Standard Portions and Recent Changes
For many years, the standard protocol for a Subway footlong turkey sandwich has been 12 pieces of turkey. This portion is based on the sandwich artist using two rows of three slices for each half of the footlong, totaling 12 slices for the full-length sandwich. This was confirmed by training videos and employee accounts, especially after the shift to thinner, freshly-sliced meat in many locations.
The Move to Fresh-Slicing
In recent years, Subway has introduced freshly-sliced meat to many of its locations, which has influenced portioning methods. While the target portion size is often maintained by weight, the literal number of slices can differ. Some employees on platforms like Reddit have noted that with the new equipment, they may portion by weight, leading to slightly more or fewer slices depending on the thickness of the cuts. This shift can explain some of the inconsistencies reported by customers.
Variations with Subway Series and Promotional Items
Subway's menu also features specific, named sandwiches under its "Subway Series" banner. These can have different formulas. A prime example is the Titan Turkey, a sandwich explicitly marketed with a more generous portion of meat and cheese. Reports from employees indicate that a Titan Turkey footlong includes up to 16 slices of turkey, double the portion of cheese, and is significantly more meat-heavy than a standard turkey sub.
Why Portion Sizes Can Differ
Even with official guidelines, customers often report getting varying amounts of meat. This is not just a matter of regional differences but can be attributed to several factors:
- Franchise Discretion: While corporate provides standards, some franchisees may implement their own interpretation or cost-saving measures, which can affect portioning. This often leads to customer complaints on forums like Reddit.
- Employee Training and Adherence: The individual sandwich artist's experience and adherence to the protocol can play a significant role. In busy environments, portioning might be less precise.
- Recent Menu Updates: As demonstrated by the shift to freshly sliced meat, Subway occasionally updates its portion sizes and guidelines. An older guide mentioning 8 slices might be outdated compared to a newer one specifying 12.
- Different Menu Items: The portion of turkey in a standard Turkey Breast sub will be different from a sandwich that includes a mix of meats, like a Subway Club, which typically features a smaller amount of each meat type.
Turkey Portions Comparison Table
| Sandwich Type (Footlong) | Pieces of Turkey | Key Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Turkey Breast | 12 | Standard portioning with thin-sliced turkey. | Established protocol since recent slicing changes. |
| Titan Turkey (#15) | 16 | Extra turkey and double cheese. | Part of the Subway Series, premium price point. |
| Subway Club (#10) | 4 | Mixed with roast beef and ham. | Less turkey due to variety of meats. |
| Regional Variations | 4-12 | Highly variable based on location (e.g., UK, Australia). | Some customers report getting significantly less. |
| Past Practices (Pre-2020) | 8 | Based on older, thicker slices of meat. | Often referenced in older discussions. |
Conclusion
While the official standard for a regular footlong turkey sub at Subway is 12 thin slices, this is not an absolute guarantee. Several factors influence the final count, including the introduction of fresh-slicing by weight, special menu items like the Titan Turkey, and variations in employee training and franchise practices. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, checking with the specific location or looking for recent menu guides is recommended. Ultimately, the number of turkey slices is a dynamic figure, subject to change based on internal company standards and individual store execution.
The Freshest Meat
As a company, Subway has invested in ensuring the quality of its ingredients, including the move to freshly-sliced deli meat in many of its stores across the United States. This represents a significant shift from pre-portioned cold cuts, aiming to provide a fresher experience for customers. This change, while generally well-received, has also led to the slight variation in the slice count that customers may notice today. For more information on Subway's official ingredients, you can explore the Subway Breads, Toppings & Extras Menu.
