allows for added ingredients like soy protein concentrate in the chicken strips to maintain moisture and texture.
Comparison: Subway's Old vs. New Meat
| Feature | Old Subway Meat (Pre-2023) | New Subway Freshly Sliced Deli Meat | Other Subway Meats (e.g., Steak, Rotisserie Chicken) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slicing Method | Sliced and packaged off-site | Sliced in-house, several times a day | Sliced and packaged off-site |
| Freshness | Preservatives used to extend shelf-life | Improved freshness and flavor | Maintained through packaging |
| Ingredients | Often higher levels of preservatives | Sliced from larger, whole pieces of meat | Contains added ingredients and seasonings |
| Customer Perception | Subject of food quality and authenticity concerns | A key pillar of the brand's quality-improvement campaign | Varies based on item and consumer awareness |
Conclusion: The Verdict on Subway's Meat
So, does SUBWAY use real meat now? The answer is nuanced, but largely yes, particularly for its popular deli-style cold cuts. The brand's decision to invest in in-house slicers for its core deli meats represents a significant, verifiable step toward improving product quality and responding to consumer demand. This shift delivers a fresher, more authentic experience for items like the turkey and ham.
However, it's crucial to distinguish between the freshly sliced deli meats and other protein options on the menu, such as the steak and chicken. These items remain pre-packaged and may contain more processed ingredients, which is typical for fast-food restaurants. Ultimately, Subway has taken strides to provide higher-quality ingredients, though not every protein on the menu is created equal. Consumers seeking the least processed options should focus on the freshly sliced deli meats or the vegetable-focused sandwiches.
For more information on Subway's broader ingredient sourcing and quality standards, you can visit their official corporate newsroom.
