National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Food
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every April 2
Holiday emoji:: 🥪

National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day arrives every April 2, celebrating a beloved sandwich that has fueled generations. This simple yet satisfying combination offers endless customization, from creamy or crunchy peanut butter to a variety of sweet or tart jellies. Gather your ingredients and prepare to craft your perfect PB&J, or seek out a gourmet version at a local cafe.

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
Traditions
Related
Stats

History of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

It’s National Peanut Butter and Jelly day! This combo is just about the best thing since sliced bread, even though technically it’s been around a few years longer. Peanut butter debuted at the 1883 Chicago World’s Fair. It was mainly sold in fancy tea rooms until the early 1900s, when the peanut industry commercialized and peanut butter became more affordable for everyone.

A home economist named Julia Davis Chandler conjured up the first known recipe for PB&J in a Boston cooking magazine back in 1901 (she recommended currant jelly). The 1928 pre-sliced bread revolution led a lot of people to eat peanut butter sandwiches during the Great Depression since it was an affordable and nutritious treat that kids could make for themselves. During WWII the U.S. Army’s food ration list included peanut butter, jelly, and bread — so give soldiers the credit for combining these tasty ingredients into the classic combination we know and love today. They brought their recipe back home, and American children have benefited ever since.

Let’s give thanks to all the PB&J pioneers! Peanut butter and jelly’s an affordable, tasty, and easy lunch we can all appreciate on April 2.

National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day timeline

1901

First Documented PB&J

Home economist Julia Davis Chandler publishes a recipe for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the "Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics."

1968

Goober Grape Hits Shelves

Smuckers releases Goober Grape, a pre-swirled peanut butter and jelly combination in a jar.

1998

Smuckers Patents "Uncrustables" Crimped PB&J Sandwiches

Another leap in premade sandwich technology by Smuckers.

2006

Peanut Butter Jelly Time

This dancing banana meme has since received 29 million views on Youtube, and in 2019, experienced a revival of popularity when it was turned into a character in the popular video game "Fortnite."

2007

PB&J Became a Pre-Game Tradition

PB&Js are a league-wide locker room staple in the NBA, with each team having its own tradition.

Traditions Of The Day

Traditions for the day are to snack on perhaps what is the greatest combination of food ever. Most people have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches regularly, but it is an absolute must to prepare a sandwich or two today. Already a kids’ favorite, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are packed for lunch or prepared for home time.

It is also a great opportunity to try a different combination of peanut butter and jelly, and post your winning combination on social media. The peanut butter and jelly meme also resurfaces on National Peanut Butter And Jelly Day.

By The Numbers

1901 — the year when the first written reference to peanut butter and jelly was made.

1,500 – the average number of PB&J sandwiches an American will eat before turning 18.

27% – the percentage of daily required fat in a PB&J sandwich.

22% – the percentage of daily required calories in a PB&J sandwich.

90% – the percentage by which a PB&J is more economical than a sandwich made with almond butter.

94% – the percentage of Americans who have at least one jar of peanut butter at home.

3,000 – the number of PB&J sandwiches that are eaten by an individual during their lifetime.

29% – the percentage of people who prefer crunchy peanut butter.

National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day FAQs

When is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day?

In 2027, National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day is observed on Friday, April 2, setting the stage for a delicious start to the weekend. Prepare your favorite rendition of this iconic sandwich.

How popular is the peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the U.S.?

Annually, Americans consume billions of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, solidifying its status as a national favorite. Its widespread appeal spans all age groups, from children to adults seeking a taste of nostalgia.

What are some popular variations of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich?

Creative twists on the PB&J are endless, ranging from using different breads like brioche or whole wheat, to incorporating unique spreads like fig jam or cashew butter. Gourmet versions might feature toasted nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.

What is the history of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich?

Initially a delicacy, the PB&J became a widespread lunchbox staple, especially after World War II when both peanut butter and jelly became more affordable and accessible. Its simplicity and nutritional value cemented its place in American culinary history, evolving into the beloved sandwich we know today.

National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day Activities

Pack a lunch
As a "thank you" to the nice lunch ladies and parents out there who packed your PB&Js, today is the day to spread the jelly (and the love) and make a sandwich for someone else.
Throw a sampler party
Spread out some different jellies and peanut butters. Maybe try making your own jelly, or baking a loaf of homemade bread. Invite friends and family over to compare combinations.
Remember the PB to your J
Today's the day to text your better half and remind them that you're nuttin' without them.

5 Facts About Peanut Butter & Jelly That Make Us Love It More

President’s Choice
It was President George W. Bush's favorite sandwich.
Avoiding a soggy sandwich
PB&J lovers recommend spreading peanut butter on both sides of the bread to prevent it from getting soggy.
It’s worth fighting for
A man in Iowa was ready to stab his brother for eating too many PB&J sandwiches.
It’s enjoyed in outer space too
Astronauts prepare peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in space.
Dedicated restaurants
Some restaurants serve nothing but peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Why We Love National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

It's a complete protein
Combining a legume (a bean, lentil, or peanut) with a grain (like rice, corn, and wheat) creates a complete protein. This means that peanut butter and jelly mixed with whole wheat bread gives you all of the essential amino acids your body needs.
It's elegantly simple
That makes it fertile ground for creativity. For example, what ratio of peanut butter to jelly do you prefer? What flavor fruit — and how chunky the peanut spread? What type of bread? Or how 'bout a peanut butter and jelly bagel? Of course, you can always add additional ingredients. Elvis liked bacon and bananas on his PB&J...and who are we to argue?
It's great on-the-go
This smart sammie has gotten many families through long car trips, hiking days, and school field trips. Three ingredients yield so many lunches.