Inspired by the discussion on PBJ in the poll discussion thread (and a previous discussion in the cheese and pickle thread), I finally bit the bullet by the horns and made a PBJ sandwich!!
I made a loaf of basic white bread in the bread maker machine.
I used Tesco’s peanut butter, and a low sugar jam also from Tesco.
I went against advice and spread a tiny amount of normal butter on the
bread, just in case.
I wasn’t very impressed, tbh. Not unpleasant, but probably not worth repeating.
(And i’m pretty sure it wasn’t because of the normal butter !)
I’m allergic to peanut butter, so I went without for most of my life. Then I realized I could make a facsimile sandwich using soy nut butter, so I did, with sugar-free jam and whole wheat bread. Hey, it wasn’t great, but it makes a good quick and filling lunch when I’m too lazy to do something else.
Nothing wrong with that. I typically butter the jelly side when I toast the bread first.
Kudos for making the bread from scratch, but you’re still an amateur 
Huh?
Just in case of what?
Butter + peanut butter = not good
I just cannot understand the British practice of putting butter on every kind of sandwich. I’m kind of guessing it’s more about lubrication than taste, the way we Americans overuse mayonnaise. But in the spirit of fair play, for lunch today I am going to make myself a turkey sandwich with lettuce and bacon, and the only condiment I will use will be butter (I would normally use mayo). I will report back on this thread rather than making a new one.
Is there another type of sandwich I should try it with tomorrow?
PS: PJD should try a PBH. No butter, just peanut butter and honey. Wash it down with a glass of ice cold milk.
I think your mistake was not trying a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as a child. I think the sweetness (for which regular jam might work better) appeals to a child’s taste.
Given that low sugar jam is mentioned in the OP, I’m guessing PJD would be more open to using agave syrup in place of honey. Different flavor profiles but less sugar.
I’m not sure of pjd’s dietary needs, but here is an AI summary of the comparison:
"Agave syrup is higher in fructose (75–90%) and lower in glucose, while honey contains roughly 40% fructose and 30% glucose, making honey a more balanced sugar source.
Sugar Composition
Agave Syrup: Agave syrup, also called agave nectar, is primarily composed of fructose, typically ranging from 75% to 90%, with very little glucose. This high fructose content contributes to its low glycemic index (GI 10–19), meaning it raises blood sugar more slowly than honey, but excessive intake can strain liver metabolism over time.
Honey: Honey contains a more balanced mix of sugars, with about 40% fructose and 30% glucose, along with smaller amounts of other sugars such as maltose and sucrose. This composition provides faster energy availability because glucose is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, making honey a better option for quick energy needs.
Calories and Sugar per Serving
Both sweeteners are similar in calories: a tablespoon of honey contains roughly 64 calories and about 17 grams of sugar, while a tablespoon of agave syrup has around 60 calories and 16 grams of sugar. Despite similar caloric content, the type of sugar differs, which affects metabolism and glycemic response.
Glycemic Index and Health Considerations
Agave syrup: Low GI (10–19), slower blood sugar rise, but high fructose may contribute to liver fat accumulation if consumed in excess.
Honey: Moderate GI (45–64), faster blood sugar rise, contains antioxidants and trace minerals that may support overall health.
Summary
Fructose content: Agave syrup > Honey
Glucose content: Honey > Agave syrup
Calories per tablespoon: Similar (60–64 kcal)
Glycemic impact: Agave syrup lower, honey moderate
Nutritional benefits: Honey contains more minerals and antioxidants; agave has more vitamins but minimal minerals
In conclusion, agave syrup is sweeter and more fructose-heavy, making it lower on the glycemic index but potentially more taxing on the liver if overconsumed. Honey offers a more balanced sugar profile with glucose for immediate energy and additional nutrients, making it generally a healthier choice for most people when used in moderation. "
Aside from the potential mistakes of using butter and low sugar jam, this would be a normal reaction to the sandwich.
Most adults choose a PB&J for reasons other than “it’s just so much better than other sandwiches.” We choose it because we’re in a rush, we are out of other ingredients, we want something quick and easy that is relatively high protein and filling. Jelly and PB last a very long time in storage unlike many other sandwich fixings, and don’t require any prep time when assembling the sandwich.
Kids like it because it has a simple flavor profile, and mom/dad makes them all the time because they’re in a rush, out of other ingredients, want something quick and easy, etc.
LIES!
Peanut butter and butter pair extremely well. Increases the creaminess!
And the sandwich combo that has to be tried is Cheez Whiz and jam (at least in Canada. I have no idea if Cheez Whiz tastes the same in the US).
FTR: we’re diabetic so we keep agave syrup on hand rather than honey (or corn syrup). The nutrition label on our bottle of agave says 14 grams of sugar per tablespoon
PB&Js are a staple on my road trips due to the fact that most of the places I stay have the ingredients on offer in their free breakfast offerings. I’ve had many a quick PB&J at picnic tables in parks and rest stops across the USA.
I just always wanted to try this iconic American fare.
I’m not diabetic (afaik) - low sugar jam was what I had.
I have honey and golden syrup; if I try anything with those
I’ll report back here.
I have also some of this bramble (blackberry) preserve (which
is actually more like jelly than jam) - wonder if that would work in a PBJ…
PB and mayo. Let the gagging begin, but I’ve been eating these for the last 70 years.
Blackberry jam should work. Peanut Butter and Banana sandwiches are also known to be consumed.
Elvis was a fan of PB, Banana and Bacon, and we all want to be a little like Elvis, right?
I’d settle for just having his money.
Moderating:
When you quote AI, please include which AI you are quoting. It’s a source, like any other cite, and the different AIs on the market have different biases and reliability.
Sorry, it was Copilot on Bing. I’m new to quoting AI.