Eating Better conducted the survey, which found that 570 sandwiches (92%) contained meat, fish or cheeses and less than 3% contained no meat, fish, egg or cheese.
Consumers trying to eat healthily and reduce their impact on the environment will struggle to find a choice of sandwiches that does the job. Non-meat sandwiches typically cost less and also have lower levels of saturated fat, salt and calories.
In British Sandwich Week, which starts today, Eating Better is calling on food companies to be more innovative and provide a better choice of healthy and environmentally-friendly sandwiches or wraps with vegetables and pulses to help customers go meat-free at lunchtime.
Sue Dibb of Eating Better, said: “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.
“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 an alliance of 46 national supporting organisations and partner networks, from health, environment, international development, animal welfare, producer, professional and faith interests
British Sandwich Week is run by the British Sandwich Association, which claims that sales of sandwiches are booming with around 3.5 billion sold in the UK last year, and the market worth £7.25bn.