PB&J is A-OK

Prepared Foods, Oct, 2002

A nationwide survey commissioned by the J.M. Smucker Company, Orville, Ohio, has determined that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have become a gastronomic icon in America. The average American, the company says, will have enjoyed 1,500 of the sandwiches before graduating from high school.

Nonetheless, there is still some debate about the flavors and types of sandwiches preferred. For instance, while nine out of 10 Americans eat peanut butter, the crunchy-versus-creamy debate rages. Among adults, 62% favor the creamy variety, while 88% of children opt for the creamy style. The survey found that more men than women prefer crunchy by 10%.

The public is more divided over the fruit spread to accompany the peanut butter. Grape jelly is the favorite of 44% of adults and 66% of children, but strawberry was a close second--with 32% of adults and 25% of kids. Among other flavors (enjoyed by 25% of adults and 9% of kids) were red raspberry and blackberry.

Of course, the final component of the sandwich treat is the bread itself, and opinions varied here as well. However, white bread was the runaway winner, with 62% of the adult vote. Wheat bread proved popular with 27% of adults, and the other 11% preferred multi-grain or other types of bread on their PB&J.

The survey also serves as proof that kids can do without the bread crust. Virtually all adults opt to leave the crusts on their sandwiches (96%), but roughly one in four parents say their children want the crust removed.

PB&J Preferences

Creamy or Crunchy?

          Creamy  Crunchy

Adults     62%      38%
Children   88%      12%

% Source: J.M. Smucker/PF

Note: Table made from bar graph