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After weeks of voting and regional food rivalries, Hellmann’s has crowned America’s favorite sandwich.
The mayonnaise brand created a nationwide bracket featuring sandwiches representing all 50 states as part of its celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday. More than 10,000 sandwich fans participated, casting nearly 100,000 votes throughout the competition.
The bracket turned regional favorites into a national food showdown, with fans backing sandwiches that represent their home states and local food traditions.
In the end, Pennsylvania’s Philly cheesesteak emerged on top, giving the state bragging rights to what Hellmann’s is calling “America’s Sandwich.”
A final showdown between Pennsylvania and Kansas
The competition ultimately came down to a matchup between Pennsylvania’s cheesesteak and Kansas’ burnt end sandwich.
Hellmann’s promoted the final as a showdown to determine “America’s Sandwich,” urging fans to cast their votes and make sandwich history. The Kansas entry featured burnt ends, a barbecue staple particularly associated with Kansas City, while Pennsylvania was represented by its iconic cheesesteak.
The contest began with 50 sandwiches divided into four regional brackets: the Midwest, West, Northeast and South. Over five rounds of voting, the field was narrowed from 50 sandwiches to 16 before progressing through the Savory Sixteen, Exquisite Eight, Flavorful Four and the Final Chowdown.
The Philly cheesesteak defeated Kansas’ burnt end sandwich in the championship matchup. The other sandwiches to reach the Elite Eight included Nevada’s patty melt, Texas’ chopped brisket sandwich, New Jersey’s Italian sub, Illinois’ Italian beef, Alabama’s pulled chicken with white sauce and California’s tuna salad.
What’s next for the cheesesteak?
Company officials said they were surprised that the BLT did not advance further after a strong start in the voting, calling it one of the country’s most iconic sandwiches. They also said Kansas’ burnt end sandwich exceeded expectations by reaching the championship round despite being a less familiar choice for many Americans.
Hellmann’s said the competition was created to celebrate the sandwiches that help define regional food culture across the country.
“America has official symbols for its bird, flower and tree. It was about time we settled the sandwich,” Jessica Grigoriou, senior vice president of marketing for condiments at Unilever North America, said in a news release.
“America chose the Philly Cheesesteak, and we’ll be celebrating it the Hellmann’s way: with a creamy spread of America’s number one mayonnaise,” Grigoriou said.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT