The Fast-Food Illusion: Are We Being Misled?
We’ve all been there—ordering a meal based on a mouthwatering ad, only to unwrap something far less appetizing. The perfect layers of meat, cheese, and fresh toppings promised in commercials don’t always match what arrives in your hands. Now, Subway is facing a lawsuit alleging that their subs contain significantly less meat and cheese than advertised. But they’re not alone in this fast-food bait-and-switch.
So, how common is this problem, and what—if anything—can be done about it?
Subway's Legal Battle: More Bread, Less Filling?
A recent lawsuit against Subway claims that its sandwiches are not nearly as packed with ingredients as their marketing suggests. The suit alleges that Subway’s Steak and Cheese sub, for example, appears far more generously filled in advertisements than what customers actually receive.
Subway has not issued a public comment on the lawsuit, but they are far from the first company accused of stretching the truth in food marketing. Fast-food chains have long been scrutinized for presenting idealized versions of their meals, only for customers to receive something that falls short.
The Reality of Fast-Food Advertising
Why does this happen? The answer lies in the world of food styling—a practice designed to make food appear more appealing in advertisements. Food stylists use various tricks, such as undercooking ingredients to maintain color and texture, propping up burger buns with cardboard, or applying glazes to give the illusion of freshness. Even digital retouching plays a role in making these meals look irresistibly delicious.
Carl Calhoun, a customer who recently purchased an Arby’s roast beef sandwich, shared his own experience. He noted that his sandwich looked significantly smaller than the one featured in ads, with barely any visible beef around the edges. “It’s not what you expect when you see the commercials,” he said.
Is This Even Legal?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not regulate how food should appear in advertisements, which means that as long as you’re receiving the product you ordered, there’s little legal recourse for misleading visuals. However, lawsuits like the one against Subway argue that the disparity between advertising and reality crosses the line into false advertising.
This isn’t an isolated case. McDonald’s, Burger King, and other major chains have faced similar lawsuits over exaggerated food imagery. Some cases have resulted in settlements, while others have been dismissed. Ultimately, the burden is on consumers to manage expectations—and sometimes call out brands when they feel deceived.
What Can Consumers Do?
While we can’t expect fast-food chains to stop making their food look as appealing as possible in ads, there are a few ways to push for more transparency:
- Compare your order to promotional images – If you notice a stark difference, document it. Some lawsuits have used customer photos as evidence.
- Speak up – Contact the company directly or leave a review if you feel misled. Public feedback can sometimes prompt companies to adjust their marketing.
- Support truth-in-advertising efforts – Some consumer advocacy groups push for stricter regulations on misleading advertising practices.
The Bottom Line
Fast-food marketing will likely continue using stylized images to entice customers, but lawsuits like the one against Subway highlight the growing frustration among consumers. While you’ll probably still get a Subway sub when you order one, don’t expect it to match the image on the menu.
Have you ever received a fast-food order that looked nothing like the advertisement? Share your experience in the comments. And if you’re looking for businesses that deliver on their promises, check out our vetted recommendations at TrustDALE.com.