Compositions and methods are provided for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside subterranean formations. Breaking is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. The delayed breaking agent is selected from alkyl ether phosphates and salts thereof, alkylaryl ether phosphates and salts thereof, alkyl sulfates and salts thereof, alkylaryl sulfates and salts thereof, alkyl ether sulfates and salts thereof, alkylaryl ether sulfates and salts thereof, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. The viscoelastic surfactant can be a zwitterionic surfactant, and can be selected from the group consisting of sultaines, betaines, and amidoamine oxides.