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.
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.
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.