Meals at Subway are low in sugar and a decent source of fiber and protein, which is why they are better and healthier than KFC.
As we rely increasingly on fast food chains for our breakfast and lunches, either because of our busy schedule or because we need more energy to cook correctly, we must lean towards healthier and better options to eat as much balanced meals as possible.
Subway is one of the restaurants that offer a healthier version of fast food at affordable prices.
So, the question arises, which is better – Subway or KFC?
This is what we will mainly discuss in this article. We will also discuss the pros and cons of eating at Subway vs. at KFC.
Is Subway Healthier Than KFC?

Subway is a better option if you want to eat something fresh and healthy; however, KFC offers more gluten-free and vegan-friendly options.
Subway and KFC are both American multinational fast-food restaurant chains.
However, KFC specializes in fried chicken and is the world’s second-largest fast-food chain after McDonald’s.On the other hand, Subway primarily sells submarine sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
While KFC has a long history of producing familiar products and is well-established because of its low pricing and affordable products, it also has its weakness.
The food at KFC is defined as one of the unhealthiest kinds of fast food, with calories over 1000 in an average one-portion meal. Because of unskilled, low-wage earning staff, low performance at KFC is also quite common.
The high-calorie, high-fat food at KFC does not appeal to people who are conscious of their sedentary lifestyle and wish to eat healthy to make up for it.
Besides, at Subway, one of the plus points is the ability to turn a boring sub into a delicious one with simple changes that fit your preferences.
Subway’s basic mantra is to let the customers decide the ingredients they want in their subs, making them unique. No standard taste gives them an extra oomph factor and tantalizes your taste buds.
The customer’s ability to create and customize Subway sandwiches that suit their needs inspires brand loyalty.
This also encourages the “Eat Fresh” campaign by Subway, which is provided at meager prices. It is one of the few fast-food chains that offer healthier options compared to the other restaurant chains.
Is Subway Healthier Than KFC?
Subway can be healthier than KFC, depending on what you are ordering.
Subway is a go-to fast food restaurant chain for many people who are used to skipping the whole process of making breakfast and packing lunch on work days.
Most food items on the Subway menu have high sodium levels, so it is essential to load up on tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and greens like spinach and lettuce.
Strict adherence to what you put in your submarine sandwiches would make Subway healthier.
However, you base your answer solely on nutritional guidelines, standards, and what surveys have shown. In that case, Subway is healthier than KFC.
KFC was ranked as the most caloric fast food chain by a survey, which included all famous fast food chains in the US. An average one-serving meal at KFC carries some 1200 calories, that is, if you do not eat it with sauces or order soda.
You can not customize your order at KFC; thus, lowering your meal’s calorie and sodium levels is harder.
Subway also has many healthy options that are low in fat content and high in protein. You can eat it in the form of a sub, wraps, salads, etc.
It also offers various deals for 6-inch or a footlong sub.
Pros And Cons Of Eating At Subway Vs. At KFC
Following is a list of pros and cons of eating at Subway:
PROS | CONS |
Brand popularity and loyalty | Less gluten-free options |
Heathier and fresh options | Do not accept Apple Pay support |
Better delivery options | Do not accept Google Pay support |
Offers email discounts to customers | Less vegan-friendly options |
Offers debit & prepaid card support | Less vegetarian options |
Following is a list of pros and cons of eating at KFC:
PROS | CONS |
Better gluten-free options | Worse delivery options |
Better vegan-friendly options | High-calorie meals |
Better vegetarian options | It does not offer email discounts |
Offers Apple Pay support | It does not offer debit and prepaid card support |
Offers Google Pay support | – |
Even though subway has fewer vegan and gluten-free options, it is better and healthier than KFC.
Gluten-Free And Vegan-Friendly Options At KFC Vs. At Subway
Following is a list of gluten-free options available at Subway vs. KFC:
SUBWAY | KFC |
Gluten-free bread at select locations | House Side Salad |
Oven-roasted chicken patty | Green Beans |
Italian BMT Meats (ham, pepperoni, salami) | Caesar Side Salad |
Chicken, grilled with buffalo sauce | All the dressings at KFC |
Oven-roasted turkey breast | Coleslaw |
Rotisserie-style chicken | Mashed Potato |
Cold-cut combo meats | BBQ Baked Beans |
KFC has a separate gluten-free menu for its customers, which you can see here.
Following is a list of vegan-friendly options available at Subway vs. at KFC:
SUBWAY | KFC |
Roasted Garlic Bread | Beyond Fried Chicken |
9 Grain Wheat bread | Corn on the Cob |
Veggie Delite | House Side Salads (skip croutons) |
Mediterranean Vegetable Soup | BBQ Baked Beans |
Black Bean Soup | Apple Turnover |
Hearty Italian, Sourdough, Slider Roll, Spinach Wrap, and Tomato Basil Wrap are vegan-friendly options at Subway. Dressings include BBQ, Buffalo, Herb, Garlic, Oil, Ketchup, Mustard Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Spicy Brown Mustard, Sweet Onion Sauce, and Vinaigrette are also vegan-friendly.
Only ketchup or hot sauce are vegan-friendly at KFC.
Final Remarks
In this article, we tried to understand which is better – Subway or KFC
Here’s a quick recap.
Subway vs. KFC – which is better?
Subway is a better option if you want to eat something fresh and healthy; however, KFC offers more gluten-free and vegan-friendly options.

My name is Douglas Ryan and I am the founder of BargainFoodie. I have worked in the culinary space for many years, and exploring new food is my greatest pleasure in life.