‘Bigger and better’: Subway’s limited edition SubDog returns to Australia

Subway has announced it’s bringing a fan-favourite menu item back to Aussie shores – for a limited time only.

Subway has announced it’s bringing back a cult classic menu item in Australia – for a limited time only.

From Monday, September 2 until Sunday, October 6, diners will once again be able to get their hands on the iconic SubDog, which became an instant favourite when it first launched two years ago.

The American-style hotdog, topped with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and a limited-edition tangy mustard, initially started as an April Fool’s joke in 2022.

A huge display of genuine enthusiasm from the public in Australia and New Zealand – and one Melbourne man’s vow to never eat there again if Subway’s iteration of a hot dog wasn’t real – prompted the company to launch it later that same year.

It went on to become Subway’s most successful new product launch to date, selling out before its time on the menu ended.

The SubDog is back, for a limited time only. Picture: Supplied

Subway director of marketing for Australia and New Zealand, Rodica Titeica, said this year’s version was “bigger and better” than the original.

“We were overwhelmed by the response to the SubDog in 2022 so we’ve challenged ourselves to create a bigger – and what we are confident is – an even better SubDog, that provides exceptional value and taste for our guests,” Ms Titeica said in a statement.

“Subway is delighted to partner with DON – one of Australia’s biggest and most well-respected names in smallgoods – to deliver more of the high-quality, delicious product that guests crave with every bite.

“Whether you’re out and about grabbing lunch, looking for a delicious afternoon snack, or a great value dinner, we encourage all guests to act quick and snap up a SubDog before they sell out, again.”

The SubDog is available as both a six-inch and a foot-long sub. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

The SubDog is available as both a six-inch and a foot-long sub, at all Subway outlets and on delivery platforms.

Its introduction comes at a time when dining habits are changing, with consumers eating out less amid the ongoing cost-of-living crunch.

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed spending on fast food in June fell 0.2 per cent – the equivalent of $4.3 billion.

At the same time, comparison site Finder’s ongoing monthly consumer sentiment tracker survey found stress caused by the cost of groceries had increased “the most dramatically of any category over the last three years”, from 15 per cent to 41 per cent, bringing it on par with worries about paying rent or a mortgage.

“Because of that people are focusing much more on the cost of food, not only in the grocery store but restaurants and fast food places,” head of consumer research, Graham Cooke, said.

“They’re analysing their spending much more than previously. These (food) outlets are not spared from the scrutiny.”