How much? I could have a decent meal for that and still have enough for the bus fare home (Sandwich)

Member Name: yackers1

Product:	Sandwich
Date:	11/11/08 (127 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ideal for those in a rush or those who are lazy

Disadvantages: Everything else

Since reading many reviews on sandwiches recently, predominantly dealing with member's "top 10 fillings" and the like it got me thinking about my opinion on sandwiches in general.

The humble sandwich, consisting of two slices of bread and a filling, historically has been the staple part of many lunchboxes and over recent times has turned in to the biggest money making rip off going.

Take a ham salad sandwich for example. What is actually involved in making one of these for sale to the general public, and how much does it really cost?

I'll use the sandwich lady who visits the office where I work for an example. In its most simplistic form a ham salad sandwich will consist of:

1) 2 slices of bread
2) 2 slices of thin ham (and usually not the best quality)
3) Half a tomato - sliced (if you're lucky)
4) A few slices of cucumber
5) A couple of lettuce leaves

All this comes neatly wrapped up in cling film and is yours for £2.35. Is this value for money? I think not.

Many will use the arguments of she's got to make money as it's her job, the sandwiches are delivered direct to your door etc but I still think that these prices are extortionate. I must stress that she is not alone in charging these ridiculous amounts and is one of the cheaper suppliers in Norwich. Those with physical premises charge a lot more.

****Fillings****

There are many different types of fillings from coronation chicken, thai chicken, ham mustard and black pepper etc. What has happened to the "traditional" plain cheese or plain ham? Whilst some may think that these are boring, there are times when I prefer a plain sandwich, especially when I need to see a client in the afternoon, as I do not want to be regurgitating spicy peppers, onion and the like. Maybe these 'exotic' fillings are used as a means of justifying the price?

I have also noticed that 99% of ready made sandwiches contain mayonnaise of some description. Whilst this is not too much of an issue for me, my partner cannot eat mayonnaise due to medical reasons. This means that virtually all of ready made sandwiches are no good for her, which can be a pain if we are on a long journey.

I suppose the mayonnaise's primary purpose is not to enhance the flavour, but to keep the bread moist so the sandwich can be available for sale longer. Bread does tend to go stale fairly quickly once refrigerated.

****Lunch time menus****

Around the city of Norwich there are various bars and small eateries selling 'snack' lunch time menus consisting of sandwiches with various fillings, a bit of garnish on the side and a few crisps for £4.95. When was the last time you had a sandwich (consisting of two slices of bread) at home and thought "I'm really full"? I don't think that has ever happened to me.

A sandwich is a part of lunch along with fruit, crisps and other goodies (maybe I am a bit of a gannet) it is not the only thing. Add the cost of a drink to the lunch time special and that's quite a bit of wedge.

Wetherspoons pubs have lunchtime deals whereby you can buy a beer and a burger for £4.99. This is much better value in my opinion.

There is the argument that a sandwich is the healthier alternative but once you take in to consideration the mayonnaise, the spread and the oily dressing used on the salad I don't think there would be too much in it. What I can be sure of is that I will not be craving something to eat mid afternoon after a burger.

****Garages and service stations****

These establishments make huge margins on food, and sandwiches in general. The market (travellers, sales reps and the like), the lack of competition and the captive audience mean that these places can charge huge premiums and they will still make sales.

I read an article in Motorcycle News a few weeks back which stated that lunch in a service station for four people cost just over £27. This included a sandwich, a bag of crisps, a drink and a biscuit. The same kind of menu bought from a supermarket cost just over £12. What a difference. It has definitely made me think about taking food with me when I go on long journeys.

One thing I have noticed about service station sandwiches is there are some which include 3 triangles. That's 3 pieces of bread and an additional 33% more filling! What a bargain, however, this does not justify the additional cost.

Sandwiches are definitely big business and if you can get to the right location and fully exploit the market place then there are substantial rewards to be had. You can't blame the retailers for the high price as if I could make such huge margins then I would do the same.

It is the general public who are to blame for the high prices through supply and demand. If the public refused to buy at such high prices then they would have to fall.

I recently read in a consumer magazine that an employee could save up to £600 per year by making their own sandwiches and taking them in to work. So why do more people not do it? Is it because we have turned in to a lazy nation? It is beyond belief especially since purse strings are tightening and we are entering in to the most difficult economic climates we have been in since the 1980s.

****Conclusion****

The humble sandwich does have a place close to my heart, however, I ensure that I make them myself to ensure that I can get the filling I want and when I want.

This doesn't mean that I miss out on the 'exotic' fillings - that's what leftovers are for.

On a final note my favourite filling of all time is fish fingers with ketchup (my grand mother made these for me and my sister when we were younger and it is the only memory I have of her as she died when I was at a very young age) just in case you were all wondering.

Summary: For the best fillings at the best price make your own.