Sandwich consumption is set for renewed growth as shoppers increasingly turn to the category beyond lunchtime, new Délifrance research suggests.

The bakery supplier’s latest report, Prove It: The trends driving sandwich consumption in 2026, found that sandwiches are now being eaten across multiple dayparts, from breakfast through to dinner, as consumers look for convenient, filling and versatile meal options.

Délifrance marketing director Stéphanie Brillouet said the findings show that the “simple, versatile sandwich” is keeping up with changing consumer lifestyles.

“Far from being limited to lunch, sandwiches are now appearing across multiple dayparts, from breakfast to dinner, and increasingly serving as a convenient, satisfying option for busy households, young professionals and on-the-go consumers,” she said.

The report found that rising consumption is being driven in part by improved perceptions of sandwich quality, with 46 per cent of consumers saying better quality is the main reason they are eating more of them.

Nearly two-thirds of shoppers associate freshly made sandwiches with great taste, while 39 per cent said the dough of the carrier influences how tasty a sandwich is.

As foodservice operators experiment with bread formats and fillings, Délifrance said the category is seeing a rise in more inventive sandwich hybrids, global flavours and over-filled, indulgent options.

The trend also taps into growing demand among Gen Z consumers for small treats and more exciting grab-and-go choices.

Convenience remains a key driver, with 47 per cent of consumers citing ease and accessibility as the main factors influencing sandwich purchases.

The report said technology, pre-ordering and elevated grab-and-go ranges are helping retailers and foodservice operators offer greater convenience for busy consumers without compromising on quality.

Food and drink insights consultancy Harris and Hayes, which contributed to the report, said convenience in the sandwich category was now about more than speed.

“Convenience is evolving far beyond speed, and the sandwich category is adapting quickly to meet the needs of increasingly time-pressed consumers,” it said.

“It’s now about smarter systems, elevated experiences and delivering quality wherever the consumer happens to be.”

The report is based on a survey of 1,000 UK adults who regularly eat sandwiches.

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