An Overview of Subway's Turkey
For many, the turkey sub is a go-to choice at Subway. It's a foundational menu item that promises a quick, familiar, and relatively healthy option. Over the years, however, consumer expectations and industry standards have evolved, prompting Subway to make changes to its offerings. The key to evaluating if the turkey at Subway is 'good' lies in understanding its core qualities, how it compares to competitors, and what diners can do to enhance their experience.
The Flavor Profile and Texture: Simple, Solid, but Not Spectacular
Subway's oven-roasted turkey is known for its mild and straightforward flavor. It doesn't feature overwhelming spices or a heavy, processed taste, which some customers appreciate. This simple profile makes it a versatile base for many different toppings and sauces. However, the simplicity can also be its downfall for those seeking a more robust, savory turkey flavor.
The texture of Subway's turkey can also be a point of contention. Some reviewers find it to be a bit dry on its own, especially if the sandwich is not adequately sauced or topped. The slices are thick enough to provide a satisfying bite, though they don't have the juicy, just-carved feel of higher-end deli meats. This means that the quality of your overall sandwich relies heavily on the freshness of the bread and the quality of your chosen additions.
The Importance of Customization
Customizing a Subway turkey sub is crucial for maximizing its potential. The mild turkey is a blank canvas that needs other ingredients to truly shine. To combat potential dryness and boost flavor, consider these tips:
- Add moisture: Don't be shy with sauces. Options like ranch, mayonnaise, or a vinaigrette can make a world of difference.
- Embrace the veggies: Piling on fresh, crisp vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions adds both texture and flavor, increasing the overall quality.
- Choose the right cheese: Melted provolone or Swiss can add a creamy richness that complements the turkey nicely.
- Consider toasting: Toasting your sandwich helps to meld the cheese and warm the meat, enhancing the flavors and texture.
Quality and Sourcing: An Upgrade to Fresh Slicing
In July 2023, Subway made a significant change to its meat preparation in US locations, transitioning from pre-sliced packages to freshly sliced deli meat. This move was aimed at improving quality, taste, and freshness in order to compete with rivals and boost customer satisfaction. While pre-sliced meats were always made from real turkey, the new in-house slicing process offers a tangible improvement in the sandwich's overall feel and perception of freshness.
Comparison: Subway Turkey vs. Competitors
To put Subway's turkey in perspective, here is a comparison with other popular sandwich chains based on taste tests and customer feedback.
| Feature | Subway | Potbelly Sandwich Shop | Jimmy John's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | In-house freshly sliced (US) | Fresh-sliced, generous portion | Freshly-sliced, thinly cut |
| Flavor | Simple, consistent, mild | More robust, flavor can vary | Dependable, but sometimes overshadowed by mayo |
| Texture | Can be dry; requires customization | Slightly more substantial, but sometimes messy | Very thin, can feel sparse |
| Value | Considered a strong value option | Can be a bit pricier for the size | Good value for its speed |
| Overall Rating | Consistent and reliable, but not mind-blowing | Often praised for higher quality bread and freshness | Fast, but taste may lack excitement |
The Health Factor: A Lean Protein Source
For health-conscious diners, the oven-roasted turkey at Subway is one of the better protein choices on the menu. It is a lean source of protein and relatively low in saturated fat and calories when compared to options like pepperoni or meatballs. However, the overall healthiness of your sub depends entirely on your choices of bread, cheese, and condiments. While a 6-inch turkey sub on whole-grain bread with plenty of veggies and a light sauce is a balanced meal, a footlong loaded with extra cheese and high-sodium sauces can quickly become a less healthy option.
Conclusion: A Consistent, Custom-Driven Choice
So, is the turkey at Subway good? It's not the best-tasting deli meat you'll ever have, but it is a reliable, consistent, and decent option, especially for the price point. The recent switch to freshly sliced meat in many locations has been a positive step, improving the overall quality and texture. The key to a great Subway turkey sub lies not just with the meat itself, but with the full experience of customizing it with fresh vegetables, flavorful sauces, and your favorite bread and cheese.
If you prefer a simple, clean-tasting protein that serves as a canvas for a variety of fresh toppings, then Subway's turkey is a solid choice. For those seeking a more complex, savory, or 'gourmet' deli meat flavor, there might be better options elsewhere. Ultimately, the quality of your turkey sub is in your hands, and with the right combination of ingredients, it can be a very good lunch.
For more information on Subway's new meat-slicing process, you can read the CNN report.
