The humble sandwich, the go-to lunch for millions of people across the UK and beyond, is having its well-deserved day in the sun. National Sandwich Day, which falls on Thursday, November 3, is a celebration of one of the most popular and delicious snacks.
The sandwich's beauty lies in its simplicity. Consisting of two slices of bread holding a layer of cheese or some other simple ingredient, it is quick to rustle up and easy to eat on-the-go.
The research team from Betway studied search volume increases for popular sandwich fillings over a period of 12 months. By studying Google Trends data, they calculated the nation’s favourite sandwiches, which features all the usual suspects and a surprise addition.
Favourite sandwiches enjoyed by Brits
1. Egg and cress - 450% increase
The egg and cress sandwich wears the crown for being the nation’s favourite butty. Creamy and flavoursome, this simple sarnie also regularly features in various supermarkets' meal deal offerings.
Pair it with salt and vinegar crisps and you have a winner. It is also easy to replicate at home, can be rustled up in less than 15 minutes and uses cheap ingredients that won't break the lunch budget.
2. Marmalade - 200% increase
The popularity of a marmalade sandwich, which is also one of the simplest sandwiches on the list, may be down to a very simple explanation that hails from deepest, darkest Peru. The marmalade sandwich is reportedly a favourite of Paddington Bear.
Marmalade butties also featured in a Jubilee skit in which the late Queen, in conversation with Paddington Bear, professed to keeping an 'emergency marmalade sandwich' in her bag.
3. Submarine - 180% increase
When it comes to sandwiches it seems that we have been influenced by America, with searches for the submarine sandwich having increased by a whopping 180%. As offered by popular sandwich shop Subway, a submarine sandwich commonly known as a 'sub' is a cylindrical butty that is essentially filled with goodness such as a meat, salad and layered cheese.
According to TimeOut, the top three Subway fillings were all meat-laden subs packed with a combination of spicy salami, pepperoni and Black Forest ham.
4. Coronation chicken - 160% increase
There are many kinds of chicken sandwiches out there, but one that definitely reigns supreme according to Brits is the coronation chicken sandwich. Loaded with herbs and spices and complemented further with a dollop of creamy mayonnaise, this sandwich filling is one for those who like subtle spice in their food.
5. Chicken club sandwich - 150% increase
Loaded with layers of bread, meat, lettuce and juicy tomato, this mouthwatering sarnie is the ultimate hangover cure. It is also great for those who want to increase their vegetable intake.
6. Chicken and bacon - 130% increase
There is something about the heady combination of chicken and bacon which makes for an exceptional meaty taste. Used in hearty pies, stews and salads, this classic flavour is a crowd pleaser and is even more delicious on bread.
7. Cucumber - 120% increase
There is something just so quintessentially British about a cucumber sandwich. This refreshing sarnie is typically served and enjoyed without the crust.
It pairs well with a comforting cup of English breakfast tea and is a staple on any afternoon tea spread.
