Unpacking the Meat: What's Really in the Cold Cut Combo?
Contrary to the common assumption that a "cold cut combo" involves a variety of pork and beef, the meat in Subway's version is exclusively turkey-based. The sandwich is a long-standing value offering on the menu, and its composition allows for broader appeal, including to customers who avoid pork products. The specific components that make up the trio are turkey bologna, turkey ham, and turkey salami. These processed deli meats are manufactured to mimic the flavor and texture of their traditional counterparts.
The Three Turkey-Based Meats Explained
- Turkey Bologna: Mechanically separated turkey is used to form the bologna, along with water and a blend of flavorings and preservatives. This gives it a taste and texture similar to traditional beef or pork bologna.
- Turkey Ham: Cured turkey thigh meat is the base for the ham. It is seasoned with salt, sugar, and smoke flavor to create a distinct ham-like taste.
- Turkey Salami: Made from dark turkey meat and mechanically separated turkey, the salami is seasoned with spices to achieve the familiar savory and slightly tangy flavor profile.
Customizing Your Cold Cut Combo
The Cold Cut Combo's true appeal lies in its customizability, allowing customers to build a sandwich that suits their exact preferences. This is a core part of the Subway experience. The process starts with selecting your bread and ends with a wide array of toppings and sauces.
Bread Options:
- 9-Grain Wheat
- Italian (White)
- Italian Herbs & Cheese
- Hearty Italian
- 9-Grain Wheat Flatbread
Cheese Selections:
- American
- Provolone
- Pepperjack
- Shredded Monterey Cheddar
Fresh Vegetable Toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Green Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Spinach
- Pickles
- Jalapeños
- Olives
- Banana Peppers
Condiments and Sauces:
- Mayonnaise
- Oil & Vinegar
- Mustard
- Ranch
- Chipotle Southwest
- Sweet Onion Teriyaki
Nutritional Breakdown of a Subway Cold Cut Combo
Nutrition can vary significantly based on the size of the sandwich, the bread, and the specific toppings and sauces added. For context, here is a comparison of the key nutritional values for a standard 6-inch versus a footlong Cold Cut Combo, based on publicly available data, assuming standard Italian bread and basic vegetables with no sauce or cheese.
| Nutrient | 6-Inch Cold Cut Combo | Footlong Cold Cut Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~330 | ~740 |
| Total Fat | ~10g | ~26g |
| Saturated Fat | ~3g | ~8g |
| Sodium | ~1010mg | ~2280mg |
| Carbohydrates | ~43g | ~92g |
| Protein | ~17g | ~36g |
It's worth noting the high sodium content, which is a common characteristic of many processed deli meats. Adding extra cheese, bacon, or creamy sauces like mayo and ranch will further increase the calorie and fat counts.
Is the Cold Cut Combo Highly Processed?
Yes, the meat in the Cold Cut Combo is highly processed, which is a key factor in its flavor and shelf life. The use of mechanically separated turkey is standard for many budget-friendly deli products like bologna. The process involves stripping meat from poultry bones to create a paste-like substance, which is then re-formed and flavored. While not inherently unsafe, processed meats are typically higher in sodium and preservatives compared to whole cuts of meat. The combination of turkey ham, salami, and bologna in the Cold Cut Combo offers a cost-effective way to deliver a flavor profile reminiscent of a classic deli platter. The value proposition of the sandwich has been a long-time staple of the Subway menu.
A Look Back at the Cold Cut Combo's History
The Cold Cut Combo has been a fan favorite for decades, with its introduction coinciding with the brand's growth milestones. Over the years, there have been minor adjustments to the recipe and procurement, but the fundamental composition of turkey-based meats has remained consistent. This consistency has made it a reliable choice for customers looking for an affordable and familiar taste. The initial surprise that the meat is all turkey-based is a common "Today I Learned" moment for many people who have been enjoying the sandwich for years, having always assumed a pork and beef base.
Conclusion: More Than Meets the Eye
Ultimately, what is the Subway cold cut combo made of? It's a testament to food engineering—a sandwich that uses three different turkey-based processed deli meats to create a flavor profile that many associate with a traditional cold cut assortment. By using this unique blend, Subway has been able to offer a budget-friendly and widely accessible option for customers. Understanding the ingredients provides a clearer picture of the nutritional content and the nature of the processed meat, empowering consumers to make informed choices when they order this long-time favorite.
For more detailed nutritional information on all Subway menu items, you can visit the official Subway Nutrition Facts page.
