The Perfect Sandwich: Study Finds Ketchup’s Unexpected Role

In the delicious world of sandwiches, many people are on the hunt for the perfect one. From the bread to the fillings, some people get serious about what makes it tick. Some may go for fancy bread and top-notch ingredients, while others just want that mouthwatering blend of flavors. It's a fun adventure of trying and tweaking until you hit that magical combo.

A poll asked people what the "perfect sandwich" would have on it. Buddig, the deli meats brand, teamed up with OnePoll, a market research company, to survey 2,000 people and uncover the secrets behind the perfect sandwich. Through their study, they gained valuable insights into people's preferred sandwich ingredients and even how often they could indulge in a sandwich before growing tired of it.

According to the survey, the ideal sandwich is a combination of tomato (54%), cheddar cheese (39%), and Black Forest ham (39%). Interestingly, the average person craves a sandwich around four times a week. And it appears that sandwiches are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a smart choice for your wallet, with 42% of respondents actively seeking ways to reduce food expenses. For 67% of those surveyed, sandwiches make a fantastic money-saving option.

In the survey, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, and honey mustard all proved to be top favorites, each garnering 58% of the respondents' votes. On the other hand, ranch was the least favored, with only 26% of the participants choosing it. Surprisingly, ketchup is a top contender for condiments people would prefer in a perfect sandwich with 61%.

When it comes to meat options, regular ham, honey turkey, honey ham, and Black Forest ham are all tied as equally favored choices, each earning 39% of the vote.

Cheese preferences were diverse, with cheddar leading the pack at 36%, followed closely by Swiss cheese and American cheese, also at 36%. The least popular cheese was Gruyere, chosen by only 1% of the respondents.

For bread, whole wheat claimed the top spot as the favorite with 37%, closely followed by sourdough at 36%, and multigrain at 33%. Among the vegetables, onions took the lead with 54% of the votes, followed closely by cucumber at 51%.

As for toasting, 58% of those polled expressed a preference for their sandwiches to be toasted.

Take a look at the complete study here.

We've all been there. Those days when time seems to slip away, and the idea of cooking a meal feels overwhelming. But no need to worry. There are some workarounds when you're too busy to cook and don't want to order takeout.

Cheap meals on the fly are saviors of busy days and tight budgets. When you're pressed for time and need something delicious without breaking the bank, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Cooking on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or settling for bland meals. In fact, it's an opportunity to get creative, explore new ingredients, and find hidden gems in your pantry. What's great about these recipes is their versatility. They're perfect for any occasion, like a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. You can even whip them up faster than your delivery would arrive at your doorstep. With quick and budget-friendly meals, you won't have to wait long to satisfy your hunger and enjoy a delicious homemade feast.

Whether it's scrambling eggs, assembling tacos, or indulging in a PB&J. These cheap meals on the fly prove that you don't need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious and affordable feast.

Cook up some spaghetti noodles and top them with a simple tomato sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. Add grated cheese if desired. Another option is to prepare spaghetti squash noodles and pair them with a flavorful pesto sauce made from basil or spinach, as an alternative to traditional spaghetti with tomato sauce. Cook the spaghetti squash and scrape out the noodle-like strands. Then, toss them with a homemade pesto sauce consisting of fresh herbs, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious budget-friendly meal. Simply stir-fry a mix of bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and onions with soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar.

Bean burritos are a fantastic and budget-friendly option for a quick meal. Just fill tortillas with canned beans like black beans or pinto beans, rice, cheese, salsa, and any other desired toppings. Roll them up and heat them in the oven or on a stovetop skillet for a delicious treat. The best part is that tortillas, beans, rice, cheese, and salsa can be used for multiple meals, making it both convenient and economical.

Remember those extra ingredients from the bean burritos? Well, take the beans, rice, cheese, and salsa and make a nacho. Just grab a bag of tortilla chips and spread them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle on shredded cheese, canned beans, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Pop them in the oven until the cheese melts and the nachos are heated through. Top with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole if you like.

This meal is super easy to put together when you're in a time and budget crunch. Bake some potatoes and top them with your favorite ingredients like sour cream, grated cheese, bacon bits, chives, or any other toppings you love.

Start with your favorite bread slices and spread butter on one side. On the other side, spread a thin layer of mayo. Sprinkle shredded cheese on the mayo side and add any extras like caramelized onions, spinach, peppers, bacon, or your other favorite toppings. Sandwich it all together and grill it up until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.

Many grocery stores offer affordable and delicious pre-made flatbreads that you can use. Just look for brands that fit in your budget. You typically can find these in the bread or bakery section of the store, or even the freezer section. Get creative with your toppings to transform your store-bought flatbread into a delicious and affordable meal! Whether it's sautéed mushrooms, colorful peppers, or a variety of cheeses, the choice is yours. You can also experiment with different sauces like tomato sauce, white sauce, or even a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavors.