It’s bad news for cheese and ham and egg and cress sandwich lovers – as they join a list of ‘outdated’ fillings being snubbed by young foodies.
According to new research, Gen Z in the UK are turning to trendy, Americanised Chicken Caesar salad sarnies, meatball subs and Philly cheese steaks instead of hearty, British grub.
Also on the list were ham salad, cheese and pickle and roast beef and horseradish.
The survey, by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, found that 81 per cent of Britons aged 18-30 claimed they’re ‘bored’ of traditional fillings.
Cheese and ham and egg and cress topped the list of slighted sandwiches with 29 per cent of 2,000 respondents finding them to be on their way out.
Ham salad followed in third place, and a classic roast beef and horseradish was shunned by 23 per cent.
Spam and tuna mayo also failed to impress Gen Z, as did the ever-divisive Marmite.
It wasn’t just savoury fillings on the chopping block as jam sandwiches were considered outdated by 20 per cent, while a ham and egg sarnie was also seen to be old-fashioned.
Instead, young Britons are being won over by more global flavours, such as chicken satay (30 per cent), buffalo chicken (29 per cent) and mozzarella and tomato (29 per cent).
Loaded steak baguettes and pulled pork brioche buns were also said to be on the rise.
However, while the fillings are under scrutiny, the sandwich still remains to be a staple in British cuisine, with the nation eating them four times a week on average.
One in five (23 per cent) even claimed that a disappointing sandwich has the potential to ruin their day.
It’s bad news for cheese and ham and egg and cress sandwich lovers – as they join a list of ‘outdated’ fillings being snubbed by young foodies. Stock image used
When it came to drinks, the study saw more than half (52 per cent) say that a fizzy beverage was the best complement to a sarnie, followed by water (35 per cent). An energy drink (32 per cent) was next, followed by cups of coffee or tea.
Young Brits are also reportedly straying away from solo desk lunches and instead opting for more social endeavours.
Eight in ten admitted they were more likely to eat their lunch during the week with others, chowing down with friends or colleagues an average of once (35 per cent) or twice a week (29 per cent).
The move away from traditional British fillings appears to be a few years in the making.
In 2024, popular bread manufacturer Allinson’s revealed that Gen Z are turning their backs on classics like ham and mustard and cheese and onion in favour of ‘fancy’ avocado and olives.
Researchers quizzed Brits of all age groups on their preferences, and while sliced ham was a sandwich stalwart for the older generations – with a quarter of Boomers saying it’s their number one meat – gym-loving Gen Z preferred leaner chicken.
Gen Z were almost as likely to include continental cheese (48 per cent) as they were English cheddar in their sandwich, compared with just over a quarter (27 per cent) of baby boomers.
Young people also showed a preference for fillings like peppers and chillies, with a third (35 per cent) of Gen Z opting for upmarket extras over just one in 10 Boomers.
Boomers instead preferred onion in their sandwiches, with 29 per cent regularly sliding slices of red, white or spring onion inside compared to just 12 per cent of Gen Z.
‘We are truly a nation of sandwich lovers,’ An Allinson’s spokesperson said. ‘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.’