The Discontinuation of Subway's Vegan Steak
Subway's Plant-Based Teriyaki Steak sub, launched in the UK and Ireland in January 2023 in partnership with The Vegetarian Butcher, was a limited-edition menu item designed to provide a vegan alternative to meat. The sub, noted for its beef-like texture and teriyaki sauce, was removed from menus in June 2024 as planned, following its limited promotional period.
This follows a pattern of limited-time plant-based offerings at Subway, such as the Beyond Meatball sub in the US and Canada in 2019. Fast-food companies often use temporary items to test market demand and generate interest. Reasons for retiring an item typically include its initial status as a limited-time offer, sales performance, supply chain issues, or the introduction of new promotions.
Why Did Subway Stop Offering the Vegan Steak?
The primary reason for the discontinuation of the plant-based teriyaki steak is that it was introduced as a limited-time offer from the beginning. However, other factors likely influenced the decision:
- Sales Performance: The item may not have met overall sales expectations, which is a key factor in menu decisions.
- Wastage Concerns: Some locations experienced waste due to lower demand for vegan items in certain areas.
- Partnership Agreements: The collaboration with The Vegetarian Butcher may have been for a specific promotional period.
- Menu Simplification: Subway often simplifies its menu to improve operations and inventory management.
Vegan Options: UK vs. US Menus
Subway's vegan offerings vary significantly by country. The removal of the vegan steak in the UK highlights these regional differences in available plant-based choices.
| Feature | UK Menu (As of late 2024) | US Menu (As of late 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Protein | Plant Patty (classic vegetable-based patty) | Veggie Patty (reformulated as vegan in 2021, but inconsistent availability) |
| Vegan Cheeze | Widely available | Availability is inconsistent and varies by store |
| Featured Sub/Wrap | Rockin' Moroccan Wrap (limited-time, but confirmed for Veganuary 2024) | No specific vegan-featured meat alternatives, focus is on Veggie Delite |
| Breads | Most breads are vegan-friendly, with explicit exceptions | Artisan Italian and Hearty Multigrain are consistently vegan |
| Sauces | Extensive list, including Garlic & Herb and Teriyaki | More limited list, such as Sweet Onion Teriyaki and Yellow Mustard |
| Side Dishes | Vegan Double Choc Cookie, Hash Browns, Waffle Fries | Limited to chips and applesauce |
Remaining Vegan Options in the UK
Despite the removal of the vegan steak, Subway UK continues to offer plant-based choices:
- Plant Patty: The standard vegetable-based patty is available.
- Vegan CheeZe: A dairy-free cheese alternative is generally offered.
- Vegan Sauces: Many sauces, including Sweet Onion and Teriyaki, are vegan-friendly.
- Vegetable Toppings: A wide selection of fresh vegetables and salads are available.
- Vegan Double Choc Cookie: This dessert is still on the menu.
Current Vegan Options in the US
The US menu has historically featured limited-time vegan meat alternatives. Current consistent options include:
- Veggie Delite: A standard sub or salad with all available vegetable toppings.
- Veggie Patty (in select stores): The reformulated, vegan Veggie Patty is available in some locations, though availability varies.
- Vegan Breads: Options include Artisan Italian and Hearty Multigrain.
- Vegan Sauces: Select sauces like Yellow Mustard and Sweet Onion Teriyaki are vegan.
The Evolution of Subway's Plant-Based Strategy
Subway appears to be experimenting with plant-based options through limited-time offers rather than adding numerous permanent items. This strategy allows flexibility, reduces risk, and helps manage supply chains. While it can frustrate customers when favored items disappear, it also allows Subway to test new products and respond to market trends. Customer feedback is considered in future decisions. This approach suggests we may see new vegan items or the return of past favorites as limited-time promotions in the future.
Conclusion
Subway has indeed stopped offering the vegan steak. The Plant-Based Teriyaki Steak in the UK and Ireland was a limited-time promotion that ended in mid-2024. This aligns with Subway's strategy of offering temporary plant-based items, as seen with the Beyond Meatball sub in the US. The discontinuation doesn't indicate a move away from plant-based foods but rather a continuation of their menu rotation strategy.
Vegan options remain available in both the UK and US, primarily the Veggie Patty and Veggie Delite. However, the specific items and availability of extras like vegan cheese differ significantly by country and store. As Subway continues to work with plant-based partners and monitor demand, future vegan innovations are possible. Vegan diners should check regional and local menus for the most accurate information.
