Taste Test: Ranking Supermarket Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

The quest for the best supermarket ham and cheese sandwich has taken an interesting turn as a taste test of offerings from four major UK retailers—Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons—reveals significant differences in quality and flavor. While many consumers may assume that these sandwiches are comparable, the results suggest otherwise.

Assessing the Offerings

Starting with Tesco, the ham and cheese sandwich is priced at £2.75 or £3.85 as part of a meal deal for Clubcard holders, and £4.25 without. While the sandwich appeared fuller at the front, the quality of the ingredients made up for any perceived shortfall in quantity. The thinly sliced ham was flavorful, but it was the cheddar that truly impressed, delivering a creamy yet robust taste. The choice of malt bread instead of standard white bread indicated a shift towards more premium offerings, aligning with trends in artisan sandwiches found in independent cafes. Overall, Tesco’s sandwich scored 7.5/10.

Next in line was Asda, whose sandwich is priced at £2.49. The meal deal pricing varies, as customers can select eligible items with the cheapest one offered for free. This sandwich initially seemed similar to Tesco’s but was distinguished by a generous amount of mayonnaise. While the mayo added an appealing creaminess, the ham and cheese lacked flavor, leading to a disappointing taste experience. The score for Asda’s offering was 6.5/10.

Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Shine

Morrisons presented a sandwich that stood out for its thickly sliced ham and cheese, priced at £2.80 with a meal deal price of £4. Although the packaging did not attract attention, the sandwich itself exceeded expectations in terms of flavor. With under 400 calories, it emerged as the healthiest option among the sampled sandwiches. Morrisons’ sandwich received a score of 7/10.

Finally, Sainsbury’s offered the standout sandwich of the group, priced at £3.15 and £3.75 as a meal deal. Visually appealing and neatly assembled, it closely resembled a homemade version. The ham was of superior quality, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Although the price was higher than its competitors, the quality justified the added expense. Sainsbury’s sandwich earned the highest score of 9/10.

Overall, this taste test highlights the varied experiences available in pre-made ham and cheese sandwiches across major UK supermarkets. With significant differences in quality and price, consumers may want to reconsider their go-to lunch options.