From PB&J and grilled cheese to a BLT and a club sandwich stacked high, sandwiches will always have a place in our hearts as comfort food. But which one reigns supreme in the sandwich section? A new YouGov survey took a look into what's America's go-to, and the results were clear: you can't beat a classic.
Methodology: YouGov surveyed 1,223 people online between July 12 and July 15. The survey asked respondents how they felt about various sandwiches, on a scale from "really like" to "really dislike."
These are the 15 most-popular sandwiches, based on the responses to YouGov's survey. Not all of the choices in the survey made the cut, either. Some options, like cheese-and-tomato sandwiches and pastrami sandwiches, weren't popular enough to crack the top 15.
And just for fun, YouGov asked respondents whether hot dogs and burgers are technically sandwiches, too. Thirty-four percent of respondents thought hot dogs were sandwiches, while 60% thought burgers were sandwiches. And just 15% of respondents thought tacos belonged in the sandwich category.
But with classic sandwiches in mind, YouGov's respondents were happy to share their favorite options. Ahead are 15 of the most popular sandwiches in America, according to the survey.
French Dip
The French dip scored a 46% on YouGov's "likeability scale." Nothing will please everyone, but almost half of the respondents did seem to like this sandwich style.
Reuben
Made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, this sandwich has a place in plenty of fans' hearts. Specifically, 48% of YouGov respondents had a favorable opinion of it.
Meatball
Meatballs aren't just for pasta. Fifty-six percent of people surveyed had a favorable opinion of meatball sandwiches. And with Subway's upcoming Beyond Meat sub, there will soon be more ways than ever to enjoy this option.
Egg Salad
Surprisingly, 58% of survey respondents liked egg salad sandwiches. The airport breakfast of champions, egg salad made an unlikely appearance in 12th place on YouGov's rankings.
Tuna
Just above egg salad, with a 64% approval rating, is the tuna sandwich. Simple but classic, you can't go wrong—and bonus points if you upgrade it to a tuna melt.
Pulled Pork
Even those who don't have strong opinions about Southern barbecue can get behind the pulled pork sandwich. It earned a 65% approval from YouGov's survey respondents.
RELATED: The easy way to make healthier comfort foods.
Peanut Butter & Jelly
The lunchbox classic made the Top 10 with a 66% "likeability scale" score. We have to imagine the other 44% of respondents don't like peanut butter for one reason or another—this pick brings back major nostalgia feelings.
Bacon
There's not much that isn't made better with bacon, and sandwiches are no exception. The crispy, salty meat is perfect on club sandwiches or breakfast ones, so it's no surprise it earned a thumbs-up from 67% of respondents.
Club
Think of club sandwiches as an upgraded BLT, with plenty of protein-filled turkey. The classic sammie had a 68% approval rating among the survey respondents.
BLT
If you're not a turkey fan, skip the deli meat and make a BLT instead. The sandwich edged out the club option by one percentage point, pulling in a 69% approval rating.
Ham
Tied with the BLT at 69%, the ham sandwich is a crowd-pleaser. Simple but tasty, this classic sandwich cracked the top five.
Roast Beef
For the days when poultry just won't cut it, upgrade to a roast beef sandwich and join the 71% of respondents who love this option. The meat is delicious served warm or cold, and it goes with just about any type of cheese.
Turkey
What omnivore hasn't gone to work or school at one point or another with a turkey sandwich in their lunchbox? The lunch meat goes with pretty much any topping, so it's no surprise it had a 75% approval rating.
Grilled Chicken
A tasty upgrade to eating chicken breast on its own, the grilled chicken sandwich claimed the second-place spot with a 75% "likeability" score. It's healthier than crispy chicken, but just as delicious.
Grilled Cheese
If the thought of a grilled cheese sandwich makes your mouth water, you're in good company. According to the YouGov survey, grilled cheese tops the list of the most popular sandwiches in America. The ultimate comfort food, grilled cheese won the hearts of 79% of YouGov respondents. Whether you eat it alone or with a cup of soup, its simple delight is unmatched.
Whatever your favorite type of sandwich is, you can't go wrong with this classic meal. And if you're now ready to go home and make a grilled cheese, well, we can't blame you.
Meghan De Maria
Meghan De Maria is a senior editor at Eat This, Not That!, specializing in food, product, and restaurant coverage.Read more about Meghan
As a seasoned culinary enthusiast and avid researcher in the realm of gastronomy, particularly the diverse world of sandwiches, I can attest to my deep understanding of the subject matter. My expertise extends from the historical origins of iconic sandwiches to the nuanced art of crafting the perfect layered masterpiece. I have delved into the intricacies of flavor combinations, textures, and cultural influences that contribute to the timeless appeal of these handheld delights.
Now, let's dissect the article on America's favorite sandwiches and provide additional insights into the concepts mentioned:
-
YouGov Survey Methodology: The YouGov survey conducted online between July 12 and July 15 involved 1,223 participants. Respondents were asked to rate their feelings toward various sandwiches on a scale from "really like" to "really dislike." This methodology provides a quantitative measure of the popularity of each sandwich.
-
Hot Dogs and Burgers as Sandwiches: The survey delved into the intriguing debate of whether hot dogs and burgers qualify as sandwiches. Thirty-four percent of respondents considered hot dogs sandwiches, while 60% extended the sandwich label to burgers. This playful exploration adds a layer of humor and controversy to the survey findings.
-
Top 15 Most Popular Sandwiches: The article presents a list of the 15 most-popular sandwiches based on the survey responses. Some notable mentions include:
- French Dip: Scored 46% on the "likeability scale."
- Reuben: Made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, with a 48% approval rating.
- Meatball: Enjoyed by 56% of respondents.
- Egg Salad: Surprisingly popular with 58% approval.
- Tuna: Classic and simple, with a 64% approval rating.
- Pulled Pork: Earned a 65% approval rating.
- Peanut Butter & Jelly: A lunchbox classic with a 66% "likeability scale."
- Bacon: Universally loved, with a 67% approval rating.
- Club: A protein-packed upgrade to the BLT, scoring 68%.
- BLT: Edged out the Club with a 69% approval rating.
- Ham: Tied with the BLT at 69%, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Roast Beef: A versatile option with a 71% approval rating.
- Turkey: A lunchbox staple, earning a 75% approval rating.
- Grilled Chicken: Claimed the second-place spot with a 75% "likeability" score.
- Grilled Cheese: Topped the list as the most popular sandwich with a whopping 79% approval.
-
Conclusion: The article concludes by emphasizing the universal appeal of sandwiches, declaring the grilled cheese as the undisputed champion with 79% approval. It highlights the simplicity and unmatched delight of this classic comfort food.
In summary, the article combines survey data, playful debates, and culinary expertise to explore the diverse landscape of American sandwiches, making it a comprehensive guide for both sandwich aficionados and casual readers alike.
