How much protein is in a Philly cheesesteak from Subway?

According to nutrition data, a standard 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak from Subway contains 38 grams of protein, a substantial amount for a single meal. However, the total protein and overall nutritional profile can vary significantly based on the size of the sandwich and any additional customization options you choose.

Quick Summary

The protein content of a Subway Philly cheesesteak depends on its size, with a 6-inch version providing 38g and a footlong containing 76g. The final nutritional value is influenced by the choice of bread, cheese, and other toppings, offering opportunities to increase or decrease total protein intake.

Key Points

• Protein Content by Size: The protein in a Philly cheesesteak from Subway is size-dependent, with a 6-inch providing 38g and a footlong containing 76g, based on standard ingredients.

• Double Meat for More Protein: Ordering double meat is the most effective way to significantly increase the protein content of your sandwich.

• High-Calorie and High-Sodium Meal: While high in protein, the footlong Big Philly cheesesteak is also very high in calories, fat, and sodium, potentially exceeding daily recommended limits.

• Customization is Key: Adding extra vegetables and choosing lighter sauces are smart ways to make the meal healthier and reduce overall calories and fat.

• Menu Variations Exist: The exact nutritional content may differ slightly depending on the specific "Philly Cheesesteak" or "Steak & Cheese" version available at your location.

Protein Breakdown: 6-inch vs. Footlong

The protein content of your Subway Philly cheesesteak is directly related to the size you order. A standard 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak contains 38 grams of protein, based on typical ingredients like steak, cheese, and vegetables. The footlong size doubles this, offering 76 grams of protein, making it a high-protein choice for those with greater dietary needs.

Other Nutritional Factors

Beyond protein, it's important to look at the overall nutritional picture. Calories, fat, and sodium also differ significantly between the two sizes. The table below outlines these differences based on standard builds:

Nutritional Component	6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak	Footlong Big Philly Cheesesteak
Calories	500	1000
Total Fat	17g	34g
Protein	38g	76g
Carbohydrates	51g	102g
Sodium	1280mg	2620mg

How Customization Affects Your Protein Count

Subway's customization options allow you to influence the final protein content. While the steak is the main source, other additions contribute.

To boost protein:

• Adding extra steak is the most direct method to increase protein.
• Including extra cheese also adds a few grams of protein.

Conversely, be aware that creamy sauces can add calories and fat without significant protein.

The “Big Philly” vs. Standard “Steak & Cheese”

Menu names and formulations can vary by location and over time. A "Big Philly Cheesesteak" may differ from a standard "Steak & Cheese" sub, potentially having more meat or cheese. Historically, some "Steak & Cheese" versions had lower protein. To get the most protein, order the "Big Philly Cheesesteak" if available. Always check Subway's official resources for the most current nutrition information.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Goals

The Philly cheesesteak from Subway is a high-protein option, especially the footlong with 76 grams. However, this comes with high calories, fat, and sodium. Customizing with extra meat and carefully selecting toppings and sauces can help align the sandwich with your dietary needs.

Check Subway's official U.S. menu for the latest nutrition details. Making informed choices lets you enjoy a Philly cheesesteak while managing your diet.

Summary of Protein in a Subway Philly Cheesesteak

Base Protein: A standard 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak contains 38 grams of protein. Footlong Protein: The footlong version has 76 grams of protein. Customization Impact: Adding extra meat or cheese increases protein. Nutritional Trade-Off: The Big Philly Cheesesteak is high in calories, fat, and sodium. Smart Choices: Adding vegetables and light sauces helps balance the nutrition. Menu Variations: Nutritional info can vary by menu item name and location.

FAQs

Question: Is the footlong Philly cheesesteak really double the protein of the 6-inch? Answer: Yes, the footlong Big Philly Cheesesteak generally has double the protein (76g) of the 6-inch version (38g), as it contains approximately twice the ingredients.

Question: What is the most effective way to increase the protein in my Subway Philly cheesesteak? Answer: The most effective way to increase the protein is to order "double meat." This is a simple and direct way to boost the protein content significantly.

Question: Is the Subway Philly cheesesteak considered a healthy option? Answer: The Subway Philly cheesesteak is a high-calorie and high-sodium option, especially in the footlong size. While it is rich in protein, it is not a low-calorie choice and should be enjoyed in moderation, depending on your overall diet goals.

Question: How does the protein in the Philly cheesesteak compare to other Subway subs? Answer: The Philly cheesesteak offers one of the higher protein counts at Subway, especially the footlong. Other high-protein options include the steak sub, grilled chicken, and roast beef, particularly with double meat.

Question: What about the Steak & Cheese sub? Is that the same as the Philly cheesesteak? Answer: While similar, a standard Steak & Cheese sub may have different nutritional values than the designated "Big Philly Cheesesteak," which is often formulated to be higher in meat and cheese content. It's best to specify the "Big Philly" if that's what you are looking for.

Question: How can I reduce the calories and fat while still getting the protein from the Philly cheesesteak? Answer: To reduce calories and fat, you can choose a different bread, such as wheat or multigrain, and opt for a lighter sauce instead of creamy ones. Limiting extra cheese can also help, though it will slightly lower the protein.

Question: Does the type of cheese on the sub affect the protein content? Answer: Yes, different types of cheese have varying protein amounts, though the difference is generally small compared to the beef. For example, provolone or Swiss might offer a slightly different protein count than American cheese.

Question: Can I still make a high-protein Philly cheesesteak in a salad or bowl form at Subway? Answer: Yes, you can order the Philly cheesesteak ingredients in a "No Bready Bowl" or salad. This allows you to get a high dose of protein from the steak and cheese while significantly reducing the carbohydrate and overall calorie count from the bread.

Question: How does the sodium content compare to other foods? Answer: A footlong Big Philly Cheesesteak contains a high amount of sodium, exceeding the daily recommended limit in a single sandwich. For comparison, a single Big Mac has less sodium.

Question: Does adding extra vegetables affect the protein? Answer: Adding extra vegetables primarily increases the vitamin, mineral, and fiber content of the sandwich, with a very minimal impact on the total protein count.

Question: Is Subway steak considered lean protein? Answer: Subway's steak provides a good source of protein, but it is not as lean as options like roasted or grilled chicken.

Question: Is there a vegan option for a Philly cheesesteak at Subway with comparable protein? Answer: Protein-rich vegan options at Subway, like the Veggie Patty (where available), exist but do not offer the same protein level as the Big Philly Cheesesteak.

Question: What is the best bread choice for a high-protein Philly cheesesteak? Answer: The default bread is often suggested, but 9-Grain Wheat bread is often a default for the Big Philly and is a solid choice. In terms of maximizing protein, focusing on the meat and cheese is more impactful than the bread.

Question: Do the ingredients change often? Answer: Subway's menu and ingredient formulations can change over time. For the most accurate information, it's always best to check the latest nutrition data on their official website or app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the footlong Philly cheesesteak really double the protein of the 6-inch?

Yes, the footlong Big Philly Cheesesteak generally has double the protein (76g) of the 6-inch version (38g), as it contains approximately twice the ingredients.

What is the most effective way to increase the protein in my Subway Philly cheesesteak?

The most effective way to increase the protein is to order "double meat." This is a simple and direct way to boost the protein content significantly.

Is the Subway Philly cheesesteak considered a healthy option?

The Subway Philly cheesesteak is a high-calorie and high-sodium option, especially in the footlong size. While it is rich in protein, it is not a low-calorie choice and should be enjoyed in moderation, depending on your overall diet goals.

How does the protein in the Philly cheesesteak compare to other Subway subs?

The Philly cheesesteak offers one of the higher protein counts at Subway, especially the footlong. Other high-protein options include the steak sub, grilled chicken, and roast beef, particularly with double meat.

What about the Steak & Cheese sub? Is that the same as the Philly cheesesteak?

While similar, a standard Steak & Cheese sub may have different nutritional values than the designated "Big Philly Cheesesteak," which is often formulated to be higher in meat and cheese content. It's best to specify the "Big Philly" if that's what you are looking for.

How can I reduce the calories and fat while still getting the protein from the Philly cheesesteak?

To reduce calories and fat, you can choose a different bread, such as wheat or multigrain, and opt for a lighter sauce instead of creamy ones. Limiting extra cheese can also help, though it will slightly lower the protein.

Does the type of cheese on the sub affect the protein content?

Yes, different types of cheese have varying protein amounts, though the difference is generally small compared to the beef. For example, provolone or Swiss might offer a slightly different protein count than American cheese.

Can I still make a high-protein Philly cheesesteak in a salad or bowl form at Subway?

Yes, you can order the Philly cheesesteak ingredients in a "No Bready Bowl" or salad. This allows you to get a high dose of protein from the steak and cheese while significantly reducing the carbohydrate and overall calorie count from the bread.

How does the sodium content compare to other foods?

A footlong Big Philly Cheesesteak contains a high amount of sodium, exceeding the daily recommended limit in a single sandwich. For comparison, a single Big Mac has less sodium.

Does adding extra vegetables affect the protein?

Adding extra vegetables primarily increases the vitamin, mineral, and fiber content of the sandwich, with a very minimal impact on the total protein count.

Is Subway steak considered lean protein?

Subway's steak provides a good source of protein, but it is not as lean as options like roasted or grilled chicken.

Is there a vegan option for a Philly cheesesteak at Subway with comparable protein?

Protein-rich vegan options at Subway, like the Veggie Patty (where available), exist but do not offer the same protein level as the Big Philly Cheesesteak.

What is the best bread choice for a high-protein Philly cheesesteak?

The default bread is often suggested, but 9-Grain Wheat bread is often a default for the Big Philly and is a solid choice. In terms of maximizing protein, focusing on the meat and cheese is more impactful than the bread.

Do the ingredients change often?

Subway's menu and ingredient formulations can change over time. For the most accurate information, it's always best to check the latest nutrition data on their official website or app.