Patrick Oconnell
A meatball sub with cheese is a delicious, hearty meal, but how many calories does it contain? The answer depends on the ingredients used and the portion size. For example, a Subway Meatball Marinara contains meatballs, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on Italian bread. Each additional slice of American cheese adds 40 calories and 3 grams of fat. Portion size also matters; a 6-inch sub will have fewer calories than a foot-long. So, before you take a bite of that mouth-watering meatball sub, consider the calories and remember that you can always customize your order to make it healthier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | A basic meatball marinara sub contains around 500 calories. Each slice of cheese adds 40 calories. |
| Serving size | The standard serving size of a meatball sub is 6 inches, but it can also be ordered as a foot-long. |
| Bread options | Italian herbs and cheese, 9-grain wheat, roasted garlic, and whole grain. |
| Meatball ingredients | Beef, water, textured soy protein concentrate, eggs, Romano cheese, dehydrated onion, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, spices, corn syrup solids, breadcrumbs, and salt. |
| Cheese options | Parmesan, provolone, and American cheese. |
| Sauce | Marinara or tangy tomato sauce. |
| Nutrition | High in sodium, fat, and calories. |
| Healthy alternatives | Scaling back on meat, choosing whole grain bread, and adding extra vegetables can make the sub healthier. |
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What You'll Learn
- A standard 6-inch meatball marinara sub contains around 400 calories
- Each slice of cheese added increases calories by 40
- Choosing whole grain bread over white bread can reduce blood sugar spikes
- A soda accompaniment can add 300 calories and lots of sugar
- A portion of bacon increases calories to 500 and adds 5 grams of fat
A standard 6-inch meatball marinara sub contains around 400 calories
A meatball marinara sub typically consists of meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese served on an Italian sub roll. This standard 6-inch sandwich contains around 400 calories. However, the calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.
For instance, at Subway, the Meatball Marinara is served on a traditional Italian sub roll. According to their website, the standard serving size for this sandwich is 6 inches, containing around 400 calories. Nevertheless, customers can opt for a foot-long sandwich, which will naturally increase the calorie count. Additionally, Subway offers various bread options, such as 9-grain wheat, Italian herbs and cheese, and roasted garlic, which can also impact the calorie content.
When considering the calorie count of a meatball sub, it's important to note that adding extra ingredients, such as cheese or bacon, will increase the calorie and fat content. For example, each slice of American cheese adds approximately 40 calories and 3 grams of fat to the sandwich. Similarly, adding bacon to a 6-inch meatball sub increases the calorie count to 500 and adds 5 grams of fat.
To make a meatball sub healthier, individuals can opt for whole grain breads, which provide more fiber and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Scaling back on the amount of meat and choosing healthier side dishes, such as a small salad instead of chips, can also reduce the overall calorie intake. Additionally, doubling up on vegetables can fill you up while maximizing nutrient intake.
While a meatball sub may not be the healthiest option, making conscious choices and customizations can help create a more balanced meal. It's also important to consider the accompanying drink, as a large soda or fruit punch can add an extra 300 calories and a significant amount of sugar to your meal.
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Each slice of cheese added increases calories by 40
The calorie count of a meatball sub with cheese depends on several factors, such as the type of cheese used, the number of cheese slices, and the presence of other ingredients. Let's focus on the impact of adding cheese slices to this delicious sandwich.
When it comes to the calorie count of a meatball sub, each slice of cheese added increases the calorie count significantly. Specifically, adding a slice of American cheese to a meatball sub increases the calorie count by 40. This information is particularly relevant when customizing your sandwich at a restaurant or making it at home. Knowing that each slice of cheese adds 40 calories can help you make informed decisions about the amount of cheese to include.
For example, if you add two slices of American cheese to your meatball sub, you can expect to consume 80 additional calories from the cheese alone. This calorie increase is solely due to the cheese and does not include the calories from other ingredients in the sandwich. The calorie count can quickly add up, especially if you're watching your calorie intake or aiming for a specific nutritional goal.
It's worth noting that different types of cheese may have varying calorie contents. For instance, provolone cheese, which is commonly used in meatball subs, might have a slightly different calorie count per slice. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the nutritional information of the specific type of cheese you're using to accurately determine the calorie increase per slice.
While adding cheese to a meatball sub enhances the flavour and texture, it's important to be mindful of the calorie impact. If you're aiming for a more nutritious option or trying to reduce your calorie intake, you might consider reducing the number of cheese slices or opting for a lower-calorie cheese variety. This way, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of a meatball sub with cheese while keeping your calorie count in check.
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Choosing whole grain bread over white bread can reduce blood sugar spikes
A meatball sub with cheese is a tasty treat, but it can be a calorie-laden one. While the calorie count will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size, a meatball sub with cheese can easily exceed 500 calories. For example, a basic meatball marinara sandwich from Subway, which includes marinara sauce, meatballs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on Italian bread, has 460 calories. Adding a slice of American cheese adds 40 calories, bringing the total to 500.
If you're watching your calorie intake, there are a few ways to make a meatball sub with cheese a bit lighter. Opting for a smaller portion, such as a 6-inch sub instead of a foot-long, can help reduce the calorie count. Choosing a whole grain bread instead of white bread can not only reduce the overall calorie count but also have additional health benefits, especially when it comes to blood sugar control.
Whole grain breads tend to be higher in fiber and lower in sugar than white bread. Fiber helps control blood sugar levels, and whole grains can slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing spikes in blood sugar. White bread, on the other hand, is highly processed and has a high glycemic index, similar to soda, which can lead to rapid increases in blood sugar levels.
When selecting a whole grain bread, look for options where "'whole' is the first ingredient", such as whole wheat, whole oat, or whole rye. These breads tend to have more fiber and protein, which can help blunt the glucose response and keep blood sugar levels stable. Aim for bread with at least 3 grams of fiber per slice, and if you're making a sandwich, consider using two slices of bread, each with less than 100 calories, to keep portions in check.
In addition to choosing whole grain bread, there are other ways to make your meatball sub more nutritious and blood-sugar-friendly. Go easy on the cheese, as it can be high in fat and calories. Load up on veggies instead of deli meats, as they are often loaded with sodium. Pair your sub with a low-calorie drink like unsweetened tea or water, and avoid sugary options that can spike your blood sugar.
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A soda accompaniment can add 300 calories and lots of sugar
A meatball sub with cheese is a delicious, hearty meal, but it's important to be aware of its nutritional content. While the exact calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size, a meatball sub with cheese typically contains several hundred calories. For example, a standard 6-inch meatball marinara sub from Subway, with its meatballs, marinara sauce, and sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, already contains a significant number of calories. Adding extra cheese can increase the calorie count by about 40 calories per slice, not to mention the additional fat content.
Now, let's talk about the soda accompaniment. While a soda may seem like a harmless addition to your meal, it can significantly impact the overall calorie intake. A large soda can easily add 300 calories to your meal. That's the same as a small meal or a healthy snack! Not to mention, soda is often loaded with sugar, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to health issues like weight gain and tooth decay.
The impact of this additional sugar is significant. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 9 teaspoons of sugar per day, while women should limit their intake to 6 teaspoons. A single can of soda can contain upwards of 10 teaspoons of sugar, far exceeding these recommended limits. This excess sugar not only contributes to weight gain but can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders.
To put it into perspective, a 12-ounce can of regular cola contains about 140 calories, all of which come from sugar. That's about 10 teaspoons of sugar in one can! If you opt for a larger size or a sugary fruit punch, you could be consuming even more calories and sugar. This can quickly turn your meatball sub meal into a calorie overload.
Instead of soda, consider healthier drink options to accompany your meatball sub. Unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime, or simply a glass of water with a slice of orange are great alternatives. These options will keep you hydrated without the excess sugar and calories. Remember, it's not just the food choices that matter, but also the beverages you pair them with. So, the next time you're tempted to grab a soda with your meatball sub, pause and make a healthier choice for your overall well-being.
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A portion of bacon increases calories to 500 and adds 5 grams of fat
A meatball sub with cheese is a delicious, hearty meal, but it's important to be aware of its nutritional content. The calorie count and fat content of your meatball sub will vary depending on the ingredients used and the portion size.
Taking the example of Subway's Meatball Marinara, the standard 6-inch sub contains meatballs, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on Italian bread. This option already includes cheese, but let's say you want to add another type of cheese, like provolone or American cheese, and a portion of bacon.
Each slice of American cheese adds 40 calories and 3 grams of fat to your sub. If you opt for melted slices of provolone, while the calorie count may be similar, the fat content could vary depending on the type of cheese and the amount melted.
Now, let's focus on the impact of adding bacon. A portion of bacon increases the total calories of the 6-inch meatball sub to 500 and boosts the fat content by 5 grams. This addition of bacon significantly contributes to the overall calorie and fat content of your meal.
It's worth noting that the type of bread you choose can also make a difference. Subway offers various bread options, including 9-grain wheat, Italian herbs and cheese, and roasted garlic. Whole grain breads, such as 9-grain wheat, are generally considered a healthier option as they provide more fiber and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in a meatball sub with cheese varies depending on the ingredients used and the size of the sandwich. A meatball marinara sub from Subway that is 6 inches long contains around 460 calories. However, adding a slice of American cheese will increase the calories to 500.
The calorie count of a meatball sub with cheese can vary depending on the type and amount of cheese used, the size of the sandwich, and any additional toppings or sides.
Choosing a whole grain bread option can provide more fiber and help keep blood sugar stable. While it may not significantly impact the calorie count, opting for a whole grain bread can be a healthier choice.
Yes, there are a few ways to reduce the calorie count. You can opt for a smaller sandwich, ask for less meat, choose healthier sides like a salad instead of chips, and avoid sugary drinks. These simple adjustments can help reduce the overall calorie intake.
