15 Surprising Facts About Arby’s Roast Beef
Explore the intriguing world of Arby’s roast beef, a culinary icon since 1964. Known for its tender, flavorful qualities, it’s a fan-favorite in the fast-food arena. Discover the lesser-known aspects of this beloved sandwich staple, from its preparation process to its unique seasonings. Delve into the history, rumors, and uncelebrated secrets that make Arby’s roast beef a standout choice. Each fact brings a new dimension to this sandwich superstar, highlighting everything from its USDA approval to its unique sauces and the myths surrounding its preparation. An adventure in fast food awaits!
1. It’s Not Just “Pressed Meat”
Despite urban legends, Arby’s roast beef isn’t a gel or paste. It’s made from beef round roast that’s cooked and sliced thin—though it does arrive to stores pre-cooked and sealed in a bag.
2. It’s Slow-Roasted, Not Grilled
The meat is roasted, not grilled or griddled, giving it a tender texture and distinct flavor.
3. It Comes in Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Arby’s locations receive the roast beef in pre-cooked, vacuum-sealed bags that are reheated in-store in warm water baths, which keeps it moist and flavorful.
4. It Was a Premium Product at Launch
In 1964, the original Arby’s roast beef sandwich sold for 69 cents—far more than a McDonald’s hamburger at the time. It was marketed as a higher-end alternative to burgers.
5. The Meat Is USDA-Inspected
Arby’s roast beef is made from USDA-inspected beef, primarily from the beef round—a lean, flavorful cut.
6. It’s Sliced Fresh in Store
Although the beef arrives pre-cooked, it’s sliced to order in-house using a commercial slicer, ensuring it’s not pre-sliced or sitting out for long.
7. Arby’s Sells Over 100 Million Roast Beef Sandwiches a Year
The classic roast beef sandwich is still the top seller, decades after it debuted.
8. The “Beef Bag” Rumor Is False
A long-standing rumor suggests Arby’s roast beef arrives as a meat-flavored gel. Arby’s has publicly denied this multiple times—it’s real beef in vacuum-sealed packaging.
9. It Has a Signature Seasoning
Arby’s roast beef includes a proprietary blend of spices that gives it its signature savory, slightly peppery flavor.
10. Horsey Sauce Was Made for It
Arby’s creamy horseradish “Horsey Sauce” was developed specifically to complement roast beef sandwiches.
11. Arby’s Sauce Is Another Signature Pairing
This tangy, sweet sauce was created to enhance the roast beef flavor without overpowering it.
12. The Beef Can Be Reheated in Hot Water Only
Employees don’t use ovens or microwaves for the meat—it’s brought to temperature using a hot water bath system.
13. It’s Not Gluten-Free
While the roast beef itself may not contain gluten ingredients, it’s processed and sliced in environments where cross-contamination is possible.
14. The “Beef and Cheddar” Is a Top Variation
The Beef ‘n Cheddar—served with cheddar cheese sauce and Red Ranch dressing on an onion roll—is the most popular variation of the classic roast beef sandwich.
15. Arby’s Doesn’t Freeze Its Roast Beef
The meat is shipped and stored under refrigeration but not frozen, maintaining a fresher texture and taste.