Smucker’s vs. Trader Joe’s vs. Lunchables—Who Makes the Best Crustless PB&J Sandwich?

• Nutrition Facts: 180 calories, 8g fat, 21g carbs, 6g protein, 5g sugar, 2g fiber
• Price: $2/one

From first glance, this pick seemed much smaller than the others, which likely accounts for the calories being lowest of the bunch. However, the sandwiches were closer in size than you’d think. It also has the least amount of sugar, as well as the least amount of protein. (That said, all three are comparable in terms of macros.) However, note that the packaging says “strawberry flavored dip” rather than jam like the other two, meaning it was made from strawberry juice instead of crushed or chopped fruit. I liked that the fruit element was served as a dip instead of being in the sandwich though; this prevents bruising on the bread that may deter your picky eater from eating it.

The texture of the bread was remarkably soft, and the peanut butter was much softer than it looked (it looked dark and dry upon cutting). The strawberry dip was slightly gelatinous and pleasantly acidic, but you can tell it’s less substantial than real jelly or jam. It wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, but it wasn’t as bad as I anticipated either. On the plus side, this crustless PB&J isn’t frozen, so it can be eaten at a moment’s notice without needing to thaw, and there’s a grape version too, in case your kid doesn’t get down with strawberry.

• Nutrition Facts: 200 calories, 9g fat, 25g carbs, 7g protein, 8g sugar, 2g fiber
• Price: $4/four

It’s the highest in protein of the three to boot, but pretty similar otherwise across the board. When I cut the sandwich in half, I noticed that the jam was a bit runnier than the other two, as it spilled to the cut side of the bread. The ratio also seemed less like a perfect 50/50 than the Smucker’s option (more on that soon). This vegan pick was very peanut butter-forward, with the jam offering a modest pop of brightness rather than a thick, sticky center. If the timeless PB&J is all about the PB for you, TJ’s is an optimal choice. 

In terms of taste, the peanut butter was very rich and smooth, while the strawberry jam was bright and a little sour. I adored the light-as-clouds bread, and how chewy the seam around the edge was. The bread was slightly less airy and pillowy than the Smucker’s option though.

• Nutrition Facts: 210 calories, 9g fat, 28g carbs, 6g protein, 10g sugar, 2g fiber
• Price: $4/four

I’d argue the grape variety is most iconic, but since TJ’s only has a strawberry PB&J, I tested this one for fairness. It’s the highest in sugar of all three crustless PB&Js, but the numbers are still very close. Upon slicing this one, I appreciated how fresh the sandwich looked, despite having been previously frozen; the jam was glistening, the peanut butter was visibly creamy, and the bread didn’t look stale or bruised. The texture was pillowy and soft, just as I remember. I also think this sandwich struck the best ratio of bread to PB to spread, as I felt I got equal parts in every bite. (It’s regarded as the GOAT for a reason, folks.)

These come frozen, so you’ll have to let them thaw on the fridge or counter before digging in. But they defrost rather quickly, so they’ll be ready for your kid to devour after a few hours in their lunchbox. Them being frozen also means you’ll always have some on hand for whenever you’re in a pinch.