What is the veggie diet at Subway?

Over 1.7 million Americans are vegetarian, making meat-free fast-food options increasingly popular. Subway's veggie diet offers a wide range of customizable, plant-based and vegetarian choices beyond just a salad, including their famous Veggie Delite and Veggie Patty sandwiches.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide to the vegetarian and vegan options at Subway, covering the Veggie Delite, Veggie Patty, customizable breads, fresh toppings, and compatible sauces.

Key Points

• Veggie Delite is the core option: The classic Veggie Delite sub or salad, filled with your choice of fresh vegetables, is the most consistent veggie choice at Subway.

• Veggie Patty is now vegan (with caution): Subway's Veggie Patty was reformulated to be plant-based in 2021 but is not available at all locations. Always ask a staff member to confirm.

• Bread selection is crucial for vegans: Vegan customers must choose specific breads like Artisan Italian or Hearty Multigrain and verify with staff, as some breads and wraps contain milk.

• Sauce choices vary by diet: Vegetarians can enjoy most sauces, while vegans should stick to options like Sweet Onion, mustard, oil, and vinegar to avoid animal products.

• Customization is your greatest tool: The veggie diet at Subway thrives on customization. Load up on a wide array of fresh vegetable toppings to create a meal that is both nutritious and flavorful.

• Be clear about dietary needs: To avoid cross-contamination or incorrect ingredients, politely ask staff to change gloves and use fresh utensils when preparing a vegan sub.

Understanding the Subway Veggie Diet

For many, eating vegetarian or vegan while dining out, especially at a fast-food chain, can seem challenging. However, Subway provides a highly customizable menu that caters well to those on a veggie diet. This isn't a single, fixed diet plan but rather a flexible approach to ordering within the restaurant's offerings. The core of this diet consists of the vegetable-focused menu items, built upon a foundation of fresh vegetables and a choice of bread, cheese, and sauces. Whether you are a lacto-ovo vegetarian who eats dairy and eggs or a strict vegan, building a satisfying and flavorful meal is simple with the right knowledge.

The Classic Veggie Delite: A Breakdown

The Veggie Delite is the flagship vegetarian option at Subway and is always available, unlike some limited-time or regional promotions. The core of the Veggie Delite is a diverse mix of fresh vegetables served on your choice of bread. It is inherently vegan if you opt for vegan-friendly bread and skip the cheese and non-vegan sauces.

The Veggie Delite: A Vegan-Friendly Staple

To build a vegan Veggie Delite, you must make a few key choices.

• Bread: Select a vegan-friendly bread, such as the Artisan Italian (white) or the Hearty Multigrain. It is crucial to check with the local store, as some breads, wraps, and flatbreads might contain milk or other non-vegan ingredients.
• Veggies: The best part of the Veggie Delite is loading up on the crisp and fresh vegetables. Available options typically include:
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Green peppers
  • Red onions
  • Spinach
  • Jalapeños
  • Black olives
  • Pickles
• Sauces: Many sauces are suitable for vegans, including Sweet Onion, Yellow Mustard, Oil, and Red Wine Vinegar.

The Veggie Patty: Know Your Protein

For those seeking more substance than just vegetables, the Veggie Patty is an excellent, filling option. It was historically not vegan-friendly due to containing eggs and dairy. However, as of 2021, Subway reformulated its Veggie Patty with the help of Dr. Praeger's to be completely plant-based and vegan.

The Veggie Patty's Vegan Update

It is important to note that while the patty itself is vegan-certified, its availability varies significantly by location in the U.S. and other regions. Customers should ask their local Subway to confirm if the plant-based Veggie Patty is available. This option is a great source of protein and is made from a blend of vegetables and grains.

Customizing Your Veggie Sub

Beyond the standard options, customization is key to making the most of your veggie diet at Subway. This ensures that your meal is perfectly tailored to your preferences, whether you're vegetarian or vegan.

Bread Options

While some breads are explicitly vegan, others vary by region. Always confirm with the 'sandwich artist' at your specific location.

• Vegan-Friendly Breads (usually): Artisan Italian (White), Hearty Multigrain, Sourdough.
• Non-Vegan Breads (often contain milk): Some wraps and flatbreads.

The Full Veggie Line-up

In addition to the standard offerings, depending on your location, you might find even more vegetable choices. For those on a calorie-conscious veggie diet, piling on extra vegetables is a great way to increase nutritional value and fiber without adding many calories. Don't be afraid to ask for a generous helping of all the fresh vegetable options available.

The Sauces and Condiments

The sauce can make or break a sandwich. For vegetarians, most creamy sauces like Ranch and Chipotle Southwest are an option. Vegans, however, must be more selective. The following are typically safe for vegan consumption:

• Sweet Onion Sauce
• Yellow Mustard
• Deli Brown Mustard
• Oil & Vinegar
• Sriracha Sauce
• BBQ Sauce

Cheeses and Extras

Vegetarians can choose from a variety of cheeses, such as Processed Cheddar, Monterey Cheddar, or Swiss. For vegans, the options are more limited. Some locations offer Vegan CheeZe, but this is not guaranteed and requires confirmation. Avocado, which is a great addition for healthy fats and creaminess, is widely available and vegan.

How to Build a Vegan Sub at Subway

Follow these steps to construct your ideal plant-based meal:

1. Choose your base: Select the Veggie Delite or, if available, the Veggie Patty. You can also order a salad version.
2. Pick your bread: Opt for a vegan-friendly bread like the Artisan Italian or Hearty Multigrain. Consider a wrap but verify it's vegan, as recipes change.
3. Load up on veggies: Request a generous portion of all the fresh vegetables. Get creative with combinations like spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and black olives.
4. Add vegan cheese (if available): Ask if Vegan CheeZe is in stock. If not, don't worry—the extra veggies and sauce will add plenty of flavor.
5. Drizzle with sauce: Go for vegan options like Sweet Onion, oil and vinegar, or mustard. This is where you can personalize the flavor profile.
6. Top it off: Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Some locations offer avocado as an extra topping, which provides richness.

Comparison Table: Vegetarian vs. Vegan Choices at Subway

Item / Category	Vegetarian-Friendly	Vegan-Friendly
Veggie Delite Sub	Yes	Yes (without cheese/non-vegan sauces)
Veggie Patty Sub	Yes	Yes (new formulation, check availability)
Bread Options	Most breads, flatbreads	Artisan Italian, Hearty Multigrain, Sourdough (check local store)
Cheese	Processed Cheddar, Monterey Cheddar, Swiss	Vegan CheeZe (limited availability)
Sauces	All sauces	Sweet Onion, Yellow Mustard, Oil & Vinegar, BBQ
Extras	Avocado, Pickles, Olives, Jalapeños	Avocado, Pickles, Olives, Jalapeños
Salads	Yes	Yes (without cheese/non-vegan dressing)

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices at Subway

The veggie diet at Subway is not a rigid plan but a versatile way to navigate the menu for plant-based and vegetarian diners. By understanding the components—the standard Veggie Delite, the updated Veggie Patty, and the wide range of customizable vegetable toppings, breads, and sauces—anyone can construct a delicious and satisfying meal. The key is to communicate clearly with the staff, especially regarding specific dietary needs like veganism, and to stay informed about product availability and ingredients, which can vary by location. The focus on fresh vegetables and customizable flavor profiles makes Subway a viable and flexible fast-food option for the veggie-conscious consumer.

See the VegNews guide for more details on ordering vegan at Subway: How to Order Vegan at Subway: A Sandwich Lover's Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Veggie Delite at Subway suitable for vegans?

Yes, the Veggie Delite can be made vegan by choosing vegan-friendly bread (like Artisan Italian), skipping cheese, and selecting vegan sauces like Sweet Onion or oil and vinegar.

Is the Veggie Patty at Subway vegan?

The Veggie Patty at Subway was reformulated to be vegan in 2021. However, availability is inconsistent and varies by location, so it's best to check with the staff.

Which breads at Subway are vegan?

Vegan bread options typically include the Artisan Italian (white), Hearty Multigrain, and Sourdough. Some wraps and flatbreads may contain milk, so it is important to confirm at your specific location.

What sauces are vegan-friendly at Subway?

Vegan-friendly sauces include Sweet Onion, Yellow Mustard, Deli Brown Mustard, oil, and red wine vinegar.

Can I add cheese to my veggie sub if I am vegan?

No, traditional cheeses at Subway contain dairy. Some locations offer Vegan CheeZe, but this must be confirmed with the staff, as it is not universally available.

What is the difference between the Veggie Delite and Veggie Patty sub?

The Veggie Delite consists only of fresh vegetables on bread, while the Veggie Patty sub adds a protein-rich, plant-based patty to the vegetable mix.

Does Subway offer vegetarian salads?

Yes, you can order any sub as a salad, including the Veggie Delite and Veggie Patty options. You can add cheese for a vegetarian option or skip it for a vegan salad.

Are there healthy options on the veggie diet at Subway?

Yes, building a sub or salad with extra vegetables on a vegan-friendly bread with light sauces like oil and vinegar is a healthy, low-calorie choice.