Fortune Business Insights has estimated that the global sandwich market reached $428 billion in 2024. Even as modern creations made with artisanal ingredients have taken over menus, several classic sandwiches have slipped quietly off.
According to FoodNavigator, nostalgia for retro foods is on the rise, with individuals yearning to relish the pure flavors of old favorites. However, these 16 classic sandwiches are replaced mainly by a new trend and evolving preferences.
Beef jelly sandwich
Families were pushed to their limit in the 1920s. The beef jelly sandwich combines simmered beef hearts, tongues, and pig feet to make a gelatinous, sliceable meat. It was nutritious and affordable, helping to feed families during hard times. This sandwich was left behind as fresh meat became increasingly accessible.
Frosted sandwich loaf
The frosted sandwich loaf was a 1950s party specialty, featuring layers of egg salad, chicken salad, pickles, and deviled ham, topped with mayonnaise and cream cheese frostings to mimic the appearance of a cake. This showstopper disappeared as preferences turned to less mayo-laden dishes.
Welsh rarebit
This comfort food consisted of bread covered with a beer-cheese sauce seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and spices. An excellent alternative to meat during lean periods, it fell out of fashion as sandwich choices expanded and lighter tastes became more prevalent.
However, Welsh Rarebit eventually became a nostalgic dish, and people enjoyed it simply because they wanted to experience its culinary history. It is sometimes found on menus today as a mark of its humble origins.
Braunschweiger
This German liver sausage is bold and smoky, typically served with mustard and pickles. Popular among the elite, but too robust to fit the standard pallets, it was finally supplanted by the deli items of turkey and ham.
Nevertheless, Braunschweiger will remain in the hearts of people who were accustomed to its unique flavor when they were still young. It is sometimes available in specialty shops, as a reminder of a lost time of unashamed gustation.
Peanut butter/mayonnaise cheeseburger
The Great Depression found peanut butter and mayonnaise surprisingly compatible, delivering protein, calories, and a creamy texture at a very affordable price. This odd mixture disappeared as food abundance increased.
Although it may not appeal to modern tastes, there are still families who uphold this tradition and occasionally indulge in this nostalgic treat. The heritage reminds us of the resourcefulness and ingenuity that characterized cooking under challenging situations.
Broiled soup sandwiches
These were open sandwiches that Campbell marketed with cream soups, such as chicken or mushroom, and they were broiled until golden. Although rustic and inventive, they were substituted with new ingredients and reduced recipes.
Mock ham salad sandwich
When the actual ham was in short supply, chopped bologna, Spam, and mayonnaise with relish were used to recreate the flavor and texture of ham salad. With the rise in the affordability of ham, this inexpensive alternative has largely fallen out of use.
It demonstrated the resourcefulness of homemakers who had to find creative ways of dealing with food shortages in the aftermath of the war. Amazingly, there are still families who love these recipes and keep them as a memory of their cooking history.
Olive loaf sandwich
A 1970s lunchbox staple, olive loaf—a meat-like bologna filled with pimentos—was relatively mild in both flavor and appearance. Olive loaf dropped off most menus as health-conscious consumers shifted towards unprocessed foods.
Olive loaf remains a peculiar cooking memory for those who developed a fondness for it as children. At least in deli counters today, it is occasionally utilized in retro recipes or displayed as something interesting and reminiscent.
Coronation chicken sandwich
This is a British invention from the 1950s that combined chicken salad with mild curry spices, representing a refined taste. Still popular with some, it fell out of favor as fresher and less complex sandwich fillings took its place.
It features a creamy dressing and a unique flavor that has made it a standout selection for meetings and picnics. Coronation chicken is now considered a dish of nostalgia, often reworked into new recipes.
Banana and mayonnaise sandwich
This was a strange union in difficult times. Mayo and bananas made an energy-providing sandwich. Its local success and unusual combination could not translate into widespread success.
Others stick to the distinctive combination of sweet and savory, calling it a calming classic. However, to most, it remains an enigmatic artifact of the past.
Fluffernutter
This was another childhood favorite: peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, in a sticky-sweet sandwich. This was a long-forgotten sweetened classic as parents insisted on healthier options.
It still occupies a special status in the memories of people who grew up loving its sweet naivety. Although it is out of fashion, it remains occasionally present in modern cuisine and food trends, lending a lovely note of nostalgia.
Chipped beef sandwich
This is an open-faced sandwich (also known as SOS in military mess halls) consisting of dried beef gravy on toast. Although it was sturdier, it was salty and bulky, making it not very popular in civilian cuisine.
Chipped beef was a standard meal among soldiers serving in World War II because it had a long shelf life and was inexpensive. One ration of chipped beef gravy was approximately 300 calories, according to historical records, making it a good source of rationed food.
Chow mein sandwich
This local delicacy stuffs crunchy chow mein noodles into a bun, combining Asian flavors with the sandwich-making traditions of America. It died out as more authentic ethnic foods became available.
The sandwich was ubiquitous in New England (especially Massachusetts and Rhode Island) in the 1920s and 1930s. According to some reports, a chow mein sandwich typically contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size and the amount of sauce added.
Souper burger
This is a mid-century creation that combined ground meat with canned soup to add flavor and moisture to the burger. It was easy and convenient, but when customers demanded fresher, high-grade burgers, it was left behind.
This unique mixture was both quick and affordable for families during the post-war era. Historical records indicate that the Souper Burger would be ready within 20 minutes and would cost around $0.50 to $0.75 to prepare, making it a cost-effective option at the time.
Scotch woodcock
This was a British snack that included anchovy paste and scrambled eggs on toast. An excellent supper dish, its bold flavours were no longer popular in contemporary cuisine.
It can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was commonly served in gentlemen’s clubs as a savory dish. Although Scotch Woodcock is no longer popular, it remains an intriguing dish in English cuisine.
Hot Brown
This Southern classic stacks turkey, bacon, and Mornay cheese sauce into a loaded, open-faced sandwich. Popular in certain places, its profligate aspect does not suit the present lightness of taste.
However, for those who crave a taste of the past, the Hot Brown is a comfort dish deeply rooted in culinary tradition. It was first invented in the 1920s at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Key takeaway
The ingenuity and resourcefulness of past generations can be seen in these yesteryear sandwiches. Although they are often forgotten due to changing tastes and trends, they remain a pleasant memory of a simpler time. Some of these retro creations could reappear among adventurous eaters as nostalgia increases.
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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Don’t Swipe Until You Read This: The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
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Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some advantageous options that can actually boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
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I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the same things I always do, but my bill keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
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So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
