A snapshot survey of 620 sandwiches and wraps from eight supermarkets eight retailers (Asda, Boots, Co-op, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose) and four high street sandwich chains (Pret a Manger, EAT, Subway, Greggs) by Eating Better has found that consumers trying to eat healthily and reduce their impact on the environment will struggle to find a choice of sandwiches that fits the bill.
Only 3% contained no meat, fish, egg or cheese
With farm animals responsible for around 15% of global greenhouse gases (GHGs), reducing meat and other animal products in our diets is a simple way to eat smart for the planet. Evidence also shows a predominantly plant-based diet is healthier too; cutting heart disease, obesity and cancer.
Yet Eating Better’s survey found only 17 out of 620 sandwiches (less than 3%) contained no meat, fish, egg or cheese. The survey also found that sandwiches without meat, fish or cheese were more likely to be healthier choices with lower levels of saturated fat, salt and calories.
Calling for a better choice
In British Sandwich Week, Eating Better is calling on food companies to be more innovative and provide a better choice of delicious, healthy, environmentally-friendly sandwiches and wraps with vegetables and pulses to help customers go meat-free at lunchtime. Example fillings already on the shelves include falafel, hummus, Mexican three bean, Moroccan vegetables, Veggie Bombay, chickpea & sweet potato, avocado & herb, artichoke & basil.
“Our research shows that many people are trying to be planet and health conscious and looking to eat less meat. Going meat-free at lunchtime is a simple way to cut down. But consumers seeking healthier sandwiches with a lower environmental impact are being let down,” says Sue Dibb of Eating Better. “We’re calling on food manufacturers and retailers to help consumers choose healthier, environmentally-friendly diets by offering a better range of delicious sandwiches made with vegetables and pulses. The good news for consumers is that it doesn’t need to cost more. We found non-meat or fish sandwiches cost less on average.”
Eating Better is encouraging people during Meat Free May to swap their lunchtime meat, fish or cheese sandwich for a vegetable-based option, or try making their own. If they have a favourite plant-based sandwich they’ve bought or made, they can share it on Twitter using the #EatingBetterChallenge hashtag tweeted to @Eating_Better.
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