Britain's cheapest lunch
22 Nov 2011 by Evoluted New Media
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has revealed that a toast sandwich is Britain’s cheapest lunchtime meal.
The sandwich – a mid-Victorian dish – consists of two slices of bread, with a piece of toast in the middle. The recipe came from Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management, which was first published in 1861.
“The RSC decided to promote Mrs Beeton’s toast sandwich because it might just be what we need to get us through the harsh economic times that are forecast,” said Dr John Emsley from the RSC.
The sandwich – which costs around 7.5p – provides about 330 calories. Each slice of bread provides 80 calories, and 10g of butter 90 calories, less if you opt for margarine, which wasn’t available 150 years ago.
“You simply put a piece of dry toast between two slices of bread and butter with salt and pepper to taste. I’ve tried it and it’s surprisingly nice to eat and quite filling,” said Emsley.
“I would emphasise that toast sandwiches are also good at saving you calories as well as money, provided you only have one toast sandwich for lunch and nothing else.”
The RSC’s Jon Edwards said the 21st Century version of the toast sandwich is healthier than the one in Mrs Beeton’s era as bread is now fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium.
“In my student days I thought a meal of 9p noodles was the epitome of thrift – but a toast sandwich is tastier, quicker, as more calories and comes in at just 7.5p,” he said.
The RSC is so confident in Mrs Beeton’s recipe that they are offering £200 to anyone who can create a cheaper, more nutritious alternative.
