Starbucks Bacon, Gouda & Egg Sandwich

The Bacon, Gouda & Egg Sandwich is the sandwich most people mean when they say "a Starbucks breakfast sandwich." It has been on the menu since 2008 and outsells every other item in the warm case. The build is applewood smoked bacon, a Parmesan egg frittata and aged Gouda on an artisan roll, warmed in the store's oven until the cheese softens.

How it tastes

Savory and mild rather than rich: the Gouda is nutty, the bacon is smoky but thin, and the frittata is soft and a little cheesy on its own. The roll is the main texture, chewy with a crisp top. It carries 360 calories and 18 grams of protein, with 2 grams of sugar, which makes it one of the better balanced items on the whole food menu.

How to order it

It comes ready made, so the only changes are at the counter: "no cheese" for a lighter version, or "extra warm" if you like the roll crisper. It reheats well, which is why office orders often include several. Pair it with brewed coffee or an Americano to keep the total under 400 calories; a Grande latte on top adds nearly 200.

Compared with the other sandwiches

The Sausage, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich is heavier at 480 calories and richer, on an English muffin. The Bacon & Gruyère Egg Bites give more protein with no bread at 300 calories. The Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich is the lighter choice at 260.

Who it is for

The weekday commuter who needs a real breakfast in one hand. It is the item most likely to sell out by mid morning at busy stores, so a mobile order placed before you leave is the safe move. At the reference store it is $6.05 for pickup.