Sandwiches help mitigate cost of living pressures

According to data from Lumina Intelligence’s Menu Tracker, the proportion of main dishes on operator menus that are sandwiches has risen across the following four key eating out channels.

According to Lumina, sandwich prices have seen more modest price increase versus the overall average.

On average, main dishes across all channels have risen by +5.8%, indicating that the price of sandwiches has seen a modest increase in comparison, except from within the pub & bar channel where the price has fallen.

Sandwich calorie counts have increased by 17%, suggesting they are being bulked out to cater for a fuller meal. 

On average, sandwiches listed on menus in March 2022 contain 580 calories, versus 497 in February.

The average calorie count of a sandwich within the pub and bar channel is much higher (875) versus the other three channels, with coffee and sandwich shops offering sandwiches with a much lower calorie count (412).

Commenting on the findings, senior insight manager at Lumina Intelligence, Katherine Prowse, said: “The rising cost of living will see consumers become more conscious of what they spend their disposable income on. Lower-ticket meal solutions and channels are well placed to attract consumers that seek value. Sandwiches provide operators within all channels to mitigate this challenge by offering cheaper solutions.”

Find out more about Lumina Intelligence’s Menu Tracker here