Will You Try the New Jacket Potato Meal Deal at UK Fast Food Chains?

The jacket potato, a quintessential British comfort food, is making a comeback as Subway introduces its new 'Spudway' selection across all UK locations. Featuring a variety of creative fillings and customisable options, this beloved dish is set to appeal to fans of hearty, satisfying meals. With prices starting from £4.39, the new offering reflects the rising popularity of jacket potatoes, particularly following a surge of interest on social media.

Last updated: 19 February 2025 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Subway is launching a new jacket potato menu called 'Spudway' in the UK.
• Customisable options include classic fillings like Heinz Beanz and Cheese, as well as fan-favourite subs.
• Individual jacket potatoes start from £4.39, with meal deals available from £6.19.
• Wendy's also offers jacket potatoes, featuring five different options on its menu.
• The demand for jacket potatoes has grown significantly on social media.

The Rise of the Jacket Potato

The jacket potato has long been a staple in British cuisine. Often associated with comfort and home-cooked meals, it is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a myriad of toppings. The recent resurgence of interest in this humble spud has been dubbed the 'jacket potato renaissance,' largely driven by social media platforms where food trends often gain traction.

Subway's decision to add jacket potatoes to its menu is a response to this trend and reflects changing consumer preferences for hearty, satisfying meals that are also quick and convenient. As more people seek comfort food options, the jacket potato fits perfectly into this narrative, providing both nostalgia and nourishment.

What’s New with Subway’s Spudway?

Subway's new 'Spudway' selection allows customers to choose from a variety of fillings. The classic options such as Heinz Beanz and Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise cater to traditional tastes, while more adventurous fillings like Chicken Tikka, Taco Beef, and Rotisserie Style Chicken and Bacon offer a twist on the classic jacket potato. This level of customisation is one of the defining features of Subway, allowing patrons to create their perfect meal.

Customisation at Its Best

One of the significant attractions of the Spudway menu is its customisability. Customers can transform any existing sub into a jacket potato, enabling a diverse range of topping combinations. This flexibility allows for creativity and personalisation, ensuring that everyone can find something to satisfy their cravings.

Pricing and Meal Deals

Individual jacket potatoes will start from £4.39, but prices may vary by location. For those looking for a complete meal, Subway offers a meal deal that includes a jacket potato, a drink, and a packet of crisps or a cookie, starting at £6.19. This value proposition makes it an attractive option for lunch or a quick dinner, especially for those on the go.

Subway's Commitment to Quality Ingredients

Subway has emphasised its commitment to quality with the introduction of the Spudway selection. Cathy Goodwin, the Interim Director of Culinary & Innovation for Subway EMEA, stated that the jacket potatoes are made with British potatoes and Irish salted butter, topped with a generous portion of cheese. This dedication to using high-quality ingredients aims to provide customers with a freshly-made meal that they can enjoy guilt-free.

Comparing Fast Food Jacket Potatoes

While Subway is the latest fast food chain to embrace the jacket potato trend, it is not alone in the market. Wendy's has also added jacket potatoes to its menu, offering five distinct options that cater to various tastes. Here's a quick comparison of what both chains offer:

Wendy's Jacket Potato Options

• Plain Potato: Simple and classic.
• Cheese Baked Potato: Topped with creamy cheese sauce and shredded cheese.
• Chilli Cheese Baked Potato: Adds chilli to the cheese baked potato for a spicy kick.
• Sour Cream and Chives Potato: A classic combination that enhances the potato's flavour.
• Bacon and Cheese Potato: Features cheese sauce, shredded cheese, and Applewood smoked bacon.

Wendy's approach focuses on a limited but appealing selection, while Subway's Spudway allows for extensive customisation, making it a more versatile option for customers.

What Happens Next?

As Subway rolls out its jacket potato selection nationally, it will be interesting to see how customers respond. The initial trial earlier this year reportedly generated significant enthusiasm, suggesting that there is a strong market for this comforting dish. The success of this menu addition could lead to further innovations and expansions in the fast food sector, as chains adapt to consumer preferences for hearty, comforting meals that still offer convenience.

Conclusion: The Future of Comfort Food

The introduction of jacket potatoes at Subway represents more than just a menu item; it signals a broader trend in the food industry towards comfort foods that resonate with customers. As the demand for hearty, satisfying meals continues to grow, other fast food chains may follow suit, introducing their versions of this beloved dish. The jacket potato, with its customisability and comforting qualities, is poised to reclaim its place as a go-to comfort food in the UK.

As we embrace this culinary trend, it raises the question: what other comfort foods might make a comeback in fast food outlets in the future? #JacketPotatoes #ComfortFood #FastFoodInnovation

FAQs

What is a jacket potato?

A jacket potato, also known as a baked potato, is a whole potato that is baked in its skin until soft. It can be served with various toppings, making it a versatile and comforting meal option.

How much do Subway's jacket potatoes cost?

Individual jacket potatoes at Subway start from £4.39, while meal deals that include a drink and a snack begin at £6.19. Prices may vary by location.

Can you customise your jacket potato at Subway?

Yes, Subway allows customers to customise their jacket potatoes, offering a wide range of fillings and toppings, including options from their regular sub menu.

What other fast food chains offer jacket potatoes?

Wendy's is another fast food chain that offers jacket potatoes, featuring five different toppings, including cheese, chilli, and bacon options.

Are jacket potatoes healthy?

Jacket potatoes can be a healthy meal option, especially when topped with nutritious ingredients. However, the overall healthiness depends on the toppings chosen.