A health warning has been issued after new research found that some of the most popular shop-bought sandwiches contain alarmingly high levels of salt, with several exceeding recommended daily limits in a single serving. The study, carried out by Action on Salt and Sugar, analysed 546 sandwiches, wraps, rolls and baguettes sold by major supermarkets and high street chains including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Greggs and Gail’s.
The findings suggest that one in 10 products exceeded official salt and calorie health targets, while nearly half (44%) would carry a high or red warning label for salt. Researchers also found that 32 products contain half or more of an adult’s maximum daily salt limit in a single serving, raising concerns over the nutritional impact of everyday lunch choices.
Worst Offender Identified
The worst offender identified was Gail’s Smoked Chicken Caesar Club, which contained 6.88g of salt, more than the UK’s recommended daily limit of 6g. According to the analysis, this is equivalent to nearly 10 rashers of bacon or almost five McDonald’s cheeseburgers. The sandwich also contained more than 1,000 calories and 90% of the recommended daily saturated fat intake, while providing just 20% of daily fibre needs.
Widespread Nutritional Concerns
Across the board, the findings highlighted widespread nutritional concerns. A third of sandwiches were high in saturated fat, while more than one in seven were high in fat, salt and saturated fat combined. Meanwhile, 97% failed to provide even a third of the recommended daily fibre intake, reports PA.
Products sold out-of-home, such as those from cafes and takeaway chains, were generally found to be saltier than supermarket alternatives. Other high-salt items included Gail’s Smoked Salmon Bagel with Schmear (4.2g), Paul’s Rosette Cheese Salami Gherkin (4.19g), and Pret A Manger’s Ham and Gruyère Baguette (3.85g).
Supermarket Options Flagged
Several supermarket options were also flagged, including Tesco’s Fully Loaded Hot Honey Halloumi, Falafel and Pickled Slaw wrap (3.78g) and Sainsbury’s Kitchen Deli Pastrami, Cheddar Cheese & Gherkin Mustard Mayo baguette (3.67g), both containing more salt than 12 bags of standard ready salted crisps. (Source: Action on Salt & Sugar)
Significant Variation Between Products
However, the study also found significant variation between similar products, suggesting reductions are achievable. For example, Pret A Manger’s Chicken Salad Sandwich contained 2.22g of salt, compared to just 1.1g in Greggs’ equivalent. An M&S All Day Breakfast Sandwich contained 2.65g of salt, while a similar Sainsbury’s version contained 1.54g.
Other lower-salt options identified included Subway’s Veggie Delite Sub (0.60g salt), Olive & Toms Half Baguette (0.82g), Caffè Nero’s Chicken, Tomato and Basil Wrap (1.08g) and Greggs’ Tuna Mayonnaise & Cucumber Sandwich (1.1g).
Retailers Praised for Compliance
Retailers such as Asda and Lidl were praised for achieving full compliance with salt guidelines across their sandwich ranges, while Starbucks and Greggs were noted for having some of the lowest average salt levels in the out-of-home sector. Certain brands, including Pollen + Grace, The Gym Kitchen and Urban Rajah, were highlighted for meeting calorie and salt reduction targets across all products tested.
Health Risks and Public Health Impact
Health experts warn that excessive salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney problems. Studies suggest UK adults already consume around 8.4g of salt per day on average, about 40% above recommended limits. Given that Britons buy an estimated 11.5 billion sandwiches each year, campaigners say even small reductions could have a significant public health impact.
Sonia Pombo, from Action on Salt and Sugar, said: “Most people choose sandwiches for lunch for their simplicity, convenience and affordability. But what they're actually eating can be a full day's worth of salt hidden between two slices of bread. More than 20 years after the first set of salt reduction targets were introduced, it's frankly unacceptable that some companies continue to sell sandwiches that exceed an adult's daily limit in one go. Voluntary action has been allowed to drift for too long, and the result is a food environment that continues to put public health at risk. The Government must now step in with tough, mandatory measures, because leaving this to industry goodwill has clearly failed.”
The group says clearer reformulation rules and stricter enforcement could help reduce salt levels across popular ready-to-eat meals without limiting consumer choice.
