In New York, prices can be shockingly high. A dirty martini costs $22, a pizza slice costs $5, and a studio in Prospect Heights costs $3,950 a month. No matter how you look at it, New Yorkers get used to the high prices… until something comes along that is so outrageously priced that it wakes everyone up and reminds us how hellishly expensive this city can be. So it was this week when someone on Reddit found a ham-and-cheese sandwich that costs $29 before taxes. Was there anything immediately apparent that would warrant such a price? Not at all. It actually looked like a fake Pret a Manger or the nicest sandwich you’d find at a La Guardia to-go counter because it was already put together and wrapped in plastic.
That’s why people who saw the post might have thought, “Is this a joke? Is this the next Balenciaga pope?” But it’s not a joke. In fact, things only get worse with increased scrutiny. Looking again, I realized that the egg sandwich next to the $29 ham-and-cheese was priced at $24. It was also clear from the label on the package that it was a sandwich for sale at E A. T. The Upper East Side market and takeout place that has been owned by Eli Zabar for a long time and is known for its high prices
Still, $29 for a ham sandwich is nuts. That’s $1 more than Barbuto charges for a smoked-salmon pizza. The most expensive thing on Hart’s menu is the same price as this dish: seared tuna with “creamy potatoes, fennel, and salsa verde.” At S, someone could get three cheeseburgers for $29 It’s safe to assume that this could be the most expensive ham-and-cheese sandwich in America.
An already-wrapped ham sandwich could cost $30? The more I thought about it, the harder it was for me to understand. Surely Reddit had missed something, or there was some kind of mistake. I had to see this for myself, so I took the subway to Madison and 80th Street for lunch.
My eyes confirmed the $29 price to be true as well as that $24 egg salad. A salmon sandwich broke the $30 barrier. I swallowed hard and took the ham-and-cheese up to the register. “Why does this cost so much?” I casually inquired. “Because it’s two sandwiches,” the worker replied. This was something that a representative repeated when I emailed about the price, but the label on the sandwich itself clearly said “1 pc,” which quickly disproved the claim. ”.
It’s true that, within the cellophane wrapping, there were two discrete sandwich constructions. It’s also true that they could justifiably be considered “two halves. ” But let’s give E. A. T. the benefit of the doubt for a moment, because even at $14. 50 per “sandwich,” something is amiss. I have never seen a more regular-ass sandwich in my life. The ham was … fine! Same with the slices of cheese. There was mustard on it, and the “health bread” just tasted like multigrain bread with a new name. You could taste the cold from the fridge in every bite. (To be fair to the reporter in me, I also bought the $24 egg salad sandwich to see if it was any better; it needed more salt.) ).
One hand, the one that wasn’t holding a sandwich, it was nice to know I was right: this ham-and-cheese isn’t anything special. On the other hand, I was afraid that by buying the sandwich at all, I was directly supporting the pricing strategy, no matter what my reason was. Has anyone else willingly paid this much for the same sandwich? I guess they probably have. High prices are part of the deal in New York. Ripoffs don’t have to be.
The ham sandwich is a lunchtime classic beloved by kids and adults alike. There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of salty ham, melty cheese, and soft bread. But with food prices on the rise, you may be wondering – how much does a basic ham sandwich really cost nowadays?
In this article, we’ll break down the typical price of a ham sandwich based on common ingredients. We’ll look at:
- The cost of bread, ham, and cheese at the grocery store
- Pre-made ham sandwich prices at restaurants and delis
- Factors that affect the price, like quality of ingredients
- Tips for saving money on your ham sandwiches
By the end of this you’ll know exactly what goes into the price of a ham sandwich and how to get the best deal. So let’s get started!
Grocery Store Ham Sandwich Prices
If you’re making a ham sandwich at home, the ingredient costs will depend on what you buy at the grocery store. Here are some average prices in the United States:
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Bread Sliced sandwich bread can range from $1-$3 for a 20 oz loaf, Good quality artisan bread may cost $4-$6 per loaf
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Ham: Budget sliced ham is $3-$4 per pound. Higher quality deli ham runs $6-$12 per pound.
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Cheese: Processed sandwich slices are $2-$3 per 8 oz package. Fancier sliced cheese is $4-$8 per pound.
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Condiments: Mustard, mayo, lettuce, and tomato to finish the sandwich will add around $1-2 total.
So for a basic ham sandwich with budget ingredients, you’ll spend around $2-$3 total. For gourmet ingredients, it’s closer to $4-$6.
Making your own sandwiches is one of the most economical options for enjoying a ham sandwich any time you like!
Deli and Restaurant Ham Sandwich Prices
If you want grab-and-go convenience, picking up a ham sandwich from your local deli or restaurant is a quick option. Here are some typical prices:
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Sandwich shops: $4-$8 for a 6-8 inch ham sandwich on fresh bread.
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Fast food: $1-$3 for a basic ham sandwich with lower quality ingredients.
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Grocery store deli: $3-$7 for a pre-made sandwich with Boar’s Head type ham.
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Sit-down restaurants: $9-$15 for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with side salad.
As you can see, dining out significantly increases the price. You’re paying extra for labor, venue overhead, and convenience.
If you’re able to take 15 minutes and make a sandwich at home before heading out, you can easily save $3-$5 per sandwich.
What Impacts the Price of a Ham Sandwich?
From bread to meat to cheese, the quality of the ingredients you choose will directly affect the price of your ham sandwich. Here are some factors that play a role:
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Ham: Black Forest or imported prosciutto can cost 4x more than basic deli ham.
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Bread: Freshly baked artisan bread is pricier than generic sliced bread.
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Cheese: Premium cheese like Gruyere is more expensive than American cheese slices.
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Pre-made: Prepped sandwiches cost more at restaurants, delis, and cafes.
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Location: Prices are higher for sandwiches from food service vendors in busy areas like airports.
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Seasonality: Some ingredients like produce may cost more at certain times of year.
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Portion size: A large 8-inch sub sandwich has double the ham and cheese of a 4-inch sandwich.
Tips for Saving on Ham Sandwiches
Here are some tips for keeping your ham sandwich costs down:
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Buy ham, cheese, and bread on sale or in bulk quantities when possible. Slice and freeze ham in portions.
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Opt for budget-friendly ingredients like sliced ham, American cheese, and white sandwich bread to save a few dollars per sandwich.
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Make sandwiches at home rather than purchasing pre-made sandwiches, which come at a premium cost.
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Order water instead of bottled drinks, which can tack on $2-$3 per sandwich combo.
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Ask for light condiments like mustard and mayo rather than extra which can add to the final price.
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Share a large sandwich or buy a half sandwich if available to reduce portion size costs.
The Verdict on Ham Sandwich Prices
At the end of the day, the cost of your ham sandwich comes down to the quality of the ingredients and whether you choose to make it yourself or buy it pre-made. With budget ingredients, you can easily whip up a ham sandwich at home for $2-$3. Or you can spend $10 or more buying a premium sandwich from a cafe.
If you’re hoping to save money on your ham sandwich, opt for budget-but-tasty ingredients from the grocery store deli and take a couple minutes to pile it all onto fresh bread yourself. With some smart choices, you can enjoy a delicious ham sandwich without breaking the bank!
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FAQ
How much ham is in a sandwich?
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Ingredient
|
1 sandwich/roll
|
15 sandwiches/rolls
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Tuna (canned)
|
2 tablespoons
|
600g (2 x 440g can)
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|
Smoked salmon
|
1–2 slices (40g)
|
600g
|
|
Lean ham, sliced or shaved
|
40g
|
600g
|
|
Lean, skinless chicken, sliced
|
50g
|
750g
|
How much ham to order at deli?
How much ham do I need for 20 people sandwiches?
How much does a ham and cheese sandwich have?