For most sandwiches, toasting improves the result, though it is not mandatory. Toasting firms the surface of the bread so it resists moisture from sauces, tomato and juicy fillings, which keeps the sandwich from going soggy. It also develops richer flavour through browning and adds a satisfying crunch, while the warmth helps cheese melt and makes comfort-style builds more appealing. The main exceptions are very delicate sandwiches or ones made with exceptionally fresh bread that you intend to eat immediately, where softness is the point. As a simple rule, if a sandwich is saucy, juicy or contains cheese you want melted, toast it. At Sandwich Lab we toast to order, because it suits our fillings and helps sandwiches survive delivery.

Yes, toasting is one of the most effective ways to fight sogginess. Sogginess happens when moisture from sauces and wet fillings soaks into the bread and softens it. Toasting dries and firms the surface of the bread, creating a barrier that slows this absorption considerably, so the crumb stays intact for longer. It is even more effective when combined with other techniques, such as spreading sauce or placing cheese directly against the bread to seal it, and keeping the wettest ingredients toward the middle of the sandwich. This is a big reason toasted, made-to-order sandwiches travel better than pre-made cold ones. If you are ordering delivery, a toasted build generally arrives in far better condition.