The humble sandwich is experiencing a full-blown resurgence across the UK. No longer confined to tired tropes of ham and cheese or lifeless tuna butties, today’s sandwiches are bold, globally inspired, and built to impress. With new and innovative flavour combinations mixed with premium proteins, this everyday staple is fast becoming a foodservice powerhouse!

There are many different names for a sandwich: sandos, sarnies, hoagies, subs, butties, stacks and even dagwoods! However you name your sandwich, one thing is for certain, they need to be on-trend, packed full of flavour and be as much a feast for the eyes as well as the soul!

Come with us as we unpack this most on-trend of foods, and dive deeper into the world of sandwiches, their rise to the top of the QSR ladder and exactly how Meadow Vale will provide your food business with the smarter way to sandwich.

 

Sandwiches On The Rise

The Sandwich sector in the UK is now worth an annual £8bn to the UK economy, which equates to around 3.5bn sandwiches being consumed each year! *

The sandwich has long been a staple of British dining, with its origins dating back to the 18th century when the 4th Earl of Sandwich famously asked for meat between two slices of bread to avoid interrupting a card game! Since then, sandwiches have secured their place in the very fabric of the UK’s culinary scene, as a traditional symbol of convenience and simplicity.

In recent years, the traditional sandwich has undergone a remarkable transformation. Driven by evolving tastes, global food trends, and a demand for higher quality on-the-go meals, sandwiches are now a benchmark for innovation. Premium meats, world flavours and chef-inspired builds are redefining expectations.

As foodservice operators invest more in quality, versatility and flexibility, the future of sandwiches in the UK looks set to be dynamic, diverse, and flavour-packed. With the right ingredients, sandwiches aren’t just back, they’re leading the next wave of the casual dining evolution.

 

Not Just A Lunchtime Snack

Sandwiches & wraps account for around 40% of all menu offerings in UK foodservice across restaurants, QSRs, pubs, and delivery concepts**

Post Covid there’s been a steady increase of people returning to the office, and with that the need to step out on lunch to refuel for the afternoon. Sandwich consumption in the UK is driven by staple butties that come with a meal deal, but this has led to many QSR’s thinking outside the box and delivering something better for food on-the-go.

This new generation of sandwich shops are shaking up the high street, blending bold flavours with fresh, premium ingredients to reinvent the lunchtime classic. Gone are the days where stale egg and cress or a pickle heavy ploughman’s are your only options, as chefs look to create enticing, protein rich sandwiches like grilled chicken, smashed avocado and tzatziki clubs, or crispy herb infused shredded chicken on fresh baked focaccia bread.

With slick branding, smart menus, and a focus on quality and speed, these innovative sandwich shops are turning everyday bites into serious foodie destinations with awe-inspiring street food style builds.

 

Everyone Loves A Chicken Sando

Chicken is the most common ingredient in sandwiches throughout QSR’s in Britain, appearing on about 18% of menu items ***

Chicken sandwiches are no longer just an option on the menu; they’re fast becoming the go-to hero option. Chicken sandos are dominating the casual dining scene due to their broad appeal, fresh nature, versatility and most importantly for the business owners a margin friendly meat.

Whether it’s southern-fried chicken strips with pickles and slaw, or a peri peri chargrilled chicken thigh ciabatta roll, foodservice operators are tapping into the protein’s popularity to drive footfall and differentiate with bold flavour profiles.

We’ve long spoken about the need for versatility and on-trend menu ideas to succeed in business, but in the sandwich game sometimes familiarity is key. With premium chicken sandwiches delivering the goods time and time again and consumer demand for premium chicken butties on the rise, there’s never been a better time to level up the sandwich game with standout poultry.

 

Why Choose Meadow Vale?

When the lunchtime rush hits and there’s a queue out the door for your signature sando, the last thing you need is added stress. That’s where Meadow Vale steps in. From our classic thaw-and-serve sliced and diced chicken breast to our award-winning Sizzling Chicken thighs and fillets alongside our signature quick cook-from-frozen breaded ranges, every product is designed to deliver speed, consistency, and quality when it matters most. With Meadow Vale in your kitchen, you’ll have the confidence to serve up crowd-pleasing sandwiches, time after time.

In today’s fast-paced and cost-conscious foodservice market, the ability to price menus accurately is more important than ever, and that’s where Meadow Vale delivers real value. With number-counted bags and uniform products that offer consistency month after month, operators can plan portions, control margins, and reduce waste with confidence. Choosing Meadow Vale isn’t just about convenience; it’s a smart investment in long-term success. When quality and reliability lead to repeat business, you’re not just serving great food you’re building a stronger future.

With chef-approved fillets that hold their crunch, lock in flavour, and perform across hot holds, deliveries, and grab-and-go formats, our products are built for modern kitchens. Whether you’re crafting a classic southern fried sando, a spicy street-food-inspired special, or a leaner grilled build, Meadow Vale gives you the premium base to do it all with zero compromise on prep time, yield, or taste. It’s smart protein for high-performing menus.

 

With chicken sandwiches rising rapidly in popularity and showing no signs of slowing down, now is the time to capitalise on the trend. Whether you’re refreshing your menu or launching something new, Meadow Vale gives you the tools to deliver flavour, speed, and consistency every time. Speak to one of our Development Chefs today and discover how by adding Meadow Vale to the menu you truly are experiencing The Smarter Way To Sandwich.

 

 

*Stats from the British Sandwich Association (BSA) October 2024

**Verdict Foodservice via GlobalData analysis

***Verdict Foodservice via GlobalData analysis

Members of the BFFF Young Leaders Forum, accompanied by Rupert Ashby, Kathryn Tindall, Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary and Denise Rion from BFFF, were invited to visit Darégal Gourmet in Milly-la-Forêt, France, on 5 and 6 August 2025.

Darégal Gourmet is the world’s number one producer of frozen culinary herbs, with four factories, employing 500 employees, supplying three markets; food industry, food service and retail.

Martin McIlroy, managing director of Darégal, hosted the 2-day visit, ably assisted by members of the Darégal UK and France teams, including Stuart Mills and Kirsty Bell.

 

Seven young leaders made the trip and were treated to a packed itinerary which included a factory tour, presentations, a wonderful dinner and hotel stay, fresh v frozen tasting quiz and a field trip to see parsley being harvested.

On the second day, there was a working group, brain-storming ideas on how to promote frozen food more widely using social media platforms. Ideas generated will lead to a dedicated campaign.

 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this visit. It was incredibly interesting and insightful and, in addition, provided the perfect environment for group members to have professional conversations and make new contacts.

 

Being part of the YLF is a brilliant opportunity to connect across the frozen food sector, working together and learning from other young leaders in a wide range of sectors & positions. Being part of the YLF since the very beginning has been a rewarding experience. Gaining exposure to the different categories in the frozen food sector with each visit providing insights and building a greater understanding of the wider industry.

Over the course of the visits, I’ve seen first-hand the passion businesses have for quality frozen produce, innovation and driving added value. From our visit to Whitby seafood and the Aldi head office to our most recent trip to Darégal, each one has offered a unique perspective on how businesses across the sector are leading with purpose. Darégal  in particular stood out as a perfect example of a leading frozen business, showcasing a proactive people first approach and an impressive integrated supply chain following a field to plate approach. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility balanced automation with a strong commitment to quality, while the investment in nursery plant genetics highlighted the long-term thinking being applied to secure the next generation of growth.

Lewis Wantling. Chair of BFFF Young Leaders Forum.

 

If you are interested in joining the Young Leaders Forum, or would like to offer the Young Leaders Forum the opportunity to visit your site, please contact Kathryn Tindall: kathryntindall@bfff.co.uk

 

 

The Pastry Room has announced the launch of an exciting new addition to its frozen desserts range – a delicious Gluten Free and Vegan Sticky Ginger Pudding. The product is supplied frozen pre-portioned in trays with a separate Ginger sauce available for Autumn/Winter menus.

 

This rich, warming pudding combines the comforting familiarity of sticky toffee with a punch of ginger spice – all while being gluten free.

 

Ginger has experienced a rise in popularity over recent years, with increased incorporation into functional foods and beverages. This follows a rise in demand from consumers for natural flavourings to replace artificial additives. ^{Source: Business Research Insights.}

 

Since its initial development, the Sticky Ginger Pudding has generated a significant buzz among chefs, with restaurant groups confirming listings for their upcoming seasonal menus.

 

“This is exactly the kind of innovation chefs are looking for – an indulgent, seasonal, gluten free, vegan, easy to serve dessert with a twist building on the popularity of Sticky Toffee Pudding. The flavour profile hits all the right notes for Autumn and Winter, and the feedback so far has been fantastic.”
— John Hendy, Managing Director

 

The pastry Room supplies Gluten Free and vegan mixes across pastry, coatings and desserts directly to professional kitchens, bakeries and food manufacturers.  Whether you’re refreshing your Autumn/Winter menu or looking to expand your gluten free offering, please call us to find out more.

 

For samples and product enquiries, please get in touch with our team today

Oakland International, a leading provider of total supply chain solutions, is celebrating a major milestone after its brand-new facility in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, has been awarded the coveted BRCGS ‘AA’ accreditation on its very first audit.

 

Group Supply Chain Certification & Compliance Manager Louise Smith commented: “This is a fantastic achievement for our Knottingley team. Securing an ‘AA’ grade right out of the gate is a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work of every single colleague involved. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”

 

The BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard) is internationally recognised as the gold standard for storage and distribution. Achieving this accreditation, especially at the highest ‘AA’ level, demonstrates Oakland International’s unwavering commitment to food safety, product quality, and legal compliance at every step of the supply chain.

 

Said Louise: “Food safety is absolutely critical in our industry. Achieving the BRCGS ‘AA’ grade not only validates our rigorous standards but also gives our customers and partners total confidence in the safety, quality, and integrity of their products while they’re in our care.”

 

Oakland International stands out as one of the first in its sector to secure BRCGS accreditation across all its depots in the UK and Ireland with AA grades, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for businesses that demand the very best in supply chain management.

 

Louise added: “Earning BRCGS ‘AA’ rating at Knottingley is more than just a certificate on the wall, it’s a clear signal to our customers and supply chain partners that Oakland International is committed to excellence in every aspect of our operations.”

 

A Certified B Corporation, Oakland International is a total supply chain solutions provider and an expert in saving food and non-food products from going to waste via their distress load management service. The company aims to be the first business within its sector to reach net zero. As a specialist and leader in direct-to-consumer services, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering, and brand development support for all types of food, Oakland International serves markets across the UK and Ireland.