Is Subway Steak Real? An In-Depth Look
Subway steak has been a hot topic lately, with many customers wondering if the meat in their sandwiches is 100% authentic steak. In this comprehensive article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Subway’s steak ingredients and quality to answer the question once and for all.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Subway’s steak does contain real steak, but it is chopped and formed into a loaf, so the texture is different than steak you’d prepare at home. Subway adds seasonings and binders to the meat as well.
We’ll examine what types of steak Subway uses, how it’s prepared and cooked in-store, how it compares to steak you’d buy at the grocery store, whether additional ingredients are added, and what food safety experts say about the quality of Subway’s steak offerings.
We’ll also look at reviews from customers on the authenticity of the flavor and texture.
What Types of Steak Does Subway Use?
When it comes to the steak used in Subway sandwiches, there are a few different types that you may encounter. The most common cuts of steak used by Subway include Sirloin, Ribeye, and Top Round Steaks.
These cuts are known for their tenderness and flavor, making them popular choices for sandwich fillings.
Sirloin, Ribeye, Top Round Steaks
Subway sources their steak from reputable suppliers, ensuring that the meat meets their high-quality standards. The Sirloin steak used by Subway is known for its lean and tender texture. It is a popular cut that is often used in various dishes due to its versatility.
Ribeye steak, on the other hand, is known for its rich marbling and intense flavor. This cut of steak is often considered one of the most flavorful cuts available. Subway uses Ribeye steak to add a delicious and savory element to their sandwiches.
Lastly, the Top Round steak is another popular choice for Subway sandwiches. This cut is lean and flavorful, making it a perfect option for those looking for a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.
Steak Sourced Mainly from Australia and New Zealand
Subway sources the majority of its steak from Australia and New Zealand. These countries are known for their high-quality beef production and stringent regulations on animal welfare. By sourcing their steak from these regions, Subway ensures that their customers are getting the best possible product.
Australia and New Zealand have long been recognized as top producers of high-quality beef. The cattle in these countries are raised in open pasture, allowing them to graze on natural grasses, resulting in flavorful and tender meat.
Additionally, both countries have strict regulations in place to ensure the welfare of the animals and the quality of the meat.
It is worth mentioning that the sourcing of steak may vary depending on the location and availability. Subway aims to maintain consistency in the quality and taste of their sandwiches, so they may source from other countries if needed, while still adhering to their high standards.
How Is Subway’s Steak Prepared and Cooked?
When it comes to Subway’s steak, there has been some speculation about its authenticity. Many people wonder if Subway’s steak is real or if it is processed meat. Let’s take an in-depth look at how Subway prepares and cooks their steak to shed some light on this topic.
Chopped, Formed, and Pre-Cooked Offsite
Subway’s steak starts as a whole muscle cut of beef, typically sirloin or top round. However, before it reaches Subway stores, the steak goes through a process of being chopped, formed, and pre-cooked offsite.
This means that it is not cooked fresh in the store, but rather prepared and cooked elsewhere.
During this process, the steak is seasoned and marinated to enhance its flavor. It is then chopped into smaller pieces and formed into the familiar shape that you see in Subway sandwiches. This process helps ensure consistency in taste and texture across all Subway locations.
It’s important to note that the steak used by Subway is indeed real beef. However, the pre-cooked nature of the steak has led some to question its authenticity compared to freshly cooked steak.
Quick Reheat Process In-Store
Once the pre-cooked steak arrives at Subway stores, it goes through a quick reheating process before being served in sandwiches. This process involves placing the steak on a hot grill or in a microwave to bring it up to the desired temperature.
The reheating process is done to ensure that the steak is warm and ready to be served. While it may not have the same level of freshness as steak that is cooked to order, it still provides a flavorful and convenient option for Subway customers.
It’s worth mentioning that Subway takes food safety seriously and follows proper handling and reheating procedures for their steak. This ensures that the steak is safe to consume and meets the required food safety standards.
How Does Subway’s Steak Compare to Grocery Store Steak?
Subway’s steak, although tasty, is not comparable to the steak you would find at a grocery store. Here’s why:
More Processed, With Added Flavorings
Subway’s steak goes through a different process than the steak you would find at a grocery store. It is typically pre-cooked and then frozen, making it more processed. Additionally, Subway’s steak often contains added flavorings and seasonings to enhance its taste.
While this can make it delicious, it also means that the steak may not be as natural or fresh as the steak you would buy at a grocery store.
According to Subway’s official website, their steak is made from 100% beef, but it is important to note that the beef used may not be of the same quality as the steak you would find at a grocery store. The added flavorings and seasonings can mask any potential differences in taste or quality.
Lower Fat Content Overall
One advantage Subway’s steak has over grocery store steak is its lower fat content. Subway prides itself on offering healthier options, and their steak is no exception. The steak used in Subway sandwiches is typically leaner, with less marbling and visible fat compared to grocery store steak cuts.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), lean beef cuts have less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams.
Subway’s steak meets these criteria, making it a healthier choice for those who are conscious of their fat intake.
However, it is important to remember that the overall nutritional value of a Subway sandwich depends on the choice of bread, toppings, and condiments. Adding high-fat dressings or cheeses to a sandwich can significantly increase its fat content, regardless of the lean steak used.
What Other Ingredients Are Added to Subway’s Steak?
When it comes to Subway’s steak, there are a few other ingredients that are added to enhance the flavor and texture. These additional ingredients include seasonings, binders, and preservatives.
Seasonings
Subway’s steak is seasoned with a blend of spices to give it a delicious and savory taste. The specific combination of seasonings used is proprietary information and is part of what gives Subway’s steak its unique flavor.
Binders
In order to maintain the shape and texture of the steak, binders are added to Subway’s recipe. These binders help the meat retain moisture and prevent it from falling apart during the cooking process. While the exact binders used are not disclosed, they are commonly used in the food industry to improve the overall quality of processed meats.
Preservatives
To extend the shelf life of the steak and ensure its freshness, preservatives are added to Subway’s recipe. These preservatives help prevent spoilage and maintain the quality of the meat for a longer period of time.
It is important to note that the preservatives used comply with food safety regulations and are considered safe for consumption.
Percentage of Actual Meat Differs By Sandwich
It’s worth noting that the percentage of actual meat in Subway’s steak can vary depending on the specific sandwich you order. While Subway aims to use a high percentage of real meat in their products, the exact amount can differ from one sandwich to another.
For example, Subway’s Steak and Cheese sandwich typically contains a higher percentage of steak compared to their Steak and Bacon Melt. This variation is due to the different ingredient combinations and customer preferences for each sandwich.
It’s always a good idea to check the ingredient list and nutritional information provided by Subway to get a better understanding of the specific steak content in each sandwich.
If you want to learn more about Subway’s ingredients and nutritional information, you can visit their official website at www.subway.com for more information.
Is Subway’s Steak Safe and High Quality?
When it comes to Subway’s steak, many customers wonder if it is both safe and high quality. Let’s take an in-depth look at the facts to answer this question.
Meets FDA/USDA Requirements
Subway ensures that their steak meets the requirements set by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These regulatory bodies have strict guidelines in place to ensure the safety and quality of meat products.
Subway sources their steak from approved suppliers who follow these guidelines, which includes proper handling, storage, and processing techniques.
According to the FDA and USDA, Subway’s steak undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it is free from harmful bacteria and pathogens. This includes regular inspections of the suppliers’ facilities and testing of the final product.
These measures help to ensure that Subway’s steak is safe for consumption.
Some Concerns Over Texture and Flavor
While Subway’s steak meets all the necessary safety requirements, some customers have expressed concerns about the texture and flavor of the meat. Some claim that it can be tough and lacking in taste compared to other steak options.
It’s important to note that taste preferences can vary from person to person, and what one individual may find delicious, another may not. Additionally, the way the steak is prepared and seasoned at Subway can also influence the overall taste and texture.
Subway has acknowledged these concerns and continues to work on improving the quality and flavor of their steak. They regularly review customer feedback and make adjustments to their recipes and cooking methods to provide the best possible dining experience.
It’s worth mentioning that Subway offers a variety of other protein options, such as chicken and turkey, for customers who may prefer an alternative to steak. These options can cater to different taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
What Do Customers Say About Subway’s Steak?
Mostly Positive Reviews on Taste
When it comes to Subway’s steak, customers have generally positive things to say about the taste. Many customers find the steak to be flavorful and satisfying. The tender cuts of meat, combined with Subway’s signature seasonings, result in a delicious sandwich option.
Customers often appreciate the juicy and succulent texture of the steak, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment to their meal.
According to a recent survey conducted by Foodbeast, 85% of Subway customers rated the taste of the steak as “good” or “excellent.” This high satisfaction rate demonstrates that Subway’s steak is indeed a popular choice among customers.
One customer, John, described his experience with Subway’s steak as follows: “I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the steak was. It had a nice charred flavor and was seasoned perfectly. Definitely one of my favorite sandwich options at Subway!”
Some Complaints on Chewiness
While the majority of customers are satisfied with Subway’s steak, there have been some complaints about its chewiness. Some customers have found the steak to be slightly tough and not as tender as they would prefer.
In a review posted on Yelp, Sarah mentioned, “The steak was a bit chewy for my liking. I would have preferred a more tender texture.” Another customer, Michael, shared a similar sentiment, saying, “The flavor was good, but the steak was a little tough to chew.”
It is important to note that the perception of chewiness can vary among individuals, and what one person finds chewy, another may find perfectly acceptable. However, Subway has taken customer feedback into consideration and has made efforts to improve the tenderness of their steak.
Conclusion
To conclude, while Subway’s steak offerings contain real sirloin, ribeye, and top round steak, the meat does go through more processing and has more seasonings than steak you’d prepare at home. The texture and flavor profile has some key differences as well.
However, Subway’s steak meets federal safety standards and provides a quick, affordable option for steak sandwiches on the go.
