Arby’s roast beef sandwich has been a staple of American fast food for decades, with its tender, thinly sliced roast beef and signature Horsey Sauce. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s really in that sandwich? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients and composition of an Arby’s roast beef sandwich, exploring the good, the bad, and the surprising.
A Brief History of Arby’s Roast Beef
Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s take a brief look at the history of Arby’s roast beef. The first Arby’s restaurant was opened in 1964 by Forrest and Leroy Raffel in Boardman, Ohio. The brothers wanted to create a fast-food restaurant that served something other than burgers, and they settled on roast beef sandwiches. The original Arby’s menu featured a single item: a roast beef sandwich made with thinly sliced roast beef, served on a toasted bun with a side of Horsey Sauce.
The Meat of the Matter: Arby’s Roast Beef
So, what’s in Arby’s roast beef? According to the company’s website, Arby’s roast beef is made from top-round roast beef, which is a lean cut of beef taken from the hindquarters of the cow. The beef is slow-cooked in a special broth to make it tender and flavorful.
But what about the rumors that Arby’s roast beef is actually made from processed meat, such as lunchmeat or deli slices? While it’s true that some fast-food chains use processed meats in their sandwiches, Arby’s insists that its roast beef is made from 100% real beef.
Meat Composition: A Closer Look
To get a better understanding of what’s in Arby’s roast beef, let’s take a look at the nutrition information. According to Arby’s website, a single serving of roast beef (about 2 ounces) contains:
- 70 calories
- 2g fat
- 1g saturated fat
- 10mg cholesterol
- 350mg sodium
- 12g protein
In terms of meat composition, Arby’s roast beef is made from a combination of muscle meat and connective tissue. The muscle meat provides protein and texture, while the connective tissue adds flavor and tenderness.
The Bun: A Soft, Sesame-Seed Foundation
The bun is an essential component of any sandwich, and Arby’s is no exception. The company’s buns are made from a soft, sesame-seed dough that’s lightly toasted to give it a crispy texture.
But what’s in the bun, exactly? According to Arby’s website, the buns contain:
- Enriched wheat flour
- Water
- Yeast
- Salt
- Sugar
- Sesame seeds
- Vegetable oil
The buns also contain a number of preservatives and conditioners, including calcium propionate and sodium stearoyl lactylate. These ingredients help extend the shelf life of the buns and improve their texture.
Cheese: An Optional but Delicious Addition
While the classic Arby’s roast beef sandwich doesn’t come with cheese, many customers opt to add a slice or two to their sandwich. Arby’s offers a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Swiss, and American.
But what’s in Arby’s cheese, exactly? According to the company’s website, the cheese slices are made from a combination of natural cheese and processed cheese product. The natural cheese provides flavor and texture, while the processed cheese product adds meltability and shelf life.
Cheese Composition: A Closer Look
To get a better understanding of what’s in Arby’s cheese, let’s take a look at the nutrition information. According to Arby’s website, a single slice of cheddar cheese contains:
- 50 calories
- 4g fat
- 2.5g saturated fat
- 10mg cholesterol
- 200mg sodium
- 6g protein
In terms of cheese composition, Arby’s cheese slices are made from a combination of milkfat, milk protein, and whey. The milkfat provides flavor and texture, while the milk protein adds structure and meltability.
Horsey Sauce: The Signature Condiment
No Arby’s roast beef sandwich is complete without a dollop of Horsey Sauce, the company’s signature condiment. But what’s in Horsey Sauce, exactly?
According to Arby’s website, Horsey Sauce is made from a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish, along with a number of spices and preservatives. The exact recipe is a trade secret, but we can make some educated guesses based on the ingredients list.
Horsey Sauce Composition: A Closer Look
To get a better understanding of what’s in Horsey Sauce, let’s take a look at the nutrition information. According to Arby’s website, a single serving of Horsey Sauce (about 1 tablespoon) contains:
- 90 calories
- 10g fat
- 1.5g saturated fat
- 5mg cholesterol
- 200mg sodium
- 0g protein
In terms of condiment composition, Horsey Sauce is made from a combination of oil, water, and egg yolks, along with a number of spices and preservatives. The oil provides flavor and texture, while the egg yolks add richness and emulsification.
Other Ingredients: Lettuce, Tomato, and More
While the roast beef, bun, cheese, and Horsey Sauce are the main components of an Arby’s roast beef sandwich, there are a number of other ingredients that can be added to customize the sandwich. These include:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onions
- Pickles
- Jalapeños
These ingredients add flavor, texture, and freshness to the sandwich, and can be customized to suit individual tastes.
Conclusion: Unwrapping the Classic
So, what’s really in an Arby’s roast beef sandwich? While the exact recipe is a trade secret, we can make some educated guesses based on the ingredients list and nutrition information. The roast beef is made from top-round roast beef, slow-cooked in a special broth to make it tender and flavorful. The bun is made from a soft, sesame-seed dough that’s lightly toasted to give it a crispy texture. The cheese is made from a combination of natural cheese and processed cheese product, and the Horsey Sauce is made from a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish, along with a number of spices and preservatives.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Arby’s or just discovering the classic roast beef sandwich, there’s no denying the appeal of this beloved fast-food staple. So next time you unwrap an Arby’s roast beef sandwich, remember the ingredients and composition that make it so delicious.
What is the main ingredient in an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich?
The main ingredient in an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich is thinly sliced roast beef. The roast beef is made from top-round roast beef, which is a lean cut of beef that is slow-cooked in a special blend of spices and seasonings to create the signature flavor of Arby’s roast beef. The roast beef is then thinly sliced and piled high on a toasted bun to create the iconic sandwich.
It’s worth noting that Arby’s roast beef is made from 100% beef, with no fillers or by-products added. This commitment to quality and authenticity has helped to set Arby’s apart from other fast-food chains and has made the Roast Beef Sandwich a beloved favorite among fans of the brand.
What type of bun is used in an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich?
The bun used in an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich is a soft, sesame seed bun that is lightly toasted to give it a subtle crunch. The bun is designed to hold up to the generous portion of roast beef and any additional toppings that customers may choose to add. The sesame seeds on the bun add a nutty flavor and a bit of texture to the sandwich.
Arby’s uses a proprietary bun recipe that is designed to complement the flavor of the roast beef without overpowering it. The bun is lightly sweetened and has a soft, airy texture that helps to balance out the savory flavor of the roast beef.
What toppings are available on an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich?
Arby’s offers a variety of toppings that customers can add to their Roast Beef Sandwich, including cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and Arby’s signature Horsey Sauce. Customers can choose from a range of cheeses, including cheddar, Swiss, and American, and can also add bacon or other meats to their sandwich for added flavor and texture.
In addition to these standard toppings, Arby’s also offers a range of limited-time toppings and sauces that can be added to the Roast Beef Sandwich. These may include items like jalapenos, guacamole, or specialty sauces, and are designed to give customers new and exciting flavor options to try.
Is the Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich a healthy option?
While the Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich is a tasty and satisfying option, it is not necessarily a healthy choice. The sandwich is high in calories, fat, and sodium, thanks to the generous portion of roast beef and the sesame seed bun. A standard Roast Beef Sandwich from Arby’s contains around 360 calories, 14g of fat, and 900mg of sodium.
That being said, there are ways to make the Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich a healthier option. Customers can choose to hold the cheese and bacon, and can add extra veggies like lettuce and tomato to increase the nutritional value of the sandwich. Arby’s also offers a range of lighter options, such as the Thinly Sliced Roast Beef Sandwich, which contains fewer calories and less fat than the standard sandwich.
Can I customize my Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich?
Yes, customers can customize their Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich to suit their tastes. Arby’s offers a range of toppings and sauces that can be added to the sandwich, and customers can also choose to hold or substitute certain ingredients to create a sandwich that is tailored to their preferences.
In addition to the standard toppings and sauces, Arby’s also offers a range of customization options that can be accessed through the company’s mobile app or website. Customers can use these platforms to create a customized sandwich and then pick it up at their local Arby’s restaurant.
How is the roast beef in an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich cooked?
The roast beef in an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich is slow-cooked in a special blend of spices and seasonings to create the signature flavor of Arby’s roast beef. The roast beef is cooked in a large roasting oven, where it is slowly cooked for several hours to create a tender and flavorful product.
Arby’s uses a proprietary cooking process that involves cooking the roast beef at a low temperature for a long period of time. This helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat and creates a tender, fall-apart texture that is characteristic of Arby’s roast beef.
Is the Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich a good value?
The Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich is generally considered to be a good value, thanks to its generous portion size and affordable price point. A standard Roast Beef Sandwich from Arby’s typically costs around $4-$5, which is competitive with other fast-food chains.
In addition to the standard sandwich, Arby’s also offers a range of combo meals and value menus that can help customers save money. These may include items like fries, drinks, and desserts, and can be a good option for customers who are looking for a filling and affordable meal.