British Ploughman's Lunch

A Ploughman's Lunch is a traditional English cold meal, typically served in pubs, featuring a hearty portion of cheese, bread, and pickles. Its core components are a block of cheese (like cheddar), crusty bread, and a tangy pickle such as Branston, often accompanied by a simple salad of lettuce, cucumber, and onion. It originates from rural England and was historically a simple, packed lunch for farm labourers.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This meal is generally high in protein and fat from the cheese and bread, with moderate carbohydrates. It provides a good source of calcium and protein, and a typical serving ranges from 600 to 800 calories depending on the portion sizes of cheese and bread.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	700 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	45 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	1200 mg
Calcium	600 mg
Vitamin A	400 IU
Vitamin C	15 mg
Iron	3 mg
Phosphorus	500 mg
Vitamin K	30 mcg
Zinc	4 mg
Selenium	20 mcg

Per 1 typical serving (approx. 350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the Ploughman's Lunch is a symbol of traditional British pub fare and rustic simplicity, often debated over its 'authentic' historical origins. Nutritionally, it offers a balanced mix of macronutrients but is notably high in sodium due to the cheese and pickles.