Halves of peanut butter and jelly sandwich stacked on a plate.

12 Creative Ways To Upgrade Your PB&J

NEWS

By CLARISSA HAMLIN

A wooden spoon full of cooked strawberries.

Swap The Flavor

Use strawberry instead of grape to give your PB&J a fresh flavor. For homemade jam, mix the berries with sugar on the stove and add some fresh lemon juice.
Grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich halves stacked on a wooden board.
The bright red strawberry can have more eye-catching appeal than the darker grape. You'll also get a good dose of Vitamin C by packing strawberry jam into your sandwich.
Strawberry jam jar with whole strawberries around.

Type Of Sugar

For a more health-conscious version of PB&J, consider an all-natural or organic jelly or jam with a low amount of added sugar or artificial sweeteners — or none.
Loose and cubed white and brown sugar side-by-side.
If you prefer making your jams and jellies at home, opt for a different type of sugar. For example, swap out the commonly used granulated white sugar for brown sugar.
Crushed and whole peanuts on a cutting board.

Play With Texture

To upgrade the texture of your PB&J, add crushed peanuts. Larger peanut pieces will add some bulk for a filling sandwich, while smaller pieces will blend in.
A pack of Campfire marshmallows next to a plate with loose marshmallows and smores.
Alternatively, using marshmallows can add a light fluffiness to your sandwich. Adding both peanuts and marshmallows can be an exciting combination, too.
Sliced whole grain bread.

Swap The Bread

Those looking to gain on grain can simply switch the type of bread they use to a whole-grain variety. You can also purchase whole-grain bread with nuts and seeds.
Fried banana pieces on a plate.

Go Bananas

Sliced, blunt-cut, or air-fried banana pieces can quickly brighten the look of your PB&J. Additionally, bananas make for a heartier and more filling sandwich.
Ripe banana slices.
Bananas also add creaminess without sacrificing the harmony of the two main ingredients. Frying the fruit can add a crisp coating, making for a more decadent bite.