Everyone has an opinion on sandwiches—but what makes one truly the best, especially when it often stands in for a full lunch? A survey of 2,000 U.S. residents found broad agreement on the top sandwich ingredients.
The Perfect Sandwich Filling
According to the results, the ideal sandwich includes slices of tomato (54% of respondents), cheddar cheese (39%), and Black Forest ham (39%). While many people like ketchup, only a small share recommended putting it on a cold ham sandwich.
But that’s not all the survey revealed. A majority of respondents (58%) said they prefer their sandwiches toasted. Two out of three respondents (67%) said they could survive solely on sandwiches for an entire week.
Respondents also showed a general preference for vegetable fillings, such as onions (54%) and cucumbers (51%). When it comes to condiments, 58% favored options like 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 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 rising grocery costs, most respondents have shifted to making sandwiches at home.
The Sandwich as an Economically Valuable Food
Among the respondents, 67% said sandwiches offer good economic value, providing “protein options that are both tasty and affordable.” Forty-two percent of respondents said rising food prices have made them more concerned about cutting costs. Meanwhile, 67% agreed that sandwiches are a reliable, economical food that they crave about four times a week.
However, the Daily Mail pointed out that, despite the consensus, there were clear divides. Twenty-nine percent of respondents preferred simpler fillings and described their approach to sandwiches as “minimalist.” Another 27% identified as “savory lovers,” while 15% said they like sweet toppings on their sandwiches.
Sandwiches are an accessible, convenient option no matter when people find a moment to eat in their busy schedules. Most respondents (59%) said they prefer eating sandwiches at unconventional times, outside of lunch. Many said they love eating them at home, while a similar share prefer eating them in a public park.
