Last year some 8.5 million Americans brought their lunch to work, a figure that's likely to grow as more of us look for ways to cut costs. But are a few bucks saved really worth all that effort — especially when a new season of Dancing with the Stars beckons? We priced a hearty, healthy DIY sandwich versus our favorite 6-inch-with-chips-and-soda deal from Subway. Here's how the lunch-meat face-off went down.
MADE-AT-HOME-SANDWICH BREAKDOWN
| INGREDIENT | INITIAL COST | COST PER SANDWICH |
| Arnold by Brownberry Dutch Country bread, 100% Whole Wheat Double Fiber |
$3.89/18 slices | $0.43 for two slices |
| Hellmann's Light Mayonnaise | $5.39/30-oz. jar | $0.08 (serving size: 1 tbsp.; 64 servings/jar) |
| Land O' Lakes Sliced Swiss Cheese | $5.29/8 slices | $1.32 for two slices |
| Sara Lee Fresh Ideas Turkey Breast, Honey Roasted Pre-Sliced | $5.99/24 slices | $1.00 for four slices |
| Organic beefsteak tomatoes | $1.79 each | $0.90 for three slices |
| Red Delicious apple | $0.69 | $0.69 |
| Six-pack Diet Coke (cans) | $3.49 | $0.58 per can |
| Glad Fold Top Sandwich Bags | $1.99/180-count box | $0.01 per bag |
| $5.01 TOTAL COST |
SUBWAY SANDWICH
6-inch whole-wheat turkey sub with Diet Coke and choice of Baked Lays or apple slices: $5.59 (prices may vary)
TOTAL SAVINGS: $0.58/day, or roughly $12/month. Barely enough to cover the cost of that Foreman Grill you'll need for next week's BLTs.
