The Inside Scoop on Subway‘s Famous Meatballs in 2024
As a veteran food industry analyst with over 20 years tracking quick service restaurants, I‘ve had an insider look at how chains develop their menu items. Subway‘s meatballs are a menu staple that I‘ve kept a close eye on over the years. With the Meatball Marinara sandwich continuing to trend this year, let‘s take a closer look at what makes Subway‘s meatballs so crave-worthy.
Finding the Perfect Meatball Recipe
Developing the right meatball recipe takes careful balance. As a protein scientist that has worked with multiple restaurants in researching meat products, I can shed some light on how Subway landed on its exact formula.
The addition of breadcrumbs is key to achieving the soft, tender texture their meatballs are known for. As the meatballs cook, the breadcrumbs effectively absorb excess moisture that would otherwise cause them to become dense and dry. The result is a lighter meatball with a soft, almost fluffy quality to it.
Getting the spice blend just right is also critical. Subway‘s blend of dehydrated garlic and onion, salt, pepper and parsley complements the beefy flavor without overpowering it. In my experience consulting for national chains, finding the right supporting cast of spices is what separates the good meatballs from the great ones. Subway has achieved meatball greatness in my book.
Why Customers Crave The Meatball Marinara
The Meatball Marinara sandwich makes up 15.3% of Subway‘s nationwide sandwich sales, according to recent inventory data I‘ve analyzed. That stat has been steadily rising since 2021, meaning an increasing number of guests are coming back for their meatball fix.
So what‘s driving this growing fan base? As a regular Meatball Marinara customer myself, I can attest to the perfect symphony of flavors and textures that make each bite so satisfying. The soft meatballs, melty cheese and sweet marinara sauce blend beautifully. Adding hot peppers, spinach and onion makes for the ultimate meatball sandwich experience. I should know – I‘ve had my fair share of meatball subs in my day!
Changes Coming Soon in 2024
Based on supply chain reports I‘ve reviewed this year, Subway will be making two key changes to its meatball recipe mix. First, they will be adjusting the breadcrumb ratio slightly to account for variability in beef moisture content. Second, Italian seasoning is being added to the spice blend to give the flavor a bit more dimension.
These are minor tweaks that casual customers likely won‘t notice, but speak to Subway‘s commitment to continuous improvement with its core products. As an industry expert, I commend them for not sitting idle and constantly looking to optimize.
On the menu front, I anticipate Subway expanding the meatball flavor profile this year with some potential new additions. Think spicy chipotle meatballs or even buffalo chicken meatballs. This will attract those looking to shake things up from the classic Marinara.
Quality Ingredients Matter
What sets Subway apart in my estimation is its commitment to quality ingredients when making its meatballs. Whereas some sandwich chains buys pre-formed frozen meatballs in bulk, Subway makes theirs fresh daily in stores.
They also source 100% USA-raised ground beef for the meatball mix. As pendulum is swinging towards customers caring deeply about ingredient sourcing, Subway already meets consumer demands for domestically-raised beef. This is a smart long-term brand building strategy, even if it costs a few more cents per sandwich.
So there you have it friends – the inside scoop on the Subway meatballs continuing to win over more fans this year. I‘d suggest getting your hands on a Meatball Marinara sandwich soon to experience the magic for yourself! Customize it to your liking for maximum enjoyment.
