The sandwich known as Sloppy Joe has an interesting history behind its name. While today it is commonly referred to as Sloppy Joe, this tasty sandwich was originally called Manwich in the 1950s and 1960s. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the Manwich name, look at when and why the name changed to Sloppy Joe, and examine other key facts about this popular sandwich. Whether you’ve been eating Sloppy Joes for years or are just learning about them, read on to get the full story behind the name!
The Creation of Manwich in the 1950s
Sloppy Joe’s origins can be traced back to the 1950s when the Manwich sauce was first created. According to food historians, the Manwich name was coined in 1969 by Hunt’s Foods in an effort to market the tangy, loose meat sandwich sauce mainly towards men.
Hunt’s Foods hoped giving the sauce a rugged, masculine name like “Manwich” would help it appeal to male consumers. Advertisements portrayed the Manwich sauce as the perfect hearty meal to satisfy a man’s appetite. This marketing strategy worked – the Manwich sauce soared in popularity and became closely associated with the loose meat sandwich it was served on.
During this era, the term “Manwich” was used to refer to both the packaged sauce product and the sandwich made with the sauce. By marketing it this way, Hunt’s Foods succeeded in branding Manwich as the go-to sauce for Sloppy Joes.
The Rising Popularity of Manwich in the 1960s and 70s
The 1960s and 70s saw Manwich continue to grow in popularity across the United States. During this time, Manwich became a staple item found in many American households. Its tangy flavor and ease of preparation made it a favorite for quick family dinners.
By 1972, Hunt’s Manwich sauce was bringing in $10 million in annual sales. Both the seasoned taco-inspired sauce and the sandwich it dressed grew to be culinary icons of the era. The Manwich name was used widespread to refer to the Sloppy Joe sandwiches made with the sauce. Even some restaurants offered their own version of the sandwich on menus as “Manwich” rather than Sloppy Joe.
Two key factors drove Manwich’s popularity surge during this period:
Convenient One-Step Meal Preparation
The Manwich sauce enabled fast preparation of the sandwich without needing to mix up spices and ingredients from scratch. Cooks could simply brown ground beef, mix in Manwich sauce, then serve on buns. This one-step meal was appetizing, affordable, and simple for busy home cooks to whip up.
Effective Advertising Campaigns
Hunt’s advertising team did an excellent job positioning Manwich as the go-to Sloppy Joe sauce through catchy slogans and jingles. Their “When You’re Out Of Manwich, You’re Out Of Sandwich” slogan that started in 1968 really encapsulated the idea that Manwich sauce was essential to making the sandwich.
The Shift from Manwich to Sloppy Joe
Although Manwich surged in the 60s and 70s, its popularity eventually declined and references to the sandwich as “Manwich” faded. By the 1980s, more people were calling the sandwich a “Sloppy Joe” rather than a Manwich.
There are a few key reasons for this shift in terminology:
Changing Views on Gendered Marketing
The hyper-masculine branding of Manwich no longer fit with changing views on gender in marketing. Referring to the sandwich as the more gender-neutral “Sloppy Joe” came to be preferred.
More Generic Sloppy Joe Recipes Emerged
While Manwich had previously been viewed as the essential Sloppy Joe sauce, more generic and homemade Sloppy Joe recipes using everyday ingredients popped up. This made the Manwich name seem less essential.
The Manwich Brand Was Less Prominent
After Hunt’s Foods was acquired by ConAgra Foods in 1980, the Manwich brand faded in prominence. Without as much brand marketing power behind it, Manwich became less top of mind for consumers.
Sloppy Joe Dominates as the Main Name
Since the 1980s, Sloppy Joe has solidified its status as the go-to name for the sandwich. Today, Sloppy Joe is undoubtedly the dominant term used in recipes, restaurant menus, and general discussions referring to the dish.
However, while less commonly used, Manwich lives on as both a brand name sauce product and occasional nostalgic reference to the sandwich itself. Some who grew up eating Manwich sandwiches in the 50s, 60s, and 70s still fondly refer to Sloppy Joes as Manwiches for old time’s sake. But this term is far less prevalent compared to the generalized Sloppy Joe name.
Below is a table summarizing the key eras in the naming evolution:
| Era | Common Name |
|---|---|
| 1950s | Manwich (marketed by Hunt’s Foods) |
| 1960s-1970s | Manwich |
| 1980s Onwards | Sloppy Joe |
Other Interesting Facts About Sloppy Joes
Beyond the interesting history behind its name, there are some other fun facts worth knowing about Sloppy Joes:
Several Origin Theories Around the Sandwich Itself
While Manwich sauce traces back to Hunt’s Foods in 1969, the origins of Sloppy Joe as a sandwich are less clear. Some theories claim it originated from sloppy joe’s loose meat sandwiches sold in Sioux City, Iowa in the 1930s. Others say it was created by a cook named Joe in a Kansas diner in the 1940s.
Seasoned Ground Beef is the Key Filling
Whether made with Manwich or a homemade sauce, Sloppy Joes are defined by their filling of seasoned browned ground beef. Onions and bell peppers are also common additions. The seasoned beef mixture gives it the signature sloppy consistency.
The Bun Plays a Supporting Role
The soft, sweet bun provides the perfect vehicle to soak up the flavorful meat sauce oozing out of the Sloppy Joe filling. The squishy, sturdy bun keeps it from falling apart into a mess. While hamburger buns are ideal, other small buns can work too.
Sloppy Joes are a Popular Kids’ Meal
With its messy fun appearance, sweet taste, and simple ingredients, Sloppy Joes have long been a hit with kids. The sandwich is a cafeteria and school lunch menu staple. They are also an easy and enjoyable weeknight dinner to make at home for families.
Several Celebrity Chef Sloppy Joe Recipes Exist
Today, many celebrity chefs and cooking shows have shared their own creative twists on classic Sloppy Joes. Twists include using higher end ingredients like steak or lamb in place of ground beef or adding unique spices and garnishes. While not traditional, these gourmet recipes demonstrate the versatility of the Sloppy Joe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sloppy Joe is the widely used modern name for the seasoned loose meat sandwich, even though it was originally marketed as Manwich in the mid 20th century. Hunt’s Foods trademarked the Manwich name and sauce in 1969, sparking its popularity in the ensuing decades. However, changing views on gendered marketing and the decreased prominence of the Manwich brand led to a shift towards calling it Sloppy Joe in the 1980s. While Manwich is still used by some today, Sloppy Joe remains the sandwich’s main moniker. Beyond its interesting history and name evolution, the Sloppy Joe also has its origins debated, a classic seasoning, an iconic bun, and recently some gourmet twists adding to its enduring legacy.