In the world of fast food, consistency is typically key. Although we all love great new menu items, customers expect their favorite items to taste the same each time they order them. So when Subway, a brand known for its customizable sandwiches, reportedly changed their pickle recipe two years ago, it sparked a wave of discontent among loyal fans. This discontent resurfaced recently when a TikTok video from 2022 made the rounds again, reminding people of a change that some customers still haven’t forgiven.
@theharleyquinndemon Why?! @Subway #subway #nasty BIG MAD – Ktlyn
TikToker Calls Out Subway for “Disgusting” New Pickles
In the TikTok video, a Subway customer takes a bite of her sandwich, only to express her disgust over the new pickles with the caption: “Subway changed their pickles, these are absolutely disgusting never again.” The video quickly gained traction, with others in the comments echoing her sentiments. One user commented, “I thought I was the only one that noticed. They are like cheap hamburger pickles,” while another lamented, “I used to LOVE their pickles! I would get a soup bowl filled with them to just eat them!”
The reaction wasn’t limited to TikTok. A Reddit post from around the same time titled “Did the pickles get changed out?” captured a similar frustration. The original poster shared their dismay after trying the new pickles, describing them as “crunchy-soft dill pickles” with a “weird taste” that made them want to “spit out” their food. The change from the old style to this new version left a sour taste—literally and figuratively—for many Subway fans.
The conversation around Subway’s pickles is indicative of a larger issue: the impact that seemingly small changes can have on customer loyalty. For many, food is tied to memory and experience. A beloved ingredient swapped out for something different can feel like a betrayal, especially when it’s a core component of a customer’s go-to order.
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In a competitive fast-food market, maintaining customer trust is crucial. While it's unclear why Subway decided to change their pickles, the backlash serves as a reminder of how important it is for brands to carefully consider changes to their menus. As one Reddit commenter pointed out, "There was nothing wrong with the old ones... But for those that do order pickles on our sandwich are the ones that must adapt. That's a big risk for Subway."
This isn't the only thing Subway has faced backlash for in recent years. Some customers were upset when the chain switched to freshly sliced meat covered with metal, claiming that they were "hiding" something.
For Subway, the lesson here might be to listen more closely to customer feedback—especially when it comes to beloved ingredients.
READ MORE: 6 Subway Sandwiches Health Experts Say You Should Never Order–Plus, What To Get Instead
