It can be a challenge to find something that so many consumers love more than sandwiches. In fact, it’s estimated that Americans eat 300 million sandwiches a day, or roughly one per person, according to US Foods — a number that tracks higher if the definition of “sandwich” includes a burger. But are they popular enough to keep proteins top of mind for consumers at lunchtime?
“Sandwiches remain the most popular lunch menu item,” says Bonnie Riggs, restaurant industry analyst, The NPD Group, based in Port Washington, N.Y. “Burgers, chicken sandwiches, cold-cut combo, turkey and ham sandwiches rank among the top five sandwiches ordered from restaurants at lunch,” according to The NPD Group/CREST foodservice market research.