Subway is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world, with nearly 40,000 locations globally. Known for their made-to-order sandwiches, Subway offers a variety of proteins, toppings, and sauces to customize your perfect sub. One of their most well-loved offerings is the classic Meatball Marinara sub. But what exactly is in a Subway meatball? Many consumers want to know, do Subway meatballs contain pork?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Subway meatballs, from their ingredients and nutritional content to how they taste and what to pair them with for the ultimate sandwich experience. As a food industry expert and picky eater myself, I‘ll provide you with all the details to help you make an informed decision the next time you‘re at Subway.
What Are Subway Meatballs Made Of? Examining the Ingredients
Let‘s cut right to the chase: contrary to what some may think, Subway meatballs do not contain any pork. According to the company, their meatballs are made with 100% ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Here are the full ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Toasted wheat bread crumbs
- Dehydrated onion and garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dehydrated parsley
- Soybean oil
You‘ll notice breadcrumbs are a key component of Subway‘s meatball recipe. While it may seem like an odd ingredient choice at first, breadcrumbs are actually a common filler used in meatballs and meatloaf. They help bind the meat together and also prevent the meatballs from drying out by absorbing moisture.
So rest assured, there is no pork lurking in your Subway meatball sub. For those who avoid pork for health, ethical, or religious reasons, Subway meatballs are a safe bet. The beef used is 100% halal as well.
How Subway Makes and Serves Their Meatballs
Now that we know what goes into a Subway meatball, let‘s examine how they‘re made. Subway pre-makes their meatballs off-site at their centralized kitchens to ensure consistency across all locations. The ground beef is mixed with the breadcrumbs and seasonings, then rolled into balls and par-cooked.
The par-cooked meatballs are then shipped to individual Subway restaurants, where they are reheated to order. Each sub contains a set number of meatballs – four for a six-inch sub and eight for a footlong. The meatballs are placed onto the bread of your choice (Italian herb and cheese is a popular pairing), then smothered in a generous amount of Subway‘s signature marinara sauce. Cheese and toppings are added per the customer‘s request.
Because the meatballs are pre-made and reheated, some diners find they lack the texture and moisture of freshly made meatballs. However, this preparation method allows Subway to serve meatball subs quickly and consistently across all their restaurants. The use of breadcrumbs in the mixture also helps ensure the meatballs don‘t dry out too much upon reheating.
Nutritional Breakdown and Health Considerations
A six-inch Subway Meatball Marinara sub contains 480 calories, 18 grams of total fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 1,200 milligrams of sodium, and 20 grams of protein. While tasty, meatball subs are not exactly a health food with their substantial amounts of fat and sodium. However, they can certainly fit into a balanced diet in moderation.
Compared to some of Subway‘s other meat options like cold cut combo or spicy Italian, the meatballs are relatively lower in sodium and saturated fat. The key is being mindful of portion sizes and frequency of consumption. Adding plenty of fresh veggie toppings to your sub can help boost its nutritional content too.
If you‘re watching your calorie intake, forgo the cheese and opt for the six-inch size instead of a footlong. Choosing whole-grain bread over white can add some extra fiber as well. As with any fast food option, Subway meatballs are fine as an occasional treat but shouldn‘t be a daily go-to for optimum health.
Taste and Flavor Profile
Taste is subjective, but Subway‘s Meatball Marinara sub has remained a fan favorite for decades, so they must be doing something right. Customers laud the meatballs for being flavorful and well-seasoned, with a juicy, tender texture thanks to the breadcrumbs and par-cooking method. While not as succulent as homemade, Subway meatballs satisfy cravings for this classic Italian-American comfort food.
The marinara sauce is key to the signature flavor profile of this sub. Subway‘s marinara is thick, savory, and pleasantly tangy with chunks of tomato throughout. It generously coats the meatballs to ensure every bite is saucy and delicious. The acidity of the tomatoes balances out the richness of the beef.
Of course, the overall taste also depends on the toppings you choose. Melted shredded cheese melds perfectly with the hot marinara and beef, creating a warm and cozy flavor combination. Recommended veggie toppings that pair well include peppers, onions, and spinach. You can also spice things up with jalapeños or banana peppers.
Popularity and Menu Options
The Meatball Marinara is consistently one of the top five most popular subs at Subway, along with other classics like the Italian BMT and Turkey Breast. It‘s a filling, hearty, and comforting choice that appeals to a wide range of palates.
In response to growing consumer demand for plant-based options, Subway also now offers the Meatless Meatball Marinara sub made with Beyond Meat‘s plant-based meatballs. This vegetarian version has a similar look and taste to the original but contains no animal products. The Beyond Meatballs are made primarily from pea protein, rice protein, and bean protein.
Nutritionally, the Meatless Meatball sub is comparable to the beef version. A six-inch sub has 460 calories, 24 grams of protein, and slightly less saturated fat at 6 grams. However, it‘s even higher in sodium at 1,560 milligrams per serving. As plant-based meats become increasingly realistic and accessible, this meatless alternative gives Subway customers more choice.
Pricing and Value
Subway is known for their "$5 Footlong" deals of the past, but prices have since increased. Currently, a six-inch Meatball Marinara sub starts at around $3.99 and a footlong is $5.99, though prices vary by location. Compared to the cost of other fast food options, this still represents a good value for the amount of food you get.
Keep in mind that extra cheese and special toppings like guacamole and bacon do cost extra. Adding a meal deal with chips and a fountain drink will also bump up the price. However, Subway does frequently offer promotions and coupons for discounted sandwiches to help you save.
Final Verdict
In summary, Subway‘s Meatball Marinara sub is a tasty and satisfying option for those craving Italian-inspired comfort food. The meatballs contain no pork, only ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. While not the healthiest choice on the menu, they can be incorporated into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Subway‘s streamlined preparation method of par-cooking and reheating ensures meatballs are served quickly and consistently, though some may find them lacking compared to homemade. However, the savory flavor profile and generous marinara sauce keeps customers coming back to this popular menu item.
With both traditional beef and Beyond Meat plant-based versions available, Subway aims to meet a range of dietary needs and preferences. Pricing is reasonable with frequent deals offered. Overall, as a food industry expert and picky eater, I highly recommend giving Subway Meatball Marinaras a try if you haven‘t already. Just don‘t wear a white shirt – these subs can get deliciously messy!
