Sandwich Platforms

The vast majority of sandwiches (85%) spring from a protein platform.  The remainder (15%) include non-protein favorites such as grilled cheese sandwiches, bean (only) burritos, veggie sandwiches/wraps, PBJ sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches and others.  About 10% of all sandwiches use two or more proteins.  Meats that most often fulfill the second protein roll are turkey, bacon and ham. There are two leading proteins in sandwiches.  Chicken accounts for 27% of all sandwiches on the menu, compared to Beef with a 26% share and Pork (either fresh pork or ham or bacon or sausage), with a 21% share.

Menu Prices

Chicken sandwiches are able to garner the highest average menu price of $5.99.  Chicken in sandwiches is generally a grilled breast item.  Dining patrons are willing to pay for the perceived added value stemming from the additional preparation time.  Beef sandwiches menuing at an average price of $5.75 is primarily a sliced meat product, although hot roast beef sandwiches require a warming and holding period.  Sandwiches with bacon are also able to generate a relatively premium menu price.  Bacon sandwiches including BLT’s and Club Sandwiches either with chicken or turkey have an averge price of $5.99.

Protein Sandwich Platforms

Note: percentage shares above sum to greater than 100% because of multiple protein use

Leading Condiments, Sauces, Spreads and Dressings With Sandwiches

Mayonnaise is the King and the Queen of sandwich spreads.  Mayo is the leading spread with each of the five major sandwich proteins and is found on 31% of all sandwiches.  There are more than fifty flavor variations for Mayonnaise.  The leading mayo flavors in order of menu listing importance are: Mayonnaise (regular), Pesto Mayo, Aioli Mayo, Herb Mayo, Light Mayo, Dijon Mayo, Chipotle Mayo, Low Fat Mayo, Basil Mayo and Spicy Mayo.  The leading spreads for breakfast sandwiches are Salsa, Mayonnaise, Cheese Sauce, Hollandaise Sauce, Sour Cream, Red Sauce, Mayo/Mustard Combo, Gravy and Ranchera Sauce.

Leading Sandwich Spreads By Protein Sandwich Platform

Leading Cheeses With Sandwiches

Swiss, Cheddar and American cheese are very versatile cheeses with which to layer a sandwich.  Second tier cheeses are Provolone, Mozzarella, Jack Cheese, Asiago, Cream Cheese, Pepper Jack and Bleu Cheese.

Leading Breads With Sandwiches

Apart from breakfast, the leading sandwich breads are Sandwich Bun, French Bread, Flour Tortilla, Pita Bread, Taco Shell, Sliced Bread, Submarine Roll, Kaiser Roll, Italian Bread, Sourdough Bread, Rye Bread and Panini.

Leading Breads With Breakfast Sandwiches

Biscuits, Bagels, Flour Tortillas, English Muffin, Toast, Croissant, and Toasted Bun are the most popular.

Top 50 Sandwiches

Tuna Salad Sandwich is the most heavily menued sandwich.  Roast Beef and BLT Sandwiches are the second leading sandwiches in terms of menu incidence. 

Cuisine Of Sandwiches

Over one third of sandwiches on menus (37%) may be classified as American-Traditional.  Occupying this niche are sandwiches that everyone acknowledges have a 50 to 100 year or more rooting in our collective American eating experience.  Leading the list of American-Traditional sandwiches are BLT’s, Roast Beef, Grilled Cheese, Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken, Ham & Cheese, Club Sandwich, Steak Sandwich, Ham Sandwich, Patty Melt, Hot Turkey Sandwich, Philly Cheesesteak, Sloppy Joe’s and more.  The second leading sandwich cuisine is Mexican/Tex Mex.  There are an assortment of sandwich types to select from in this cuisine starting with Burritos, Tacos, Fajitas, Tostadas, Chimichangas and Tortas, all of which are dough enrobed and hand held.  Italian cuisine sandwiches cover a variety of tastes and textures and include Italian Deli Sandwiches, Chicken Parmesan, Meatball Sandwiches, Italian Sausage, Italian Beef, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Calzone, Stromboli, Grinders, Chicken Pesto and also anything wrapped in Foccacia or Panini of Ciabbata bread.  American-BBQ cuisine sandwiches basically build on either Pork, Chicken or Beef platforms.  Cut and type variations within each protein include ribs, breasts, briskets, pulled, sliced, shredded and even sausage. 

Sandwiches On Chain Menus