You’ve probably heard the news that the world’s largest fast food chain is taking over Sidelines Pub; that’s right, Subway is invading. Though I never once ate at the Pub and don’t support the burgers and wings they sold, I’m not a huge fan of Subway either. Though it is viewed as a healthier option, it has been found to be just as sodium and fat ridden as McDonald’s. Not exactly the best way to fuel the active minds and bodies of DU students.
In a recent UCLA study it was found that people that ate at Subway versus McDonalds only consumed about 100 less calories. Due to Subway’s “Eat Fresh” campaign and support from weight-loss spokesman Jared Fogle, the public views them as having a “health halo.” As a result, consumers are less concerned with what the nutritional contents are of their meals. But one better look out, because Subway’s Big Philly Cheesesteak is about twice the calories and sodium content of a McDonald’s Big Mac, weighing in with an average of 1000 calories and 2560g of sodium. The average sandwich purchase at Subway comes in at about 784 calories compared to McDonald’s average of about 582 calories. The leader of this study, Dr. Lenard Lesser, stated, “We found that there was no statistically significant difference between the two restaurants and that participants ate too many calories at both.”
Subway may promote its menu as healthy, but it’s still fast food. Besides, we all know that compared to their commercials, their sandwiches are pretty disappointing. The cherry on top of this, from a plant-based diet perspective, is that it is slim pickings for any vegan. Last year, Subway gained a few health and vegan points when, after the prompting of an organization called Compassion Over Killing, they test ran three vegan sandwiches in Washington, DC. They were a huge success, but Subway has since failed to make them a permanent item on their menus nationwide. Guess they’re sticking with six inches of wilted lettuce and factory farmed meat.
Though the Sodexo representatives here at DU claim to be limited to three restaurant chains, one of them being Subway, this would appear to be less than true. After a brief Google search it is easy enough to discover that on other campuses around the U.S., Sodexo has collaborated with Café Spice, Cosí and even Jamba Juice. Any of these options are more appealing. Café Spice serves traditional Indian food and would be a great way to not only diversify our meal options, but to promote inclusive excellence and support international students. Cosí, a Parisian inspired café, would provide great ambiance with their open-flame stone ovens as well as a fantastic variety of gourmet foods. They are known for their flatbread pizzas, but also serve soups, desserts and even coffee. And lastly, Jamba Juice would offer quick and relatively healthy smoothie options all year round. Chill on the Green, though healthy and delicious, has limited hours and months of operation. Smoothies found at Jazzman’s or the library café are overly sweet and artificial.
And let us not forget we already have a Subway less than a block away, why not bring in some new options? Undoubtedly, here on campus they’ll receive some business. Grabbing a sandwich between classes is a nice option for many. But five dollars of meal plan cash for a foot-long sodium stacked and calorie-charged sandwich isn’t a great deal.
I’m just advising people to “think fresh” and to be aware of the nutritional content of the items on Subway’s menu.
