Enduring Lunchbox Staple

Why the versatile peanut butter and jelly sandwich remains a lunchbox staple after 125 years

The first known recipe for the sandwich, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, has been popular in the U.S. for 125 years. The first known written recipe for this sandwich was published in 1901 in The Boston Cooking School Magazine and has since become a popular lunchbox staple. The PB&J is also a popular ingredient for creative takes in restaurants from delis to high-end restaurants. The classic sandwich is two slices of soft bread, probably white, maybe wheat, with a layer of peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) on one side, and jelly (often grape, strawberry or raspberry) on the other. Griddled or pan-fried versions of the PB&Js are popular throughout the South and Midwest. However, tastes and tastes have evolved since the days of the sandwich.