I tried Subway's controversial tuna sub. Despite the stingy portion, I'd order it again.

June 27, 2021

I tried Subway's controversial tuna sub. Despite the stingy portion, I'd order it again.

Subway's tuna sandwich is again facing scrutiny after a New York Times report found no tuna DNA.
Subway says the test is unreliable because cooking denatures the tuna protein.
I tried the sandwich to see if it tasted like tuna.
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Subway's tuna salad sandwich is facing renewed scrutiny after The New York Times reported that lab testing found "No amplifiable tuna DNA" in samples of the sandwich.

Source: Insider

Subway contends that the test doesn't prove anything, because cooking the fish can make the tuna DNA difficult or even impossible to identify. "The testing that the New York Times report references does not show that there is not tuna in Subway's tuna. All it says is that the testing could not confirm tuna, which is what one would expect from a DNA test of denatured proteins."

The investigation came after a January lawsuit in California alleged that Subway mislabeled tuna, and it did not contain actual tuna fish. The plaintiffs are no longer questioning whether Subway serves tuna, but whether it is actually "100% sustainably caught skipjack and yellowfin tuna."

Source: Insider

Despite all the drama surrounding the tuna sandwich, Subway say it remains one of its most popular items. "Our popular tuna sandwich, made from 100% wild caught tuna mixed with mayo, has been a staple of our menu for years," Subway told Insider.

Subway tuna sandwich.
Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Image

My editor asked me to try the infamous tuna, so I went to check it out.

Subway store exterior — Subway's tuna sub is facing allegations about what it really contains.
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Like nearly every other restaurant and retailer, Subway was hiring and advertising higher wages for new workers.

Subway hiring sign — Subway's tuna sub is facing allegations about what it really contains.
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Source: Insider

I hadn't been inside a Subway in probably years, but the bread and toasting sandwiches smelled appetizing, so I was happy to test it out.

Subway interior — Subway's tuna sub is facing allegations about what it really contains.
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For an off-peak time, the restaurant was surprisingly busy. When I first walked in the line went all the way out to the door, though it moved quickly.

Subway restaurant interior — Subway's tuna sub is facing allegations about what it really contains.
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I ordered tuna, and the worker used what looked like an ice cream scoop to place the salad mixture on the bread.

Subway worker making tuna sandwich — Subway tuna.
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

I kept it simple, adding some cheese and lettuce.

The worker wrapped up my sandwich, and I braced myself for the test taste, which I would complete at my apartment.

Subway sub wrapping — Subway's tuna sub is facing allegations about what it really contains.
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Upon unwrapping, I thought the sandwich looked pretty good. I was most excited about the Italian herb and cheese bread.

Subway tuna sub — Subway's tuna sub is facing allegations about what it really contains.
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I opened the sub up to inspect it further. It looked fine to me, if not the most appetizing sandwich I'd ever eaten, but I was surprised at what seemed like a stingy portion of tuna.

I was really glad I'd ordered lettuce, just to add some texture and keep myself from feeling like I was eating a loaf of bread.

I tasted the sandwich and it definitely seemed like tuna salad to me, though far too heavy on mayonnaise.

I didn't have any concerns about eating "mystery meat," though I don't think it's one of Subways best offerings.

I think the tuna is solidly okay but not great. It's a decent fish option at Subway, and I would order it again if I needed a cheap, pescatarian meal on the go.