Learn more about NFL players’ favorite snack and whether it’s a healthy option.

Reviewed by registered dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, MS, RD

You may have included Smucker’s Uncrustables in your kids’ lunch boxes or maybe you enjoyed them yourself. Either way, pre-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sealed with no crust on the bread, are most likely a nostalgic memory.

But last week, the packaged product made headlines after The New York Times sports department, Athleticspublished a shocking article that the NFL is the No. 1 fan of circular snacks. In fact, NFL teams “consume between 3,600 and 4,300 Uncrustables per week,” meaning the league consumes at least 80,000 Uncrustables per season.

Because they’re already made and packed with familiar and delicious flavors, we can see how these sandwiches might be an ideal option for a busy athlete. But frankly, we’re a little shocked by this news. Are Uncrustables Healthy Options We Should All Consider? Here’s what you need to know before reaching for them in the freezer aisle.

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Are uncrustables healthy?

We asked our nutrition editor, Jessica Ball, MS, RDfor his thoughts on the NFL’s favorite snack — and it might shock you that PB&J love is a valid choice for professional athletes.

“Contrary to what people might think, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (like an Uncrustable) is actually a great snack for athletes,” says Ball. “In general, it’s best to eat a high-carb snack 30 to 60 minutes before a workout and consume something with a mix of carbs and protein within 30 minutes of finishing your workout .”

For context, here is the nutritional breakdown of a Smucker’s Uncrustables Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly Sandwich:

Calories: 210

Carbohydrates: 28g

Dietary fiber: 2g

Total sugars: 10g

Added sugar: 8g

Protein: 6g

Total fat: 9g

Saturated fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 220 mg

“Freshables are a good source of carbohydrates that our muscles need for energy to fuel our workout and to replenish us afterward,” says Ball. “Plus, each sandwich contains 6 grams of protein to promote muscle recovery. For NFL athletes, this could make a great snack to help tide them over until their next meal.

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While they can make a good pre-workout snack for professional athletes, Ball notes that for the average person, the sugar content can be a drawback.

“For people who aren’t training at the NFL level, these sandwiches are a little high in added sugar – containing about 8 grams per sandwich – which can be helpful for quickly getting energy around a session “But it’s something to be aware of when you’re not active,” she explains. For reference, the American Heart Association recommends an added sugar intake of no more. 36 grams per day Each of these sandwiches therefore represents more than 22% of this daily limit.

Dietitian-Approved Healthy Snack Alternatives

If you’re looking for workout-friendly snacks that contain a good amount of carbs and protein but less added sugar, Ball has some suggestions for you:

• Cheese and fruit is an easy combination that requires almost no preparation. We love combinations like cottage cheese and peaches or apples and cheddar, but in reality, a small plate of your favorite fruit and your favorite cheese is bound to be satisfying.

• Greek yogurt and granola provide a good source of protein and fiber, respectively. And homemade granola is easy to make in advance for snacking throughout the week. OUR Air-Fryer Honey Granola And Cinnamon Roasted Oats are likely to be added to your meal preparation rituals.

• For a savory snack, vegetables with hummus are delights to dip. Peppers, carrots, and cucumbers are just a few examples of crunchy vegetables that pair well with this protein-rich dip. Hummus is also great for digestion and heart health and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

• If you prefer to have a pre-workout drink over a snack, try smoothies or even a glass of milk. It’s simple to create a fiber- and protein-rich smoothie in just five minutes with ingredients like fruit, kefir, yogurt, peanut butter and more. Additionally, milk is an excellent source of protein and is just as hydrating as waterbecause it is loaded with electrolytes. And adding cow’s milk to your smoothies is a win-win!

Related: 16 High-Protein Smoothies You’ll Want to Make Forever

The essentials

It’s important to incorporate enough protein and carbohydrates into your diet before a workout to keep your energy levels high. While Uncrustables can be a healthy option for people who work out for hours every day, they may not be the best choice for a nutritious snack if you have a typical routine. There are other easy, dietitian-approved snacks to consider, like cheese and fruit, hummus, yogurt, and even a simple glass of milk.

Related: I’m a dietitian and this is my favorite healthy peanut butter