10 Of The Worst Things To Get At Subway, According To Employees

bad Subway menu items

Subway might be known for its custom sandwiches and quick meals, but not every option is a fan favorite. Even the employees who prep the food daily have their own list of items they’d rather not see ordered.

Whether it’s due to strange textures, unpopular flavors, or prep issues, these are the items that get the most side-eyes behind the counter. If you want to know what to skip next time you visit, start here.

Tuna Sandwich

Tuna Sandwich
© Reddit

The tuna mix arrives in a vacuum-sealed pouch and gets scooped out in pre-portioned blobs. Its texture can be wet and uneven.

Many employees say it sits too long in the prep bin and doesn’t always smell fresh. Some even question what’s actually in it.

Meatball Marinara

Meatball Marinara
© Reddit

This saucy sandwich can turn into a soggy mess within minutes. The meatballs often sit in a heated bin for hours.

The bread gets overwhelmed fast, and the meatballs can be inconsistent in size, temperature, and texture depending on the batch.

Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken Teriyaki
© Reddit

The sweet glaze is polarizing, and the pre-cooked chicken often arrives in slippery chunks. It’s reheated in plastic bags.

Some workers say it has a gummy texture and an artificial flavor. Cleanup from the sticky sauce is also a major complaint.

Veggie Patty

Veggie Patty
© The Sun

This plant-based patty tends to be dry and bland, with an odd, mushy interior once it’s microwaved. Its flavor rarely pleases.

Many employees mention it crumbles apart easily and smells strange during reheating. It’s one of the least requested items.

Steak And Cheese

Steak And Cheese
© TheSpicyChefs

The steak is pre-cooked and stored in a plastic pouch until it’s steamed. Texture often turns chewy or rubbery after heating.

Some staff say the beef can taste processed and lacks seasoning. When paired with cheese, it tends to become greasy fast.

Rotisserie-Style Chicken

Rotisserie-Style Chicken
© Men’s Health

Though labeled “rotisserie-style,” the chicken chunks are precooked and bagged in liquid. The flavor can be hit-or-miss.

Employees say it sometimes arrives mushy or with an off-putting scent. The meat tends to break apart instead of staying juicy.

Cold Cut Combo

Cold Cut Combo
© TheSpicyChefs

This sandwich is made from a trio of meats: bologna, ham, and salami—all processed from turkey. The taste is overly salty.

Workers point out that few customers know the meats aren’t what they seem. It’s one of the cheapest but least satisfying choices.

Egg Salad

Egg Salad
© Allrecipes

The mixture comes premade in tubs and is stored cold until scooped onto sandwiches. The texture can turn slimy over time.

It’s rarely ordered, so it may sit in the bin longer than other fillings. The flavor is dull, even with toppings added.

Crab (Seafood Sensation)

Crab (Seafood Sensation)
© Fantabulosity

The mixture comes premade in tubs and is stored cold until scooped onto sandwiches. The texture can turn slimy over time.

It’s rarely ordered, so it may sit in the bin longer than other fillings. The flavor is dull, even with toppings added.

BBQ Rib

BBQ Rib
© Southern Living

This limited-time item comes pre-shaped, heavily sauced, and microwaved. It’s more of a novelty than a real barbecue experience.

The “rib” has a uniform, rubbery texture and can leave a sticky mess. Employees say it’s rarely worth the hype.