How Peanut Butter Met Jelly

Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN, CDN

April 2nd is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Day! The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a lunchbox icon, enjoyed by generations. Just as iconic are two of the brands America has grown up with – Skippy Peanut Butter, and Welch’s Concord Grape Jelly. How they got together went something like this…

• 1894 – Peanut butter was invented, but it is oily and hard to transport
• 1918 – Welch’s “Grapelade” (jam) is introduced, and added to U.S. soldiers rations
• 1922 – Joseph Rosefield invents processing to keep ground peanuts and peanut oil blended
• 1923 – Welch’s brings their famous Concord Grape Jelly to market
• 1932 – Joseph Rosefield starts his own company, Skippy Peanut Butter

  Timing was key – a few years later, World War II and American soldiers marched across nations. Shelf stable, high protein Skippy Peanut Butter and delicious Welch’s Concord Grape Jelly sandwiches went with them. After the war, returning soldiers shared their love for this dynamic duo with friends and family, and the rest is PBJ history. This uniquely American meal maker has the right stuff to be a go-to staple:

• Taste and texture: sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy – something for everyone
• Thrifty and practical – budget friendly and quick to make
• Comfort food – PBJ sandwiches are easy to enjoy, every day or once in a while
• Food safety – no cooler required, PBJ sandwiches are good travelers

  What’s the right way to cut a PB&J sandwich? There’s always some energetic debate about the right way to cut a sandwich, and since today is PB&J Sandwich Day, we’re putting the debate front and center! Visit our Facebook page today to vote on your favorite PB&J cut and join in on the sandwich cutting conversation!