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.
A ham and cheese sandwich is a classic combo that’s simple, tasty, and budget-friendly But with ingredient prices constantly fluctuating, you may wonder exactly how much does a basic ham and cheese sandwich cost to make at home?
The total cost of a ham and cheese sandwich depends on the specific ingredients you choose. Going with lower-priced basics like deli ham, pre-sliced cheese and basic white bread can keep the overall cost under $2 per sandwich. Upgrading to premium ingredients like artisan bread, thick-cut deli meat and aged cheese can bring the cost up to $5 or more
Below we’ll look at the typical costs of ham and cheese sandwich ingredients – from the bread, meat and cheese to extras like lettuce, tomato, mustard and mayo. We’ll also give some tips for enjoying ham and cheese sandwiches affordably.
Average Cost of Ham and Cheese Sandwich Ingredients
Here are average price estimates for the core ingredients in a ham and cheese sandwich:
Bread – $0.50 to $1.00
- Basic white bread loaf – $1 to $2 per loaf / $0.50 per sandwich
- Artisan bakery bread – $4 to $6 per loaf / $1 to $2 per sandwich
Ham – $1.00 to $2.00
- Deli ham slices – $2 to $4 per pack / $0.50 to $1 per sandwich
- Premium sliced ham – $6 to $8 per pack / $2 per sandwich
Cheese – $0.50 to $1.00
- Pre-sliced cheese – $2 to $4 per pack / $0.50 per sandwich
- Fancy sliced cheese – $5 to $8 per pack / $1 to $2 per sandwich
Produce – $0.50
- Lettuce, tomato, onion – $0.50 total
Condiments – $0.30
- Mustard, mayo, oil & vinegar – $0.30 total
Total Cost – $2 to $5
As you can see, a basic ham and cheese sandwich with cheap white bread, basic cold cuts and a smear of mustard can cost as little as $2 to make at home.
Upgrading to artisan breads, premium deli meat and aged cheeses can bring the cost up to around $5 per sandwich. Adding fresh veggies and other condiments adds about $1 more.
Tips for an Affordable Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Here are some tips to enjoy delicious ham and cheese sandwiches without spending a lot:
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Buy store brand basic white bread to save on the carb component. Whole wheat can cost slightly more.
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Purchase a large pack of pre-sliced deli ham and cheese for the week. The per-slice cost is lower when buying in bulk.
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Stick to budget-friendly sliced ham like turkey, bologna or salami. Fancier meats like prosciutto can cost much more.
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Skip the expensive bakery breads and fresh veggies. Mustard and mayo make a tasty sandwich on their own.
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Make extra sandwiches to have later in the week for quick lunches or midnight snacks.
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Look for weekly deli meat and cheese specials or discounts. Stock up on sale items.
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Purchase a low-cost loaf of bread and deli meat, then get creative with cheese slices from your fridge to use up what you have on hand.
With some smart shopping and ingredient choices, you can enjoy a tasty and satisfying ham and cheese sandwich for under $2 per sandwich.
Factors That Affect Ham and Cheese Sandwich Prices
Several factors impact the overall cost of making ham and cheese sandwiches, including:
Ingredient Quality – Generic vs name brand, basic vs premium, pre-packaged vs fresh-sliced deli products.
Bakery Bread – Artisan breads from local bakeries can be $4-6 per loaf, vastly increasing sandwich costs.
Extra Toppings – Veggies, condiments, spices and other toppings add incremental costs.
Portion Size – Small sandwiches with single slices of deli meat and cheese cost less than overstuffed ones.
Dine-In vs Takeout – Sandwiches made at home cost much less than buying pre-made at restaurants or delis.
Location – Ingredient prices vary based on where you live. Urban areas typically have higher costs.
Knowing what affects sandwich prices lets you lower costs by adjustingingredient types, sizes and extras.
Average Deli Sandwich Prices
While homemade ham and cheese sandwiches cost just a few dollars, buying pre-made deli sandwiches costs significantly more. Here are some average deli ham and cheese sandwich prices:
- Subway 6-inch Ham & Cheese Sandwich – $4.49
- Jersey Mike’s Ham & Cheese Sub – $6.25
- Panera Ham & Swiss Sandwich – $7.99
- Schlotzsky’s Ham & Cheese Sandwich – $6.79
- Jimmy John’s Ham & Cheese Sandwich – $5.25
Pre-made sub shops and deli sandwiches range from $4 to $8, even for basic ham and cheese options. The convenience comes at a big markup compared to making them at home.
Should You Make Your Own Sandwiches?
With such a big price gap between homemade and pre-made, is it worth it to make your own sandwiches rather than buying them? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Much cheaper per sandwich
- Control ingredients (healthy, high quality)
- Make them just how you like
- Easy to prep ahead of time
Cons
- Time spent shopping and prepping
- No last minute sandwich convenience
- Leftover ingredients go to waste
- No cafeteria atmosphere if eating in
While homemade costs less, pre-made sandwiches offer speed and convenience. The choice comes down to your budget, priorities and how much time you have. Both options have their merits.
Easy Ways to Elevate a Basic Ham and Cheese
Don’t settle for an utterly plain ham and cheese sandwich. Use these simple tricks to take the flavor up a notch:
- Add mustard, mayo, oil or hummus for moisture and tang.
- Use a sliced baguette, ciabatta or pretzel bun for more flavorful bread.
- Mix two cheese varieties for more texture and taste.
- Layer on cucumber, tomato, lettuce, onion or pickle slices.
- Sprinkle on oregano, basil, garlic powder or pepper.
- Use a panini press to get the bread crispy on the outside.
- Make it into a melt by cooking in a hot pan with butter.
With just a little extra effort, you can turn a boring ham and cheese sandwich into something restaurant-worthy. Don’t be afraid to get creative within your budget.
Summary of Ham and Cheese Sandwich Costs
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A basic homemade ham and cheese sandwich can cost as little as $2.
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Ingredients like premium deli meat, artisan bread and fancy cheese can raise prices to $5 or more.
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Pre-made sub shop sandwiches range from $4 on the low end to $8 for larger sizes.
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Making them at home costs a fraction of buying pre-made, but requires more time and effort.
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Simple additions can greatly improve flavor without adding much to cost.
Hopefully this gives you a good idea of the many factors affecting ham and cheese sandwich pricing. Understanding the costs involved lets you balance convenience, budget and taste when planning meals.
With the right ingredient choices and preparation methods, you can enjoy delicious ham and cheese sandwiches every week while still being kind to your wallet. Whether homemade or store-bought, a ham and cheese sandwich never disappoints!
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Ham Sandwich — Calories?
FAQ
How much does a ham and cheese sandwich have?
What is the $29 sandwich in New York?
How much does a sandwich cost in NYC?
How much ham per person for sandwiches?
Is the cheapest sandwich the healthiest?
By using this calculator in tandem with the sandwich cost calculator, you get a calorie break down of your ingredients on a sub roll, hard roll, sliced bread, and thick-sliced bread. If you’re trying to stay to any weight goals, the cheapest sandwich might not necessarily be the healthiest sandwich.
How much should a sandwich cost?
Everybody has their own line they draw in the sand. A sandwich that costs $10 (a price that might have once been a generously high threshold) is now a heck of a deal in a major city if you can find it. For others, $15 is the most they’ll pay. No matter the limit, most people seem to agree that 20 bucks for a sandwich is far too high.
How much is a ham and cheese sandwich?
With tax, the sandwich totaled $31.57. The sandwich was lacking ample meat and was overpowered by the “health bread,” which costs $10 per loaf in stores. The sandwich prices at the Madison Avenue eatery are upwards of $15. Half of the $29 ham and cheese sandwich is $16.
How to make a ham sandwich?
To make a ham sandwich, spread one slice of bread with butter and add a thin layer of mustard. Top it with a slightly more liberal spread of mayo. Add shaved cheese on either slice, then place the ham on top and fold it in for added height. Sprinkle black pepper to taste.