Which Subway Sauces Are Vegan? A Comprehensive Guide

As of 2025, a growing number of fast-food chains are expanding their plant-based offerings, and Subway is no exception, but navigating the menu can be tricky. Many customers wonder: exactly which Subway sauces are vegan? While some sauces are obvious dairy bombs, a surprising number of flavorful options are completely plant-based.

Quick Summary

A detailed overview of vegan-friendly sauces, including Sweet Onion Teriyaki, Yellow Mustard, and Buffalo Sauce, while identifying non-vegan alternatives like Ranch and Chipotle Southwest. It provides a simple checklist for building a fully plant-based order.

Key Points

• Sweet Onion Teriyaki is Vegan: A flavorful and popular sauce confirmed to be free of animal products, ideal for a plant-based sub.

• Avoid Creamy Sauces: Sauces like Chipotle Southwest, Ranch, and creamy versions of Sriracha typically contain dairy or eggs and should be avoided.

• Mustard and Vinaigrette are Safe: Yellow and Deli Brown Mustards, as well as Oil & Vinegar and Subway Vinaigrette, are reliable vegan choices.

• Check for Regional Variation: Ingredients can differ by country and location, so always verify with local staff or an up-to-date allergen guide.

• Beware of Cross-Contamination: At busy stores, be mindful of shared utensils and consider requesting a fresh knife to avoid accidental contact with non-vegan ingredients.

• Marinara Needs Caution: The Marinara sauce is often vegan, but confirm it hasn't been cross-contaminated with meatballs, which contain dairy.

Your Vegan Sauce Cheat Sheet at Subway

Building a delicious and flavorful vegan sub at Subway is easy once you know which sauces to choose. Thankfully, many of Subway's most popular condiments are free of animal products, including dairy and eggs. This guide breaks down the safest options, highlights which sauces to avoid, and offers regional considerations to ensure you can order with confidence.

Confirmed Vegan Sauces (US and UK)

Based on recent allergen and ingredient information, the following sauces are typically safe for vegans at Subway locations in the US and UK:

• Sweet Onion Teriyaki: A classic sweet and savory option, confirmed as vegan.
• Yellow Mustard: A standard and reliable choice for a tangy kick.
• Deli Brown Mustard: Another mustard variety that is safe for plant-based diets.
• Barbecue Sauce: A smoky and sweet option, but check local availability as some older guides list it as potentially non-vegan.
• Buffalo Sauce: This spicy favorite is generally vegan-friendly.
• Oil & Vinegar: The simplest and most classic of dressings.
• Subway Vinaigrette: Another oil-based dressing that is safe.
• Garlic & Herb Sauce (UK & Select US): A flavorful, herby option confirmed in UK vegan guides. Always double-check at your local US store.
• Marinara Sauce (UK & Select US): Can be vegan, but ensure it is not mixed with meatballs and confirm locally.
• Salsa (UK & Select US): A zesty, tomato-based option, but confirm ingredients at your store.

Sauces to Avoid (Non-Vegan)

To prevent any mishaps, be aware of the following popular sauces that contain animal products, most often dairy or eggs:

• Chipotle Southwest Sauce: Contains dairy and eggs.
• Ranch Dressing: Contains dairy.
• Honey Mustard Sauce: Contains honey and often eggs.
• Creamy Sriracha Sauce: The creamy version contains egg or dairy, unlike many pure sriracha brands.
• Mayonnaise-based Sauces: All standard mayo options contain eggs.

Comparison of Vegan and Non-Vegan Sauces at Subway

This table provides a quick reference for making informed decisions at the counter.

Sauce Name	Vegan Status	Key Ingredients to Note
Sweet Onion Teriyaki	✅ Vegan	Soy sauce, sugar, onion
Chipotle Southwest	❌ Not Vegan	Buttermilk, egg yolk, cheese
Yellow Mustard	✅ Vegan	Mustard, vinegar, spices
Ranch Dressing	❌ Not Vegan	Buttermilk, sour cream, dairy
Oil & Vinegar	✅ Vegan	Vegetable oil, red wine vinegar
Honey Mustard	❌ Not Vegan	Honey, eggs
Buffalo Sauce	✅ Vegan	Peppers, vinegar, often vegan 'butter type' flavor
Creamy Sriracha	❌ Not Vegan	Eggs, dairy
Marinara Sauce	✅ Vegan (verify)	Tomatoes, herbs; check for cross-contamination with meatballs

Regional Differences and Cross-Contamination

While this guide is a reliable starting point, it's crucial to acknowledge regional variations and the potential for cross-contamination. Subway's menu and ingredient suppliers can differ by country and even by franchise. For instance, while some older guides mentioned honey in the 9-Grain Wheat bread in the US, recent information from VegNews (Oct 2025) suggests the US 9-Grain Wheat is now vegan-friendly, but this should be verified locally. It is always best practice to ask the sandwich artist or review the local allergen guide, which is usually available online or in-store. Be mindful of potential cross-contamination with non-vegan sauces and ingredients, especially at busy locations. You can request a fresh, clean knife or a separate condiment spoon to be extra cautious.

Ordering Your Perfect Vegan Sub

Armed with the knowledge of which Subway sauces are vegan, you can craft a delicious plant-based meal. Start by choosing a vegan bread like Artisan Italian or Hearty Multigrain. Load up on any and all of the fresh vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, pickles, and peppers. If available, add a plant-based protein like the Veggie Patty (ensure your local store has the vegan version). Finally, select one of the confirmed vegan sauces to complete your sub with a burst of flavor. This simple strategy allows you to enjoy a satisfying and ethical meal at any Subway.

Conclusion

Navigating the Subway menu as a vegan is straightforward once you know which sauces are safe. From the sweet and savory Sweet Onion Teriyaki to the tangy Oil & Vinegar, there are plenty of plant-based options to enhance your meal. By using the confirmed vegan sauces and avoiding those with dairy or egg ingredients, you can confidently customize your sub while adhering to your dietary choices. Always remember to check with staff for the most current local information and to minimize cross-contamination risks.

Visit Veganuary for more restaurant guides and tips on plant-based eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Subway's Sweet Onion Teriyaki sauce vegan?

Yes, Subway's Sweet Onion Teriyaki sauce is vegan-friendly and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Does the Chipotle Southwest sauce at Subway contain dairy?

Yes, Subway's Chipotle Southwest sauce is not vegan as it contains both dairy (buttermilk) and egg products.

Are mustard and vinegar sauces at Subway vegan?

Yes, both the Yellow Mustard and the Oil & Red Wine Vinegar sauces are vegan and safe for plant-based diets.

Can I have the Buffalo sauce on a vegan sub?

Yes, Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sauce is generally considered vegan and is a safe choice for adding a spicy kick to your sub.

Which other sauces are confirmed vegan besides Sweet Onion Teriyaki?

In addition to Sweet Onion Teriyaki, other commonly vegan sauces include Yellow Mustard, Deli Brown Mustard, Oil & Vinegar, Subway Vinaigrette, and Barbecue sauce (location dependent).

Do I need to worry about the bread when ordering a vegan sub?

Yes, while many breads are vegan (like Artisan Italian, Hearty Multigrain, and Sourdough), some, like the Italian Herbs & Cheese or older versions of wraps, contain milk or honey. Always confirm the specific bread at your location.

How can I avoid cross-contamination with non-vegan sauces?

To minimize cross-contamination, politely ask the Subway employee to use a fresh knife and to not use the same utensils that have touched non-vegan sauces.