If you’re a fan of bold flavors, spicy meats, and satisfying sandwiches, the Spicy Italian Subway sub might be your go-to order. Packed with flavorful meats and fully customizable with veggies, sauces, and bread, this sandwich is a favorite among meat lovers and spice fans alike.
But have you ever wondered what exactly is in the Spicy Italian Subway sandwich? What kind of sausage does it contain? How many calories does it have? And how does it compare to other options like Subway salads or other spicy sausage dishes?
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Spicy Italian Subway sub — from ingredients and calorie count to customization tips and nutrition facts.
What Is the Spicy Italian Subway?
The Spicy Italian Subway is a classic sandwich that features a combination of spicy Italian sausage meats layered on your choice of bread and topped with your favorite veggies and sauces. It’s known for its bold, zesty flavor and meaty texture, making it one of Subway’s most flavorful menu items.
Unlike some of Subway’s leaner options like oven roasted turkey or veggie patties, this one leans more into indulgence — though with the right customizations, you can balance flavor and nutrition.
What Kind of Sausage Is in the Spicy Italian?
The key ingredients that define the Spicy Italian Subway sandwich are:
- Genoa Salami
- Spicy Pepperoni
These meats are both forms of spicy Italian sausage, offering a rich, slightly oily, and peppery flavor profile. While they’re not traditional sausage links, they fall under the “Italian cured meats” category.
These sausage slices are high in fat and sodium, but they deliver on taste — especially when toasted with melty cheese on a fresh sub roll.
Spicy Italian Subway Calories & Nutrition
Now let’s talk about the numbers. How does the Spicy Italian Subway sub stack up when it comes to calories?
Calories (Approximate):
| Item | 6-Inch Sub | Footlong Sub |
| Spicy Italian (no cheese/sauce) | 450–480 kcal | 900–960 kcal |
| With Cheese & Sauce | 550–600 kcal | 1000–1100+ kcal |
Key Nutritional Facts (6-inch, standard build):
- Protein: 20–24g
- Fat: 24–28g
- Carbs: 40–44g
- Sodium: 1100–1200mg
Clearly, this is a higher-calorie and high-fat sandwich. But it can still fit into a balanced diet — especially if you:
- Opt for whole-grain bread
- Load up on fresh veggies
- Choose lighter sauces like mustard or vinegar
Can You Make a Lighter Spicy Italian?
Yes! Here are a few tips to make your Spicy Italian Subway order a bit healthier:
- Swap the bread: Go for a wrap or lettuce-based Subway salad instead of the sub roll.
- Skip the cheese: The meats already bring flavor — you might not need extra fat.
- Watch the sauces: Stick with mustard, sweet onion, or vinegar to reduce calories.
- Add more greens: Lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, and green peppers add volume without calories.
Spicy Italian Sausage – Beyond Subway
Love the flavor of spicy Italian meats and want to enjoy them outside of Subway?
Here are a few ways you can incorporate similar flavor profiles at home:
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
- Use sliced pepperoni or real spicy sausage in a tomato-based sauce
- Add bell peppers, onions, and garlic
- Great for dinner parties or meal prep
Spicy Italian Sausage and Pasta Bake
- Add cooked pasta and sausage to a baking dish with marinara and cheese
- Bake until bubbly — delicious and hearty!
Spicy Italian Sausage Spices
- Want to recreate the taste? Use paprika, crushed red pepper, fennel seeds, garlic powder, and black pepper in your recipes.
Spicy Italian Variations – East Coast Edition
Ever heard of the Spicy East Coast Italian?
This is another variation of the original Spicy Italian Subway — typically a double-meat version featuring:
- Extra salami
- Extra pepperoni
- Sometimes banana peppers or spicy pickles
It’s even more intense in flavor and definitely not for the faint of heart!
Spicy Italian Subway vs. Other Subway Options
| Menu Item | Calories (6”) | Protein | Fat |
| Spicy Italian | ~480–600 kcal | ~24g | ~28g |
| Veggie Delight | ~230 kcal | ~8g | ~2.5g |
| Turkey Breast | ~280 kcal | ~18g | ~3g |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | ~150–200 kcal | ~20g | ~2g |
So, while Spicy Italian is higher in fat and sodium, it provides more flavor and satisfaction — especially when you’re craving something meaty and bold.
FAQs
What is the Spicy Italian at Subway made of?
It’s made of Genoa salami and spicy pepperoni, layered on your choice of bread with customizable veggies and sauces.
How many calories in a footlong Spicy Italian Subway sub?
Around 900 to 1100 calories, depending on toppings and bread choice.
Is the Spicy Italian Subway spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice level, mainly from the pepperoni. Not extremely hot, but flavorful.
Is the Spicy Italian healthier than other subs?
It’s one of the higher-calorie options at Subway. However, with the right customizations, it can still be part of a balanced meal.
Can I get the Spicy Italian as a salad?
Yes! Ask for a Spicy Italian salad — same meats, but served over greens instead of bread for a low-carb version.