The science and history of the PB&J sandwich

The PB&J sandwich is a humble combination of sweet, salty, and creamy. Where exactly did this classic sandwich originate, and what are the details behind its nutritional value?

Before the invention of the PB&J, its three essential ingredients had to be born, beginning with the peanut butter. In 1895, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented a process for creating peanut butter, and marketed it as a protein-rich source for patients who couldn’t chew solid food very well. In 1903, Dr. Ambrose Straub patented a peanut-butter-making machine. Peanut butter made its debut at the 1904 St. Louis World Fair, where its popularity skyrocketed [1, 2]. 

Peanut butter was considered a delicacy during this time, and the first PB&J sandwich recipe was published by Julia Davis Chandler in the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics. However, this recipe was intended to be served as delicate finger sandwiches at parties and in tea rooms [2, 3].

Next comes the jelly. Marmalade and jam had been around for a long time, but the familiar purple jelly component of the PB&J was created when Paul Welch patented a method for pureeing grapes into jelly in 1917, naming it Grapelade [2].

The final piece of the puzzle: sliced bread. The bread slicer was invented in 1928 by Otto Frederick Rohwedder. The availability of pre-sliced bread and the commercialization of the peanut butter industry increased the accessibility of the PB&J ingredients and popularized the sandwich across the nation [2, 3].

Now that we know its origin story, let’s move on to the science of the PB&J. The nutritional breakdown: a typical PB&J has 15 grams of protein, 13 grams of fat, and 12.5 grams of sugar [4]. While a lot of sugar is never a good idea, for an active individual it can provide a needed burst of energy, and the combination with protein and fat ensures one feels full and satisfied. 

According to a 2021 study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, eating a PB&J can add up to 33 minutes to your life span [5]. This study assigned a health nutritional index that measured the health effects from the consumption of over 5,800 different foods, quantifying the results in minutes of healthy life gained or lost. The authors mention that this apparent health benefit of the PB&J is driven by the nut content of the sandwich, which is the source of the protein and fat. Therefore, while the PB&J is not a superfood, it is a much better option than some other processed foods, like hot dogs, which scored notoriously low during the study.

I can personally attest to the PB&J’s standing as great adventure fuel (all of the photos in this article are from the variety of lunchtime views I’ve shared with a PB&J). It is my go-to for hiking and backpacking trips for a number of reasons: it’s affordable, portable, and customizable. Purchasing the ingredients won’t break the bank, and it doesn’t need to be refrigerated (honestly, I think PB&Js taste even better when they’re a little bit squished…). Additionally, PB&J customization is endless. I personally like to toast the bread or add a layer of plain potato chips to up the crunch factor, but one can also make changes to boost health benefits. Using whole-grain bread, swapping jelly for real fruit slices (banana is particularly delicious), or using natural nut butter are all ways to make the PB&J a little bit healthier.

Now you know a little bit about the history and science behind a PB&J sandwich, as well as ways to customize it to make it healthier or even more delicious. 

References

[1] National Peanut Board. (2023). Who invented peanut butter? Retrieved from https://nationalpeanutboard.org/news/who-invented-peanut-butter/

[2] National Peanut Board. (2023). Who invented the peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Retrieved from https://nationalpeanutboard.org/news/who-invented-the-peanut-butter-and-jelly-sandwich/

[3] Dean, S. (2013). History of the PB&J, from spa food to school lunch. Retrieved from https://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/trends-news/article/history-of-the-pbj

[4] National Peanut Board. (2023). 5 reasons PB&J is the best sandwich ever. Retrieved from https://nationalpeanutboard.org/news/5-reasons-pbj-is-best-sandwich-ever/#:~:text=A%20PB%26J%20has%2015%20grams,of%20energy%20that%20athletes%20need.

[5] Stylianou, K. S., V. L. Fulgoni III, and O. Jolliet. (2021). Small targeted dietary changes can yield substantial gains for human health and the environment. Nature Food, 2, 616-627.