We have a big appetite for sandwiches at Reality Sandwich. Just as we are evolving consciousness one bite at a time, we’re simultaneously noshing on delicious eats on our lunch breaks. All this hungry curiosity led us to an incredible article titled, The State of the Sandwich: How Do America’s Favorites Stack Up?
As vested sandwich enthusiasts, we’ve summarized their findings below. For example, what makes a sandwich, a sandwich? And, are there varying favorites from coast to coast?
Here’s what they reported.
The Great American Sandwich Saga
In a world where debates rage like a deli meat slicer on steroids, one culinary conundrum has left us all in a pickle: what exactly constitutes a sandwich? The catering company, ezCater, set out to explore the heart of lunchtime lore, surveying a whopping 1,000 workers to bring you the juiciest, most flavorful tidbits about America’s favorite hand-held feast.
According to ezCater’s survey, defining a sandwich is like navigating a condiment aisle–overwhelming and a little bit confusing. While we’ve all got the basics down (two slices of bread with something tasty in between), things get dicey with contenders like the Lox bagel or the Kentucky hot brown sandwich.
Is it a sandwich, or is it just a bread-based imposter?
The survey revealed that people have strong opinions, and even geographical locations can’t agree. In Boston, 61% will gladly call a loaded wrap a sandwich but head down south to Phoenix, Dallas, or Houston, and 67% will give it a hard pass.
Not even the courts can wrap their heads around it. In 2006, a Massachusetts judge ruled burritos aren’t sandwiches, while New York legally labels them as such in their tax code. We can’t decide if this is a case of legislative indigestion or just a saucy legal affair.
Crustgate: To Crust or Not to Crust?
In the crusty battlefield of bread, an astonishing 80% of workers are on Team Crust. Apparently, the only thing softer than bread is the crust debate. Who knew a sandwich could be so divisive?
Generational Gastronomy
Move over, Boomer condiment classics–younger generations are bringing the heat, quite literally. Millennials and Gen Z aren’t satisfied with mayo and mustard; they’re on a hot sauce and pesto rampage. The internet-raised, cosmopolitan youth want their sandwiches to be as adventurous as their last TikTok challenge.
Around the Country in 50 Bites
Sandwich creativity isn’t confined to condiments; it’s a state-by-state affair. From Alaskan yak burgers to Florida’s Cuban delights and Hawaii’s kalua pork sensation, each sandwich tells a tale of local ingredients and cultural fusion.
Check out this list of top sandwiches by state. It’s like a cross-country road trip for your taste buds–just remember to pack your stretchy pants.
A Loaf Letter to Sandwich Lovers Everywhere
The idea of what makes a sandwich turned up some hot debate among the Reality Sandwich crew. There are the traditionalists–committed to the notion that a sandwich consists of bread, deli meats, cheese, spread, and a reasonable amount of fillings. Then there are the more thoughtful adventurers, who insist that perhaps a hot dog qualifies as a sandwich (gasp)?!
We know that a sandwich can’t be a burger, but is a burger a sandwich? Where does a Reuben or grilled cheese fit in? And is there any room for pita pockets? How does the ice cream sandwich fit in?
Folks, it’s the wild west out there. If you think a sandwich is two glazed donuts with an eighth of Liberty Caps wedged in between, we salute you.
While the nation may be torn on what makes a sandwich truly sandwichy, one thing unites us: our love for the humble sandwich. Whether you’re ordering for the office or embarking on a cross-country sandwich tour, just remember, the sandwich is the glue that holds our lunchtime dreams together.
Hungry yet? Slap some spread on that bread and start munching.
