Why Britons Love Sandwiches: A Delicious Tradition
Britons love sandwiches because they’re versatile, convenient, and delicious. Whether for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, sandwiches fit every occasion. With countless combinations of fillings, from classic BLTs to creative vegan options, there’s something for everyone.
Nostaligia and Tradition
Convenience for busy lifestyles
Sandwiches are easy to make and portable, perfect for busy lifestyles. You can whip one up in minutes and take it with you on the go, making them an ideal choice for today’s fast-paced world.
Quality Ingredients Make the Difference
The British affinity for quality ingredients, like fresh bread and local produce, ensures that sandwiches are not only a quick meal but also a tasty and satisfying one. Good ingredients elevate a simple sandwich into something special.
A Brief History of the Sandwich
According to Wikipedia, the modern concept of a sandwich using slices of bread can be traced to 18th-century Europe. However, using bread to scoop up or enclose other foods is much older and found in many cultures worldwide.
The Sandwich and the Aristocracy
The sandwich started appearing in polite society as a late-night meal among the aristocracy. It’s named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, an eighteenth-century English aristocrat. Legend has it that Lord Sandwich, during long sessions of cribbage and other card games at public gambling houses, would order salt beef between two pieces of toasted bread. This allowed him to eat without interrupting his game, and the name “sandwich” stuck.
Britons Vote BLT as Top Sandwich
The Favourite Sandwich Poll
According to an April 2024 poll commissioned by bread producer Hovis, the BLT sandwich has officially been crowned as Britain’s favourite. A whopping 28% of Brits voted for this classic combination, declaring it the tastiest sarnie out there.
Other Popular Choices
The chicken salad sandwich came in a close second with 24% of the votes, with tuna mayonnaise in third place. The nostalgic childhood favourite, the fish finger sarnie, came in fourth, and cheese and pickle (Ploughman’s sandwich) completed the top five.
What Makes a Perfect Sandwich
A Nation of Sandwich Lovers
Brits really do spread the love when it comes to sandwiches. A 2021 survey by the Travelodge budget hotel chain found that the bacon butty was the nation’s best-loved sarnie, with cheese coming in second, and egg and mayo third. At the time, Travelodge said that Britain annually spends more than £8 billion eating 12 billion sandwiches.
Make Your Next Sandwich a Winner
We at Bacon by the Box stock a variety of sandwich ingredients to make your next sarnie a winner. We have a range of bacon, cheeses, and condiments like mayonnaise. Whether you prefer a classic BLT or something more adventurous, we’ve got you covered.
