The Discontinued Southern Style Chicken Sub
For many years, Subway’s menu featured a popular Southern Style Chicken sub, known for its breaded, flavorful chicken pieces. However, this sandwich was discontinued in many markets, making it difficult to find precise, universally applicable nutritional data. The calorie count was never a static figure and varied based on the size of the sub, ingredients, and the regional formulation of the sandwich. Consumers reminiscing about this flavor often seek out its nutritional profile, which exists only in archived food databases and regional nutritional charts from the time it was available.
An Archival Look at Calorie Counts
Drawing from archived nutritional information and third-party food databases provides the most accurate picture of the Southern Style Chicken's caloric load. The most commonly cited figures place a 6-inch sub in the mid-to-high 300-calorie range. For example:
- One source listed a 6-inch sub at 375 calories.
- Another archived listing from a different region cited a 348-calorie count for a standard-sized sandwich.
- A footlong version was estimated at approximately 749 calories, essentially double the 6-inch count.
It is important to note that these figures are based on a standard build—usually with a default bread and minimal vegetables. Additional calories from sauces, extra cheese, and the specific type of bread chosen could increase the total significantly. This inherent variability explains the minor discrepancies in historical data found online.
Factors Affecting the Calorie Count
When building any Subway sandwich, several components contribute to the final calorie total. For the Southern Style Chicken, these factors included:
- Bread Choice: A 6-inch sub on Italian White bread has a different base calorie count than one on 9-Grain Wheat or Hearty Italian. The original Italian bread was a common choice, adding a moderate amount of carbohydrates and calories.
- Cheese: Adding cheese, such as Mozzarella or Cheddar, would increase the fat and calorie content. Melted cheese options, particularly, could add a significant caloric boost.
- Sauce: The peppery, southern-style flavor of the chicken was often complemented by creamy sauces like mayonnaise or ranch dressing. A typical serving of ranch dressing can add around 100 calories, dramatically changing the sub's nutritional profile.
- Veggies: While fresh vegetables add minimal calories and are generally considered healthy, some toppings like olives can increase the fat content.
Comparison Table: Southern Style Chicken vs. Current Subway Offerings
To put the Southern Style Chicken's calories into perspective, here is a comparison with a few current Subway menu items. The nutritional data for current items is based on a standard 6-inch sub with no added cheese or sauce, unless specified.
| Feature | Southern Style Chicken (6-inch, est.) | Chicken & Bacon Ranch Melt (6-inch) | Sweet Onion Teriyaki (6-inch) | Roasted Chicken (6-inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approximate Calories | 348-375 kcal | 449 kcal | 320 kcal | 310 kcal |
| Primary Flavor | Crispy, peppery fried chicken | Savory chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch | Sweet and savory teriyaki sauce | Lean, savory roasted chicken |
| Preparation | Breaded, bite-sized chicken pieces | Grilled chicken strips with bacon | Grilled chicken strips | Baked, sliced chicken breast |
| Potential for High Calories | Moderate (depends on sauce/cheese) | High (with ranch sauce and cheese) | Low (sauce is lighter) | Low (lean protein) |
Healthier Alternatives at Subway Today
With the Southern Style Chicken sub no longer available, health-conscious consumers can opt for alternative chicken sandwiches that offer a better nutritional balance. The key to building a lighter meal at Subway is to focus on lean proteins, nutrient-dense vegetables, and lighter sauces.
Low-Calorie Chicken Options
The most direct and healthy alternative to the Southern Style Chicken is the Roasted Chicken sub. This option features lean, baked chicken breast, significantly reducing the fat and calorie load compared to its breaded predecessor. A 6-inch Roasted Chicken sub is one of the lowest-calorie chicken options on the menu.
Another option is the Sweet Onion Teriyaki sub. While the teriyaki sauce adds sugar, the grilled chicken is a healthier protein choice than breaded chicken. Requesting less sauce can help manage the sugar and calorie content.
Building a Custom, Lighter Sub
If you prefer to create your own, custom, healthier chicken sub, follow these tips:
- Choose the right bread: Opt for 9-Grain Wheat or Italian bread over higher-calorie or cheesy options.
- Maximize veggies: Load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and onions. They add bulk, nutrients, and texture for very few calories.
- Be mindful of sauce: Lighter sauces like Sweet Onion Teriyaki or Yellow Mustard are better choices than creamy options like Ranch or Mayonnaise. For minimal calories, use a simple red wine vinegar and olive oil blend.
- Skip the extras: Avoid extra cheese or bacon to keep the calorie count in check.
The Legacy of the Southern Style Chicken
The Southern Style Chicken sub’s discontinuation is a result of menu evolution and, likely, shifting consumer preferences towards healthier, less processed options. While nostalgic customers may miss the unique flavor, Subway has focused on a menu with leaner proteins and more transparent nutritional information. The lessons learned from the sub's high-calorie potential, influenced heavily by breading and sauces, are still relevant for building a mindful meal today.
Conclusion
The answer to how many calories are in a southern style chicken subway is not a single number, but rather a range dependent on its specific configuration. Based on archived data, a 6-inch sub was typically between 348 and 375 calories. With the item no longer available, customers focused on nutrition are encouraged to explore current menu options like the Roasted Chicken or Sweet Onion Teriyaki sub and to customize their sandwiches with healthier ingredients to achieve a similar flavor profile without the extra calories. Making informed choices about bread, sauces, and toppings remains the best way to manage the nutritional content of any fast-food sandwich.
- Authoritative Link: For the most current and accurate nutritional data, always check the official Subway website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Southern Style Chicken sub still available at Subway? No, the Southern Style Chicken sub has been discontinued in most regions and is no longer a standard menu item at Subway restaurants.
What was the average calorie count for a 6-inch Southern Style Chicken sub? Based on archived data, a 6-inch Southern Style Chicken sub contained approximately 348 to 375 calories, depending on the specific recipe and toppings.
How did the footlong Southern Style Chicken compare in calories? A footlong version of the sub was estimated to have around 749 calories, approximately double the 6-inch serving.
Why was the Southern Style Chicken sub discontinued? The exact reason for its discontinuation is not publicly detailed, but it likely relates to menu evolution, changing consumer preferences for healthier options, and corporate strategic decisions.
How does the calorie count compare to the Chicken & Bacon Ranch Melt? A 6-inch Chicken & Bacon Ranch Melt has more calories, at around 449 kcal, than the historical Southern Style Chicken sub, due to the combination of chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch sauce.
What is the healthiest chicken sandwich option at Subway now? The Roasted Chicken sub is generally considered one of the healthiest chicken options, offering lean protein with a lower calorie count compared to other varieties.
How can I find nutritional information for current Subway items? For the most current nutritional data, always refer to the official Subway website or use their in-app nutrition calculator.
Did the calorie count for the Southern Style Chicken vary by region? Yes, the exact calorie count could vary depending on the regional formulation of the sandwich, ingredients used, and specific preparation methods.
What was the macronutrient breakdown of the Southern Style Chicken? The macronutrient breakdown varied slightly, but a typical 6-inch sub had a moderate amount of protein (around 15-17g), a balanced amount of fat (around 10-11g), and higher carbohydrates (around 46-53g) due to the breading and bread.
