National Sandwich Month is celebrated each year in August. It is a perfect month to monetize our unconditional love for sandwiches. From grilled cheese to croque-monsieur, there is a never-ending list of sandwiches to try. A perfect dish for all meals, sandwiches can be quick, nutritious, and tasty.
History of National Sandwich Month
The concept of having a filling between two pieces of bread was popularized in England by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.
The Earl ordered his cook to prepare a meal that he could eat with one hand while still playing during a major gambling match. The cook then went on to present a dish by placing sliced meat between two pieces of bread and this dish required no utensils and could also be eaten with one hand.
The Earl was thoroughly impressed with the dish and took fancy to the idea of eating meat and bread and it soon became a staple diet for him. The dish went on to become popular in London and took on the Earl’s name. Initially, sandwiches were seen as a dish that was served during gambling and drinking however it became popular among the aristocrats as a light meal dish. Thereafter when bread became part of the American diet, sandwiches became prevalent in daily meals in the U.S.
Owing to the popularity of this humble yet satisfying meal, National Sandwich Month was started by the Wheat Flour Institute along with organizations like American Bakers, American Dairy, National Livestock and Beat Board, and Wheat Grower Groups. The purpose was to shed light on the convenience, versatility, and nutrition of sandwiches. The organizations even sponsored the ‘National Sandwich Contest’, offered prizes, and newspapers across the country published the winner’s recipes for amazing sandwiches.
August is the perfect time to enjoy National Sandwich Month as it’s summertime and with the many outdoor excursions, sandwiches make the perfect meal to satiate those hunger pangs.
National Sandwich Month timeline
Edward Gibbon writes in his diary that he saw “twenty or thirty of the first men of the kingdom” at a club in London eating sandwiches.
George Orwell writes the earliest reference to a 'bacon sandwich' which is listed in the Oxford English Dictionary.
"Quintessential Grilled Cheese" at Serendipity 3 in New York, sells for $214, the most expensive sandwich.
TangoTab and Friends enter the Guinness World Records for 2686 people making sandwiches simultaneously at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.
National Sandwich Month FAQs
How does a spread help a sandwich?
A spread adds flavor and moisture to the sandwich. It also acts as a barrier to prevent the bread from soaking up the filling.
What is a BLT sandwich?
A BLT sandwich is named after the three main ingredients of the sandwich which are Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato.
Are Canapes a type of sandwich?
Yes, Canapes are small hors d’oeuvre or appetizers that come under the open sandwich category. Canapes are prepared with a small piece of bread or cracker or puff pastry topped with a savory filling and fancy garnishes.
How to Celebrate National Sandwich Month
Distribute sandwiches to the needy
Sandwiches are filling and tasty. You can use National Sandwich Month to donate sandwiches to the needy in your neighborhood. You can even contribute to your local food banks that help in tackling hunger and extend support to local communities.
Arrange a potluck party
One of the perfect ways to celebrate is by organizing a potluck party with your office colleagues. Everyone can get their own version of the perfect sandwich and you all can enjoy a sandwich paradise.
Surprise your loved ones
Prepare a sandwich-themed breakfast in bed for your loved ones. It can be a great way to show some appreciation and thank them.
5 Facts About National Sandwich Day
Most Popular Sandwich
Grilled Cheese is on the top of the list of the most popular sandwiches in America.
Peanut butter and Jelly Sandwich
The average American will have consumed over 2000 PB&Js by the time they graduate from high school.
Largest Sandwich
Wild Woody’s Chill and Grill in Michigan, made the largest sandwich which weighed 2,467.5 kg.
'Virgin Mary' toast
A Canadian online casino purchased a decade-old toasted cheese sandwich which is said to bear an image of the Virgin Mary.
Sandwich Definition
The USDA defines a sandwich as a product that must contain at least 35 % cooked meat and no more than 50 % bread.
Why We Love National Sandwich Month
It’s a fun way to experiment with different flavors
Sandwiches have layers with different flavors and we can choose the filling of our sandwiches to our liking. We get to try different meat, vegetables, and cheese from different cultures.
Easy to make
Sandwiches are great for all meals — whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They make life simpler as they are easy to make and eat.
Brings out a sense of nostalgia
Most of us have had favorite snacks growing that we still crave as adults. A classic PB&J sandwich can also bring back all the memories from childhood.
National Sandwich Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 1 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 1 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 1 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 1 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 1 | Tuesday |
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