Subway Sandwiches, Ranked From Worst to First

Some Subway sandwiches regularly hit the spot. Others? Not so much.

When you’re hungry for something quick and simple, yet healthier than a McDonald’s cheeseburger, where do you usually go? If you’re like millions of Americans, Subway is probably the answer.

The chain’s subs, served on 6-inch or foot-long rolls, are reliably satisfying. But not all are created equal. While some sandwiches sing with a perfect balance of ingredients, others are, shall we say, lackluster at best.

We all have our opinions. But we’re sharing ours by ranking 20 Subway signature sandwiches based on ingredients, messiness, nutrition and overall taste. Let’s dig in.

20. Classic Tuna

Subway

Ingredients: Flaked tuna blended with mayo, choice of veggies

The Classic Tuna is smelly, soggy and messy. And if you think that’s ok because it’s at least one of the healthier options on the menu (it’s fish, after all), think again. It has 100 calories more than the far superior steak-and-cheese sub.

Why? Because it’s swimming in mayo. As one anonymous Subway employee told “So Yummy” in a rather chilling expose:

“Your Subway tuna sandwich is 90% mayonnaise. How did we prepare the tuna? Take one can of tuna the size of your fist and empty it into a vat. Take a big 2ltr bag of mayonnaise and splosh it in the vat. Mix it haphazardly for 2 minutes until it’s a semi-consistent mush. Cringe when customers ask for ‘just a little bit’ of light mayo on their tuna sandwich because they’re on a diet.”

Unless you live by the mantra that there’s no such thing as too much mayo (and hey — you do you), it’s better to make your tuna sandwiches at home.

What People Say About the Classic Tuna Sandwich

A4 DYK @Subway’s Classic Tuna Sub has more calories than a Steak and Cheese Sub? #MenuLabeling keeps you informed. pic.twitter.com/y9VTlnbm2y

— CSPI (@CSPI) May 11, 2018

19. Veggie Delite

Subway

Ingredients: Choice of veggies

Okay, the health-star rating on this one is pretty high, but everything else is low. You’re really just paying to put a salad in between bread. TBH, what’s the point?

Even if you’re vegetarian, this sandwich doesn’t deliver. As writer Adam Rathbarth put it in “Vice,” “As a vegetarian sandwich, the Veggie Delite absolutely fails. It comprises only raw vegetables, nothing cooked, and there isn’t even a recommended sauce or topping to tie the flavors and textures together.” (Then again, this was in a story defending the sandwich as the writer’s guilty-pleasure favorite.)

Unfortunately, Subway is infamously bad at catering to vegetarians in general. A few stores are starting to sell Meatball Marinaras with plant-based fake meat, which is a surprisingly tasty choice. If you can’t find that at your local store, the best you can do is to order the Veggie Delite with lots of avocado, to make it at least vaguely interesting.

What People Say About the Veggie Delite Sandwich

watching someone order a veggie delight pic.twitter.com/DEhgAB0kml

— Subway WWExperience (@WWESubway) February 17, 2016

18. Chicken and Bacon Ranch Melt

Subway

Ingredients: All-white, seasoned chicken; savory bacon; Monterey cheddar cheese; choice of veggies

Oh yes, we did put this sandwich low on our list. It’s messy. It’s unhealthy. It’s flavorless. And, most blasphemous of all, it’s often lacking enough ranch dressing, which is kind of the whole point of ordering the thing.

Readers: This sub is simply not worth your valuable time.

What People Say About the Chicken and Bacon Ranch Melt

@SubwayUK just got the 'Chicken and Bacon Ranch Melt'… (sent someone with a list for a few as at work). No ranch sauce, no cheese ? #bitdry pic.twitter.com/BXU6ANNAES

— Sarah (@SarahEMJ) March 9, 2019

17. Rotisserie-Style Chicken

Subway

Ingredients: Tender, hand-pulled chicken; choice of veggies

This chicken sub has more oomf than its lame, “oven-roasted” “chicken” cousin. The hand-pulled meat actually holds the rotisserie flavor and seasoning. If you choose the right veggies, it’s all quite tasty and healthy. And best yet, it’s proudly antibiotic-free, meaning no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

So why isn’t it higher on the list? Because it’s still the Average Joe of subs, with nothing particularly special or unique about it. And your local deli almost certainly makes a much better version.

What People Say About the Rotisserie-Style Chicken Sandwich

Thanks @SUBWAY! The new Rotisserie-Style Chicken raised without antibiotics & topped with fresh veggies = #DELISH pic.twitter.com/NgWkgZh0SX

— Z100 New York (@Z100NewYork) March 1, 2016

16. Black Forest Ham

Subway

Ingredients: Black Forest ham, choice of veggies

Bonus points for the fancy name. Negative points for blatant false advertising.

Per European law, only licensed butchers working in the Black Forest region of Germany can manufacture Black Forest ham. (Kind of like Champagne only technically being Champagne when it’s from that region of France.)

But as “Modern Farmer” points out, here in the U.S., “Black Forest ham can still be found in everything from Subway sandwiches to Tyson packages…with nary a thought to a German forest.”

In other words: This sandwich is full of lies.

What People Say About the Black Forest Ham Sandwich

When you just ordered that Black Forest Ham® footlong for just $6 from @SUBWAY and you want the world to know pic.twitter.com/4GUdvCfJmS

— Tatered (@tatered) May 2, 2017

15. Cold Cut Combo

Subway

Ingredients: Ham, salami, bologna, choice of veggies

This is the standard sub you can order a million times and know that it will always turn out the same. The bologna will always be the overpowering taste. The veggies will always make you feel better about it. Mom will always be able to make a far superior version.

What makes this sandwich a top-10 contender is its appearance in the classic comedy “Happy Gilmore,” which ensures you can quote the film every time you order it: “Cold-cut combo from Subway! I eat three every day to keep me strong.”

That has to be worth something.

What People Say About the Cold Cut Combo Sandwich

“The Cold Cut Combo is my Subway sandwich because of this movie. I tried it because of this movie and I liked it and I still do.” pic.twitter.com/FZZnlIyZf4

— justin L! cousson (@justincousson) November 1, 2017

14. Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki

Subway

Ingredients: Teriyaki-glazed chicken strips, sweet onion sauce, choice of veggies

Ok, let’s start with the bad news: This sandwich has only 42.8 percent real chicken DNA — even less than the much-maligned Oven-Roasted Chicken sub.

The good news? This one at least tastes good. The marinated chicken chunks are satisfyingly hefty, the sweet onion sauce (which is fat-free, by the way) adds a nice bit of flavor, and the whole thing pairs well with your choice of veggies. Who needs real chicken anyways?

What People Say About the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich

Stores in the strip mall across from your high school come and go, but the Subway where you cried into too many sweet onion chicken teriyaki sandwiches over 10th grade AP Chem is forever.

— Katie McGuire (@katielizmcguire) April 7, 2018

13. Steak and Cheese

Subway

Ingredients: Steak, cheese, choice of veggies

Not quite a Philly cheesesteak, but kudos for the effort.

Health and nutrition take a back seat with this sandwich, but the flavor is all there. Even better is the Chipotle Southwest Steak & Cheese, which adds a fiery sauce to the mix. It was introduced in 2018 and has been earning rave reviews.

(Oh, and take it from us: This sub is a savior when it comes to curing a hangover.)

What People Think of the Steak and Cheese Sandwich

I’m not much of a Subway fan but I had a Steak and Cheese with Chipotle southwest source yesterday and I’m thinking of going for another one because it was so damn good. pic.twitter.com/YDKGBJQqxO

— Jaqub Ajmal (@JaqubAjmal) October 6, 2019

12. Roast Beef

Subway

Ingredients: Lean, sliced roast beef; choice of veggies

Some people love roast beef sandwiches, whole others consider them thoroughly mediocre. We generally agree with the latter camp, but have to admit Subway’s version is pretty legit. The roast beef is beefy (for lack of a better word) and pairs well with a slice of cheese, a few crunchy veggies and, if you’re feeling bold, sweet onion sauce.

When toasted, this is a good sandwich. It’s just not the best.

What People Say About the Roast Beef Sandwich

my subway sandwich is 6 inch italian bread, roast beef, bacon, shredded cheese, toast that shit then add mayo, pickles, black olives, and banana peppers. too good i’m gonna go to subway today

— kendall (@kndallmez) February 8, 2023

11. Subway Club

Subway

Ingredients: Oven-roasted turkey, roast beef, Black Forest ham, provolone cheese, choice of veggies

The Subway club is simple yet hearty. The turkey, beef and ham complement each other nicely. When topped with fresh veggies and a simple sauce, it’s perfectly satisfying.

But while we appreciate the attempt at doing things differently, it is incredibly weird to not put bacon on a basic club sandwich. Isn’t bacon kind of the whole point of a club sandwich?

Perhaps due to vigorous complaints about this egregious omission, Subway introduced a Club Collection within its twelve new signature sandwiches in 2022. Two of the three feature bacon. If a classic club isn’t enough for you, go for the Turkey Cali Club, made with oven-roasted turkey, crisp bacon, BelGioioso fresh mozzarella and smashed Hass avocado.

What People Say About the Subway Club

Just ordered Subway Club and bacon was an extra charge, who makes a Club with no bacon #Subway

— Scott Troyer (@troyer_scott) October 16, 2015

10. Turkey Breast

Subway

Ingredients: Premium sliced turkey breast, choice of veggies

Don’t let the simplicity of this sandwich fool you. The single cold-cut factor lets you get creative with the customization. Feeling fancy? Dress it up with avocado and cheese. More of a sass monster? Jalapeños and tomatoes add a kick.

Want to get weird with yourself and throw mayo, ranch, banana peppers, American cheese and red peppers in there? Ok, we might judge you a little, because that sounds disgusting. But hey, it’s a free country.

What People Say About the Turkey Breast Sandwich

I think I'm addicted to Subway all over again…it's been 3 weeks and I've eaten a Turkey Breast Sub with Bacon and Cheese on Brown everyday

— Blaise Plant (@BlaisePlant) August 31, 2010

9. Turkey Cali Club

Subway

Ingredients: Oven-roasted turkey, crisp bacon, BelGioioso fresh mozzarella, smashed Hass avocado

Want an improved version of both the club and the turkey breast? Go for this sub, one of Subway’s 12 new signature sandwiches, released in 2022. Elevating the turkey sandwich with crisp bacon, it also adds avocado and mozzarella.

We recommend getting it toasted and filling it with many veggies to make it even tastier and crunchier.

What People Say About the Turkey Cali Club

My food of the month is the Turkey Cali Club from Subway. In just glad we have more than one location in town so they don't recognize me as a regular

— Clayton (@FunkyInFloral) January 9, 2023

8. Meatball Marinara

Subway

Ingredients: Meatballs, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese

You’ve got one very important question to answer concerning the Meatball Marinara: toasted or not toasted? (Hint: Toasted is the only correct answer.)

While the Meatball Marinara made with actual meat is close to perfection, as noted before, the plant-based Beyond Meat Meatball Marinara introduced at select stores in September 2019 is actually pretty satisfying too. Subway is clearly trying to capitalize on something with the new sandwich; when Burger King introduced an Impossible Whopper made with faux-meat, foot traffic to its stores selling the burger increased by 18.5 percent.

Whichever version of this sandwich you choose, a warning: Don’t wear white while consuming this product.

What People Say About the Meatball Marinara Sandwich

You have to try @SUBWAY's new @BeyondMeat Meatball Marinara sub — it's beyond tasty!

Order the sandwich without cheese to make it completely #vegan https://t.co/yZjUNGQZCs

— PETA (@peta) September 11, 2019

7. The Boss

Subway

Ingredients: Juicy meatballs in marinara sauce, pepperoni, BelGioioso fresh mozzarella, sprinkled with parmesan and served toasted on Italian herbs and cheese bread

Like the Turkey Cali Club, the Boss is a new addition to the family that acts as an elevated version of the regular Meatball Marinara sandwich. It has all the great qualities of the original, but it also includes pepperoni slices and mozzarella — which really makes a difference.

The choice basically comes down to taste. If you like flavorful but simple, go for the original, but if you like complex layered flavors, the Boss is the winner.

What People Say About the Boss Sandwich

Just got a #6 "The Boss" from my local Subway. Man what a delicious sandwich. I personally love the pepperoni and the meatball marinara.

— giorno (@jaaryk) February 7, 2023

6. The Great Garlic

Subway

Ingredients: Rotisserie-style chicken, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes and red onions, served toasted on artisan Italian bread — and all topped off with new creamy roasted garlic aioli

Garlic lovers can rejoice for this sandwich. The chicken and bacon create the perfect salty blend that is only enhanced by the garlic aioli.

What People Say About the Great Garlic

I don't want friends I want the great garlic from subway

— mikey (@MonstrosTooth) September 20, 2022

5. The MexiCali

Subway

Ingredients: Juicy rotisserie-style chicken, smashed avocado, double Pepper Jack cheese

If you haven’t been to Subway in a while, head there to try their MexiCali sandwich. Bringing a fusion of flavors together, you can expect double Pepper Jack cheese and smoky Baja Chipotle sauce. The avocado also pairs nicely with the tender chicken.

Choose artisan Italian bread for the best version of this sandwich. The added texture and softness of the bread perfectly complement the ingredients.

What People Say About the MexiCali Sandwich

The new Mexicali sandwich at subway is straight fire

— DeeskiiePhantom (@Deeskiie_) August 26, 2022

4. The Outlaw

Subway

Ingredients: Steak, double Pepper Jack cheese, green peppers, Baja Chipotle sauce

Subway finally has a real Philly cheesesteak sandwich. But let’s be honest. If you wanted an authentic Philly, you’re better off going to other specialized chains or sub shops.

That said, the new Outlaw sandwich hits the spot when you want something close to a cheesesteak. We appreciate how well the Baja Chipotle sauce ties in with the Pepper Jack cheese.

What People Say About the Outlaw Sandwich

Tried the Outlaw, footlong pro at @SUBWAY today. All but gave up on Subway until this new menu came out. Absolutely fantastic. Well done pic.twitter.com/EwtbEMbZor

— (@ECRoberts3) February 3, 2023

3. The Monster

Subway

Ingredients: Steak, bacon, double Monterey cheddar, green peppers, red onions

Like the Outlaw, the Monster is one of Subway’s takes on the cheesesteak. But besides juicy steak, the sandwich offers crispy bacon and Monterey cheddar. It’s topped off with peppercorn ranch for an added kick.

We wouldn’t necessarily agree that it’s a monster in terms of size, but it’s definitely a sub to get when you’re very hungry.

What People Say About the Monster Sandwich

The Monster sub from subway tho! Just became my FAVORITE.

— (@iamMyraMarie) September 10, 2022

2. Italian B.M.T.

Subway

Ingredients: Pepperoni, Genoa salami, Black Forest ham, cheese, choice of veggies

The saltiness of the cold cuts makes this Subway sandwich an all-timer. If you really want to kick this sub into high gear, add lettuce, tomato, pepper, onion, banana peppers and olives. Then sprinkle olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper on top. Have it for lunch. Have it for breakfast. Have it for dinner. Have it for all three. You won’t be disappointed.

The one drawback? The sandwich’s super-confusing name, which sounds like it stands for individual ingredients, a la a BLT, but is actually an acronym for “Bigger, Meatier, Tastier.” Say what?

What People Say About the Italian Italian B.M.T. Sandwich

the subway sandwich "Italian BMT" has an acronym in its name that helps you remember which meats are on it
B – Salami
M – Pepperoni
T – Ham

— ret (@rad_milk) May 18, 2017

1. Spicy Italian

Subway

Ingredients: Pepperoni, Genoa salami, cheese, choice of veggies

Da, da, da, daaaa! We have a winner!

The Spicy Italian is an upgrade to the Italian B.M.T., because let’s be real, they’re almost identical except that this one forgoes the ham. Without that unnecessary meat, you can focus on customizing this baby to your heart’s desire, letting the spicy salami and pepperoni work their magic.

It may not be the healthiest option, but the only real issue with this sammy is the potential to inhale it too fast. We’ll make this a 12-inch sub because we never want it to end.

What People Say About the Spicy Italian Sandwich

Subway’s spicy italian is so goooood

— Mads (@madeleineisidro) February 7, 2023

Honorable Mention: Pit Smoked Brisket

Subway

Ingredients: Brisket that’s been slow-smoked for at least 13 hours, smoked cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, signature Italian bread

The Pit Smoked Brisket rolled out in September 2019 for a limited time. And people were very happy.

Subway did its best to make this barbecue classic the real deal, using tender slow-cooked meat, melted cheese and a sauce with kick.

Hopefully, it’ll come back one day as a permanent menu item.

What People Say About the Pit Smoked Brisket Sandwich

This girl shot me a “whatta creep” look after she
caught me staring in her direction.

Unbeknownst to her though, I was actually zoned out looking at the poster for Subways new Pit Smoked Brisket BBQ Sandwich on the wall behind her. @SUBWAY There’s a commercial for ya.

— Grant Varner (@Uh_oh_Grant) September 3, 2019

Dishonorable Mention: Oven Roasted Chicken

Subway

Ingredients: Savory chicken, choice of veggies

We’re just going to say it: The Oven-Roasted Chicken sub was weak. The meat was dry and flat, and doesn’t look or taste in any way roasted. Worse yet, it wasn’t even fully chicken.

According to reporting by the Canadian Broadcasting Company, only 53.6 percent of this so-called “chicken” was made up of actual chicken DNA; the rest was mostly soy. (Subway, not surprisingly, has refuted these findings.)

Not surprisingly, the chain quietly discontinued this sandwich in 2022. Some people were mad. And we won’t pretend to understand them.

What People Say About the Oven Roasted Chicken Sandwich

the oven roasted chicken from @SUBWAY has been discontinued; please keep me in your prayers during this difficult time pic.twitter.com/xERXVBDTke

— Cecelia | 91 days til DVM (@cecelia_bedelia) October 27, 2022