Your guide to the best sandwiches
Food Editor
Olivia Ferguson
The history of the sandwich
The sandwich may date back to the 18th century, but M&S helped transform the modern lunch break in 1980 with the launch of the UK's first commercially packaged, chilled sandwiches. Originally trialled in just five stores, they proved an instant hit and helped create the food-to-go market we know today. A year later, prawn mayonnaise joined the range – and remains one of the nation's favourite sandwich fillings.
The nation's favourite sandwiches
From the classic Egg and Watercress Sandwich to limited-edition launches that spark queues and social media buzz, sandwiches remain one of the nation's favourite lunches. M&S customers bought more than 106 million sandwiches last year – around one every three seconds – with the Chicken Caesar leading the way, selling more than 6 million packs. Our viral Red Diamond Strawberry and Creme Sandwich showed there's always an appetite for something new, selling more than one million packs in just five weeks.
"What makes M&S sandwiches stand out is our unwavering focus on quality, from the ingredients we source to the way each sandwich is developed. We use 100% British chicken from M&S Select Farms we know and trust, responsibly sourced seafood including pole-and-line-caught tuna, and British outdoor-bred pork. Alongside our classic favourites, we're constantly exploring new ideas and flavours, while continuing to grow our Plant Kitchen and Made Without Wheat ranges." – Alice Birch, M&S Lead Product Developer.
Lovely loaves
Flavour-packed fillings
Best types of sandwiches
Few lunches are as reliable – or as satisfying – as a good sandwich. From classic favourites to inventive flavour combinations, there's something for every mood and occasion. Whether you're reaching for a Chicken Caesar, BLT or egg mayo, looking for a plant-based option or tempted by globally inspired flavours, our sandwich range goes far beyond the basics.
Must-try meat sarnies
Seafood stars
Veg out
Sandwiches for everyone
More lunch inspiration
If you're looking for more lunchtime inspiration, explore our Food Catalogue to see what's available in your local Foodhall, head to Food Inspiration for the latest launches, lunchbox ideas and seasonal food trends, or browse our recipe hub for crowd-pleasing recipes the whole family will love.
Published 05/08/2026
