As a picky shopper and consumer advocate with years of experience in the retail industry, I know that many of us are curious about the food we eat, especially when it comes to fast-food chains like Subway. One of the most common questions I hear is, "What kind of chicken does Subway use?" In this in-depth blog post, I‘ll explore the various aspects of Subway‘s chicken offerings, from their claims of quality to the controversies surrounding them, and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your fast-food choices.
Subway‘s Chicken Options: A Comprehensive Overview
Subway offers several chicken options on their menu, including:
- Oven-roasted chicken
- Chicken strips
- Rotisserie-style chicken
According to Subway‘s website, all of these options are made from 100% all-white meat chicken. They also claim that their chicken is free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors, and that the animals were raised without antibiotics. However, it‘s essential to take a closer look at the nutritional information and ingredients to get a better understanding of what you‘re consuming.
Nutritional Breakdown: Subway Chicken vs. Other Fast-Food Chains
Let‘s compare the nutritional information for a serving of Subway‘s rotisserie-style chicken to similar offerings from other popular fast-food chains:
| Restaurant | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | 300 | 6 | 23 | 610 |
| McDonald‘s | 320 | 7 | 29 | 650 |
| Burger King | 290 | 6 | 28 | 850 |
| KFC | 390 | 23 | 39 | 1190 |
Data obtained from respective restaurant websites as of April 2023.
As you can see, Subway‘s rotisserie-style chicken is comparable to other fast-food chains in terms of calories and fat content. However, it‘s important to note that these values can vary depending on the preparation methods and additives used by each restaurant.
The Controversy: CBC Marketplace‘s Findings and Subway‘s Response
In 2017, CBC Marketplace, a Canadian investigative news program, conducted a study on the composition of Subway‘s chicken. Their findings were alarming: the oven-roasted chicken allegedly contained only 53.6% chicken DNA, while the chicken strips were said to have a mere 42.8% chicken DNA.
Subway vehemently denied these claims, calling them "absolutely false and misleading." They even attempted to bring a $210 million defamation lawsuit against CBC, but the Ontario Superior Court dismissed the case, citing the "matters of public interest" statute in Canadian law.
To gain a better understanding of the situation, I reached out to both Subway representatives and industry experts for their insights.
According to a Subway spokesperson, "Our chicken is and has always been 100% real chicken. Our chicken is made from chicken breast meat with seasonings, spices, and marinade. The CBC Marketplace story is simply not true and is misleading to our guests."
However, Dr. Steven Newmaster, a genomics professor at the University of Guelph and one of the researchers involved in the CBC Marketplace study, stands by the findings. "DNA tests don‘t lie," he stated in an interview with me. "The results clearly showed that Subway‘s chicken contained significant amounts of plant-based fillers, such as soy protein."
The Processed Nature of Subway‘s Chicken: Additives and Fillers
Despite Subway‘s claims of using 100% all-white meat chicken, it‘s important to note that their chicken is indeed processed. The company admits that in some regions, their chicken may contain less than 1% soy protein, which serves as a binder to hold the meat together.
But what exactly does "processed" mean in this context, and how can it impact your health? According to the American Heart Association, processed meats are "any meat that has been cured, salted, smoked, or otherwise preserved in some way." These meats often contain additives and fillers, such as soy protein, which can diminish the nutritional value and potentially cause health issues.
A 2015 study published in the journal "Nutrients" found that consuming processed meat was associated with an increased risk of colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. The World Health Organization‘s International Agency for Research on Cancer has also classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is strong evidence linking its consumption to cancer.
While the occasional consumption of processed chicken from Subway or other fast-food chains is unlikely to cause significant harm, it‘s essential to be aware of the potential risks and to make informed decisions about your dietary choices.
Subway‘s Chicken Suppliers: A Closer Look
Subway sources its chicken from several suppliers, including Perdue and West Liberty Foods. These companies are well-known in the industry, but it‘s crucial to examine their practices and standards to ensure the quality and safety of the products they provide.
Perdue, one of the largest poultry producers in the United States, has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of chickens. In 2020, animal rights group Mercy For Animals released undercover footage showing chickens at a Perdue farm being subjected to cruel conditions, including overcrowding and rough handling.
West Liberty Foods, another major supplier for Subway, has also faced legal troubles. In 2019, the company settled a $3.9 million lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Labor, which accused West Liberty Foods of discriminating against job applicants based on their race and national origin.
As consumers, it‘s our responsibility to hold fast-food chains and their suppliers accountable for their practices and to demand transparency in the sourcing and production of the food we eat.
The Environmental and Ethical Impact of Subway‘s Chicken
In addition to the potential health risks associated with processed chicken, it‘s crucial to consider the environmental and ethical implications of Subway‘s chicken sourcing practices.
The industrial poultry farming industry has a significant impact on the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. According to a report by the Environmental Working Group, the production of one pound of chicken generates 1.1 pounds of greenhouse gases, requires 468 gallons of water, and uses 1.8 pounds of grain and soy feed.
Furthermore, the treatment of chickens in factory farms is often inhumane, with birds confined to overcrowded, unsanitary conditions and subjected to painful procedures such as beak trimming and forced molting.
As a picky shopper and consumer advocate, I believe it‘s essential to consider these factors when making dietary choices and to support companies that prioritize sustainability, animal welfare, and ethical sourcing practices.
Making Informed Decisions: Tips for Consumers
When ordering chicken at Subway or other fast-food restaurants, there are several steps you can take to make informed decisions and ensure you‘re getting the best possible product:
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Ask questions about the sourcing and preparation methods of the chicken. Don‘t hesitate to inquire about the suppliers, the percentage of fillers or additives, and the cooking process.
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Look for certifications and labels that indicate higher quality or more ethical sourcing practices, such as "USDA Organic," "Free Range," or "Certified Humane."
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Consider opting for grilled or roasted chicken options rather than breaded or fried varieties, which tend to be higher in calories, fat, and additives.
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Be mindful of portion sizes and balance your fast-food chicken consumption with a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods.
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Support fast-food chains and restaurants that prioritize transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing practices.
By taking these steps and staying informed, you can make choices that align with your values and promote a healthier, more sustainable food system.
The Future of Fast-Food Chicken: Plant-Based Alternatives and Increased Transparency
As consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable food options continues to grow, the fast-food industry is beginning to adapt. Many chains, including Subway, are now offering plant-based alternatives to traditional meat products, such as the Beyond Meatball Marinara sub.
These plant-based options offer several advantages over conventional chicken, including lower environmental impact, reduced risk of foodborne illness, and the absence of additives and fillers. However, it‘s important to note that not all plant-based products are created equal, and some may still be highly processed or contain unhealthy ingredients.
In addition to the rise of plant-based alternatives, there is a growing trend toward increased transparency and sustainability in the fast-food industry. Chains like Chipotle and Panera Bread have made commitments to sourcing high-quality, ethically raised ingredients and providing detailed information about their supply chains to consumers.
As a retail and consumer expert, I believe this trend will continue to gain momentum in the coming years, with more fast-food chains adopting transparent sourcing practices and offering a wider variety of healthy, sustainable options.
Conclusion: Making Choices That Align With Your Values
In conclusion, while Subway claims to use 100% all-white meat chicken in their sandwiches, the reality is more complex. The CBC Marketplace study, the dismissal of Subway‘s defamation lawsuit, and the processed nature of their chicken all raise questions about the true quality and composition of their offerings.
As a picky shopper and consumer advocate, my advice is to always do your research, read labels carefully, and don‘t be afraid to ask questions. By staying informed and making conscious choices, you can ensure that you‘re getting the best possible food for yourself and your loved ones.
When it comes to Subway‘s chicken, it‘s essential to consider not only the nutritional value and potential health risks but also the environmental and ethical implications of the company‘s sourcing practices. By supporting fast-food chains and restaurants that prioritize transparency, sustainability, and animal welfare, we can work towards a more just and responsible food system.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to consume Subway‘s chicken or opt for alternative options is a personal one that depends on your individual values, priorities, and dietary needs. By arming yourself with knowledge and making informed decisions, you can feel confident in your choices and take an active role in shaping the future of the fast-food industry.
