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7 months ago
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The move towards hybrid working is sparking increased demand for premium sandwiches, a consumer expert has said.
While millions of Brits continue to grapple with the cost-of-living crisis, industry chiefs suggest buying lunch may be one area where they are prepared to push the boat out.
Consumer expert Nick Drewe told MailOnline that being in the office only two or three times a week makes the 'impulsive' purchase of a deluxe lunch option feel less of a hit to their pocket.
Marks and Spencer charges £6 for its 'posh' egg mayo and watercress sandwich which has 51 grams more filling than a regular egg sandwich.
However, the egg mayonnaise treat isn't the only 'luxury' food-to-go item with a costly price tag.
Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer are selling 'deluxe' sandwiches for over £4 (pictured)
Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Sainsbury's all boast deluxe versions of some of their run-of-the-mill flavours - with every single one fetching for over £4.
The 'posh' egg mayo sandwich wasn't the only expensive sandwich M&S serving up.
As part of their 'deep filled' range - released earlier this year - the retailer decided to put a 'posh' prawn and mayo sandwich as well as a New Yorker cheese version on their shelves.
Both are sold for £5.50 and £5.25 respectively but the retailer does sell standard and cheaper versions of the 'deluxe' food items - even if they do have slightly less filling.
The gluten free Cheddar Cheese New Yorker sandwich is over £2 more than M&S Cheddar Cheese ploughman flavour, whilst their 'posh' prawn mayo sandwich is nearly double the £3.80 version.
It has emerged that Sainsbury's also sell fancier takes on traditional sandwiches at an inflated price.
A Ham Hock and Mature Cheddar sandwich comes with a £4.25 price tag - £1.50 more than a ham and cheese sub, whilst being 51 grams heavier.
Their Taste the Difference chicken and bacon club sandwich will set prospective buyers back over a £1 more than its cheaper counterpart.
The 'luxury' food to go item also weights than 66 grams more than the run-of-the-mill version - Sainsbury's Chicken and Maple Cured Bacon sandwich.
Although they may be luxurious, a higher price tag was a deterrent for some, as Waitrose confirmed the £3.15 ham and cheese sandwich was more popular than its posher pastrami peer.
Recently people were left enranged by M&S 'posh' egg and cress sandwich priced at £6 (left) - which only had 51 grams more of filling than the standard version (right)
Similarly to M&S, Sainsbury's selling their ham hock and mature cheddar sandwich for £1.50 more then a ham and cheese sub roll
However a higher price tag may have been a deterrent for some with Waitrose's cheaper ham and cheese sandwich (left) selling more than its posher pastrami peer (right)
But the rise in deluxe sandwiches begs the questions, as purse strings are pulled tighter - why are people purchasing expensive versions of our lunchtime classics?
Consumer expert Mr Drewe, from Wethrift, told MailOnline: 'The popularity and adaption to the hybrid model of working in a post-COVID climate has meant that many people only visit their office two or three times a week.
'This makes the impulsive purchase of a deluxe lunch option feel less impactful to their finances.
'If they are saving money on commuting and able to eat lunch at home the rest of the time, a lunchtime splurge during an 'office day' is more justifiable.'
Explaining that during economic hardships people often seek 'small indulgences' as a little treat, he added: Deluxe sandwiches with their appetising range of flavours are a great example of this.
'They [deluxe sandwiches] can satisfy our desires and uplift our mood with a quick dopamine hit without breaking the bank.'
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