Convenient, customizable, and versatile, there’s so much to love about sandwiches! While sandwiches are mainstays in consumers’ diets, basic options just aren’t going to cut it anymore, as consumers seek out food items that help them break free from boredom. From the bread and the protein to the condiments and the toppings, every single sandwich component presents opportunities for innovation.
Given their immense versatility, sandwich trends continue to evolve with consumers’ preferences. Keep reading for our experts’ insights into the latest trends for sandwiches – and how brands can innovate to get ahead of the curve.
International Offerings
It’s no secret that consumers are obsessed with international cuisines these days. This trend is all about experiencing other cultures through food and gaining appreciation for the ingredients and flavors that make each cuisine special. Sandwiches are universally beloved, and with consumers becoming increasingly adventurous, they’re starting to seek out sandwiches from every corner of the world.
Trending cuisines, like Japanese, Korean, Mexican, and Lebanese, are the ideal source of inspiration for international sandwich offerings. Japan, for example, is well-known for its fluffy egg salad sandwiches and unique fruit-filled sandwiches, which have gone viral on social media recently. Similarly, Mexican tortas are beginning to hit the mainstream, winning consumers over with their crispy textures and variety of toppings and fillings.
Foodservice and retail brands can get in on this trend by looking to trending and emerging cuisines for sandwich inspiration. Bring a classic sandwich recipe from a trending cuisine to menus or grocery store shelves to appeal to consumers’ desires for authenticity. Up-and-coming global dishes serve as another potential source of sandwich inspiration. Think birria grilled cheese, kimchi tuna salad subs, or a shakshuka breakfast sandwich.
Possibilities Centered Around Proteins
The chicken sandwich trend is here to stay! Crispy or grilled, spicy or mild, brands can’t go wrong when it comes to this beloved burger alternative. Although it may seem like the market is
saturated with chicken sandwich offerings, the demand for new and creative takes on this fast-food favorite is there. From regional American sauces and waffle buns to Asian pickled vegetables and global seasonings, there’s no shortage of possibilities when it comes to shaking up the chicken sandwich with innovations inspired by consumers’ latest cravings.
Despite seeing some decline in popularity due to health concerns, deli meat is experiencing a bit of a resurgence, thanks, at least in part, to the viral chopped Italian sandwich trend. Featuring all the ingredients in a traditional Italian sandwich but finely chopped and stuffed in a chewy sub roll, this new favorite seems to have reminded consumers just how much they love deli meat. Restaurant chains and grocery store brands alike should consider embracing this trend by getting creative with deli meats. Think a smoky ham and potato salad hoagie or a Southern style BBQ roast beef and bacon panini with crispy onions and fried eggs.
While traditional protein options will always be sought after in sandwiches, the plant-based protein trend is inevitably shaping trends in the sandwich category. Chickpea salad sandwiches, for example, are starting to pick up steam on social media, as are roasted eggplant paninis. As consumers continue to grow increasingly health-conscious, it will be important for brands to pay attention to – and innovate around – the plant-based proteins that are beginning to trend when innovating in the sandwich space.
Crave-worthy Condiments
Condiments can make or break a sandwich, and now more than ever, they’re becoming a driving force behind consumers’ purchasing decisions. Indeed, consumers are recognizing that condiments have the power to transform a simple sandwich into an eating experience. Not only that, but sauces, spreads, and the like allow consumers to customize a sandwich, tailoring it to their unique taste preferences.
Right now, sauce and spread trends for sandwiches are centered around sweet heat and extra spicy flavor profiles. The hotter, the better is consumers’ mantra when it comes to condiments,
meaning that brands cannot go wrong with innovating around spicy peppers and global spice blends. Think peri peri sauce on a veggie burger, ghost pepper BBQ sauce for a chicken panini, poblano and pepper jack cream cheese spread on a breakfast bagel sandwich, or chili oil for a spicy take on egg salad sandwiches.
Hot honey is seemingly everywhere at the moment – including on sandwiches across foodservice establishments. Instead of jumping on the bandwagon, brands should consider creating their own unique sweet heat pairings for sandwiches. Think a sweet and spicy peanut butter for PB&Js, a spiced chocolate BBQ sauce for pulled pork sandwiches, or a mango chili chutney for a veggie sandwich.
Culivision Insight: Brazilian Sandwich Innovations
Consumers around the world are interested in elevated sandwich offerings! According to our Culivision team in Brazil, comforting sandwich options with gourmet toppings and ingredients are trending in South America. For example, bauru, a classic Brazilian sandwich featuring roast beef and cheese, has been getting an upgrade on restaurant menus, with innovations centered around upscale and trendy ingredients. Similarly, mortadella sandwiches are being reimagined with unexpected toppings. Trending sandwich ingredients in Brazil include spicy mayo, chimichurri, and fruit chutneys. Veggie sandwiches are also on the rise with mushrooms or jackfruit becoming more popular.
Seeking to elevate your sandwich offerings? Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.