Gen Z Brits are turning their backs on British sandwich classics like ham and mustard and cheese and onion in favour of ‘fancy’ fillings like avocado, olives and continental cheese.
Popular bread manufacturer Allinson’s launched its Great British Sandwich Study to lift the lids on the nation’s lunchboxes and reveal their changing tastes for the beloved lunchtime snack.
Researchers quizzed Brits of all age groups on their sandwich preferences, from their favourite type of bread to their ideal fillings and even how they slice their sarnies.
The study has highlighted a trend away from sandwich classics like ham and mustard or cheese and onion in favour of toasted alternatives filled with more exotic ingredients.
While sliced ham is a sandwich stalwart for the older generations, with a quarter (26%) of Boomers saying it’s their number one meat, gym-loving Gen Z prefer leaner chicken (31%).
Only one in 100 Gen Z would consider pairing ham with English mustard, compared to one in 10 of the baby boomer generation.
English cheddar appears to also be on the decline despite being enjoyed by nearly six in 10 (59%) of Brits, according to the survey of 2,000 sandwich-lovers.
Two-thirds (66%) of boomers say cheddar is their favourite cheese for a sandwich, with that number falling through the age groups to just over half (52%) of Gen Z.
Gen Z Brits are turning their backs on British sandwich classics like ham and mustard and cheese and onion in favour of ‘fancy’ fillings like avocado, olives and continental cheese (File image)
Popular bread manufacturer Allinson’s launched its Great British Sandwich Study to lift the lids on the nation’s lunchboxes and reveal their changing tastes for the beloved lunchtime snack (File image)
Gen Z are almost as likely to include continental cheese (48%) as they are English cheddar in their sandwich. This compares with just over a quarter (27%) of baby boomers.
Another growing sandwich trend is for fancy fillings like avocado, peppers, chillies and olives, with a third (35%) of Gen Z opting for upmarket extras over just one in 10 (10%) boomers.
Boomers instead prefer onion in their sandwiches, with three in 10 (29%) regularly sliding slices of red, white or spring onion inside compared to just 12% of Gen Z.
The humble tomato is a universal favourite loved by two-fifths (42%) of Brits. Gen Z are the least likely to include it (34%) compared to more than half (53%) of the older generation.
When it comes to condiments, mayonnaise is the nation’s favourite with around a quarter (23%) of Brits saying it’s top of the toppings – though least favourite among boomers (19%).
The older generation are the greatest lovers of classic sauces, with one in 10 choosing salad cream or English mustard compared to just 2% or 1% of Gen Z respectively.
Gen Z are the biggest lovers of a hot sandwich, with six in 10 (59%) saying they either toast the bread (41%) or use a sandwich maker (14%), compared to the average of a third (36%).
The older the generation, the greater the preference for having the sandwich as it comes – with the vast majority (86%) of baby boomers not prepared to wait to warm up their snack.
Only one in 100 Gen Z would consider pairing ham with English mustard, compared to one in 10 of the baby boomer generation
Another clear trend dividing the age groups came down to the question of whether crisps should be added to or eaten separately from a sandwich.
Nearly two-thirds (60%) of Gen Z gave a definitive ‘in’ when asked whether crisps should be in or out of their sarnie. Boomers gave an even more definitive ‘out’ to the question (62%).
And, the way Brits cut their completed sandwiches is also evolving with a move away from diagonal slices in favour of a top to bottom or side to side split.
The older generation are the most likely to opt for a diagonal sarnie slice at nearly a third (31%) compared to fewer than two in 10 (18%) of Gen Z.
And, a growing number of Brits appear to be cutting off their crusts. Nearly two in 10 Gen Z routinely lop off the edges of their sarnies compared to just 5% of baby boomers.
Love for the sarnie remains as strong as ever, with more than three-quarters (77%) of Brits agreeing the sandwich is one of the world’s great inventions.
Another clear trend dividing the age groups came down to the question of whether crisps should be added to or eaten separately from a sandwich (File image)
An Allinson’s spokesperson said: ‘We are truly a nation of sandwich lovers.
‘Regardless of what fillings we put inside, how we choose to serve or slice them, the humble sandwich has been a mealtime mainstay for centuries – and will be for centuries to come.
‘One growing trend that may leave a lasting impression is young Brits’ preference for cutting off their crusts.
‘And, while it would be sad to see fewer folks with curly hair, we’d certainly urge those lopping off the edges of their bread to make good use of those crusts – bread crumbs or croutons are two brilliant options.’
