The perfect sandwich: what should it be like?

Many people around the world love sandwiches. But what exactly makes a sandwich worthy of being called the best, especially when it often replaces a traditional lunch? Researchers conducted a survey among 2,000 residents of the United States and discovered a remarkable level of consensus on the best ingredients for a sandwich.

The Perfect Sandwich Filling

According to the results, the ideal sandwich requires slices of tomato (54% of respondents), cheddar cheese (39%), and Black Forest ham (39%). While many people enjoy ketchup, only a small number of respondents would recommend adding it to a cold ham sandwich.

But that’s not all that the new survey revealed. A majority of respondents (58%) also expressed a preference for their sandwiches to be toasted. Two out of three respondents (67%) claimed they could survive solely on sandwiches for an entire week.

Respondents also showed a general preference for vegetable fillings in their sandwiches, such as onions (54%) and cucumbers (51%). When it comes to condiments, 58% favored barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, and honey mustard, while ranch dressing was the least popular (26%).

Black Forest ham shared the approval rating with honey turkey, honey ham, and regular ham, all coming in second place (39% approval). As for cheeses, the most popular after cheddar were Swiss and American (each with 36% approval). Alpine Gruyère cheese ranked at the bottom of the list with only 1% approval.

While what’s inside matters, many consumers prefer sandwiches made with whole grain bread (37%), sourdough (36%), or multigrain bread (33%). Given the rising cost of groceries, most respondents have shifted to making sandwiches at home.

The Sandwich as an Economically Valuable Food

Among the respondents, 67% said they personally feel that sandwiches offer good economic value, providing “protein options that are both tasty and affordable.” For 42% of the 2,000 surveyed, the rising food prices have led to increasing concerns about cutting costs. Meanwhile, 67% (a two-thirds majority) agreed that sandwiches are a reliable, economical food that they crave about four times a week.

However, as noted by the Daily Mail, amidst all this consensus, there were clear ideological divides. Twenty-nine percent of respondents preferred simpler fillings and described their approach to sandwiches as “minimalist.” Another 27% identified as “savory lovers,” in contrast to 15% who are fans of sweet toppings on their sandwiches.

Sandwiches are an accessible and convenient option, no matter when people find a moment in their busy schedules to eat. Most respondents (59%) expressed a preference for enjoying these sandwiches at unconventional times, outside of lunch. Many reported that they love eating sandwiches in the comfort of their own homes, while a similar number of respondents preferred enjoying them in a public park.