When you’re juggling a busy schedule, finding quick and healthy meal options can feel challenging. If Subway is your go-to spot for grabbing a bite on the run, there are some strategies to help you choose a healthier option, starting with the bread. There are several Subway bread types, so I scanned the current menu options and nutrition information on the Subway website to find the healthiest bread at Subway.
Whether you’re trying to manage your blood sugar or weight, reduce added sugars, or simply make better choices, the bread you choose can play a key role in your meal’s overall nutrition. Let’s take a look at the healthiest bread options at Subway so you can feel confident you’re making the smartest choice.
What is the Healthiest Bread at Subway?
When it comes to making a healthier choice at Subway, the Hearty Multigrain bread is my top pick. It’s a solid base for your sandwich, with 3 grams of fiber per 6-inch serving to support digestive health and help you stay satisfied longer. It also delivers 9 grams of protein, which is a nice bonus—especially if you’re ordering from the Subway vegetarian options.
I also appreciate that the Hearty Multigrain is lower in sodium than most other options, with 350 milligrams per 6-inch serving. That matters, because bread is one of the leading sources of sodium in the American diet.
I do have a couple of caveats. The bread contains 4 grams of added sugar—about one teaspoon—which is the most of any bread on the menu. It’s also predominantly made with white flour, though it does include some whole wheat flour. Nothing in life is perfect, and the fiber and protein advantages still make this my top pick.
Pro tip: If you want to cut calories and carbs, the Mini Hearty Multigrain is worth considering. It has just 130 calories, 24 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of added sugar, while still delivering 2 grams of fiber.
Considerations When Choosing the Healthiest Bread at Subway
I do have a couple of bones to pick with this bread. For instance, it contains 4 grams of added sugar–that’s one teaspoon. Unfortunately, it’s not terribly uncommon for whole grain breads to contain added sugar. Finally, while this bread does contain whole grains, such as whole wheat and oats, it’s not 100% whole grain.
Meanwhile, nothing in life is perfect, so I’m just nitpicking here. If you’re looking for the healthiest bread at Subway, the Hearty Oat bread gets my vote. (Do you want to get more info about the healthiest drinks at Starbucks? Get my recs for the lowest-sugar Starbucks drinks!)
Is Artisan Flatbread One Of The Healthiest Subway Bread Choices?
Although it’s not whole grain, Artisan Flatbread can be considered one of the healthiest bread types at Subway. That’s because it contains some healthy ingredients, such as oat fiber and oat bran.
Flatbread also has a simpler ingredient list, which is always a good sign. One drawback is that it doesn’t offer as much fiber as the Hearty Multigrain option.
That said, the mini Hearty Multigrain bread has fewer calories (130) and more fiber (2 grams) while also providing some whole grain goodness. I’d probably choose this one over the Artisan Flatbread, but it’s also fine to go with the Flatbread if that’s what makes you feel good. If you do this, consider boosting your fiber intake by adding lots of veggie toppings.
Which Subway Bread Has The Least Amount Of Added Sugar?
Hands down, the 12″ Wrap has the least amount of added sugar. It has 1 gram of added sugar, while the other breads have at least 2 grams, and the Hearty Multigrain has 4 grams. The added sugar in Subway breads isn’t a dealbreaker for me. The fact is, we have to make some compromises. I’m trading off more fiber and whole grain nutrition for the added sugar in the Hearty Multigrain Bread
Which Subway Bread Type Has the Most Fiber?
The Hearty Multigrain bread has 3 grams of fiber, which is considered a good source of this nutrient. Most Americans fall short on fiber recommendations, which is why I’m prioritizing fiber when selecting the healthiest bread at Subway.
| Rank | Bread (6") | Calories | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Added Sugar (g) | Sodium (mg) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hearty Multigrain | 200 | 36 | 3 | 4 | 350 | 9 |
| 2 | Mini Hearty Multigrain | 130 | 24 | 2 | 2 | 230 | 6 |
| 3 | Mini Artisan Italian | 140 | 26 | <1 | 2 | 250 | 5 |
| 4 | Artisan Flatbread | 220 | 40 | 1 | 2 | 360 | 7 |
| 5 | Artisan Italian | 210 | 39 | 1 | 3 | 380 | 8 |
| 6 | Jalapeño Cheddar | 240 | 39 | 2 | 2 | 500 | 9 |
| 7 | 12" Wrap | 300 | 50 | 2 | 1 | 580 | 8 |
The Healthiest Bread at Subway Ranked
The table above gives you the numbers at a glance, but here’s my reasoning as a registered dietitian behind each ranking.
1. Hearty Multigrain. This is my top pick for the reasons outlined above—it leads the lineup in fiber and ties for the highest protein. The 4 grams of added sugar is the one downside, but the overall nutrition profile makes it worth it.
2. Mini Hearty Multigrain. If you’re watching your carbs or calories, this is a smart swap. You get the same whole grain goodness as the full-size version with just 130 calories and 24 grams of carbs, plus a more modest 2 grams of added sugar. The tradeoff is slightly less fiber (2 grams) and a smaller sandwich, which may be less filling, so consider your hunger levels as well as your health goals.
3. Mini Artisan Italian. This one earns its spot for people managing blood sugar or calories. At just 140 calories and 26 grams of carbs, it’s a lighter option. It’s made with refined flour, so the fiber is negligible, but the sodium (250mg) is the lowest of the full bread options, which I appreciate.
4. Artisan Flatbread. A solid choice with 220 calories and just 360mg of sodium. It has a simpler ingredient list than some other options, which is always a good sign. The fiber is low at just 1 gram, so you’ll want to load up on vegetables to add bulk and nutrition to your sandwich.
5. Artisan Italian. We’re in refined grain territory here, and this bread is similar to the Flatbread in most respects. It has slightly more sodium (380mg vs 360mg for the Flatbread), which is why it lands one spot lower. Like the Flatbread, prioritize fiber-rich toppings to round out the meal.
6. Jalapeño Cheddar. The added cheese bumps up the calories (240), saturated fat, and sodium (500mg) compared to the options above it. If you love the flavor, it’s not a dealbreaker—just be mindful of your other sandwich toppings. Note this bread is available at participating locations only.
7. 12″ Wrap. The wrap lands last primarily because of its size—it’s a full 12-inch portion, which means 300 calories and 580mg of sodium before you’ve added a single topping. That’s not necessarily a reason to avoid it, but go in with eyes open if you’re managing calories or sodium intake. It’s worth noting that Subway also offers a 9″ pocket wrap with a lighter nutrition profile—just 150 calories, 26 grams of carbs, and 340mg of sodium, with zero added sugar. The tradeoff is minimal fiber and only 4 grams of protein, so load it up with vegetables and a protein-rich filling to make it a more balanced meal.
What Makes a Healthy Bread?
- Ingredients. The Hearty Multigrain got points for having some whole grain ingredients, and having more of them than other breads.
- Added sugars. While I considered added sugars when creating this list, I had to compromise on this point. The Hearty Multigrain (which is in the top spot) had the most added sugars–4 grams. However, that’s only 2 grams more than most of the remaining breads.
- Sodium. Bread is one of the leading sources of sodium, according to the CDC. So, I factored in the sodium when ranking Subway bread types. The Hearty Multigrain had least amount of sodium, with 350 mg, compared to other 6″ breads.
- Saturated fat. This isn’t usually a big concern with bread, but I considered it since some of the Subway breads contain cheese.
- Calories. I usually pay more attention to the wholesomeness of ingredients than calories, but I do think it’s helpful to be calorie-aware, especially if you’re trying to manage your weight. So, I factored calories into my rankings.
- Fiber and Carbs. Many people need to manage their carbohydrate intake to manage blood sugar levels, and I also encourage right-sizing carbohydrate portions to be in line with your needs, so for these reasons, I considered carbohydrates in my rankings. Also, most people fall short of the fiber they need each day, so I emphasized fiber when selecting the healthiest options.
Final Thoughts About Subway Bread Types
Choosing the healthiest bread at Subway doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on key factors like fiber, protein, sodium, and added sugars, you can make an informed decision that supports your health goals.
The Hearty Multigrain is my top pick thanks to its fiber and protein content, and the mini version is worth considering if you’re watching calories or carbs. That said, the best bread for you depends on your individual needs — someone managing blood sugar may prioritize the Mini Artisan Italian for its lower carb count, while someone focused on sodium may land somewhere else entirely.
Remember, every small decision adds up, right down to the bread you choose. Whether you’re prioritizing fiber, keeping calories in check, or simply trying to make a smarter choice on a busy day, there’s an option at Subway that fits your goals.
Additional Resources
- If you’re interested in the best cereal options, take a look at my recs for the 15 best high-fiber, low-sugar cereals.
- Prefer granola? I also have ideas about that! Read my suggestions for the 15 best low-sugar granolas.
- For more on dining out, here are my tips for how to order a healthy brunch.


2 Responses
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