Is the Veggie Patty at Subway Vegan? A Detailed Guide

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the latest nutritional updates, the Subway veggie patty recipe was reformulated in 2021 to be fully plant-based, removing previous egg and dairy ingredients. This makes the veggie patty at Subway vegan, though availability can differ greatly by region and specific store.

Quick Summary

The vegan status of the Subway veggie patty changed in 2021, and its availability and ingredients vary by location. Confirming with the local store is vital, as is knowing how to build a fully vegan sandwich with the right bread, sauces, and toppings.

Key Points

Check Regional Status: While the veggie patty ingredients are now vegan in many places (e.g., UK, Canada), availability and precise recipes vary, especially in the US.
Reformulation in 2021: Subway changed its veggie patty recipe to be plant-based, removing previously included eggs and dairy.
Select Vegan Bread: Options like Artisan Italian, Hearty Multigrain, and Plain Wraps are typically vegan, but avoid certain flatbreads and wraps containing milk.
Choose Vegan Sauces: Sweet Onion, simple oil and vinegar, and mustard are generally safe bets for vegan sauces.
Inconsistent Vegan Cheese: Do not assume vegan cheese is available; it is offered in some countries (like the UK) but not universally.
Ask an Employee: The most reliable way to confirm the vegan status of both the patty and other menu items is to ask a staff member at your specific Subway location.
Look Beyond the Patty: A complete vegan meal requires attention to bread, cheese, and sauces, not just the protein choice.

The Journey to a Vegan Subway Veggie Patty

For a long time, the seemingly innocent veggie patty at Subway was a point of frustration for vegans and those with dairy and egg allergies. The original patty recipe included dairy and egg products, rendering it unsuitable for a vegan diet. However, in a move to increase plant-based options, Subway made a significant change. In 2021, the company upgraded its veggie patty, reformulating the recipe to remove animal ingredients and partner with a plant-based provider like Dr. Praeger's in the U.S..

What's in the Vegan Veggie Patty?

While exact ingredients can vary by supplier and region, the modern vegan veggie patty is generally a mix of whole grains and vegetables. A common formulation includes ingredients such as brown rice, rolled oats, corn, carrots, onions, and green peppers. In contrast to the older version, it contains no egg or milk products, making it a viable protein option for vegans.

Regional Variations: A Tale of Two Veggies

It's crucial to understand that the vegan status of the veggie patty is not uniform across all regions. The global Subway supply chain means that different purveyors may provide the patties, leading to inconsistencies. For example, the vegan "Plant Patty" is a standard offering in the UK, while the U.S. version, produced with Dr. Praeger's, is only available in select locations. Some Australian locations offer both a vegan veggie patty and a falafel option. This regional variance means that a quick online search or, better yet, asking an employee at your specific location is the best way to confirm.

How to Build a Fully Vegan Subway Sandwich

Simply choosing the veggie patty isn't enough to ensure a vegan meal. You must also select compatible bread, cheese, and sauces. Follow these steps to customize your perfect plant-based sub.

Vegan Breads and Wraps

Artisan Italian (White): Vegan-friendly in most regions.
Hearty Multigrain: Also a safe choice for vegans in many places.
Sourdough: Another vegan option, check local availability.
Plain Tortilla Wrap: A vegan option, but be cautious with other wraps or flatbreads that may contain milk.

Vegan Cheeses

Subway's offering of vegan cheese is inconsistent and highly dependent on location. Some international markets, like the UK, offer a specific "Vegan CheeZe," while many U.S. and Australian locations lack this option. If you want a guaranteed vegan sub, you may need to skip the cheese.

Vegan Sauces and Toppings

Subway offers a wide range of vegetable toppings and several vegan-friendly sauces to customize your sub. Standard vegetable options are always safe. For sauces, confirm that the following are vegan at your location:

Sweet Onion Sauce
Oil & Red Wine Vinegar
Yellow Mustard
BBQ Sauce (in some regions)
Buffalo Sauce (in some regions)
Marinara Sauce (in some regions)

Comparison: Vegan Subway Options by Region


Feature	US (2025)	UK (2025)	Australia (2025)
Veggie Patty Status	Vegan, but limited availability by location.	Consistently Vegan, now called "Plant Patty".	Vegan Veggie Patty and Smashed Falafel available.
Vegan Cheese	Not widely available.	Specific "Vegan CheeZe" offered.	Not widely available.
Additional Vegan Proteins	Limited to Veggie Patty at most locations.	Has offered limited-time specials like 'Meatless Marinara' and 'Teriyaki Steak'.	Smashed Falafel available.
Vegan Sides	Chips (Lay's Classic, etc.), applesauce.	Hash Browns, Crinkle Wedges, Double Chocolate Cookie.	Chips, potentially others.
Confirm Locally?	Yes, always. Availability is inconsistent.	Generally not necessary for patty, but wise for new items.	Good idea to confirm specific offerings.

The Final Word on the Subway Veggie Patty

Is the veggie patty at Subway vegan? The answer, while now generally "yes" in terms of ingredients, is complicated by regional availability. The patty's shift from vegetarian to vegan in recent years is a positive step for plant-based diners, but requires proactive confirmation. By combining the vegan veggie patty with the right bread, sauces, and toppings, you can build a satisfying and cruelty-free meal at Subway.

For a more comprehensive look at all the ingredients used, you can consult Subway's official nutritional and allergen information on their website.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Vegan Order at Subway

The modern Subway veggie patty is vegan, thanks to a 2021 reformulation. However, its presence on the menu, as well as the availability of other vegan-friendly options like cheese, varies significantly by country and even by individual franchise. To ensure your sub is 100% plant-based, the best practice is to ask an employee about the patty's specific ingredients and check for vegan cheese options. A fully vegan meal can be easily constructed by choosing a vegan bread, the newly vegan veggie patty, a selection of fresh vegetables, and approved sauces like Sweet Onion or simple oil and vinegar.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, prior to a reformulation in 2021, the Subway veggie patty contained both eggs and dairy products, meaning it was vegetarian but not vegan.

The most reliable method is to ask an employee at your specific restaurant, as the supplier and recipe can vary by region. You can also check for certifications on the packaging if it's visible.

Commonly vegan sauces include Sweet Onion, Yellow Mustard, and simple Oil & Red Wine Vinegar. Availability may vary, so it's always best to check the allergen information or ask.

In many locations, Artisan Italian, Hearty Multigrain, and Sourdough breads are vegan. Plain Wraps are also often a safe choice, but verify that wraps and flatbreads don't contain milk.

This is location-dependent. Some international markets, like the UK, offer a specific "Vegan CheeZe," but it is not a standard offering in many places, including most US locations.

Subway has periodically offered limited-time vegan items like the Beyond Meatball or other special plant-based protein options. These were often temporary and may no longer be available on the standard menu in your area.

No, Subway's cookies, including the Double Chocolate Cookie in many regions, are typically not vegan and contain non-plant-based ingredients.