Uncrustables, the pocket sandwiches made by Smucker’s, have become an incredibly popular convenience food item. The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches come sealed in a crustless pocket, making them perfect for packing in lunches or taking on the go. While Uncrustables are intended to be thawed before eating, you may have been tempted to grab one from the freezer and eat it frozen. So, is it actually okay to eat a frozen Uncrustable?
What happens when you freeze Uncrustables?
Uncrustables are designed to be frozen. In fact, when you buy them at the store, they come frozen in a box. Freezing allows the Uncrustables to remain fresh and extends their shelf life. Here’s what happens when a Uncrustable sandwich is frozen:
- The bread becomes hard and stiff as the moisture freezes.
- The peanut butter filling hardens to a solid state.
- The jelly filling also solidifies.
While frozen Uncrustables may be hard as a rock, they are still perfectly safe to eat. Freezing simply pauses or slows down any chemical or physical changes that could cause food spoilage. Bacteria, mold, and other pathogens are also unable to grow in frozen conditions.
Is it safe to eat a frozen Uncrustable?
Yes, it is completely safe to eat a frozen Uncrustable sandwich. Since the Uncrustable is commercially prepared and frozen quickly at the factory, there are no safety issues with eating it while still frozen.
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, you can safely store commercially frozen sandwiches like Uncrustables for up to 30 days past the printed “use by” date. So, even if your frozen Uncrustable is a little past its prime, it should still be fine from a food safety standpoint.
Also, since Uncrustables only contain shelf-stable ingredients like bread, peanut butter, and jam, there is very minimal risk of dangerous bacterial growth even if thawed and refrozen. Of course, for best quality, it’s recommended to just thaw once and then fully consume the Uncrustable.
Potential downsides to eating frozen
While eating a frozen Uncrustable pose no risks in terms of food safety, it may not be the most pleasant eating experience.
Here are some potential downsides to eating Uncrustables while still frozen:
- The hard, frozen bread can be difficult to chew and may have an unappealing texture.
- The frozen peanut butter and jelly are also very firm and dense. This can make the fillings difficult to bite through.
- The sandwich may be uncomfortably cold in your mouth and make your teeth sensitive.
- Frozen Uncrustables may be difficult for some people to bite into or chew, especially those with dental issues or chewing/swallowing difficulties.
While not exactly unsafe, the unappealing texture of frozen Uncrustables means you are better off thawing them first. But in a pinch, eating them frozen won’t harm you.
Thawing tips
For best results, you’ll want to thaw your Uncrustables sandwich before eating. Here are some tips for safely and quickly thawing frozen Uncrustables:
- Refrigerator thawing: Place sealed Uncrustables bag in the refrigerator. They will thaw overnight or within 12-24 hrs.
- Microwave thawing: Microwave frozen Uncrustable on the defrost setting based on microwave wattage. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overheating.
- Countertop thawing: Leave sealed frozen Uncrustables out at room temperature for 1-2 hours until thawed.
- Toaster oven: Place frozen Uncrustable in toaster oven at lowest temperature setting for 5-10 minutes until soft.
- Lunchbox thawing: Pack frozen Uncrustable in child’s lunchbox and it will defrost by lunchtime.
Refrigerator thawing is the safest method to prevent bacterial growth. But countertop or microwave thawing works in a pinch! Just be sure Uncrustables are consumed immediately after thawing and not refrozen.
Serving and storage tips
To enjoy Uncrustables at their best, follow these serving and storage recommendations:
- Store unopened boxes of Uncrustables sandwiches in the freezer up to the recommended “best by” date.
- Once opened, reseal package and use within 1-2 weeks for best quality.
- Thaw frozen Uncrustables overnight in the fridge before consuming.
- You can quickly thaw in the microwave or countertop and eat immediately.
- Do not refreeze thawed Uncrustable sandwiches.
- Keep thawed Uncrustables refrigerated and consume within 5-7 days.
- When packing in lunches, include a small freezer pack to keep Uncrustable cold.
- Wash hands before handling thawed Uncrustables to prevent cross-contamination.
Using these tips will keep Uncrustables fresh and delicious whether enjoyed frozen or thawed!
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for Uncrustables sandwiches:
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 330mg
Uncrustables provide carbohydrates from the bread and natural sugars in the jelly. The peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. So they can be a nutritious option for an on-the-go meal or snack.
Benefits
Some benefits of Uncrustables nutrition include:
- Provide energy from carbohydrates and protein.
- Supply B vitamins including folate, thiamin, niacin from the enriched bread.
- Contain fiber from the whole wheat bread.
- Provide heart-healthy unsaturated fat from the peanut butter.
- Minimal preparation needed compared to making sandwiches.
Downsides
Potential nutritional downsides of Uncrustables:
- High in processed wheat due to white enriched bread.
- Contain added sugars from jelly, corn syrup.
- Have higher sodium compared to homemade sandwich.
- Lack nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Don’t have nutritional benefits of crust due to being crustless.
Overall, Uncrustables can be an occasional healthy meal or snack but should be balanced with fresh whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your overall diet.
Cost comparison
Uncrustables sandwiches are more expensive than making your own peanut butter and jelly sandwich at home. However, they offer convenience that may make the higher cost worthwhile for some consumers.
On average, one Uncrustables sandwich costs $0.50 – $1.00. A 6-pack of Uncrustables generally ranges from $5 to $10. Comparatively, you can make 6 basic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at home for roughly $2 – $4 total.
Factors impacting the cost effectiveness of Uncrustables include:
- Your value of time and convenience.
- How many sandwiches you need per week/month.
- Cost of bread, peanut butter, and jelly when purchased in bulk.
- Access to an inexpensive commercial kitchen for food prep.
Despite being pricier than homemade sandwiches, Uncrustables may still be affordable and cost effective for many families based on convenience and time savings. The pre-portioned Uncrustables also help reduce food waste compared to a whole loaf of bread.
Taste test comparisons
When comparing the taste of Uncrustables to homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, there are some key differences:
- Bread: Uncrustables use an ultra-soft white bread while homemade may use whole grain, sourdough, etc.
- Crusts: Homemade sandwiches have crust while Uncrustables are famously crustless.
- Jelly sweetness: The jelly in Uncrustables is often sweeter than natural fruit jelly.
- Peanut butter creaminess: Uncrustables use smooth peanut butter while homemade may be crunchy or natural.
- Cooling effect: A frozen Uncrustable has a more pronounced cooling effect when bitten into versus a fresh homemade sandwich.
Ultimately personal preferences will determine whether you favor the taste of Uncrustables or homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Who might prefer Uncrustables
- Kids who dislike crusts and prefer sweeter jam.
- People who don’t like chunky peanut butter.
- Those who prioritize convenience over gourmet taste.
- People that enjoy the cool temperature of a frozen sandwich.
Who might prefer homemade
- Adults who want whole grain bread and natural peanut butter.
- People pursuing low-sugar or low-carb diets.
- Those who prefer crunch from toasted bread and nuts.
- People who like customizing flavors and textures.
In blind taste tests, kids often prefer Uncrustables while adults tend to favor homemade. But preferences vary for individuals based on flavor priorities.
Alternatives to consider
Beyond basic homemade sandwiches, here are some additional alternatives to consider instead of Uncrustables:
Lunchables
Lunchables are on-the-go lunch kits with cracker sandwiches, cheese, meat or nut butter, and candy. They offer more variety than Uncrustables but are similar in convenience and portability.
WowButter
WowButter is a peanut-free sunflower seed butter alternative to peanut butter. Making sandwiches with WowButter allows those with peanut allergies to have a similar option to Uncrustables.
Quesadillas
Cheese or veggie quesadillas can be prepared ahead in batches, frozen, and reheated for easy homemade hot sandwiches.
Pitas and wraps
Fill mini pitas or wraps with peanut butter, jelly, bananas, or other ingredients for a fun Uncrustable alternative.
PB&J pockets
Make your own crustless Uncrustable-style sandwiches by filling a small seamless pocket of bread or dough with peanut butter and jelly.
Frequently asked questions
How long can you store Uncrustables?
Uncrustables can be stored frozen and unopened for 2-3 months beyond the “best by” date on the package. Once opened, use within 1-2 weeks. Refrigerate thawed sandwiches and use within 3-5 days.
Can you refreeze Uncrustables after thawing?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed Uncrustable sandwiches. Refreezing can diminish the taste and texture. Eat thawed sandwiches within 3-5 days and keep refrigerated.
Can you microwave Uncrustables?
Yes, you can microwave Uncrustables to thaw or slightly warm them. Use the defrost setting first. Then microwave 5-10 seconds at a time to avoid overheating. Microwave sandwiches should be consumed immediately, not reheated again later.
Are Uncrustables good for kids?
Uncrustables can be a nutritious and convenient choice for many kids’ diets. The nutrients and portion control make them a good option. But balance with fresh whole foods for the best nutrition.
Do Uncrustables need to be refrigerated?
Uncrustables should remain frozen until ready to thaw and eat. Once thawed, they require refrigeration and should be eaten within 3-5 days for food safety. Do not leave thawed Uncrustables unrefrigerated.
Conclusion
Eating frozen Uncrustable sandwiches poses no safety risk and can be fine in a pinch. However, for best taste and texture, thaw them first. Store Uncrustables properly, thaw with care, and consume within a safe timeframe for optimum freshness and quality. While not a nutritional powerhouse, Uncrustables can provide a tasty convenient meal when balanced with other healthy foods in your diet.
