NFL Players Eat Uncrustables

🏈 Why NFL Players Eat Uncrustables: The Surprising Snack Powering Pro Athletes

ByTeam Nfl Bite


👉 Wondering why NFL players eat Uncrustables? Discover the reasons behind this surprising locker room snack and its benefits for athletes.

If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of an NFL sideline or locker room, you might have noticed something surprising: NFL players snacking on Uncrustables. Yep, those little frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches you probably ate as a kid are making regular appearances in the hands of pro athletes. But why?

At first glance, it feels almost funny. These guys are among the best-conditioned athletes in the world—shouldn’t they be eating protein shakes, grilled chicken, quinoa? Turns out, there’s a method to the madness.

NFL players face intense physical demands. Between practices, games, and training, their bodies burn an insane amount of calories. They need quick, easy-to-digest carbs and protein to fuel performance and aid recovery. That’s where Uncrustables come in.

“They’re simple, portable, and packed with energy,” explained one team nutritionist in an interview. “When you need a quick carb-protein combo that won’t upset your stomach, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is kind of perfect.”

It’s also about convenience. During halftime or right before kickoff, players can’t sit down for a big meal. Uncrustables are easy to grab and eat without utensils or mess.

And honestly? Sometimes it’s just about comfort. Food nostalgia hits hard, even for elite athletes. One player joked, “They remind me of home. My mom used to pack these in my lunchbox. Now they’re in my locker before a game.”

So while it might seem odd, the popularity of Uncrustables in the NFL actually makes a lot of sense.

đŸ„œ Are Uncrustables Healthy?

This is the million-dollar question. Sure, NFL players are eating them—but does that make Uncrustables a healthy choice for the average person or athlete?

Let’s break it down.

A typical peanut butter & grape jelly Uncrustable (the classic flavor) has:

  • 210 calories
  • 9 grams of fat
  • 27 grams of carbs
  • 6 grams of protein
  • 9 grams of sugar

Not terrible, but not exactly a “superfood” either.

On the plus side, you’re getting protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter, along with quick-digesting carbs from the bread and jelly. This combo makes it a solid pre-workout or mid-game snack if you’re burning a lot of calories.

On the downside? They’re high in added sugar and use refined white bread. The ingredient list includes hydrogenated oils (a source of trans fats, though amounts are low) and preservatives to keep them shelf-stable.

“For a pro athlete needing fast fuel, it’s fine,” says registered dietitian Kelsey Carlson. “For someone sitting at a desk all day? Maybe not your everyday snack.”

In other words, Uncrustables aren’t inherently bad—but they’re not exactly nutrient-dense either. They’re a convenient energy booster, not a nutritional powerhouse.

🧐 What’s Inside an Uncrustable? Breaking Down the Ingredients

If you’ve never looked at the label, here’s what’s inside a standard Uncrustable:

  • Enriched white bread (flour, niacin, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid)
  • Peanut butter (roasted peanuts, sugar, molasses, hydrogenated oils, salt)
  • Grape jelly (grape juice, high fructose corn syrup, fruit pectin, citric acid)

Notice a few things? First, there’s added sugar in both the peanut butter and the jelly. There’s also hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is used to stabilize the peanut butter but is generally not ideal in large amounts.

The bread is made with refined flour, meaning much of the natural fiber is stripped out. That’s part of why these sandwiches digest so quickly—they’re mostly simple carbs.

There’s nothing super unusual here—it’s similar to what you’d find in a homemade PB&J using store-bought bread and spreads. But if you’re trying to eat more whole grains, lower sugar, or avoid processed oils, it’s not the cleanest option.

That said, it’s also not terrible in moderation. Compared to some protein bars or sugary snacks marketed to athletes, an Uncrustable might actually be less processed overall.

đŸ„— Dietitian-Approved Healthy Snack Alternatives

If you like the idea of a portable peanut butter & jelly snack but want something a little healthier, here are a few dietitian-recommended alternatives:

✅ Whole wheat PB&J sandwich: Use 100% whole grain bread and natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt) with a no-sugar-added fruit spread. More fiber, less sugar, no hydrogenated oils.

✅ Rice cakes with peanut butter and sliced strawberries: Similar flavor profile, gluten-free, and more customizable.

✅ Greek yogurt with peanut butter and berries: Higher in protein, still satisfies that PB&J vibe.

✅ DIY protein balls: Blend oats, peanut butter, honey, and dried fruit into bite-size energy balls for a portable, less sugary snack.

✅ Banana with peanut butter drizzle: Simple, nutritious, no added sugar.

“For everyday people, I’d recommend making your own version rather than relying on packaged Uncrustables,” says Carlson. “It’s easy, and you can control the ingredients.”

But she admits: “If it’s between an Uncrustable and skipping a snack entirely? Eat the Uncrustable. Fuel matters.”

⏰ When Should Athletes Eat Uncrustables? Best Times for Energy Boost

One key factor in whether Uncrustables are a “good” choice is timing.

NFL players aren’t eating them at random—they’re usually consumed:

  • Pre-game: 30-60 minutes before kickoff for quick energy
  • Halftime: rapid carb-protein refuel for second-half performance
  • Post-practice: quick snack while waiting for a full meal

Why? Because the combo of simple carbs + a little protein helps restock glycogen and maintain energy. For athletes burning through 3000+ calories a day, a 200-calorie sandwich is just a drop in the bucket.

For a recreational athlete or gym-goer, an Uncrustable might work well before or after a workout when you need fuel or recovery—but probably isn’t ideal as a random afternoon snack.

“It’s not a bad option for people with high energy needs,” Carlson explains. “But if you’re mostly sedentary, you might not need that quick sugar hit.”

💬 People Also Ask

Why do NFL players like Uncrustables?
NFL players like Uncrustables because they’re quick, easy to digest, and provide a fast source of energy from carbs and protein without upsetting the stomach.

Are Uncrustables good for working out?
Uncrustables can be a good pre- or post-workout snack if you need quick carbs and a little protein. They’re not ideal for every day but work well around workouts.

Do athletes eat peanut butter and jelly?
Yes! Many athletes rely on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for simple, balanced energy, especially before or after intense training or games.

What do NFL players eat at halftime?
At halftime, NFL players often eat light, high-carb snacks like Uncrustables, fruit, or energy gels to refuel quickly without feeling weighed down.

🏁 Conclusion

At first glance, it might seem odd that world-class athletes are snacking on something as simple as Uncrustables. But when you look closer, it makes perfect sense. NFL players need fast, easy, reliable fuel—and sometimes, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich checks all those boxes.

Whether you’re suiting up for Sunday Night Football or just hitting the gym after work, the lesson here is simple: nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. The best snack is the one that works for you.

So if you love Uncrustables? Enjoy them guilt-free. And if you’re looking for healthier tweaks, you’ve got plenty of options. Either way, you’ll be fueling up just like the pros.