Remember when Subway tried to compete with pizza chains? Or that time they introduced milkshakes made with Halo Top ice cream? Over the years, Subway has introduced numerous innovative menu items that, despite their initial promise, eventually disappeared from stores. Here’s a nostalgic look at some of Subway’s most memorable discontinued items.
The short-lived round sandwiches of the 90s
Back in 1992, Subway introduced an unconventional take on their classic subs – 4-inch round sandwiches. These compact creations were designed for customers seeking smaller portions. The circular shape was a dramatic departure from Subway’s signature rectangular subs, but they never gained the popularity the company hoped for.
The round sandwiches represented Subway’s first major attempt to diversify their sandwich sizes beyond the standard 6-inch and footlong options. Despite their innovative approach, these circular subs were eventually phased out as Subway refocused on their traditional format.
Breakfast experiments that didn’t make it
In an ambitious move to capture the morning crowd, Subway launched their Egg Muffin Melts. These breakfast sandwiches featured eggs, various meats, and toppings served on English muffins. Despite the growing breakfast market, Subway’s morning offerings couldn’t compete with established players.
By 2018, the Egg Muffin Melts had vanished from menus nationwide. What if Subway had partnered with a renowned coffee brand? Perhaps the breakfast story might have ended differently.
Premium bread options that disappeared
The Ciabatta Collection marked Subway’s 2019 venture into premium sandwiches. This line featured Italian, Chicken Pesto, and Garlic Steak & Provolone variations, all served on fresh-baked ciabatta bread. While these upscale options impressed some customers, they didn’t maintain enough momentum to stay on U.S. menus.
Another notable bread casualty was the Jalapeño Cheddar bread, which made several appearances between 2003 and 2019. This spicy option developed a loyal following but ultimately couldn’t secure a permanent spot in the rotation.
The pizza experiment that missed the mark
2014 saw the introduction of the Flatizza, Subway’s attempt to merge flatbread with pizza. This hybrid creation aimed to expand beyond traditional sandwiches, but customers weren’t convinced. The Flatizza’s brief run ended after receiving mixed reviews from both critics and customers.
The concept showed promise – combining Subway’s bread-making expertise with popular pizza toppings. However, the execution didn’t meet expectations, and the Flatizza joined the growing list of discontinued items.
Limited time partnerships and special releases
In 2019, Subway partnered with Halo Top Creamery to offer lower-calorie milkshakes in select markets. Despite the growing popularity of healthier alternatives, these shakes never expanded beyond their initial test run.
The most recent notable disappearance was the 2023 Baked Lay’s Footlong – a massive potato chip that was available for just one day at a single location in Texas. This unique collaboration showcased Subway’s willingness to experiment with unconventional items, even if they’re not meant for permanent menu status.
These discontinued items reflect Subway’s ongoing evolution and willingness to take risks. While not every menu innovation finds lasting success, each represents an important chapter in the chain’s history of experimentation and adaptation to changing customer preferences.
