Introduction
Subway, the ubiquitous sandwich chain with over 40,000 locations worldwide, has long been a go-to destination for a quick and customizable meal. While the brand is synonymous with subs, Subway has also dabbled in the soup game for decades with a rotating cast of offerings. From comforting classics like Chicken Noodle to daring departures like Southwestern Corn Chowder, Subway‘s soup menu has seen more changes than a chameleon in a crayon box.
But what‘s the real story behind Subway‘s soups? Which ones have stood the test of time, and which ones ended up in the soup graveyard? And perhaps most importantly, how do they actually taste? As a picky shopper and retail/consumer expert, I‘ve put on my investigative hat (and bib) to bring you the full scoop on Subway‘s liquid assets.
The Early Days of Subway Soup
Subway first dipped its toes into the soup market in the late 1990s, starting with just a few basic options like Chicken Noodle and Minestrone. At the time, soup was seen as more of a side dish than a main attraction, with most customers still focused on Subway‘s signature subs.
But as the new millennium dawned, Subway began to ramp up its soup selection in an effort to boost sales and attract health-conscious customers. By the mid-2000s, the chain was offering up to 8 different soups at any given time, including Cream of Broccoli, Tomato Basil, and New England Clam Chowder.
| Year | Number of Soup Varieties |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 2-3 |
| 2004 | 6-8 |
| 2009 | 8-10 |
| 2014 | 6-8 |
| 2019 | 4-6 |
| 2024 | 2 + seasonal |
Table 1: Approximate number of soup varieties offered by Subway over time. Sources: Subway press releases, news articles, and archived web pages.
As you can see from the table above, Subway‘s soup selection reached its peak variety in the late 2000s before gradually declining in recent years. This mirrors a broader trend in the fast food industry of streamlining menus to reduce costs and complexity (more on that later).
The Best and Worst of Subway Soups
So which of Subway‘s many soups have stood out over the years? Based on customer reviews, sales data, and my own expert opinion, here are some of the most memorable hits and misses:
Hits:
-
Broccoli Cheddar: This creamy, cheesy concoction has been a consistent crowd-pleaser since its introduction in the early 2000s. With tender broccoli florets and a velvety smooth texture, it‘s no wonder this soup has stood the test of time.
-
Homestyle Chicken Noodle: Sometimes you just can‘t beat a classic. Subway‘s take on the ultimate comfort food features chunks of lean chicken, soft noodles, and a savory broth that‘s sure to warm your soul on a chilly day.
-
Tomato Basil Bisque (seasonal): When this creamy tomato soup makes its annual appearance each winter, fans go wild. The combination of sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of cream is like a warm hug in a bowl.
Misses:
-
Cream of Mushroom: While I appreciate Subway‘s attempt to offer a vegetarian-friendly option, this soup never quite hit the mark. The mushy texture and bland flavor left many customers feeling underwhelmed.
-
French Onion: On paper, French Onion soup seems like a no-brainer for a sandwich shop. But in practice, Subway‘s version fell flat with its lack of caramelized onion flavor and soggy croutons. As one reviewer put it, "It tasted like someone waved an onion over a bowl of hot water."
-
Southwestern Corn Chowder: Points for creativity, but this spicy soup proved too adventurous for the average Subway customer. The chunky texture and fiery kick of poblano peppers made it a tough sell, especially for those seeking a mild and comforting soup experience.
Of course, taste is subjective and opinions may vary. But based on the overall consensus from customers and industry experts, these soups stand out as some of Subway‘s most memorable successes and failures.
Nutrition and Ingredients: A Closer Look
For many customers, the nutritional value and ingredient quality of Subway‘s soups are just as important as the taste. After all, Subway has long positioned itself as a healthier alternative to other fast food chains with its "Eat Fresh" motto.
So how do Subway‘s soups stack up in terms of nutrition? Let‘s take a closer look at three of the chain‘s most popular offerings:
| Soup | Calories | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestyle Chicken Noodle | 110 | 2.5 | 890 | 12 | 7 |
| Broccoli Cheddar | 200 | 14 | 860 | 10 | 8 |
| Tomato Basil Bisque | 160 | 7 | 650 | 19 | 3 |
Table 2: Nutritional information for a 8 fl oz serving of selected Subway soups. Source: Subway website, 2024.
As you can see, Subway‘s soups are relatively low in calories, with the Broccoli Cheddar being the most calorie-dense at 200 per serving. However, the sodium content is quite high across the board, with the Homestyle Chicken Noodle clocking in at nearly 900mg per serving (which is 39% of the recommended daily value).
In terms of ingredients, Subway states that its soups are made with "quality proteins, fresh veggies, and flavorful spices." However, a closer examination reveals that many of the soups also contain additives and preservatives such as potassium chloride, maltodextrin, and xanthan gum.
While these ingredients are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some customers may prefer a shorter and simpler ingredient list. Subway could consider reformulating its soups to use more whole, recognizable ingredients in order to appeal to increasingly health-conscious consumers.
The Souped-Up Competition
Of course, Subway isn‘t the only fast food chain slinging soup these days. Competitors like Panera Bread, Au Bon Pain, and even McDonald‘s have all dabbled in the soup game to varying degrees of success.
So how does Subway stack up against the competition? Here‘s a quick comparison of soup offerings and prices at some of the top fast food chains:
| Chain | Number of Soup Varieties | Price Range (8 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Subway | 2 + seasonal | $2.50 – $3.00 |
| Panera Bread | 6-8 | $4.79 – $5.79 |
| Au Bon Pain | 8-10 | $3.99 – $5.49 |
| McDonald‘s | 1-2 seasonal | $1.00 – $1.99 |
| Wendy‘s | 2-3 | $1.59 – $1.89 |
Table 3: Comparison of soup offerings and prices at major fast food chains, as of 2024. Sources: Company websites and online menus.
As the data shows, Subway falls somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of both variety and price. Panera Bread and Au Bon Pain offer a wider selection of premium soups, but at a significantly higher price point. Meanwhile, McDonald‘s and Wendy‘s have a more limited soup menu but at a lower cost.
Ultimately, Subway seems to be positioning its soups as a value-priced add-on to its core sandwich offerings, rather than a main attraction like Panera or Au Bon Pain. This strategy allows Subway to appeal to budget-conscious consumers while still offering some variety and customization.
The Future of Subway Soup
So what does the future hold for Subway‘s soup menu? Based on recent trends and expert analysis, here are some potential directions the chain could take:
-
Plant-Based and Vegan Options: With the explosive growth of plant-based eating in recent years, Subway could explore adding more vegan and vegetarian-friendly soups to its menu. A hearty lentil soup or creamy cauliflower bisque could attract new customers while still appealing to Subway‘s core audience.
-
Global Flavors: As consumers become more adventurous in their tastes, Subway may look to incorporate bolder and more diverse soup flavors from around the world. A Thai coconut curry soup or Moroccan lentil stew could add some excitement to the menu while still being relatively easy to execute.
-
Seasonal and Limited-Time Offers (LTOs): Subway has already had success with seasonal soups like Tomato Basil Bisque, and it could lean into this strategy even more in the future. Rotating LTOs could create a sense of urgency and excitement for customers while also allowing Subway to test out new flavors and concepts.
-
Customization and Mix-Ins: One of Subway‘s key differentiators is its customizable sandwich offerings, and it could potentially extend this approach to its soups as well. Allowing customers to add their own toppings or mix-ins (like croutons, shredded cheese, or chopped herbs) could make the soup experience feel more personalized and engaging.
Of course, these are just hypothetical scenarios and Subway‘s actual soup strategy will depend on a variety of factors like consumer preferences, operational feasibility, and financial performance. But one thing is clear: soup remains an important part of Subway‘s menu mix and the chain will need to continue innovating and adapting to stay competitive in the fast-paced world of fast food.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Subway soup is a tale of ups and downs, hits and misses, and constant evolution. From its humble beginnings as a simple side dish to its peak as a core menu category, soup has played a surprisingly significant role in Subway‘s history and identity.
But as consumer tastes and industry trends change, Subway will need to stay nimble and responsive in order to keep its soup offerings relevant and appealing. Whether that means incorporating new flavors, experimenting with customization, or doubling down on fan favorites, the key will be to listen to customers and stay true to Subway‘s core values of freshness, affordability, and choice.
As a picky shopper and retail/consumer expert, I believe that Subway has the potential to be a leader in the fast food soup category if it can strike the right balance of innovation and accessibility. By offering a mix of classic comforts and bold new flavors, and by making nutrition and ingredient quality a top priority, Subway can appeal to a wide range of customers and solidify its position as a go-to destination for a quick and satisfying meal.
So the next time you find yourself at Subway mulling over your sandwich options, don‘t forget to give the soup menu a second look. You may just discover a new favorite or rediscover a forgotten gem from Subway‘s soupy past. And who knows? You might even be inspired to start a petition to bring back French Onion.
