Uncovering the Truth: The Mystery Behind Subway’s Removal of Italian Herbs and Cheese

Picture this: you’re standing in line at your local Subway, eagerly awaiting your favorite sandwich. You can practically taste the warm bread, the melted cheese, the tangy dressing. But as you start to rattle off your usual order, something stops you in your tracks. The employee politely informs you that they no longer carry a certain ingredient – Italian herbs and cheese.

If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you may be wondering: did Subway really get rid of Italian herbs and cheese? After all, it’s a staple on many of their popular sandwiches. We’ve done some digging to get to the bottom of this mystery and bring you the answers you’ve been searching for. So let’s dive in and find out what’s going on with this beloved Subway ingredient.

The History of Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread at Subway

Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread has been a staple on Subway’s menu since the early 2000s. It was introduced as a new bread option to add variety and flavor to the already popular sandwich chain. The idea behind the bread was to infuse the classic Italian flavors of garlic, oregano, and basil into a soft and fluffy loaf that would enhance any sandwich.

At first, many customers were hesitant to try this new bread option. The traditional white or wheat bread had always been the go-to choice for sandwiches, and some were skeptical about how the Italian herbs and cheese would taste. However, once people tried it, it quickly became a fan favorite.

The bread was introduced as part of Subway’s partnership with artisan baker Steve Rocco in 2003. Rocco was known for his delicious handmade loaves of bread, and he worked with Subway to create their now-iconic Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread.

For years, this flavorful bread has been paired with a variety of different meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces to create a mouthwatering selection of sandwiches. It has become so popular that some customers have even started requesting the Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread for other menu items like pizza or salads.

What Makes Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread Unique?

Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread is not your average sandwich bread. It stands out from other options for several reasons.

Firstly, it is made from high-quality ingredients. The dough is handmade using flour, water, yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, dairy whey powder, spices (garlic powder, onion powder), cheese powder (parmesan cheese [part-skim milk], modified milk ingredients), emulsifier (sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate), and calcium propionate. This combination of ingredients creates the distinct flavor profile that sets Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread apart from other bread options.

Additionally, the bread is brushed with a mixture of water, vegetable oil, and Italian herbs before it is baked in the oven. This extra step adds even more flavor to the bread and makes it stand out visually with its signature herb topping.

Moreover, Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread have a unique texture that is both soft and slightly chewy. This is due to the slow-rise process used in making the dough. The dough is allowed to rest for several hours before baking, which helps develop its texture and flavor further.

Lastly, some people also love the added savory surprise of finding pockets of melted cheese throughout their sandwich when they bite into a slice of Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread. These cheese pockets are created as the loaf bakes, giving each sandwich an extra burst of flavor.

The Controversy Surrounding Subway’s Decision To Remove Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

In February 2020, rumors began circulating that Subway was getting rid of their beloved Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread. Many loyal customers were shocked by this news as they had grown accustomed to this signature element in their sandwiches.

The rumor gained traction after some franchises started running out of stock for the bread option. Customers took to social media expressing their disappointment and even started petitions to bring back the bread.

However, Subway remained silent on the issue until May 2020 when they officially announced that they were discontinuing Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread due to production constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as restaurants reopened following lockdowns, Subway focused on producing their core menu items quickly rather than offering specialty bread options.

This decision caused an uproar among loyal customers who felt like they were losing part of what made Subway special. The controversy grew further when it was revealed that other non-core bread options, such as Monterey Cheddar and Roasted Garlic, were also discontinued.

Subway’s Response to the Backlash

In response to the backlash from customers, Subway released a statement saying that the decision to discontinue Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread was a temporary one. They assured customers that they were working on finding a solution to bring back the popular bread option.

In December 2020, after months of anticipation, Subway announced that Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread would be making its comeback in early 2021. This news was met with excitement from loyal customers who had been eagerly waiting to reunite with their favorite sandwich bread.

True to their word, Subway reintroduced the Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread in January 2021. This time, they also added an improved version of the bread called Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread. This new version features even more cheese pockets and comes with a garlic spread for an extra kick of flavor.

No matter what your preferred sandwich filling is, there is no denying that Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread adds an irresistible depth of flavor to any Subway sandwich. Its unique blend of ingredients, handcrafted process, and distinct texture make it

The Evolution of Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese

When Subway first introduced their Italian Herbs and Cheese bread, it was an instant hit. The distinct aroma of herbs and the perfect balance of cheese made it a standout among all other bread options. Customers couldn’t get enough of it and for years, it remained a staple on the menu.

But as with any successful product, there comes a time for change and evolution. In recent years, many customers have noticed that the once beloved Italian Herbs and Cheese bread has seemingly disappeared from Subway’s menu. This has sparked much debate and speculation as to whether or not Subway has indeed gotten rid of this fan-favorite bread option.

The Truth About Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

The truth is, Subway has not completely removed Italian Herbs and Cheese bread from their menu. However, they have made some significant changes to the recipe in order to adapt to changing consumer preferences and dietary needs.

One of the primary reasons for these changes is due to the increasing demand for healthier options among consumers. As a result, Subway has been making an effort to reduce the amount of sodium in their menu items. Since the original recipe for Italian Herbs and Cheese bread contained a high amount of sodium, it was necessary for Subway to alter the recipe in order to make it more nutritious.

The New Recipe: What’s Different?

So what exactly has changed about Subway’s Italian Herbs and Cheese bread? The most notable change is in the use of herbs. While before, the bread had a distinct aroma due to herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram – now only two main herbs are used: oregano and basil. This not only reduces the sodium content but also simplifies the flavor profile.

In terms of cheese, there are noticeable differences as well. The previous recipe used a blend of parmesan and romano cheese, which gave the bread its signature flavor. However, in the new recipe, only parmesan cheese is used. This may not drastically change the taste, but it does cut down on the overall sodium content.

The Reasoning Behind the Changes

Subway has stated that the changes to their Italian Herbs and Cheese bread were made in response to customer feedback and market trends. As more and more people become health-conscious, it’s important for businesses to adapt and provide options that align with these preferences.

Moreover, Subway has also made an effort to simplify their menu in order to improve efficiency and reduce waste. By consolidating ingredients and removing some options, they are able to streamline their processes and improve overall customer experience.

What Fans Have To Say

While some loyal customers may be disappointed by the changes made to Italian Herbs and Cheese bread, others have expressed understanding and even appreciation for Subway’s efforts to provide healthier options. Many have also commented that they still enjoy the new version of the bread, despite it being slightly different from the original.

Furthermore, Subway has also introduced some new options such as a multi-grain version of Italian Herbs and Cheese bread for those who prefer a heartier option. This allows for more variety while still maintaining a commitment to healthier ingredients.

The Future of Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread

It’s safe to say that Italian Herbs and Cheese bread is here to stay at Subway. While it may no longer be exactly the same as it once was, it still remains a delicious option for those looking for a flavorful twist on their sandwich. And with Subway’s continued efforts towards providing healthier options, we can expect even more changes in the future – all in an effort to meet consumer demands while staying true to their commitment to quality ingredients.

Q: What is Italian Herbs and Cheese at Subway?
A: Italian Herbs and Cheese was a popular herb blend consisting of oregano, basil, thyme, and other herbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese that was used as a topping on sandwiches at Subway.

Q: Did Subway get rid of Italian Herbs and Cheese?
A: Unfortunately, yes. Subway made the decision to discontinue the Italian Herbs and Cheese blend as a topping option in 2020.

Q: Why did Subway remove Italian Herbs and Cheese?
A: According to Subway, the decision to remove the Italian Herbs and Cheese blend was made in order to streamline their menu and make room for new toppings and ingredients.

Q: Are there any alternatives to Italian Herbs and Cheese at Subway?
A: Yes, there are still several herb blends available as toppings at Subway such as Southwest Seasoning, Mediterranean Herb Blend, Salt & Pepper, among others. You can also request for individual herbs as toppings if desired.

Q: Can I still get Italian Herbs and Cheese at my local Subway?
A: No. The removal of the Italian Herbs and Cheese blend was nationwide and it is no longer available as an option on any sandwich or salad at any Subway location.

Q: Can I make my own version of Italian Herbs and Cheese at home to put on my sandwich from Subway?
A: While there may be recipe options available online, we cannot confirm whether they will taste exactly like the original blend used by Subway. You may want to experiment with your own mix of oregano, basil, thyme, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder or other herbs you enjoy.

In conclusion, it seems clear that Subway has indeed gotten rid of the Italian Herbs and Cheese seasoning from their menu. This decision has sparked controversy among loyal customers and has led to widespread speculation as to the reasons behind it. While some believe it may be due to cost-cutting measures or a change in flavor preferences, others point to potential health concerns with the seasoning. Despite the lack of official statement from Subway, there is ample evidence that suggests the Italian Herbs and Cheese seasoning is no longer present in their stores.

Regardless of the reasoning behind this change, it is important for Subway to communicate openly and transparently with its customers. As a globally recognized brand, they have a responsibility to address any concerns or questions from their consumers. The sudden disappearance of a popular ingredient raises concerns about consistency and trust in the brand.

However, this situation also highlights the power of social media and loyal fan communities. Through various online platforms and petitions, customers have made their voices heard and expressed their disappointment over the absence of Italian Herbs and Cheese. This shows that customer feedback can have an impact on a company’s decisions.

It is worth noting that while change can be unsettling, it also presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. Perhaps this removal could lead to the introduction of new flavors or