It should be the easiest thing in the world—grab a couple of slices of bread, spread them with butter or margarine, and add a handful of whatever is in the fridge. But food researchers have now defined the perfect sandwich: a cheese and pickle creation, cut diagonally, and enjoyed at home in front of the television.
The research, part of British Bread Month, was conducted by the Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association Group via an internet survey. Participants were asked about their preferences, including bread thickness, spread type, cheese variety, and cutting method.
The study found that an old-fashioned cheese and pickle sandwich is the nation's favourite. A spokesman for the Federation of Bakers said: "The sandwich triumphantly beat off upmarket combinations, including bacon and brie, prawn and mayonnaise, and smoked salmon, as well as exotic combinations like banana with cinnamon and salt and vinegar crisps."
The perfect sandwich, according to the research, uses pre-packed supermarket bread and margarine rather than butter. The spokesman added: "I think it's nice the humble cheese and pickle sandwich has overridden all the other exotic combinations. It is traditional values coming through."
The research team did issue a warning: "The equation is based in part on qualitative observations, and as such should not be viewed as having been statistically derived."
