If you are a Subway lover but cannot consume gluten, you are surely in a pickle. This is a common problem asking customers across the world, who keep asking time and again – does Subway have gluten-free bread?
The short answer is, yes, Subway does have gluten-free options. However, this option can only benefit a small subset of the population. Keep reading to find out more about gluten-free bread at Subway and why it has caused so much controversy.
Is Any Bread From Subway Gluten Free?
Yes, Subway offers gluten-free bread options in many locations, made from ancient grains like amaranth and teff or rice flour.
This bread is usually made at a separate location and then packaged firmly before distributing to the locations that carry this option. This is done to prevent contamination.
However, as Subway officially notes, “Gluten-free bread is made in a gluten-free environment, but the bread may still come into contact with gluten,” indicating that a complete lack of contamination is not possible at Subway outlets. This is because these outlets carry hundreds of ingredients containing high amounts of gluten.
Many customers are unhappy about this state of things because it indicates that Subway is still behind on its inclusivity policies.
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Was The Gluten Free Bread From Subway Discontinued?
There was a rumor circulating in between that Subway had discontinued their gluten-free options in the USA and UK, but that is simply not true.
But it is also true that gluten-free bread is not available at every outlet of a location, and might not show up when you are ordering Subway online. This varies from time to time, depending on geography and availability.
It is indeed the future of culinary sciences to bring new, performative food choices for one and all, so Subway can be expected to step its game up!
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Types of Bread in Subway
Subway offers many healthy and nutritious bread options, most of which contain gluten. They only have one gluten-free option, even when it is available!
Common bread options you will find at Subway include:
- Italian Herbs and Cheese
Freshly baked with herbs and cheese, this bread adds a savory flavor to your sandwich. Its soft texture and mild taste make it a popular choice.
- Whole Wheat
Made with 100% whole wheat flour, this bread provides a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor. Its nuttier taste and denser texture make it a great choice for health-conscious customers.
- White Bread
Soft and lightly textured, white bread is a classic Subway option. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a neutral flavor and a tender crumb.
- Honey Oat
Sweet and savory, honey oat bread is made with a hint of honey and oat flakes. Its soft texture and subtle flavor make it a favorite among Subway fans.
- 9-Grain Wheat
This bread blends nine different grains for added nutrition and texture. Its slightly sweet flavor and denser texture make it a great option for those seeking heartier bread.
- Gluten-Free
Made from ancient grains like amaranth and teff, Subway’s gluten-free bread is a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Its soft texture and mild flavor make it a great alternative to traditional bread.
Subway does offer regional variations like garlic bread and white bread in some countries, not commonly found in the USA and Canada.
Please note that it is clear from the above text that it might not be safe for individuals with severe allergies to eat from Subway because 100% non-contamination is not guaranteed.
Are There Gluten-Free Meal Options Available in Subway?
Subway seems to not have many gluten-free options in terms of meals either. You can make careful substitutions in certain places, but contamination is inevitable.
The gluten-free options other than bread that you can select for a meal here include:
- Meat like roast chicken breast strips, ham, turkey breast, maple cured streaky bacon, breakfast back bacon, pepperoni, salami, etc
- Choices like egg omelet and poached eggs
- Veggie patties and individual vegetable choices like lettuce, cucumber, mixed peppers, and tomato
- Certain sauces like southwest sauce, garlic & herb sauce
Country-Wise Gluten-Free Bread Availability in Subway
There is also a country-wise disparity as to where Gluten-free Subway bread is offered and where it is not.
USA
Subways in the United States are most likely to have gluten-free options, especially in the big cities. Coastal cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City have a high demand for gluten-free options.
UK
In the UK, the company offers gluten-free bread in most locations, made from a blend of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour, suitable for customers with gluten intolerance. Once again, cities like London and Edinburgh are most likely to have these options.
Canada
Subway Canada offers gluten-free bread in most locations. Certified by the Canadian Celiac Association, it’s available for an additional fee, providing a safe option for gluten-intolerant customers. Subway Canada is doing quite a good job compared to other places!
Australia
In Australia you can get gluten-free bread in most locations, made from a blend of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. It’s available for an additional fee and is carefully prepared in a controlled environment to ensure customer safety.
India
Gluten-free bread and other options are not yet available in Indian Subway stores, mostly due to the low demand. However, this is slowly changing in big cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where we might expect to see new releases in the future.
Conclusion
The meal options at Subway are designed for a customer base that likes to consume a lot of carbs and healthy meat or vegetarian food.
Subway’s gluten-free options are further limited due to cross-contamination concerns in their open-kitchen format. All items are handled together leaving no chances for a more selective preparation.
Additionally, their menu is designed for customization, making it challenging to ensure gluten-free integrity. However, they have been requested in recent years to set up new systems that cater to individuals with unique dietary limitations.