Cheese is the cheapest upgrade at Subway and the one most people default through without thinking. It is included on almost every sub, it costs nothing to change, and switching from American to pepper jack changes a sandwich more than swapping the sauce does.
The full cheese lineup
| Cheese | Calories, 6-inch portion | Melts? | Best on |
|---|---|---|---|
| American (processed, triangles) | ~40–50 | Best melt | Steak, meatball, breakfast |
| Provolone | ~50–60 | Good | Italian B.M.T., cold cuts, BLT |
| Pepper jack | ~50–60 | Good | Chicken, buffalo, spicy builds |
| Monterey cheddar blend (shredded) | ~50–60 | Very good | Chicken bacon ranch, bowls |
| Shredded mozzarella | ~40–50 | Very good | Meatball marinara, pizza-style builds |
| Swiss | ~50–60 | Moderate | Turkey, ham, roast beef |
| Feta (where stocked) | ~50–60 | No | Salads, veggie builds |
Portions are two triangles or roughly a quarter-cup shredded on a 6-inch, doubled on a Footlong. Availability varies — feta and Swiss are the two most likely to be missing. Cross-check the free toppings in our build guide.
Which cheese for which sub
- Steak subs: provolone over American if you want flavour, American if you want the melt. See The Philly.
- Meatball marinara: shredded mozzarella, always — it is the only one that behaves like pizza cheese. Full guide.
- Cold cuts: provolone. It is the traditional pairing on an Italian B.M.T.
- Chicken: pepper jack or the Monterey cheddar blend — chicken bacon ranch is built for it.
- Turkey and ham: Swiss, with mustard rather than mayo. Turkey guide.
- Veggie: feta if stocked, otherwise double cheddar blend — see Veggie Delite.
Cost, double cheese and free cheese
One portion of cheese is included in the price of any sub. Double cheese is normally a $0.75–$1.50 upcharge — the cheapest way to add fat, flavour and about 50 calories to a sub. Salads and bowls include cheese too, and asking for it shredded rather than sliced spreads it further. Price ranges are in the price guide.
Vegetarian, halal and allergen notes
Most Subway cheeses in the US use microbial rather than animal rennet, but this is supplier-dependent and not guaranteed store to store — if it matters to you, ask to see the ingredient binder. Every cheese contains milk, so all of them are out on a dairy-free order; vegan builds are covered in the vegetarian and vegan guide and cross-contact in the allergen guide.
Frequently asked
How many cheeses does Subway have?
Six are common nationally, with feta and occasional promotional cheeses at some stores.
Is extra cheese free?
No — one portion is included, extra is a small upcharge at nearly every franchise.
Which Subway cheese has the fewest calories?
American and shredded mozzarella, at roughly 40–50 calories per 6-inch portion. Full context in the nutrition guide.
Can I get no cheese and pay less?
No. Cheese is priced into the sub, so skipping it saves calories rather than money.
Nutrition figures and availability are approximate 2026 US values and vary by franchise and supplier. Confirm allergen details in store.
