The Classically Nostalgic Peanut Butter & Jelly: Are They Actually Good For You?

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich was something that graced just about everyone’s childhood. A lot of us reminisce on the memories of coming home from school to a freshly made PB&J with the crust cut off, because as kids, we didn’t appreciate the bread crust like we do as adults. And, as we grew up, we likely found ourselves straying away from the classic after-school meal and venturing off into other exciting foods.

But we’ll never forget the one that started it all, right? However, as we progress through the ages, a number of studies have come out against all of the stuff we used to eat and drink, whether it’s ham and cheese sandwiches, milk from the carton, or anything else, there seems to be something in there that apparently has the tendency to kill us.

Is the peanut butter & jelly sandwich healthy?

That’s not to say that any of it will directly kill you, but it apparently has been “proven” to cause health issues down the road if consumed regularly. Could the same be said for the PB&J? Our childhood classic? Healthline expands into the nutritional value of each ingredient; the bread, the jelly, and the peanut butter. Starting with the bread, they note that whole-grain bread is best for nutritional value (although come on, we all had the same white bread back in the day).

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As for peanut butter, it’s actually a great source for protein and healthy fats, as well as a good source of fiber. And, you may be surprised to know, conventional peanut butter doesn’t usually have more sugar than 100% natural peanut butter, but it may have more salt. It’s always best to take a look at the ingredients on the peanut butter jar and ensure it doesn’t have any other additional ingredients besides peanuts (that’s if you’re choosing the most nutrient-rich product, but I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Skippy).

Did you know there’s a difference between jelly and jam? Jellies are made with fruit juice, while jam is made with both fruit juice and pulp, according to Healthline. But regardless, is it healthy? Well, both are naturally high in sugar, so it’s recommended to enjoy in moderation.

So, the bottom line is, you can enjoy a healthier version of the classic PB&J by investing in the right products. Thankfully, in 2022, nearly every supermarket out there has a “healthier” and more nutrient-dense alternative to the original. But, for nostalgia purposes, we may just stick to the original in this case.

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