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- Jams packs more protein and less sugar than Uncrustables, making it a more nutrient-dense PB&J.
- Uncrustables win on classic strawberry flavor, but Jams’ berry version makes it worth the buy.
- Though a bit pricier and slower to thaw, Jams offer a more filling, protein-rich twist on the nostalgic sandwich.
If you grew up with Uncrustables, then it’s likely you have a soft spot for the packaged sandwiches. The pre-made PB&Js have a trademark ridged edge, sealing the circular sandwich together and promising no brown crust—hence the name.
But there’s a new convenient PB&J on the market, and this dupe of our nostalgic favorite has more protein and less added sugar. And it’s now available at Walmart stores nationwide.
Meet Jams, the “protein PB&J” that will keep you satisfied for longer. But, no matter what the nutrition facts panel says, it may mean nothing if it doesn’t compare to Uncrustables in terms of flavor. That’s where I come in.
I taste-tested the Uncrustables strawberry jam and grape jelly sandwiches alongside the Jams strawberry jam and berry jam sandwiches, respectively. The results were surprising, but before we delve into my review of the taste, let’s compare the nutrition profile of the Jams sandwich with that of Uncrustables.
Are Jams Healthier Than Uncrustables?
To give the nutrition information a fair competition, we are comparing the most similar flavors: the Uncrustables Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam sandwich with the Jams Strawberry Protein PB&J. Here’s the breakdown of a single sandwich serving:
| Nutrition | Uncrustables Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam | Jams Strawberry Protein PB&J |
| Calories | 210 | 260 |
| Total Fat | 9 g | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 220 mg | 160 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28 g | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 4 g |
| Total Sugars | 10 g | 6 g |
| Added Sugars | 9 g | 4 g |
| Protein | 6 g | 10 g |
The calories and fat content are higher in the Jams, but don’t flag that as a “bad” thing. With more peanut butter to boost the protein, Jams is loaded with healthy fats, which can help support your heart health and blood sugar levels. It is worth noting that the Jams sandwich is bigger compared to Uncrustables. A single Jams sandwich weighs 69 grams while an Uncrustable sandwich weighs 58 grams.
With more fiber, protein, and less sugar per sandwich, Jams wins the nutrition battle for its satiating profile. But this isn’t to say that Uncrustables can’t be a healthy, protein-packed snack. Our senior nutrition editor Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, loves having an Uncrustables on standby when she’s skiing as an easy, portable snack option.
Additionally, you can find a reduced-sugar version of the Uncrustables strawberry and grape jelly sandwiches. These varieties each contain 5 grams of added sugar and are made with wheat bread, much like the Jams, but they contain the same amount of protein.
How Do Jams Taste vs. Uncrustables?
Now for the fun part: I tried two versions of Uncrustables alongside the two versions of Jams to really put these sandwiches to the test.
The result? In a way, it was a tie. The strawberry flavored Uncrustables definitely outperformed the Jams strawberry. The Uncrustables gave the flavor profile of a sandwich you would bring to school lunch, even homemade. The Jams sandwich was loaded with peanut butter, which isn’t a bad thing of course, but the peanut butter taste masked the jam. For embracing the strawberry, Uncrustables take the crown.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the Jams Berry sandwich. The jam was bursting with fruity flavor, to the point where that extra layer of peanut butter was just enough to balance the sandwich. The Uncrustables grape variety couldn’t compare, which was a shock to me as someone who heavily prefers grape jelly on my PB&J.
Keep in mind that a 4-count box of Jams is about $1 more than the Uncrustables, and Jams take slightly longer to thaw. While both sandwiches claim to take 30 to 60 minutes, Uncrustables are ready by the 30-minute mark, whereas Jams may need an extra 10 to 20 minutes to defrost.
Here’s my final verdict. These Jams sandwiches are not going to turn you into a packaged sandwich lover if you don’t already love Uncrustables. But if you’re looking for the sophisticated adult version of a childhood staple, then Jams may be for you. I highly recommend the berry flavor over the strawberry, but if you’re in a strawberry mood, I suggest stocking up on some Uncrustables, too—y’know, for balance.
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