What’s Wrong With Subway?
Subway built its name on customization and convenience, but its reputation has taken a steady dive in recent years. While it still sells millions of sandwiches daily, a closer look reveals why many consumers are turning elsewhere. Let’s find out the reasons behind this shift before exploring some alternatives that are far superior.
1. Declining Ingredient Quality
Independent tests have revealed that Subway’s meat isn’t always what it claims to be. A 2017 CBC Marketplace investigation found its chicken contained as little as 43% actual chicken DNA. Additionally, the meat is heavily processed and padded with soy filler.
Why SUBWAY Is Healthier Than You Think - Full Menu Review by Bobby Parrish
2. Tuna Controversy And Lawsuits
Subway faced a major lawsuit claiming its tuna didn’t contain actual tuna. A 2021 New York Times lab test couldn’t identify any recognizable fish DNA. While Subway denies the allegations, the brand's struggle to verify its own ingredients has shaken public trust.
Is Subway’s Tuna Sandwich Actually Made of Tuna? by Inside Edition
3. Overly Processed Bread
Ireland’s court ruled Subway’s bread exceeded legal sugar limits (10% vs. 2% of flour weight), reclassifying it as confectionery. The decision highlighted the disparity between its sugar-laden recipe and the bread’s wholesome image, underscoring nutritional concerns about its profile compared to traditional bread standards.
POV: 12 Min of Subway Sandwiches by Milad POV
4. Stale Branding And Store Upkeep
Despite recent attempts at rebranding, many Subway locations look dated and poorly maintained. Peeling signage, inconsistent cleanliness, and outdated decor make the experience feel more like a chore than a choice. Compared to modern sandwich shops, Subway’s vibe can feel stuck in 2008.
5. Questionable Franchise Practices
Subway’s franchising model has led to bitter franchisee disputes. In 2020, franchisees reported being forced to accept unprofitable deals, including $5 footlong promotions that lost them money. This model also leads to uneven quality across locations, with undertrained staff and subpar service more common than not.
Is Subway’s Tuna Sandwich Actually Made of Tuna? by Inside Edition
6. Unhealthy Menu Options
While Subway promotes itself as a healthier fast food option, many of its sandwiches are loaded with sodium, sugars, and unhealthy fats. For example, a footlong Chicken Bacon Ranch contains over 1,200 calories and a day’s worth of sodium.
Subway Chicken and Bacon Ranch Review by Food Review UK
7. Lack Of Customization Transparency
Though Subway emphasizes customization, some choices come with hidden calories. Ingredients like mayonnaise, sauces, and cheeses add more than expected. The chain doesn’t always provide clear nutritional breakdowns for all options, making it harder to control your meal’s health profile.
8. Questionable Animal Welfare Practices
Animal rights organizations have criticized Subway for sourcing meat from farms that have poor welfare standards. In particular, issues have been raised regarding the treatment of chickens used in their sandwiches. As more consumers become aware of ethical sourcing, brands committed to humane practices are seeing more support.
9. Artificial Additives In Ingredients
The brand’s bread and sauces often contain artificial flavorings and colors. For example, its sandwich buns may contain azodicarbonamide, a chemical linked to health concerns. While this may improve shelf life, it compromises the natural appeal that many consumers expect.
POV: 12 Min of Subway Sandwiches by Milad POV
10. Declining Customer Service
As fast food has become more automated, Subway has struggled with maintaining consistent customer service. Frustratingly long wait times, inattentive staff, and inconsistent order fulfillment have become frequent complaints. Smaller, local sandwich shops often prioritize attentive service, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Ser_Amantio_di_Nicolao on Wikimedia
With all these reasons in mind, it's no surprise many are looking for better sandwich options. Here are some of the top places to get a sandwich that's far more satisfying than anything Subway offers.
1. Katz's Delicatessen, New York City
Katz's is an iconic deli serving some of the country's best pastrami sandwiches. Known for its hand-sliced meats, Katz’s offers a fresh, hearty sandwich stacked high with quality pastrami, corned beef, or turkey. The flavors are often combined with their homemade rye bread.
Frank Schulenburg on Wikimedia
2. DiNic's Roast Pork, Philadelphia
Head to DiNic's in Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market for a truly memorable sandwich. Their famous roast pork sandwich, loaded with tender pork, broccoli rabe, and sharp provolone, is a local favorite. Unlike Subway, DiNic’s delivers an artisanal approach to sandwich-making.
3. Langer's Delicatessen, Los Angeles
Langer's is another deli that has a reputation for exceptional sandwiches, particularly their #19, a pastrami on rye. The pastrami is hand-carved and served hot. With a history dating back to 1947, Langer's stands out for its dedication to old-school deli excellence.
Josh Lim (Sky Harbor) on Wikimedia
4. Earl Of Sandwich, Multiple Locations
This outlet offers freshly made sandwiches using high-quality meats and artisan breads. The “Original 1762” sandwich, featuring roast beef and horseradish, stands out for its balance of flavors and freshness. The Earl of Sandwich also creates gourmet options that feel personalized.
Douglas Muth from Philadelphia, PA, USA on Wikimedia
5. Jersey Mike’s Subs (Nationwide)
Jersey Mike’s sets itself apart by slicing meats and cheeses to order and grilling hot subs fresh on the spot. Their signature “#13 The Original Italian” combines provolone, ham, salami, and capicola with oil, vinegar, and spices for a bold, balanced flavor.
6. Jimmy John’s (Nationwide)
The “Vito” sandwich here, featuring salami, capicola, and provolone, delivers classic deli flavor. Jimmy John’s consistency and commitment to freshness easily outpace Subway’s prepackaged model. Their meats and veggies are sliced fresh daily, and the bread is baked in-house every few hours.
Mike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA on Wikimedia
7. Mendocino Farms, Los Angeles & San Diego
Mendocino Farms, a California-based chain, offers fresh, creative sandwiches. They source their ingredients from local farms for top-quality taste. A standout is the "Mendo's Original Pork Belly" sandwich, featuring slow-roasted pork belly and maple-balsamic glaze.
8. Frank's Deli, New Jersey
Frank’s Deli in New Jersey is liked for its authentic Italian sandwiches. The deli’s emphasis on quality meats, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned bread ensures a superior sandwich experience. Their signature Italian sub, filled with high-quality cold cuts and fresh vegetables, also beats Subway’s versions.
Super Stuffed Subs At Famous Frank’s Deli – Asbury Park by Vacation Education
9. Alidoro, New York City
A family-owned sandwich shop in New York, Alidoro takes pride in its premium, imported Italian ingredients. Its "Cavallo" sandwich, featuring prosciutto di Parma and truffle oil, exemplifies the art of sandwich-making. Alidoro’s focus on top-tier ingredients creates sandwiches with exceptional flavor and quality.
Alidoro Italian Restaurant in New York NY serving Sandwich and Juice by Big Review TV
10. Capriottis Sandwich Shop (Multiple U.S. Locations)
Capriottis is known for its slow-roasted turkey, cooked in-house daily, which sets it apart from other sandwich chains. Their signature “Bobbie” sandwich is packed with turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo. This delicious creation is often referred to as “Thanksgiving on a roll.”
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