subway going gluten-free?
January 7, 2011 at 12:01 pm 4 comments
Well here’s some potentially good news for GFers across the nation: Subway is testing out a couple of gluten-free items to potentially add to their menu. Woo! In addition to the possibility of including a sandwich roll and a brownie to their gluten-free repertoire, Subway would also be training their sandwich-making artists on the art of keeping foods and utensils separate, so, for instance, the knife used to cut a gluten-free sandwich would be pre-wrapped and designed for single-use only. We don’t like the impact this has on waste generation (more trash, really?) but we do like that there’s a visual cue for someone ordering a GF sandwich (wrapped knife = gluten-free knife).
From QSRweb.com:
The Subway restaurant chain is currently testing two gluten-free menu items in the Dallas and Tyler, Texas markets. The trial options roll out Jan. 10.
According to celiac.com, the gluten-free rolls and brownies will come prepackaged and individually wrapped. Sandwich Artists in those two markets will be trained on how to cut the roll with a pre-wrapped knife for one use only.
Also, to further avoid cross-contamination, that same Sandwich Artist will prepare the order from beginning to end, ensuring a 100-percent gluten-free meal.
Subway has long offered items and information for allergen-sensitive customers, and includes a comprehensive chart on its website outlining ideal options for those who stick to a celiac diet…
…Many quick-service chains are embracing gluten-free menu options in light of a growing awareness of this disease. In early 2010, for example, Burger King Corp. released a “Gluten-Sensitive List” which features food on the chain’s menu that doesn’t contain wheat, barley, oats or rye.
The increased rollout of gluten-free items not only appeals to a broader consumer base, it may also be a necessity, as lawsuits have been filed against chains for not disclosing gluten’s presence in products.
Ultimately, having a gluten-free component decreases the risk of making some customers sick, which is why it continues to be listed as a restaurant trend to watch for in 2011, according to Technomic research.
. . .
Here’s to some lunch-breakin’, road trippin’ sandwiches in the near future!
Entry filed under: eat out gf. Tags: .
1.
Carla | January 20, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Someone just left a comment on my blog stating,
“These are SO yummy. I made them 2 weeks ago. They turned out GREAT. I didn’t make any adjustments to the ingredients, but I did have to bake them a little longer than recommended. I just watched them real closely.”
Gluten Free Recipe Box
2.
Carla | January 20, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Someone just left a comment on my blog stating,
“I tried the Subway gluten free bread today. It tasted very much like a “normal” hamburger bun. I enjoyed it and definitely thought it tasted above average for gluten free. It was nice to feel semi-normal being able to order a sandwich like everyone else. They washed their hands and used a plastic knife to cut it. The big problem I saw was when they cleaned the line. They brushed all of the gluten filled bread crumbs right into the first row of meats. I wouldn’t eat anything off of the first (and maybe even second) row of meats, if you are very sensitive. I got chicken from the row furthest from the line and I haven’t had any signs of getting sick yet.”
So beware and be careful!
Gluten Free Recipe Box
3.
theglutenfreelab | January 21, 2011 at 9:17 am
It’s great to hear some feedback on the Subway testing. Sounds like they have a little way to go with educating their sandwich artists, but we’re happy to hear the product has a chance of being delicious! C’mon Subway. Bring it out to California.
4.
Angie Halten | January 21, 2011 at 11:59 am
News like this is encouraging because when bigger restaurant chains take the lead on introducing Gluten Free Menus it sets the stage for others to follow. 3 cheers for Subway!
Angie.