Sandwiches are a quintessentially British staple, but the nation's tastes are scattered across the globe when it comes to filling preferences, a new study has found.
While Stoke-on-Trent emerged as the 'Tuna Mayo capital' of the UK, those in Oxford preferred a posh crayfish and rocket sandwich, whereas Liverpudlians are partial to a classic roast beef and mustard.
The survey by Coca Cola Zero, which heard from 2,000 Britons, unveiled the country's favourite sarnies, showing how dramatically tastes differ across regions.
Cities up and down the country were flying the flag for everything from humble cheese and tomato to trendy banh mi and Korean fried chicken rolls.
In Bristol, 44 per cent chose pulled pork as their favourite, while in Plymouth some 33 per cent put their hand up for a Hoisin Duck Wrap.
Further north in Glasgow, 36 per cent put a Korean Fried Chicken Roll as their preference, and in Newcastle upon Tyne, 12 per cent said they loved a Vietnamese Banh Mi.
Elsewhere, Cardiff was dubbed the New York Pastrami Capital of the UK, while in Norwich, 18 per cent were fans of a Falafel and Houmous wrap.
Keeping it al fresco, sandwich lovers in Cambridge expressed fondness for a mozzarella and tomato sarnie, and in Leicester it was its more humble cousin - the cheese and tomato.
Despite its reputation as a trendy foodie city with global flavours, Londoners opted for a casual chicken salad sandwich.
In Manchester, smoked salmon and cream cheese came out on top, and in Edinburgh, it was all about Coronation chicken.
However, while the fillings are under scrutiny, the sandwich still remains 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.
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.'
