What Are AFS Students’ Favorite Types Of Bread?

Bread, no matter the form, is one of the most universally eaten foods. Bread is found in every culture, from naans to arepas, and is a part of our daily lives. 

Its versatility and popularity begged the question: What are upper school students’ favorite types of bread? How often do they eat it? What’s their favorite topping? 

For this survey, 60 upper school students were randomly selected using a random number generator. Of the 60, 39 participated in the survey, and they answered a series of multiple-choice questions. 

When asked about their favorite type of bread, the majority of the participants said that they prefer sourdough, whereas brioche, multigrain, and rye seem to be less popular among students. 

What makes sourdough so appealing? According to Chef’s Resource, what sets sourdough apart from other breads is how it’s prepared. 

Wild yeast interacts with the lactic acid bacteria that is naturally present in flour, so the dough ferments over a longer period. The yeast produces organic acids like lactic acid and acetic acid, which gives sourdough its characteristic “sourness.”

Samara Cohen ‘26, who picked sourdough as her favorite bread, said, “I love it because it’s so squishy and satisfying to eat. [Sourdough is] an easy snack because you don’t need to put anything on it; the bread is the moment.”

Butter is the most popular topping for bread. According to Butterdish, people like butter because of its savory flavor, and butter “rounds out dishes and creates a depth that makes food more satisfying. When combined with salt, butter becomes a natural flavor enhancer, intensifying sweetness in baked goods and richness in savory dishes.”

Bread shows up in students’ diets most days of the week, with nearly 60% students saying they eat it a few times a week and 30.8% saying they eat it every day. Students most likely eat bread as often as they do because bread is common in most meals.

This chart shows which meal students typically eat bread, with the majority responding that they eat bread with their breakfast. This is likely because toasted bread or bagels are a common breakfast food. Toast may also be more common among students because it’s a quick, easy meal they can eat and prepare in a timely manner, so they are not late to school. 

With a total of 12 responses, the second most common meal for students to eat bread with is lunch. When you’re not at home to prepare yourself an intricate meal, you’re running late to school, or you may not have access to a microwave, it’s easier to go with something that fits into a sandwich bag and store for later. This is the most likely reason that students, who are constantly on the go and need an easy meal, might have bread for lunch. 

Dillan Shafer ‘27 said, “I have eaten a sandwich for lunch almost every weekday since preschool.” 

Simply, what type of bread you like, how often you eat it, and your favorite toppings all come down to your own personal preferences. One thing remains constant: bread, no matter the type or toppings, is everywhere in student lives.