‘Absolute crime’ sob Subway fans as sandwich chain discontinues iconic sauce
SUBWAY fans are in revolt after the sandwich chain axed one of its iconic sauces – with some even starting petitions for it to be reinstated.
The takeaway chain’s sweet chilli sauce was a popular addition to its famous “subs” until January this year – but has lately been phased out to make way for new condiments.
The change has gone down badly with fans, with many taking to social media to call for its return.
One said on X: “Subway removing sweet chilli sauce has absolutely ruined my whole day.”
Another enquired to Subway: “Can I ask why you’ve stopped doing sweet chilli sauce?
“It’s my absolute favourite sauce, you’ve done it for years, no other sauce compares to it, I was really looking forward to having that on my salad bowl today, gutted. It makes no sense?”
A third said: “It’s an absolute crime that you no longer do Sticky Sweet Chilli Sauce. Absolute wrong un’s. Stuck with Mayo for my sub.
“Makes me want to give up on Subway but they Nacho Chicken Bites is why you still get my custom. Still criminals.”
Another customer called Jasmine, from Dalton-in-Furness, even set up a Change.org petition.
She said: “I am a regular customer at Subway, and my favourite part of the meal has always been the sweet chilli sauce.
“It adds a unique flavor to my salad that I can’t find anywhere else. However, recently, this beloved sauce has been removed from their menu.
“Sweet chilli sauce is not just a condiment; it’s an essential part of many people’s meals.
“It’s known for its perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness which enhances the taste of any dish it accompanies.
“For many like me who prefer this particular sauce on our salads or sandwiches, its absence is deeply felt.”
The iconic sandwich chain has more than 37,000 branches worldwide, including nearly 2,300 in the UK.
Subway recommends fans of Sweet Chilli Sauce try the new Extra Spicy Chipotle Southwest sauce, which was launched last May alongside the original Chipotle Southwest sauce.
A spokesman for the chain told The Sun: “Subway regularly makes changes to the ever-evolving menu and Sweet Chilli Sauce was paused at the beginning of January 2024.
“However, the new Extra Spicy Chipotle Southwest Sauce would also be a great alternative.
“We have brought menu options back in the past though, so we’d never say never!”
Tom Church, consumer expert at Latest Deals said: “This isn’t the first time Subway has changed its menu.
“In 2019, I was gutted when it took away Ranch dressing and Monterrey Jack cheese.
“But then in January this year, it released the Garlic Cheese Steak which has, would you believe it, Monterrey Jack cheese.”
“So it’s pretty common for Subway to change its menu. You can bet they’ve looked at the data and found things that aren’t very popular or profitable, and decided to mix it up.
“New offerings are a strategic move to maintain interest and attract customers through innovation.”
“When the menu changes it creates a buzz – both positive and negative – which keeps up engagement and, you know what, maybe I will pop into Subway and try their new sandwich.”
In other Subway news, the sandwich chain was sold to a private equity firm in August last year.
Meanwhile, in November, it introduced self-service kiosks at hundreds of its restaurants.