Sandwich lovers are falling out of love with the classic BLT in favour of more cosmopolitan fillings
Brits are ditching the bacon, lettuce and tomato fillings and opting for posher ingredients like brie, cranberry and pulled pork
BRITS are falling out of 'loaf' with the classic BLT - in favour of more modern fillings, such as brie, cranberry and pulled pork, it has emerged.
Researchers who carried out a detailed study found a string of traditional sarnies have now fallen by the wayside, including tuna mayo, ham salad and cheese and pickle.
They have been replaced by cooler varieties such as hummus and falafel, avocado, chicken and über trendy pulled pork.
The study was conducted by Warburtons to mark the launch of Mighty White, made with 50 per cent wholemeal and 50 per cent white flour - available exclusively at Iceland.
Despite the evolution of fillings, sandwiches remain a firm UK favourite, with more than a third listing them as a much-loved meal.
And when it comes to generational changes, almost half of respondents said they are more adventurous with their sandwich options than their parents.
The Great British Sandwich Evolution over the last 50 years:
BRITS' favourite sandwiches have changed throughout history:
- Pre-1970 - Jam, Corned beef, Cheese, Plain ham, Cucumber
- 1970-1979 - Ham salad, Ham and cheese, Ploughman's Cheese and onion, Egg mayonnaise
- 1980-1989 - Chicken salad, Tuna mayo, Tuna and cucumber, BLTTuna salad
- 1990-1999 - BLT, Tuna mayo ,Chicken mayo, Tuna salad, Chicken Club
- 2000-2009 - Smoked salmon and cream cheese, Chicken mayo, Brie and cranberry, Salmon and prawn, Brie and grape
- 2010-present - Hummus and falafel, BBQ pulled pork, Avocado, Chicken and avocado, Brie and grape
Taking a look at the numbers, the research revealed Brits don’t rush the construction of their trusty sandwich, spending an average of four and a half minutes getting it just right, and consuming five sandwiches a week, on average.
Darren Littler, Innovation Director at Warburtons, said: "Whilst the humble sandwich has remained a classic UK favourite over the decades, it’s interesting to see the fillings that fall in and out of favour in line with trends and preferences.
"Now, with a vastly increased number of choices compared to years gone by, more adventurous fillings are now clearly the order of the day for many Brits, with corned beef no longer cutting the mustard.
"When it comes to finding a loaf that all the family will enjoy, Warburtons Mighty White blends wholemeal and white flour into one tasty, clever loaf, making it the perfect option for busy families at home, at school, or at work."
According to the data the humble ham salad reigned supreme as the most popular sarnie of the 1970s, chicken salad topped the charts in the 1980s and the BLT took the vote as the 1990s favourite.
Smoked salmon and cream cheese beat other popular fillings for the noughties, with more adventurous options now on trend in the current decade, with hummus and falafel coming out on top.
Here's how to cut the cost of your grocery shop
SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from Hannah Maundrell, editor of Money.co.uk, about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills:
- Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry – You are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra charged for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media – Follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
To celebrate the launch of Mighty White, Iceland is offering shoppers who purchase a loaf between the third and tenth of September, the chance to buy it for just 50p. Following this introductory offer, fans can still get their hands on it for £1, or two for £1.60.
Neil Nugent, Head Chef at Iceland, said: "We’re delighted to be stocking Warburtons Mighty White bread, a blend of wholemeal and white flour making it the perfect loaf for lunchbox sandwiches.
"The sandwich has always been a firm family favourite for the nation and although the fillings change, customers are always looking for a bread which is both tasty and delicious. The Mighty White does just that and our introductory offer is ideal to help parents save as the new term starts."
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Earlier this year we revealed how half of high streets sandwiches contain LESS filling that their packers advertise - here are the worst culprits.
An investigation by the Sun Online found that your supermarket burger may only contain 62 per cent meat - the other 38 per cent is packed with water, onion and flour.
Last summer, we also reported how your sausage roll may only contain 42 per cent meat.
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