Is the traditional sandwich definition stale?

How do you define sandwich? With today’s constantly changing food trends, the classic definition looks to be a beyond its freshness date.

Sandwich, the classic, simple dish has been around for centuries. According to Merriam-Webster, it is defined as “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.” While this definition is quite generalized, it doesn’t apply to many food trends and choices. Putting aside the hotdog debate, is the traditional definition just too stale for today’s food world?

In the past several years, many people have begun to reduce their bread consumption. Whether they are reducing carbs, avoiding gluten or some other reason, bread sometimes remains on the store shelves. With this ever growing food trend, should the traditional sandwich definition be modified to something else?

For many people, the traditional definition isn’t how they eat today. While a wrap might be different, do sandwiches have to contain bread or a bread-like component? More people are thinking about substituting that bread for tomatoes, a noodle cake, or something else? Does that mean these foods aren’t sandwiches?

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In response to consumers ever changing tastes, Jimmy Dean has petitioned Merriam-Webster to redefine the concept of sandwiches. Bread doesn’t need to define sandwiches.

With National Sandwich Day celebrations taking place on November 3, the brand is introducing its new Jimmy Dean Delights Egg’wich. Ditching the bread, this breakfast option uses two egg frittatas. Available in three frittata options, each one provides a flavorful “non-bread” option to hold the sausage and cheese.

If this petition goes through, what would that new definition look like? The easiest way to modify the definition would be two or more slices of bread, roll or food mimicking bread with a filling in between. While this definition is incredibly broad, it solves the bread issue. Unfortunately, it creates additional debates (yes, including the hot dog fiasco).

Do you think that the sandwich definition is stale? Should it be re-defined? Share your thoughts in the comments section.