Bacon, the crispy and savory breakfast staple, has become a popular addition to sandwiches and burgers. Subway, the world’s largest fast-food chain, is no exception.
But have you ever wondered what kind of bacon Subway uses in their sandwiches? Is it healthy or not?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Subway’s bacon and its nutritional value. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about Subway’s bacon slices.
What Kind Of Bacon Does Subway Use?
Subway uses pork bacon slices in their sandwiches. These bacon slices are cured with water, salt, sugar, smoke flavor, sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite.
While the ingredients list may seem daunting, it’s important to note that these additives are commonly used in the curing process of meats. Sodium phosphate and sodium erythorbate are used to retain moisture and enhance flavor, while sodium nitrite is used to preserve the meat and prevent bacterial growth.
Subway’s Bacon: A Closer Look
There have been some concerns raised about the appearance of Subway’s bacon, with some customers questioning whether it is fully cooked or not. However, it’s important to note that all of Subway’s meat products are pre-cooked and frozen before they even arrive at the store. Once defrosted, the meat is “ready to eat” and can be served hot or cold.
Subway’s bacon is fully cooked and does not pose any health hazards if eaten raw. While it may not look particularly appealing, this is simply due to the fact that it is vacuum-sealed and kept in a cooler, which can affect its color. It’s worth noting that many customers at Subway actually prefer their bacon not warmed up, indicating that they trust its safety and quality.
The Nutritional Value Of Subway’s Bacon
Subway’s bacon contains 45 calories and 4 grams of fat per serving, which is equivalent to two strips. It does not contain any carbohydrates. While some may question the healthiness of bacon in general, it’s important to note that Subway’s bacon is not significantly different from other bacon products in terms of nutritional value.
It’s also important to note that the % Daily Value (DV) listed on nutrition labels is based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. This means that the DV for Subway’s bacon may vary depending on an individual’s caloric needs.
Is Subway’s Bacon Healthy?
When it comes to the healthiness of Subway’s bacon, opinions are divided. On one hand, a serving of two bacon strips contains only 45 calories and 4 grams of fat, which may seem relatively low. However, health experts warn that bacon is high in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
According to nutritionists, 50% of the fat in bacon comes from saturated and polyunsaturated fats, with the majority being saturated. This means that while the oleic acid and monounsaturated fat in bacon may have some potential benefits, they are outweighed by the negative effects of the saturated fat and cholesterol.
Furthermore, Subway’s Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich, which features bacon as a topping, is loaded with calorie-dense ingredients and has a high fat content. A footlong sandwich contains 56 grams of fat and 2160 mg of sodium, both of which are above the recommended daily amounts.
How Does Subway Cook Their Bacon?
Subway’s bacon is always pre-cooked and is only reheated to provide customers with the best flavor. The bacon is cooked in batches and then stored in a warming tray until it is needed for a sandwich order. When a customer orders a sandwich with bacon, the bacon is taken from the warming tray and placed on a paper towel-lined tray. The bacon is then microwaved for a few seconds to heat it up and make it crispy. Once the bacon is heated, it is added to the sandwich along with other toppings and condiments.
It’s worth noting that Subway recently made changes to their bacon, which is now hickory-smoked. This change was part of a larger menu revamp aimed at improving the quality of their ingredients. Subway also sliced their turkey and ham more thinly and brought back past items like rotisserie-style chicken and roast beef.
Can You Customize Your Bacon At Subway?
Yes, you can customize your bacon at Subway. While the bacon itself is pre-cooked, Subway offers a variety of toppings and sauces that you can add to your sandwich to make it your own. You can choose from a variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, as well as sauces like mayonnaise, mustard, and ranch dressing. Additionally, Subway’s new menu includes new sandwich toppings that you can add to your bacon sandwich to enhance its flavor. So, whether you prefer your bacon crispy or chewy, Subway provides plenty of options for customization.
Other Bacon Options At Subway
If you’re looking for alternative bacon options at Subway, you may be disappointed to find that they only offer pork bacon slices. However, with their recent menu refresh, Subway has switched to hickory-smoked bacon, which may offer a more robust and smoky flavor compared to their previous bacon.
It’s worth noting that Subway does offer a variety of sandwiches with different meats, such as turkey and ham, which may be a healthier option for those looking to cut down on their pork intake. Additionally, Subway offers a plant-based option called the T.L.C. (Tastes Like Chicken) sandwich, which is made with vegan chicken strips and topped with vegan cheese and vegetables.