Peanut Butter vs. Jelly — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on February 6, 2024
Peanut butter is a thick, creamy spread made from ground peanuts, while jelly is a smooth, gel-like fruit spread made by cooking fruit juice with sugar and pectin.
Difference Between Peanut Butter and Jelly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Peanut Butter is a paste made from ground peanuts, often used as a spread on bread or in cooking. Jelly is a sweet, gelatinous food made by boiling fruit juice and sugar, typically spread on bread. Peanut butter is high in protein and fats, while jelly primarily offers sugar and fruit flavors.
Peanut Butter is rich in vitamins like E and B6, and minerals such as magnesium. Jelly is often contains fruit-derived vitamins but is mostly known for its sweet taste and variety of flavors. Peanut butter's nutritional profile supports muscle growth and energy, whereas jelly provides quick carbohydrate-based energy.
Peanut Butter comes in various textures, including smooth, chunky, and with added ingredients like honey. Jelly is available in numerous fruit flavors, textures can range from very smooth to containing bits of fruit. Peanut butter offers a savory, nutty taste, while jelly adds sweetness and fruitiness to dishes.
Peanut Butter is used in diverse culinary contexts beyond spreads, such as in sauces, baking, and desserts. Jelly is primarily used as a spread but also in desserts, fillings, and as a glaze. Peanut butter's versatility is seen in both sweet and savory recipes, whereas jelly is predominantly used for sweetening.
Peanut Butter is a staple in American households, often paired with jelly in the famous PB&J sandwich. Jelly is also a staple, especially in children's diets, providing a sweet counterpart to the savory peanut butter. Both have a place in cultural and culinary traditions, particularly in the United States.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Plurality
Usually used in singular form
Used in both singular and plural forms
Common Usages
As a food spread, ingredient in recipes
As a spread, ingredient in desserts
Adjective Form
Peanut-butter-flavored (hyphenated)
Jelly-like (to describe consistency)
Collocations
Peanut butter sandwich, peanut butter cookies
Jelly beans, jelly doughnut
Compare with Definitions
Peanut Butter
Comes in different varieties such as smooth, chunky, and natural.
For the recipe, she preferred using chunky peanut butter.
Jelly
Used as a spread for bread, often paired with peanut butter.
His favorite snack was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Peanut Butter
A popular ingredient in various desserts and savory dishes.
The recipe called for two tablespoons of peanut butter.
Jelly
A sweet, gelatinous food made from fruit juice and sugar.
She topped her toast with strawberry jelly.
Peanut Butter
Often used in combination with jelly or jam in sandwiches.
He made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch.
Jelly
Comes in various flavors, derived from different fruits.
The store had an assortment of jelly flavors, from grape to raspberry.
Peanut Butter
A source of healthy fats and nutrients, including magnesium and vitamin E.
Peanut butter is a staple in her diet for its health benefits.
Jelly
A dessert ingredient, used in fillings and toppings.
She filled the doughnuts with homemade raspberry jelly.
Peanut Butter
A creamy, protein-rich spread made from ground roasted peanuts.
She spread peanut butter generously on her toast.
Jelly
Characterized by its smooth, spreadable texture.
He spread the jelly evenly over the bread.
Jelly
A soft, semisolid food substance with a resilient consistency, made by the setting of a liquid containing pectin or gelatin or by the addition of gelatin to a liquid, especially such a substance made of fruit juice containing pectin boiled with sugar.
Jelly
Something, such as a petroleum ointment, having the consistency of a soft, semisolid food substance.
Jelly
A shapeless, pulpy mass
The hero's laser zapped the monster, turning it to jelly.
Jelly
Something, such as a body part, that has suddenly become limp or enervated
Her knees turned to jelly when she learned she won first prize.
Jelly
A jellyfish.
Jelly
A jelly sandal.
Jelly
To cause to have the consistency of jelly.
Jelly
To acquire the consistency of jelly
The consommé jellied in the refrigerator.
Jelly
A dessert made by boiling gelatine, sugar and some flavouring (often derived from fruit) and allowing it to set, known as "jello" in North America.
Jelly
A clear or translucent fruit preserve, made from fruit juice and set using either naturally occurring, or added, pectin. Normally known as "jam" in Commonwealth English but see redcurrant jelly and jeely
Jelly
Clipping of jelly coconut
Jelly
A savoury substance, derived from meat, that has the same texture as the dessert.
Jelly
Any substance or object having the consistency of jelly.
Calf's-foot jelly
Jelly
(zoology) A jellyfish.
Jelly
A pretty girl; a girlfriend.
Jelly
A large backside, especially a woman's.
Jelly
(colloquial) gelignite
Jelly
(colloquial) A jelly shoe.
Jelly
Blood.
Jelly
(India) vitrified brick refuse used as metal in building roads.
Jelly
(transitive) To make into jelly.
Jelly
(transitive) To preserve in jelly.
Jelly
To wiggle like jelly. en
Jelly
(slang) Jealous.
Jelly
Anything brought to a gelatinous condition; a viscous, translucent substance in a condition between liquid and solid; a stiffened solution of gelatin, gum, or the like.
Jelly
The juice of fruits or meats boiled with sugar to an elastic consistence; as, currant jelly; calf's-foot jelly.
Jelly
To become jelly; to come to the state or consistency of jelly.
Jelly
A preserve made of the jelled juice of fruit
Jelly
An edible jelly (sweet or pungent) made with gelatin and used as a dessert or salad base or a coating for foods
Jelly
A substance having the consistency of semi-solid foods
Jelly
Make into jelly;
Jellify a liquid
Common Curiosities
How is jelly made?
Jelly is made by boiling fruit juice with sugar and a gelling agent like pectin.
Can peanut butter and jelly be used in recipes other than sandwiches?
Yes, both are used in various recipes, from desserts to savory dishes.
Are peanut butter and jelly healthy?
Peanut butter is nutritious, rich in protein and healthy fats, while jelly is high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
Are there different types of peanut butter?
Yes, there are smooth, chunky, natural, and flavored varieties of peanut butter.
Can people with peanut allergies eat peanut butter?
No, those with peanut allergies should avoid peanut butter and consider alternative spreads.
Can peanut butter and jelly be part of a weight loss diet?
In moderation, peanut butter can be part of a healthy diet, but jelly's high sugar content should be considered.
Are there sugar-free versions of peanut butter and jelly?
Yes, there are sugar-free and reduced-sugar varieties available for both.
What is peanut butter?
Peanut butter is a spread made from ground peanuts, often used on bread or in cooking.
Is peanut butter always made from peanuts?
Traditional peanut butter is made from peanuts, but there are alternative spreads made from other nuts and seeds.
How long do peanut butter and jelly last?
Unopened, they can last several months. Once opened, peanut butter lasts for a few months, while jelly should be refrigerated and used within a month.
What are the nutritional benefits of peanut butter?
Peanut butter is high in protein, healthy fats, and contains vitamins like E and B6.
Is jelly vegan?
Some jellies are vegan, but others may contain gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen.
Does jelly contain actual fruit?
Jelly is made from fruit juice, but some varieties may include small amounts of fruit pulp.
Is jelly the same as jam?
No, jelly is made from fruit juice, while jam is made from crushed fruit and fruit pulp.
How did the peanut butter and jelly sandwich become popular?
The PB&J sandwich became popular in the United States, particularly during World War II, as an easy and nutritious meal.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
