Definitions, names and rivalries: where dictionaries, labels, legal rules and regional habit disagree about what a sandwich is and what to call it.
Every post in this section is listed below, newest posts included as they are published. The Start Here page suggests where to begin, and the glossary defines sandwich terms used across the site.
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Fluffernutter Origin: Emma Curtis, Archibald Query and Who Gets Credit for the Sandwich
The fluffernutter has three claimants: the Curtis family, Archibald Query and Durkee-Mower. Sources on the Liberty Sandwich, Fluff and the sandwich’s name.
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Grilled Cheese vs Melt: Where Dictionaries, Cooks and Menus Draw the Line
Merriam-Webster’s grilled cheese and melt definitions overlap. Sources split on added meat, open or closed builds and bread, and on when the names appeared.
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Gyro vs Doner vs Shawarma: How the Three Spit-Roasted Sandwiches Differ
Three sandwiches cut from a turning spit: how gyro, doner and shawarma differ in meat, spice, bread and sauce, and where the sources disagree.
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Is a Hot Dog a Sandwich? What Dictionaries, Tax Rules and Courts Say
Merriam-Webster says a hot dog is a sandwich, and the hot dog council says it is its own category. Dictionaries, tax rules, the USDA and courts disagree.
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Mayonnaise vs Miracle Whip: What the Labels, the Law and the History Show
Mayonnaise needs 65 percent oil by FDA rule and Miracle Whip sells as a dressing. Ingredient lists, the 1933 Kraft launch and a disputed Salem recipe claim.
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Pork Roll vs Taylor Ham: One New Jersey Meat, Two Names and a Century of Argument
Pork roll and Taylor Ham are one New Jersey meat with two names. Sources on Taylor, Case, the 1906 Pure Food Act, a 1911 ruling and a 2015 poll.