Gluten-Free at Subway US: Best Menu Options

This guide to gluten free subway has everything you need to know about eating gluten free at this fast food chain in the United States. I know it can be hard to eat out as someone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. You never know if people are going to take your dietary needs seriously, or if they will even be aware of what contains gluten.

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Jump to:

• Does Subway Have Gluten-Free Bread?
• Do All Subways Carry Gluten-Free Bread?
• What Are the Gluten-Free Sandwich Topping Options at Subway?
• Are Subway Sandwiches Truly Gluten-Free?
• How Do I Make Sure My Sandwich is Gluten-Free?

The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research.  Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here. 

Does Subway Have Gluten-Free Bread?

While there are plenty of ways to make gluten-free sandwiches at home where you're sure you're getting gluten-free bread you know is safe, sometimes it is nice to eat out. Subway is a simple meal, and is a restaurant that is easily available just about anywhere you go.

Subways introduced gluten-free bread in 2011 in certain parts of the United States, and 2018 in Canada. Since those two tests, it has spread out to other Subway shops, and many people found that they can get gluten-free options at their local Subways. However, as of 2023, Subway discontinued their gluten-free bread offerings in the United States.

While it is no longer a menu item in the United States, it is currently still mentioned as a footnote on their nutrition information, so maybe they will bring it back at a future date.

Additionally, it is still on the menu in Canada and in the United Kingdom.

While Subway does have options for those that want to avoid gluten, it isn’t perfect. Subways can get busy and rushed, and with food prep being directly in front, bread crumbs have the potential to get everywhere. This means that Subway isn’t always a good option for those with Celiac Disease or an allergy.

If you want to try gluten free bread at a Subway restaurant that still offers it, or want to make a salad or do a "breadless" order, you can skip down to the bottom to figure out our best ordering tips to reduce your chances of getting gluten in your meal.

Do All Subways Carry Gluten-Free Bread?

The answer to does Subway have gluten free bread is not cut and clear. While not every Subway has gluten-free bread, many of their stores do offer a gluten-free option.

It was introduced as a test in 2011 in certain pilot programs. In 2018, all Subways in Canada had gluten-free bread. Gluten-free bread became available in select Subway shops in the United Kingdom as well.

However, in 2023, Subway discontinued the gluten-free bread in the United States.

Subways With Gluten-Free Bread

Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to tell which stores do and don’t have gluten-free bread options. Subway’s website doesn’t always have information on what the individual stores have.

Even if you find someone that reports that the Subway in their area has gluten free options, it is always best to call ahead and make sure that it is true. People often unfortunately state the wrong store or the store menu changes, no longer offering gluten free bread.

Instead of going there to eat only to find out that gluten free bread it is not an option, try calling the restaurant ahead. It is the best way to confirm if they can meet your needs.

Can I Get a Sandwich Without Bread at Subway?

While it isn’t officially on the menu, some Subways will offer lettuce-wrapped sandwiches.

Again, it is best to ask to make sure the store can do this. Some stores are able and willing to do it, while others can’t.

You can also get a salad at Subway. Just be mindful of our tips below concerning cross contact.

What Are the Gluten-Free Sandwich Topping Options at Subway?

If you're looking for a clear Subway gluten free menu, you won't really find one. However, if you look on their website, you can look at the Subway allergen menu to see which options for sandwich toppings are gluten-free and the full allergy menu/list. You can also get ingredient lists, other allergy information, and nutrition tables for every item. Your local Subway shop will have an allergen matrix as well. This is our best bet for uncovering does Subway have gluten free options as menu offerings change regularly.

Here's a list of the current gluten free options at Subway:

Gluten-free Meat:

• Bacon Strips
• Grilled Chicken
• Plain Chicken Strips
• Cold Cut Combo Meats
• Egg Omelet Patty
• Black Forest Ham
• Italian BMT Meats
• Pepperoni
• Roast Beef
• Rotisserie-Style Chicken
• Salami
• Breakfast Sausage
• Steak
• Tuna Without Dressing
• Turkey Breast
• Veggie Patty

Cheeses:

Every cheese is gluten-free

• Canadian Cheddar Cheese
• Processed Cheddar Cheese
• Feta
• Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese Blend
• Parmesan
• Swiss

Condiments and Dressings:

The only condiment and dressing that has gluten in it is the sweet teriyaki sauce. The rest are all gluten-free.

• Sweet Onion Sauce
• Smokey Honey Mustard
• Peppercorn Ranch
• Yellow Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Light Mayonnaise
• House Sandwich Sauce
• Green Goddess Dressing
• Garlic Aioli
• Creamy Sriracha
• Chipotle Southwest
• Caesar
• BBQ, Sweet and Smokey

Vegetables:

All of the vegetable options are gluten-free

• Smashed Avocado
• Banana Peppers
• Jalapeno Pepper Slices
• Green and Black Olives
• Pickles
• Fresh Vegetables

Desserts:

Unfortunately, there are no desserts that don’t contain gluten.

Soups and Sides:

• Potato Bites with Southwest Chipotle Sauce
• Rice Blend

Are Subway Sandwiches Truly Gluten-Free?

Even with a lot of care, it is hard to have a gluten-free sandwich at Subway.

They even state on their website that it is very hard to ensure that Subway sandwiches are 100% gluten-free due to the amount of cross-contamination that occurs.

Even if you get gluten-free bread, crumbs from other bread or other items that aren’t gluten-free can mix in with other items, making them dangerous to eat for those with severe allergies or those with Celiac disease.

How Do I Make Sure My Sandwich is Gluten-Free?

If you really want to try the Subway gluten free bread, here are the 6 tips you need to know about the Subway gluten free options!

1. Stress the Danger Before Ordering

Unfortunately, many people, including servers, think that those ordering gluten-free are just following a trend.

It is important to advocate for yourself and stress that you actually cannot ingest it or something serious will happen before you order your food. Though this should never happen it, unfortunately, does within every sector of the food industry.

By voicing your needs early, the staff can take extra precautions before preparing your order (or let you know if they cannot accommodate your needs)

2. Ask for Uncontaminated Toppings

If you watch a sandwich be made at Subway, you can literally see the crumbs fall into all the Subway toppings.

Sometimes, there are more fresh toppings in the back. Before they make your food, see if they have any toppings in the back, and ask if you can use those for your sandwich.

3. Make Sure They Use a Clean Knife and Cutting Board

When it gets busy, cleaning doesn’t always happen as it should. See if they can take time to use a clean knife and board when making your sandwich to reduce cross contact risks.

4. Ask Them to Switch Gloves

Asking them to freshly wash their hands, or to swap out gloves can also help reduce any chances of contamination. It may feel rude to ask, but this can help you stay safe.

5. Be Vigilant

Again, though it may seem rude, make sure you don’t hesitate when they do something that could potentially put gluten into your food.

It doesn’t have to be mean, but point out when they used something contaminated or grabbed something containing gluten without thinking.

6. Go When It Isn’t Busy

This isn’t always possible.

However, if you can, try to go during periods of the day when Subway isn't as busy. This makes it easier for the staff to help you and get you what you need without being overwhelmed by other customers.

In conclusion, the introduction of gluten-free Subway bread was a positive step towards more fast-food options, expanding the choices available to individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences. With Subway gf bread, and advocating for your needs, customers had the potential to enjoy a variety of sandwiches while on a gluten-free diet. It's unfortunate that the bread was discontinued in the US leaving less options for what is gluten-free at Subway.

As the demand for gluten-free choices continues to grow, it's encouraging to see chains like Subway expand their offerings and making their delicious sandwiches accessible to a wider range of customers.

Have you eaten gluten free at Subway? If so, share your experience with us in the comments!

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