Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Makeovers

Are your kids getting tired of the same old PB&J sandwich? Sure, it’s a great snack or lunch that’s easy to fix, but it can get old after awhile. Generations of kids have been raised on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after all. Maybe it’s time to switch things up just a bit. Don’t worry; these sandwiches will still be just as easy to fix and of course will still provide lots of nutritional value for your kiddos.

Peanut Butter and Banana or Sliced Strawberries

An easy way to makeover your child’s PB&J is to exchange the jelly for some fresh fruits. You can slice up some bananas or strawberries and top the peanut butter with them. Other favorites are raisins and blueberries. By substituting jelly with fresh fruit,you ensure your child gets one of their daily servings of fruit with this healthy lunch or snack. If you don’t have fresh fruit on hand, or your child just doesn’t want to taste this new version of the old favorite, start with some all natural fruit spreads as a peanut butter topper instead. You’ll decrease the amount of sugar your child eats by making this simple change, as well.

Try Different Fruit Spreads

Speaking of fruit spreads, simply trying a few different jellies and fruit spreads instead of plain old grape jelly are a great way to change things up when it comes to a peanut butter sandwich. Browse through the jelly section of your local grocery store and you’ll find all kinds of fruit spreads to choose from (some are all natural and organic). Our favorites are strawberry, raspberry and apricot. Honey, which you’ll also find in the same area of the supermarket, is another great choice in place of jelly!

Cashew Butter or Almond Butter

Of course a PB&J style sandwich doesn’t always have to include peanut butter. Since peanut allergies have unfortunately become a regular occurrence, many grocery stores now carry alternative nut butters like cashew butter and almond butter. Grab a jar on your next shopping trip and try it. You’ll find it has a similar texture, but a slightly different taste than peanut butter.

Instant Milk

If your child isn’t a big milk drinker, or you just want to add some additional protein to the sandwich, mix a little instant milk into the peanut butter. Only make small batches (just as much as you need for that particular meal) since milk does spoil. Spread the peanut butter and milk mix on some bread and top with your child’s favorite jelly, fruit spread, or fresh fruit.

Use a Tortilla Instead

Now let’s take a look at bread. Sliced white or wheat bread isn’t your only option when it comes to this popular sandwich. Make it with a tortilla instead. Heat the tortilla just slightly to make it more pliable, then spread it with peanut butter and top with jelly. You can serve it burrito style, or roll it up and cut it into small, bite size chucks.

Kicking up your child’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a great way to keep the “Not PB&J, again, Mom.” blues at bay. Experiment with other options and let your child have a say too. They might come up with some real doosies for ideas. (My kids wanted to make theirs with Marshmallow Fluff!) But they might just find something they love too.