What are the four rice bowls at Subway?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

In an effort to expand its offerings beyond traditional sandwiches, Subway introduced a new line of Signature Rice Bowls in 2022. These menu items were designed to provide a hearty and fresh alternative, built on a blend of brown, red, and wild rice and topped with familiar proteins, sauces, and veggies.

Quick Summary

Subway's menu features four main rice bowls: the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki, Crispy Chicken Bacon & Peppercorn Ranch, Green Goddess Veggie, and Southwest Steak & Avocado.

Key Points

Four Core Options: Subway launched a line of four Signature Rice Bowls, including Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki, Crispy Chicken Bacon & Peppercorn Ranch, Green Goddess Veggie, and Southwest Steak & Avocado.
Flavor Diversity: The bowls offer distinct flavor profiles, from sweet and tangy teriyaki to rich and creamy peppercorn ranch, catering to a range of preferences.
Vegetarian Choice: The Green Goddess Veggie bowl provides a delicious meat-free option, focusing on fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing.
Highly Customizable: Like Subway's sandwiches, the rice bowls can be customized with extra protein, different sauces, and various vegetable toppings.
Menu Varies by Location: Specific menu items and limited-time promotions, such as the Jerk-Spiced bowls in Canada, mean offerings can differ by region.
Fresh Alternative: The bowls offer a hearty and fresh alternative to the brand's traditional sandwiches and salads, built on a blend of wholesome rice.

Subway, a brand long synonymous with submarine sandwiches, has consistently evolved its menu to meet changing consumer demands for variety and healthier options. The introduction of its Signature Rice Bowls marked a significant step beyond its classic sandwich and salad options, tapping into the growing popularity of grain-based bowls. These four initial offerings provide a quick, delicious, and customizable alternative for customers looking for a different dining experience at the popular fast-food chain.

The Four Signature Rice Bowls Explained

Subway's Signature Rice Bowls were specifically crafted to combine hearty grains with the fresh ingredients and signature flavors diners expect from the brand. They feature a base of brown, red, and wild rice, topped with a variety of protein, cheese, vegetables, and dressings.

Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki

This bowl is a classic Subway flavor combination reimagined. It features grilled chicken strips coated in the brand's popular Sweet Onion Teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of seasoned rice. The result is a savory and slightly sweet profile that is a longtime customer favorite. Customization options can include adding fresh vegetables like green peppers, red onions, and spinach to enhance the texture and flavor.

Crispy Chicken Bacon & Peppercorn Ranch

For those who enjoy a richer, creamier flavor, this bowl is an ideal choice. It combines crispy chicken and savory Maplewood smoked bacon, all drizzled with a creamy Peppercorn Ranch sauce. The combination of textures from the crispy chicken and soft rice, alongside the smoky and creamy flavors, makes for a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Green Goddess Veggie

This vegetarian option proves that a hearty, flavorful bowl doesn't need meat. It features a tangy and zesty Green Goddess dressing drizzled over the seasoned rice and a generous portion of Subway's fresh vegetables. This bowl is a fresh and vibrant choice, allowing customers to load up on their favorite veggies without feeling heavy.

Southwest Steak & Avocado

Packing a flavorful punch, the Southwest Steak & Avocado bowl includes tender steak, smashed avocado, and a bold Southwest sauce. The creamy avocado perfectly balances the spiced steak and tangy sauce, offering a dynamic and satisfying flavor profile. It's an excellent option for those who crave a bit of spice and richness in their meal.

Customizing Your Rice Bowl Experience

One of the biggest advantages of ordering a rice bowl at Subway is the high level of customization, which mirrors the sandwich-building process. You can mix and match ingredients to create your perfect combination. Here are some ways to personalize your bowl:

Add Extra Protein: Double the meat or add a different type of protein to your bowl for a more filling meal.
Choose Your Cheese: Add shredded Monterey cheese or other available options to your bowl for extra richness.
Load Up on Veggies: Beyond the standard bowl ingredients, you can add any of Subway's fresh vegetable toppings, such as black olives, jalapeños, or banana peppers, for a personalized crunch and flavor.
Switch the Sauce: Feeling adventurous? Ask for a different dressing. For example, swap the Sweet Onion Teriyaki for the Jerk Aioli (if available) for a Caribbean twist.

Comparison of Subway's Signature Rice Bowls


Feature	Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki	Crispy Chicken Bacon & Peppercorn Ranch	Green Goddess Veggie	Southwest Steak & Avocado
Protein	Grilled Chicken Strips	Crispy Chicken & Maplewood Smoked Bacon	None	Steak
Dressing	Sweet Onion Teriyaki Sauce	Creamy Peppercorn Ranch Sauce	Tangy Green Goddess Dressing	Southwest Sauce
Main Flavor Profile	Savory, Sweet, Tangy	Smoky, Creamy, Rich	Fresh, Herbaceous, Tangy	Spicy, Creamy, Bold
Base	Brown, Red & Wild Rice	Brown, Red & Wild Rice	Brown, Red & Wild Rice	Brown, Red & Wild Rice
Vegetarian Friendly?	No	No	Yes	No

Regional Variations and Availability

It is important for customers to note that Subway's menu offerings, including the specific Signature Rice Bowls, can vary significantly by region and during special promotions. For example, Subway Canada has launched specific limited-time offerings, such as the Jerk-Spiced Chicken and Jerk-Spiced Steak rice bowls, in partnership with local celebrities. This continuous innovation means that while the core four bowls may be widely available, local franchises often introduce unique or seasonal items. Checking your local Subway's menu or app is the best way to confirm the current selection.

Conclusion

The four rice bowls—Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki, Crispy Chicken Bacon & Peppercorn Ranch, Green Goddess Veggie, and Southwest Steak & Avocado—represent Subway's successful push to offer more diverse, fresh, and satisfying options beyond its classic sandwiches. By combining flavorful ingredients on a bed of wholesome rice, these bowls provide a hearty and customizable alternative that caters to different tastes and dietary preferences, including a dedicated vegetarian option. As with all fast-food menus, availability can vary, so it's always best to check your local restaurant for the most up-to-date options, as you might even discover a new regional specialty.

Subway Canada Newsroom

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the availability of the Signature Rice Bowls, and other menu items, can vary significantly by country and even by regional franchise promotions. It is best to check the menu of your local Subway.

The Signature Rice Bowls are built on a specific base of brown, red, and wild rice. While you can't substitute the grain blend itself, you can instead order any sub filling as a 'protein bowl' on a bed of lettuce to skip the rice entirely.

While the initial Signature Rice Bowls were introduced in 2022, menus are subject to change. Some bowls may become permanent, while others are rotated out for new options, like the Jerk-Spiced bowls in Canada.

Yes, if the Green Goddess dressing is vegan (check with the staff), the bowl can easily be made vegan by omitting any dairy products. The base of rice and vegetables is naturally plant-based.

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific bowl, ingredients, and customizations. However, the bowls are generally comparable to the sandwich counterparts, with the 'protein bowls' focusing on the fillings without the bread.

The base for the Signature Rice Bowls is a blend of brown, red, and wild rice, offering a hearty and flavorful foundation for the toppings.

Yes, Subway allows for the option to double the protein on its bowls, just as it does for its sandwiches, though this will come at an extra cost.

While the exact recipe is proprietary, the Southwest sauce is a creamy, spicy dressing known for its smoky and tangy flavor profile, which pairs well with the steak in the bowl.