Do Uncrustables Need to be Refrigerated or Frozen?
This delightful pre-made, crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have become a lunchbox staple and on-the-go snack for many. However, their unique composition and convenience have left people uncertain about the best way to store them. We’re diving into the guidelines behind the storage of Smuckers Uncrustables, ensuring your sandwiches stay fresh and delicious, whether you prefer to keep them chilled or frozen for later enjoyment.
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What are Uncrustables?
Uncrustables are a popular brand of pre-made, frozen, and crustless sandwiches. They are produced by The J.M. Smucker Company and have become a favorite among parents and individuals seeking a quick and convenient snack or meal option.
The defining feature of Uncrustables sandwiches is their absence of crust, making them ideal for picky eaters or those who simply prefer a softer texture.
These sandwiches come individually sealed in a plastic pouch, making them an easy snack for any on-the-go occasions, school lunches or picnics. They also have a long shelf life.
They are available in a variety of flavors, with the classic peanut butter and grape jelly combination being the most well-known, though other variations like peanut butter and strawberry jelly or, Hazelnut spread, and honey are also available.
In addition to the different flavors, you can also find whole wheat bread and white bread varieties. The convenience and taste of Uncrustables have made them a household name, and their storage recommendations have sparked curiosity among consumers.
Can I put Uncrustables in the fridge?
The short answer is yes. And no.
Uncrustables are sold in the freezer aisle of grocery stores and should remain frozen to guarantee the best taste, best flavor and maximum freshness. It is recommended to thaw in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours before eating (or the night before) or to thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before eating.
Thawing & Heating
Packing Frozen Uncrustables for School Lunch
If you’re packing uncrustables for lunches, you can simply grab them out of the freezer and pack them with an ice pack. They should be perfectly thawed for lunch.
My daughter’s uncrustables are still frozen at lunchtime. What should I do?
If there’s not enough thaw time, you can start putting them in the fridge the night before (be sure to keep them in their original packaging). Pack them with an ice pack in her school lunch, and they’ll be delicious.
Can I microwave uncrustables?
It is not a good idea to put these in the microwave. For safety reasons, this could cause uneven thawing, resulting in the jelly becoming so hot it could burn you. For taste reasons, this makes the bread soggy. If the choice is between eating it frozen or trying to microwave it, eat it frozen.
What is the best way to bring Uncrustables to room temperature quickly?
If you don’t have time to thaw the night before eating, the best practice is to use body heat to bring them to room temp quickly. Keep it in its packaging and hold it in your hands until the chill is gone. You can also put the sealed package in a mug of warm water.
Can I put uncrustables in the toaster oven?
While the Smuckers website doesn’t recommend this, we’ve had great luck at our house. This gives the sandwich a lovely crispy outer shell with warm PB&J inside. YUM!
Unwrap the sandwich (obviously) and place the frozen sandwich in the toaster oven. Toast on medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
Can I put uncrustables in the air fryer?
Again, this is not officially recommended, but yes and yes! Cook your frozen uncrustable sandwich at 350 degrees F for 6-8 minutes. YUM!
Can I re-freeze a thawed uncrustable?
No – it is not recommended to put these back in the freezer after they have thawed. This could result in the bread becoming soggy and ice crystals forming inside the sealed bag. Gross.
Storage & Shelf Life
What is the shelf life of Uncrustables?
When properly stored in their original packaging in the freezer, their shelf life is quite a long time – typically several months long. But of course you’ll want to check the expiration date or best-by date before eating. If your house is anything like mine, you’ll never come close to them lasting long enough to become stale.
How do I store an uneaten or leftover Uncrustable?
Of course, it’s best to keep it sealed in its original packaging, that’s not always possible. If you have a half-eaten uncrustable, store it in an airtight container or wrap it well in plastic wrap. This is when it’s definitely appropriate to store it in the fridge but plan on eating it within 24 hours.
What are some signs that I shouldn’t eat my Uncrustable?
Food safety is always important and improper storage of uncrustables can cause them to go bad. Here are some signs of spoilage to look for: the formation of ice crystals on the inside of the bag, soggy bread, or an unpleasant odor when you open the bag.
Varieties and Where to Buy
Where can I buy Smucker’s Uncrustables?
Store-bought uncrustables can be found in the freezer section of most large grocery stores (like Walmart, Kroger, Target, Meijer, Albertsons, etc.) You can also find them in several bulk stores like Sam’s Club.
Varieties
- Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly
- Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam
- Reduced Sugar Peanut Butter & Grape Spread on Wheat Bread
- Reduced Sugar Peanut Butter & Strawberry Spread on Wheat Bread
- Peanut Butter & Honey
- Chocolate Flavored Hazelnut Spread (Nutella)
Uncrustables has also released Uncrustables Bites in the following flavors
- Uncured Ham and Cheddar
- Turkey and Colby Jack
How to make your Own Homemade Uncrustables
This is a very easy process! Take two slices of bread and make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. If you don’t own a sandwich sealer or sandwich press (this is our favorite), you can use a cookie cutter to cut the edges of the bread. Eat immediately or place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for the next time you have a busy day, need a quick breakfast or head out on a road trip.
