What is Subway flatbread made of?

Subway flatbread is the signature bread used in Subway sandwiches. The flatbread has a thin, flat shape and comes in several varieties including Italian white, 9 grain wheat, honey oat, and more. But what exactly goes into making Subway’s popular flatbread?

The Main Ingredients

The primary ingredients in Subway flatbread are:

  • Flour – Typically a blend of white and wheat flours.
  • Water – Hydrates the dough.
  • Yeast – Leavens the dough to make it rise.
  • Salt – Adds flavor.
  • Sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
  • Oil – Keeps the bread from drying out.

The specific types and proportions of flour help give each flatbread variety its unique texture and flavor. The Italian white is made with refined white flour for softness, while the 9 grain wheat contains whole wheat and a blend of grains like oats, millet, and flax for nuttiness. The basic flatbread dough starts with a simple mixture of flour, water, yeast, salt, sugar, and oil.

Shaping the Dough

After mixing and kneading the dough, it gets sheeted into a thin flatbread shape. Subway flattens each dough ball into an oblong oval between 10-12 inches long. This gives the bread its signature flat, thin profile when baked. The dough is kept thin enough to produce a flexible flatbread that can be folded around sandwich fillings without becoming dense or bready.

Baking Process

The shaped dough pieces are then proofed, parbaked, and cooled before being shipped out to Subway locations. Here is an overview of Subway’s flatbread production process:

  • Proofing – The dough is left to rise and develop flavor.
  • Partbaking – The dough is partially baked to set the structure while retaining flexibility.
  • Cooling – The parbaked breads are cooled to stop the baking process.
  • Freezing – Breads are frozen for storage and distribution.
  • Thawing – Breads are thawed at the Subway restaurants.
  • Baking – Breads are baked again in-house to finish cooking through.

This process creates a flatbread with an airy interior and chewy bite. The partial baking sets the crumb structure without fully cooking the inside. Thawing and the second baking step finalizes the baking so the bread is fresh and crispy when used to assemble sandwiches.

Ingredients by Variety

While the basic dough is the same, ingredients are tweaked for each different flatbread variety.

Italian White

  • Unbleached enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
  • Water
  • Yeast
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Extra virgin olive oil

The Italian White has a simple recipe focused on the wheaty flavor of unbleached flour and the richness of olive oil.

9 Grain Wheat

  • Whole wheat flour
  • Enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, barley malt, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
  • Water
  • Yeast
  • Salt
  • Cracked wheat
  • Flaxseeds
  • Rolled oats
  • Triticale flakes
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Millet
  • Soybean oil

With 9 different grains, this bread has a heartier texture and nuttier, multi-grain taste.

Honey Oat

  • Whole wheat flour
  • Enriched unbleached wheat flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
  • Water
  • Yeast
  • Sugar
  • Honey
  • Rolled oats
  • Barley malt
  • Soybean oil
  • Salt
  • Malted barley flour

Honey and oats add a touch of sweetness and give this bread a hearty, rustic texture.

Flatbread Nutrition Facts

Here is the nutrition breakdown for a standard 6-inch Subway Italian White Flatbread:

Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories 210
Total Fat 2.5g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 430mg
Total Carbohydrates 42g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 3g
Protein 7g

The flatbread is relatively low in fat and sodium. It provides a good amount of carbohydrates and protein for energy. The fiber content is slightly higher than regular white bread.

Ingredients to Avoid

Subway flatbreads are made without:

  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Artificial flavors
  • Artificial colors
  • Preservatives

By avoiding these additives, Subway can produce bread with a short list of simple, recognizable ingredients.

Customization Options

Subway allows for lots of customization when it comes to bread choices. Some options include:

  • 6-inch vs. 12-inch size
  • White, wheat, or multigrain varieties
  • Gluten-free bread
  • Lettuce wrap or bowl instead of bread

With the regular flats and gluten-free varieties, many different bread options are available to accommodate preferences and dietary needs.

Baking Process In-Store

After being partially baked and frozen at central supply facilities, the flatbreads are shipped out to Subway locations. Each restaurant bakes them fresh in-house daily. Breads are thawed and then fully baked for about 4-8 minutes right before sandwich assembly. This gives them a hot, crisp exterior and soft interior.

Baking the breads in-store provides the signature just-baked aroma and taste customers expect from Subway sandwiches. Instead of serving pre-baked breads that have been sitting around, baking on-site ensures every sandwich has fresh, hot flatbread straight from the oven.

Quality Control

Subway has strict quality control measures to ensure consistent flatbread production across all restaurants. This includes:

  • Supplier oversight – Approved suppliers rigorously follow specifications.
  • Test baking – Random sampling to check product quality.
  • Process monitoring – Temperature, proofing, and baking time strictly controlled.
  • Food safety audits – Regular audits to inspect facilities and procedures.

By controlling the ingredients, process, and production environment, Subway produces flatbreads with reliable taste and texture.

History of Subway Bread

In the early days, Subway only had white bread. The brand’s signature flatbread was introduced in 1983. Here are some key milestones:

  • 1983 – Italian White Flatbread launched.
  • 1995 – Multigrain Wheat Flatbread introduced.
  • 1998 – Spoon-shaped bread came out.
  • 2002 – Subway started baking bread in-store.
  • 2009 – Jalapeño Cheese Flatbread debuted.
  • 2012 – Gluten-Free Flatbread released.
  • 2014 – Ancient Grains Flatbread introduced.

Subway continues to innovate with new varieties like pretzel bread, chipotle cheese, and signature sandwiches on unique flats like tomato basil. However, the original Italian white remains a top seller.

Nutritional Benefits

Unlike many fast food sandwiches served on enriched white rolls, Subway flatbread provides some nutritional advantages:

  • Whole grains – Options like 9 grain wheat and honey oat provide filling fiber.
  • Lower carbs – Flatbreads have less total carbohydrates than many breads.
  • Less sodium – Subway bread has minimal added salt.
  • No HFCS – No high-fructose corn syrup added.
  • Gluten-free – Gluten-free flatbread available.

While not the healthiest bread options out there, Subway flats provide a fresher, less processed alternative to typical fast food white rolls.

Cost Efficiency

Subway is able to produce flatbread efficiently through smart sourcing, scaled production, and distribution. Some cost-saving production methods include:

  • Regional suppliers provide bulk ingredients like flour.
  • Centralized bakeries maximize output.
  • Partially baked breads allow bulk freezing.
  • Direct store delivery reduces third-party costs.

Menu prices are also kept in check thanks to the reasonable ingredient costs. Subway can sell flats for under $2 when purchasing flour, yeast, and grains in bulk.

Comparison to Other Bread

How does Subway flatbread compare to bread from other sandwich chains?

vs. Quiznos

  • Quiznos uses a shorter, rounder roll.
  • Subway bread is oblong shaped.
  • Quiznos bread is made with milk and butter.
  • Subway flatbread only uses water, flour, oil, sugar, salt, and yeast.

vs. Jimmy Johns

  • Jimmy Johns uses French bread with a crunchy crust.
  • Subway has a flexible flatbread.
  • Jimmy John’s offers fewer bread options.
  • Subway has white, wheat, multigrain, gluten-free, etc.

vs. Jersey Mike’s

  • Jersey Mike’s has chewy submarine rolls.
  • Subway bread is thin and flat.
  • Jersey Mike’s lets you choose sliced or unsliced.
  • Subway only has presliced flatbread.

While others often go for oblong rolls, chewy loaves, or short rolls, Subway uses its easily foldable flatbreads to create a lighter, simpler sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Subway bread healthy?

Compared to many fast-food sandwiches made with enriched white rolls, Subway flatbread can provide a somewhat healthier alternative thanks to whole grain varieties, lower sodium, and no high-fructose corn syrup.

Is Subway bread baked in-store?

Yes, Subway flatbreads are partially baked at supply facilities then finished baking throughout the day inside each restaurant to provide fresh sandwiches.

Does Subway bake their bread fresh daily?

While not made from scratch in-store, Subway bread is baked fresh multiple times per day at each location.

What is Subway’s most popular bread?

The Italian White Flatbread is the traditional favorite. 9-Grain Wheat and Honey Oat are other customer top choices.

Does Subway have vegan bread?

Yes, Subway’s gluten-free and Italian white breads are both vegan-friendly.

Nutritional Comparison to Other Bread

Here is how Subway flatbread stacks up against the nutrition facts of some other popular bread types:

Bread Calories Fat Carbs Protein
Subway Flatbread 210 2.5g 42g 7g
White Sandwich Bread 240 2g 49g 8g
Sourdough Bread 220 1g 44g 8g
Whole Wheat Bread 180 3g 36g 8g
Rye Bread 200 2g 41g 6g
Baguette 270 1g 55g 8g

Subway flatbread generally has moderate fat, carbs, and protein compared to most bread options.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, Subway’s flatbread keeps it simple. Using just flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and oils, Subway creates lighter sandwiches on thin, foldable flats. While not the healthiest bread ever, it rises above many fast food rolls and provides a range of flavors and varieties from Italian White to 9-Grain Wheat. Partially baked offsite and finished fresh in-store, the bread provides a hot crispy exterior and soft inside perfect for building sandwiches your way.

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