Ireland’s ‘first sandwich census’ has found the nation’s favourite

The research surveyed more than 1,000 people was commissioned by the Irish Bread Bakers Association (IBBA) as part of the work.

National sandwich

What may have been a controversial choice, the winner of what should be the national sandwich was: The crisp sandwich at 25%, ahead of ham and cheese at 16%, and chicken and stuffing at 9%.

The clear winner for best flavour of said crisps in the sandwich, was cheese and onion on 56%.

This compared with just 11% for salt and vinegar, 9% for smoky bacon and 7% for ready salted.

Bad sanners

IBBA’s new research includes a look at the sandwich habits that rub people up the wrong way.

Removing the crusts and toasting a sandwich with lettuce inside was joint first, with 18% admitting they judge people for each crime against sandwiches.

A stingy amount of filling and using too much butter follow at 16%, while 15% take issue with particularly strong-smelling fillings.

Heel or no heel?

Forget Irish unity, the biggest question for Irish people this week, is where we stand on the heel of the loaf.

It was a close one, just over half (52%) say using the heel for a sandwich is perfectly acceptable, while 34% use the end slice when there is no other bread left and 14% say the heel should never be used.

Radio star Carl Mullan, in his newly minted role as Ireland’s Official Sliced Pan Ambassador, sided with the people.

“I’m firmly in the camp that the heel is fair game," he said

"I know that would horrify some people, but that’s exactly why this campaign is such good fun, everyone has their own sandwich rules and everyone is convinced theirs are the right ones.”