Why the versatile PB&J remains king of the lunchbox after 125 years

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is prepared in New York in August 2026. (Katie Workman via AP)

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, as photographed in Harahan, La., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A griddled peanut butter and jelly sandwich, made with sourdough bread that is crusted in Frosted Flakes, appears at South Philadelphia Tap Room’s in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, as photographed in Harahan, La., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is photographed in New York in August 2026. (Katie Workman via AP)