Is Subway's Mayo Dairy-Free? Decoding Your Sandwich Condiments

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

While many people avoid fast food for dietary reasons, it's possible to make informed choices, and a common question concerns condiments. The good news is that Subway's regular mayonnaise is in fact, dairy-free, containing no milk-based ingredients, a key distinction for those with dairy allergies. However, this is not the end of the story, particularly for those on a vegan or egg-free diet.

Quick Summary

Subway's standard mayonnaise is made without dairy, making it suitable for those with milk sensitivities. It is not vegan as it contains eggs. Customers with egg allergies or following a vegan diet should opt for other sauces, with many plant-based choices available.

Key Points

Subway's Mayo is Dairy-Free: Regular mayonnaise at Subway contains no milk or other dairy products, making it safe for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Subway's Mayo is Not Vegan: The standard mayonnaise contains egg yolk, an animal-derived product, and is therefore not suitable for vegans.
Many Alternative Sauces Are Available: Subway offers several other sauces that are both dairy-free and vegan, such as Sweet Onion Teriyaki, Yellow Mustard, and BBQ sauce.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: Because Subway stores handle many allergens on shared equipment, a risk of cross-contamination exists, especially for those with severe allergies.
Communicate Your Needs: To minimize risk, inform the sandwich artist of your specific allergy and request a glove change and clean utensils.
Check Regional Information: Ingredient formulations and product availability can vary by country or region, so always check the local allergen information.

The Verdict: Is Subway's Mayo Dairy-Free?

For those with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, the answer is a resounding yes: Subway's regular mayonnaise is dairy-free. Traditional mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil, egg yolks, and an acidic element like vinegar or lemon juice, meaning no milk or dairy products are involved. Subway's official ingredient lists confirm that their standard mayonnaise uses vegetable oil and egg yolk, not dairy. This information is crucial for customers who need to avoid milk-based products for health or dietary reasons.

Understanding the Difference: Dairy-Free vs. Vegan

Confusion often arises because of the term 'vegan.' While dairy-free means a product contains no milk or milk derivatives, a vegan product must not contain any animal-derived ingredients, including eggs. Since Subway's mayo contains egg yolk, it is not considered vegan. This is a vital distinction for those following a plant-based diet or with an egg allergy. Always review the full ingredient list or consult the allergen information available online or in-store if you have specific dietary needs beyond just dairy avoidance.

Decoding Mayonnaise Ingredients

To further clarify, here is a general breakdown of the components found in mayonnaise and why it's important to know the difference:

Traditional Mayonnaise: Made with oil, egg yolk, and vinegar. Dairy-free, but not egg-free or vegan.
Vegan Mayonnaise: Uses plant-based protein (like soy protein) as an emulsifier instead of eggs. This makes it both dairy-free and vegan.
Subway's Regular Mayonnaise: Contains egg, making it dairy-free but not vegan.

Navigating Subway's Sauce Menu: A Guide to Choices

For those needing to avoid dairy, Subway offers a wide array of options beyond their standard mayo. For vegans or those with egg allergies, a different approach is necessary. Always be aware that availability can vary by region and specific restaurant location.

Comparison of Popular Subway Sauces

To help make a quick decision, here's a comparison table of some common Subway sauces based on their dairy and egg content.


Sauce	Dairy-Free?	Vegan?	Contains Egg?
Regular Mayonnaise	Yes	No	Yes
Sweet Onion Sauce	Yes	Yes	No
Yellow Mustard	Yes	Yes	No
Ranch Dressing	No	No	Yes (and Dairy)
Sweet Onion Teriyaki	Yes	Yes	No
Chipotle Southwest	No	No	Yes (and Dairy)
BBQ Sauce	Yes	Yes	No

Cross-Contamination Risks and Safety Tips

While Subway's official allergen charts and ingredient lists are a valuable resource, it is crucial to understand the risks of cross-contamination in a fast-food environment. Subway, like many restaurants, handles many different ingredients on shared equipment. This means that even if a sauce is inherently dairy-free, there is a small risk of contact with other products that contain dairy. For individuals with severe allergies, this can be a serious concern.

How to Minimize Risk When Ordering

To ensure your meal is as safe as possible, consider these steps:

Communicate Clearly: Inform the sandwich artist about your specific allergy (e.g., "dairy allergy," "vegan," or "egg allergy") before they begin preparing your food.
Request a Glove Change: Always ask the employee to change their gloves before touching your ingredients. This is a standard and easy precaution.
Use a Clean Knife: Ask for a new or cleaned knife to be used for your sandwich to avoid transferring contaminants from a previous order.
Check Local Allergen Info: While the general information applies, always check the specific allergen chart for your country, as recipes can differ. A link to the US chart is available via the official site.

What Are Your Dairy-Free Alternatives at Subway?

If you're looking for dairy-free alternatives to mayonnaise, whether for an allergy or other dietary choices, Subway has several options. Many of their classic sauces are naturally dairy-free and can add a flavorful kick to your sub or salad. Below is a list of some of the top picks for those avoiding milk products.

Vegan and Dairy-Free Sauces at Subway

Here are some of the popular sauces at Subway that are both vegan and dairy-free:

Sweet Onion Teriyaki
Yellow Mustard
BBQ Sauce
Red Wine Vinegar
Oil Blend

For additional plant-based toppings, smashed avocado and most vegetables are excellent choices. Remember, options like Ranch and Chipotle Southwest contain dairy and should be avoided.

Conclusion: A Clear Choice for a Dietary Need

So, is Subway's mayo dairy-free? Yes, it is, making it a safe choice for those with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. However, it is not vegan due to the inclusion of eggs. This distinction is crucial for those on a strict plant-based diet or with an egg allergy. By understanding ingredient lists, communicating your needs clearly, and being mindful of cross-contamination, you can confidently customize your order to fit your dietary requirements. Utilize the tables and lists provided to navigate your options, ensuring a delicious and safe meal every time. For the most up-to-date information, always check your local Subway's official allergen resources.

For more detailed information on specific ingredients and potential allergen risks, you can consult Subway's official allergen guides directly. Subway US Allergy and Sensitivity Information.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Subway's regular mayonnaise does not contain milk or any other dairy products. It is made primarily from vegetable oil and eggs.

No, Subway's mayonnaise is not vegan. It is dairy-free but contains egg yolk, which is an animal-derived product.

Many sauces are dairy-free, including Regular Mayo (but contains egg), Sweet Onion Teriyaki, Yellow Mustard, and BBQ Sauce. It's best to check the allergen chart for your specific region.

Vegan sauces include Sweet Onion Teriyaki, Yellow Mustard, BBQ Sauce, and Red Wine Vinegar. These are free of both dairy and eggs.

Yes, Subway's mayonnaise is safe for individuals with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy since it does not contain milk or lactose.

Subway's standard offering does not include a vegan, egg-free mayonnaise alternative in all locations. However, their Sweet Onion or Yellow Mustard sauces can be used as flavorful alternatives.

Yes, Subway warns of the possibility of cross-contamination because many allergens are handled in-store. If you have a severe allergy, you should take precautions like requesting glove changes.