{"id":7410,"date":"2022-11-04T09:34:49","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T15:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/?p=7410"},"modified":"2023-08-21T15:27:58","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T21:27:58","slug":"americas-most-popular-sandwich","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shaneco.com\/theloupe\/articles-and-news\/americas-most-popular-sandwich\/","title":{"rendered":"The King of Subs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The King of Subs: America Votes for Its Most Popular Sandwich<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sandwiches are as American as apple pie, or hot dogs (also, not a sandwich). Their portability and versatility make them a lunchtime staple that\u2019s tough to beat. They have a lot of names, but no matter what you call them, there\u2019s a lot that goes into a sandwich, and a story behind every layer of bread, meat, and cheese. From early childhood memories featuring the iconic PB&J to date nights grabbing subs to go, there\u2019s a memory that goes with everyone\u2019s favorite sandwich. We ventured out to find what would become our great nation\u2019s signature sandwich; a secret recipe that could have only been conjured up in the great U.S. of A. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our quest to find the recipe for America\u2019s signature lunchtime delicacy, we conducted a survey that spanned across the nation to collect peoples\u2019 preferences on meats, cheeses, condiments, veggies, and bread to bring you the nation\u2019s definitive sandwich. While there are many handhelds across the globe, there could only be one great American sandwich. You voted, we listened, and here\u2019s what you had to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Methodology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For this study, our sub-shop scientists asked participants to assemble their favorite sandwich from head to toe (or ham to bun, rather). To accomplish this task, we surveyed 2,205 participants over the course of two weeks in July 2022. Participants across 44 states got to work building their dream subs, including proteins, veggies, cheeses, and condiments, and sent in their responses. Talk about a tall order! We aren’t stingy either, so we told them to include their preferred bag of chips on the side. Unfortunately, we did not include the following states due to a lack of survey responses: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming<\/strong>. Could the secret sauce be hiding somewhere in the Dakotas? America may never know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Toppings Do Americans Add to Their Subs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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After meticulously combing through the nation\u2019s lunchtime orders, we have successfully acquired the secret formula to America\u2019s signature sandwich. Interestingly enough, America\u2019s bun of choice is, well, not so American. From ciabatta to focaccia and everything in between, 43% of participants decided that only Italian bread will do. Let\u2019s face it, at one point or another, many have found themselves ordering focaccia or something similarly Italian and hard to pronounce on a date to sound fancy, and wound up falling in love with it. Who can blame them? Many of these breads can hold their own as a side or snack by themselves, so using them to craft a flavorful sandwich is a no-brainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for toppings, it would appear that after over 200 years of being a country, America still can\u2019t agree on whether or not to pick the pickles off the sandwich. However, for this particular survey, the pickle-pickers win the battle, as they account for 51% of the participants. Other popular toppings included onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. Over 75% of participants concluded that lettuce is the green giant that reigns supreme above all other green beings (take that, spinach). Iceberg lettuce is particularly popular because of its crunchy texture and sweet, refreshing flavor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, we can get down to the meat of the matter. BLT lovers, we\u2019re sorry to announce that turkey is America\u2019s cold cut of choice. While bacon fanatics are often the loudest people in the room, it would appear that the champion of Thanksgiving is also the country\u2019s hoagie hero. Compared to beef, chicken, and yes, especially<\/strong> <\/em>pork, turkey has far fewer calories and is often much cheaper than other meat to buy separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standout Subs & Sides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You know the saying, \u201cBehind every good sandwich is a great chip.\u201d The sandwich didn\u2019t make it to the top on its own, it had some backup from America\u2019s favorite snack: the potato chip. Coming in at first place for the title of the nation\u2019s favorite sandwich sidekick are Classic Lay\u2019s potato chips, followed closely by Nacho Cheese Doritos and salt-&-vinegar chips. Some may complain that classic salted Lay\u2019s potato chips lack seasoning, but the numbers don\u2019t lie. Most Americans prefer classic salted potato chips to their spicy, taste-bud-destroying counterparts (we\u2019re looking at you, jalape\u00f1o chips). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the great American sub shop is a democracy, we wanted to give readers more choices apart from the most popular sandwich. Here are a few specials on the nationwide menu we would like to highlight:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Idaho\u2019s Sourdough Standout<\/strong>: Idaho\u2019s preferred handheld stands out because they are the only state to agree on sourdough bread for their ideal sandwich.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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    • Arkansas\u2019 Meat-Your-Maker<\/strong>: Arkansas\u2019 preferred sandwich is a meat lover\u2019s dream come true. It has the most protein, including ham, turkey, pepperoni, and chicken alongside three types of cheese.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      • The Kansas Club Sandwich<\/strong>: Who doesn\u2019t like a good club sandwich? Participants in Kansas voted on a state sandwich that most resembles a traditional club sandwich, including ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Top Sandwiches Across the Country<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Our team of expert sandwich artists took a deep dive into the data to show you what each state\u2019s favorite sandwiches are. From veggie sandwiches to meatball subs and everything in between, these recipe cards include a list of ingredients to help create your state\u2019s most popular sandwich. <\/p>\n\n\n\n