Why Do Professional Athletes Eat Uncrustables? Unpacking the Snack

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 report by The Athletic, NFL teams consume an estimated 80,000 Uncrustables per season, highlighting the surprising popularity of this childhood snack in professional sports. This trend has captured public interest, revealing a fascinating intersection of convenience, nostalgia, and performance fuel that explains why so many professional athletes eat Uncrustables.

Quick Summary

Professional athletes frequently use Uncrustables for quick, accessible fuel during intense training and competition. Despite being processed, their carb-protein balance and easy portability make them a convenient option for energy replenishment.

Key Points

Widespread NFL Consumption: Numerous NFL teams consume tens of thousands of Uncrustables annually, making them a common sight in locker rooms.
Rapid Energy Source: The bread and jelly provide easily digestible carbohydrates, making Uncrustables an effective source of quick energy before or during intense activity.
Strategic Macronutrient Balance: Peanut butter adds protein and fat, offering a more sustained fuel source than simple carbs alone and aiding in muscle recovery.
Convenience and Portability: The sealed, mess-free packaging makes Uncrustables an ideal grab-and-go snack for busy athletes with limited time.
Dietitian-Approved for High-Energy Needs: Sports dietitians acknowledge their practical role in an athlete's diet, especially given their high caloric needs and the necessity for convenient fueling.
Nostalgia and Comfort Food: Beyond pure nutrition, Uncrustables offer a nostalgic, comforting snack that can be psychologically beneficial for players.
Not a Whole Food Replacement: Experts stress that Uncrustables should supplement, not replace, a diet rich in nutrient-dense whole foods.

A Locker Room Staple: The Popularity Among Elite Athletes

While Uncrustables are a staple in many kids' lunchboxes, their presence in the world of elite sports is a well-documented phenomenon. Reports confirm that NFL teams, in particular, have a well-established affinity for the frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Players praise their convenience and nostalgic comfort, especially during the grueling demands of training camp and intense game days.

Documented Team and Player Consumption

Denver Broncos: The team is known for its exceptionally high consumption, reportedly eating around 700 Uncrustables per week, more than double the next highest team.
Kansas City Chiefs: Star tight end Travis Kelce has publicly stated his fondness for Uncrustables, claiming to eat more of them than 'anything else in the world'.
San Francisco 49ers: Tight end George Kittle is known to eat several Uncrustables during team flights for away games.

The Nutritional Breakdown for Performance

From a sports nutrition perspective, the appeal of Uncrustables goes beyond simple taste and convenience. A sports dietitian would note that a peanut butter and jelly sandwich provides a beneficial mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, making it a viable component of an athlete's diet when timed correctly.

Quick-Release Carbohydrates

During and immediately following intense exercise, an athlete's muscles require a quick influx of energy to replenish glycogen stores. The simple sugars from the bread and jelly in an Uncrustable provide that rapid carbohydrate source, making them an excellent choice for a pre-game or halftime snack.

Protein and Fat for Sustained Energy

While the carbs provide an immediate boost, the peanut butter offers a valuable source of protein and fat. This combination helps to provide more sustained energy, preventing a crash after the initial sugar spike. For post-workout recovery, the protein component is vital for repairing muscle tissue.

Digestibility

For athletes who experience pre-competition anxiety or have limited time to eat, the easy digestibility of an Uncrustable is a major advantage. Unlike heavier, high-fiber meals, it is less likely to cause stomach discomfort during a game.

The Dietitian's View: Strategic Indulgence

Nutritionists at the highest level of sports recognize the tactical use of foods like Uncrustables. While they may not be the primary choice over whole foods, they can be part of a balanced diet for individuals with extremely high energy expenditures.

Flexibility for High Caloric Needs: Athletes burning thousands of calories per day have more flexibility to incorporate processed snacks, as they prioritize easily accessible calories.
Context is Key: The timing of consumption is critical. A pre-workout snack focuses on rapid energy, while a recovery meal should incorporate more nutrient-dense foods alongside the Uncrustable.
Moderation is Essential: Even for pro athletes, Uncrustables should supplement, not replace, a diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Uncrustables vs. Other Athlete Snacks

This table compares Uncrustables with other common athlete snack options, highlighting the trade-offs.


Feature	Uncrustables	Homemade PB&J	High-Quality Protein Bar
Convenience	Excellent (Frozen, pre-made)	Moderate (Requires prep time)	Excellent (Grab-and-go)
Nutritional Control	Limited (Pre-portioned)	High (Can choose bread, PB, jelly)	Variable (Depends on brand)
Ingredient Quality	Processed	Can be optimized with whole-food ingredients	Can be optimized (e.g., lower sugar)
Portability	Excellent (Sealed, mess-free)	Variable (Prone to getting smashed/soggy)	Excellent (Compact packaging)
Cost	Low-to-Moderate (Bulk purchase)	Low (Per sandwich)	High (Per bar)

Conclusion: The Simple Genius of a Childhood Snack

The widespread consumption of Uncrustables among professional athletes, particularly in the NFL, is not just a quirky habit. It's a strategic dietary choice driven by convenience, speed, and a balanced macronutrient profile that aids in both fueling and recovery. While not a replacement for a diet centered on whole foods, the Uncrustable serves a specific, practical purpose for individuals with immense daily energy needs. Its easy digestibility, portability, and combination of quick carbs and sustaining protein make it an unlikely yet effective tool in an elite athlete's nutritional arsenal. As the anecdote-rich history shows, sometimes the simplest solution is the one that gets the job done, even at the highest levels of competitive sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

While not a whole food, Uncrustables can be a useful, strategic snack for athletes. Their combination of quick-digesting carbs and some protein makes them an efficient energy source before or during intense workouts and games.

The main reason is their extreme convenience and portability. They are easy to grab, mess-free, and provide a rapid energy boost when time is limited, especially during busy practice schedules or halftime.

Sports nutritionists view Uncrustables as a functional compromise. While they prefer whole foods, they understand that for athletes with immense energy needs and tight schedules, a processed snack that delivers quick carbs and protein is a practical solution.

NFL teams are particularly known for their love of Uncrustables. Reports highlight the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks as high-volume consumers, with many other teams providing them in the locker room.

The peanut butter in an Uncrustable provides protein, which is essential for repairing muscle tissue after exercise. Paired with carbohydrates to replenish glycogen, they contribute to the overall recovery process.

For athletes burning high amounts of calories daily, the sugar provides necessary fast-acting fuel. However, dietitians emphasize mindful consumption for less active individuals and suggest pairing with whole foods for overall health.

Yes, but with context. For a typical person, the added sugar is a factor to consider. While they provide quick energy, individuals with lower activity levels may benefit more from less processed, lower-sugar snacks.