Subway’s honey mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment that can be added to sandwiches and wraps for extra flavor. It contains a blend of honey and mustard that provides a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. The honey mustard sauce has become a popular option at Subway restaurants due to its versatile taste that pairs well with both meat and vegetable sandwich fillings.
What are the ingredients in Subway’s honey mustard sauce?
According to Subway’s website, the ingredients in their honey mustard sauce are:
- Soybean oil
- High fructose corn syrup
- Distilled vinegar
- Honey
- Water
- Egg yolks
- Mustard seed
- Salt
- Turmeric
- Natural flavors
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
The main ingredients that give the sauce its signature flavor are honey, mustard seeds, and vinegar. The honey adds sweetness, while the mustard seeds and vinegar provide tanginess. Soybean oil, high fructose corn syrup, and egg yolks contribute to the sauce’s smooth, creamy texture and help bind it together. Spices like turmeric, paprika, and garlic powder enhance the flavor. Overall, it’s the blend of these ingredients that produces the balanced sweet and sour honey mustard taste.
Nutritional information
Subway’s honey mustard sauce has the following nutritional values per serving (1 packet):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Sugars | 13g |
As you can see, a single serving of Subway’s honey mustard contains 90 calories, 5g of fat, 160mg of sodium, 14g of carbohydrates, and 13g of sugar. The higher sugar content is attributed to ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and honey. Despite having natural sweeteners like honey, the sauce is still relatively high in added sugars. So while the honey mustard can add lots of flavor to a sandwich, it’s still important to be mindful of portion sizes.
How is Subway’s honey mustard sauce made?
Subway does not provide full details on their preparation method for the honey mustard sauce. However, it likely follows a standard process similar to what you would do to make honey mustard at home:
- Blend honey and mustard powder or mustard seeds. This forms the mustard-honey base for the sauce.
- Add vinegar and whisk until smooth and combined.
- Gradually drizzle in soybean oil while continuing to whisk. The oil emulsifies the ingredients to form a creamy sauce.
- Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and other spices for extra flavor.
- Let the sauce sit for 1-2 days to allow time for the flavors to meld and develop.
From there, the sauce would be packaged into individual serving packets ready for use in Subway restaurants. Subway likely uses high volume production equipment to make large batches efficiently. But overall it follows a simple mixing and emulsifying process to combine the mustard, honey, and other ingredients.
When did Subway first introduce honey mustard sauce?
Honey mustard sauce has been a signature Subway condiment for over three decades. According to Subway, honey mustard was first introduced in June 1990 as part of a brand-wide menu expansion. It joined other classic sauces like yellow mustard, brown mustard, and mayo that were core to the Subway sandwiches customers loved. The timing coincided with a growing popularity of honey mustard in restaurants and with packaged consumer foods in the early 1990s. So Subway was able to capitalize on a mustard trend that was becoming mainstream.
In the 30+ years since its debut at Subway, the honey mustard sauce has maintained its status as a popular condiment choice. It strikes a delicious balance between sweet and tangy that pairs well with various sandwich meats and toppings. Subway’s version has a smooth, creamy texture and a distinctive honey mustard flavor you can’t get anywhere else. For many customers, it’s an integral part of the Subway sandwich experience.
How do you get honey mustard sauce at Subway?
Getting honey mustard sauce at Subway is easy and only takes a few simple steps:
- Choose your bread and size – 6-inch or 12-inch sub.
- Select your protein such as roast beef, turkey, ham, chicken, etc.
- Pick your cheese and have it toasted if desired.
- Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles or other veggie toppings.
- When you get to the sauce section, simply ask for honey mustard sauce.
- The sandwich artist will add however many honey mustard packets you’d like.
- Pay for your sandwich and enjoy!
That’s all there is to it! You can ask for as much or as little honey mustard sauce as you want. Some customers like just a hint of the sweet honey mustard flavor, while others drench their sandwich in it. Subway is happy to accommodate your honey mustard cravings.
Keep in mind that honey mustard tends to come pre-packaged in individual serving size packets. So if you want extra, don’t be shy about asking for more packets. The sandwich artist can easily provide additional honey mustard as needed.
What sandwiches go well with Subway’s honey mustard?
Here are some of the best Subway sandwiches to pair with honey mustard sauce:
- Oven Roasted Chicken – The sweet and tangy honey mustard complements the savory roasted chicken breast.
- Turkey Breast – Sliced turkey and honey mustard is a classic combination.
- Black Forest Ham – The mild ham works well with the mustardy kick of the sauce.
- Veggie Delite – Honey mustard adds flavor dimension to the vegetables.
- Roast Beef – Beef and mustard make an ideal pairing.
- Steak and Cheese – Honey mustard provides the right amount of contrast to the rich steak.
In general, honey mustard goes well with any of Subway’s meat sandwiches. It also brightens up veggie sandwiches by complementing the fresh flavors. Feel free to experiment with honey mustard on your favorite Subway sub. Just be sure to ask for extra napkins as the sauce can get messy at times!
Does Subway’s honey mustard need to be refrigerated?
Subway’s honey mustard sauce does not need to be refrigerated before opening thanks to the packaging methods used:
- The sauce comes packaged in shelf-stable, foil packets that protect it from light and oxygen.
- Preservatives in the ingredients help prevent bacterial growth at room temperature.
- The packets are sterilized after filling using a thermal processing method.
- Packaging machines vacuum out oxygen before sealing to prevent spoilage.
These precautions allow the unopened honey mustard packets to be kept at room temperature both in the restaurant and when taking home extras. Refrigeration is only needed after opening the packet.
Once opened, the honey mustard sauce should be refrigerated to maintain best quality and avoid any food safety issues. Bacteria can start to grow more quickly in the opened packet since it is exposed to oxygen. Refrigerating after opening limits bacterial growth.
For optimal freshness and flavor, try to use up leftover packets within a few days of being opened. Also be on the lookout for any changes in texture, consistency or smell that may indicate spoilage.
How long does Subway’s honey mustard last after opening?
Here are some guidelines for how long Subway’s honey mustard will last after opening:
- Refrigerator – 5 to 7 days
- Freezer – 2 to 3 months
These timelines can vary based on how the opened packets are stored and how many times they are exposed to temperature changes. To maximize shelf life, keep honey mustard packets refrigerated immediately after opening and limit removing/reinserting them as much as possible. An opened packet that is promptly refrigerated and stays cold may last 7-10 days.
For longer term storage, the freezer is a good option. Freeze servings in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before using and discard any packets that smell odd or show signs of freezer burn.
As a general rule, consume refrigerated honey mustard within a week of opening. Discard any packets that have been open for longer, even if refrigerated. Don’t risk eating a spoiled sauce past its prime.
What is the best way to store unused Subway honey mustard sauce packets?
To properly store unused Subway honey mustard sauce packets:
- Keep unopened packets at room temperature in a cool, dry spot like your pantry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.
- Once opened, refrigerate packets immediately and use within 5-7 days.
- For longer storage, place unopened packets in an airtight freezer bag and freeze. They will keep for 2-3 months frozen.
- Store packets upright if possible and check for leaking before freezing. Leaking packets can make a mess.
- Avoid freezing and thawing packets multiple times, as this diminishes quality.
Proper storage keeps the honey mustard fresh and ready for your next Subway craving! With some simple refrigeration or freezing, you can enjoy sauce packets long after bringing them home from the restaurant.
Can you buy Subway’s honey mustard sauce in stores?
Unfortunately, Subway’s signature honey mustard sauce is not available for direct retail purchase in stores or online. The sauce is produced and packaged exclusively for use at Subway restaurant locations.
The only way for customers to obtain the Subway honey mustard is to get extra packets with an in-restaurant order. Employees are often happy to provide additional packets if requested.
Subway keeps the sauce proprietary to its brand. Since it’s one of their unique signature sauces, they likely want to maintain the competitive advantage and prevent other brands from replicating it.
Some grocery stores may carry generic “subway-style” honey mustard dressings from other brands. But currently, the authentic Subway honey mustard remains exclusive to their restaurants.
Why can’t you buy Subway’s honey mustard sauce in stores?
There are several likely reasons why Subway does not make their proprietary honey mustard sauce available for retail sale:
- Brand exclusivity – The sauce is unique to Subway, so keeping it exclusive to their restaurants helps reinforce brand identity and recognition.
- Quality control – Retail production would make maintaining consistency and oversight of the recipe more difficult.
- Competitive advantage – Restricting availability prevents competitors from replicating the sauce’s exact flavor.
- Driving restaurant traffic – The inability to purchase it drives more orders and foot traffic into Subway locations.
- Operational simplicity – Manufacturing and distribution is streamlined by only supplying to their internal restaurant system.
While frustrating for loyal fans, Subway limiting the sauce’s availability to its restaurants allows them to retain more control over this signature menu item. It brings customers in-store, maintains brand identity, and gives Subway a unique product advantage.
Does Subway sell their sauces?
No, Subway does not currently sell bottled versions of their sauces such as honey mustard in retail stores. All Subway sauces are exclusive to their restaurants. The only way to get them is by requesting extra packets when purchasing a Subway sandwich or salad.
A few key reasons Subway sauces are not sold in stores include:
- Maintains on-site exclusivity
- Avoids competitors replicating flavors
- Quality control of recipes
- Reduces operational complexity
- Drives more restaurant orders
Subway sauces are signature menu items central to their brand identity. Keeping the sauces exclusive to in-store orders reinforces this branding and provides a unique reason for customers to visit. It also gives Subway more oversight of proprietary recipes compared to large-scale retail production.
So for the foreseeable future, the only way to enjoy Subway sauces is to get them fresh at one of their restaurant locations. But employees are usually happy to oblige requests for extra sauce packets to take home.
What is the closest honey mustard to Subway’s?
It’s challenging to perfectly replicate the unique flavor of Subway’s honey mustard. But a few brands offer products that consumers say come close in terms of taste and texture:
- Yellowstone River Honey Mustard – Has a smooth, tangy honey and mustard flavor profile.
- Ken’s Honey Mustard Dressing – Ken’s is thick and creamy like Subway’s sauce.
- Plochman’s Honey Mustard – Made with whole grain mustard seeds that provide authentic flavor.
- Annie’s Organic Honey Mustard Dressing – Uses quality ingredients like olive oil, mustard and cider vinegar.
While not exact matches, these honey mustards earn praise for their balanced sweetness, acidic kick, and smooth mouthfeel. They can make decent substitutes when that Subway honey mustard craving hits at home.
You can also mix 2 parts yellow mustard with 1 part honey to DIY a version fairly close to Subway’s. Add a splash of olive oil to emulsify and some lemon juice for extra tang.
Can you purchase Subway’s honey mustard sauce?
No, Subway’s signature honey mustard sauce is not available for purchase in bottles at this time. The sauce is produced exclusively for Subway restaurants and can only be obtained by requesting extra packets when ordering subs or salads in-store.
A few reasons Subway does not offer retail bottles of the sauce include:
- Maintaining competitive advantage – Keeping it exclusive to Subway locations prevents replications.
- Quality control over proprietary recipe – Retail production makes oversight more difficult.
- Reinforcing brand identity and recognition – The sauce is uniquely tied to Subway.
- Driving restaurant traffic – Inability to purchase it elsewhere brings customers in-store.
Subway wants to retain tight control of this popular signature sauce. Limiting availability to in-restaurant orders helps achieve marketing and operational objectives for the brand.
Some third party brands offer alternative “Subway-style” honey mustard dressings. But currently, the only way to get the real thing is by visiting a Subway location and asking for extra packets.
Conclusion
Subway’s honey mustard sauce has been a staple condiment option for over 30 years. Its balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile pairs perfectly with subs ranging from roast beef to veggie. While you can’t purchase the sauce in stores, it remains a menu exclusive that brings customers into Subway restaurants. Getting extra packets with your order lets you enjoy this signature flavor long after leaving the store. Subway’s honey mustard continues to be a go-to choice for enhancing your favorite sandwiches and keeping fans coming back for more.