In second place, came the classic egg mayonnaise with cress (41%), followed by the BLT in third place with 35%. Tuna mayonnaise and a traditional ham salad filling made up the top five.
When it comes to crisps cheese & onion was voted the best flavour to eat inside a sandwich (36%), followed by ready salted (29%), salt & vinegar (27%), prawn cocktail (20%) and roast chicken (19%). Mayonnaise (40%) was voted the clear winner in the condiment stakes, with salad cream only being chosen by 18%. Pickle (17%) and English mustard (15%) were not as popular.
Brits believe the best way to cut a sandwich is in half, horizontally (46%), followed by diagonally in half (26%) and then in triangular quarters (13%) while 6% do not slice it at all. The study revealed as many as 69% are now making a sarnie for lunch every day, with 38% saying it is a frugal and easy choice.
Claire Parlour, head of marketing at Hovis, said: “The unassuming, yet scrumptious sandwich has been around for over 250 years and over that time has seen off many challenges as a lunchtime staple. No matter whatever fillings you choose, whichever way you like to cut it, and whether you can wait until lunchtime or not, it is great to see the nation's renewed enthusiasm and love for packed lunches and timeless fillings once more.”