The modern sandwich is commonly attributed to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who supposedly asked for meat between two slices of bread to avoid leaving the gambling table.
The term "sandwich" is indeed named after the Earl of Sandwich, who popularized this convenient meal in the 18th century.
Sandwiches are one of the most widely consumed meals globally. They're favored for their convenience, portability, and versatility.
The world record for the longest sandwich measured around 735 meters (2,411 feet) and was created in Lebanon. It included various ingredients like cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more.
A notable fan of sandwiches, Elvis Presley reportedly had a favorite unconventional combination—peanut butter, banana, and bacon. Known as the "Fool's Gold Loaf," it was a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a jar of peanut butter, a jar of jelly, and a pound of bacon.
In 1965, astronaut John Young snuck a corned beef sandwich into space during the Gemini 3 mission, breaking NASA rules. Bread's crumbs floating in microgravity led NASA to ban sandwiches in space for many years afterward.
The sandwich industry has boomed, with various types of bread, fillings, and condiments. Some estimates suggest that the sandwich market is worth billions of dollars globally.
While sandwiches can be healthy, they're not always so. Depending on the ingredients and portion sizes, some sandwiches can be high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium, contributing to an unhealthy diet.