Do Uncrustables need to be refrigerated? We’ve all been in that situation where you’re looking for a quick snack, and the only thing available is an Uncrustable. It’s one of the most beloved grab-and-go snacks, but a common question many have is whether or not they need to be refrigerated.
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no, so we are here today to dive into this topic and provide clarity around how best to store your Uncrustables!
Quick guide:
Uncrustables can last for 24 hours when kept in the refrigerator or up to 6-8 hours at room temperature. You should not refreeze Uncrustables once they have been thawed, as this will cause a loss of texture and flavor.
What are Uncrustables?
Uncrustables are frozen sandwiches that come pre-made with peanut butter and jelly inside two slices of bread. They are made by Smucker’s, a renowned food brand.
Other flavors include honey-cinnamon, Nutella and peanut butter, strawberry cream cheese, and more. Uncrustables are a great lunch or snack option because they are pre-made and easy to grab — no need to worry about making a sandwich in the morning!
The History of Uncrustables
Uncrustables sandwiches were created in 1995 by the food brand Smucker’s. The initial flavor was peanut butter and jelly, but now the company produces a variety of flavors including strawberry, honey-sweetened peanut butter, grilled cheese, and ham and cheddar.
The idea behind the invention of these sandwiches was to provide convenience for busy parents who didn’t have time to make a sandwich for their children.
Uncrustables have quickly become a popular choice for on-the-go meals as they are easy to transport, require no utensils or preparation time and are pre-made with an even spread of ingredients. They also have less mess than traditional sandwiches since they are sealed with a crust instead of open-faced like most sandwiches.
Uncrustables were first available only in grocery stores but soon became widely available across the United States in convenience stores and retailers such as Target and Walmart. In addition to being sold in stores, Uncrustables can be bought online through retailers like Amazon.
Since its debut in 1995, Uncrustables has seen incredible success, selling over 500 million units each year.
How do they make Uncrustables?
The main ingredients of a traditional Uncrustables sandwich are:
- two slices of wheat bread
- filling like peanut butter and jelly
Uncrustables are made with a special machine that presses two circles of bread together to form the sandwich. The peanut butter and jelly are placed in between the two slices, and the whole thing is sealed shut. Then, it’s frozen for freshness.
Uncrustables bites have become popular recently as well. These mini-sized versions of the Uncrustables come in convenient bite-size pieces, perfect for snacking on the go for both children and adults.
Do Uncrustables Need to be Refrigerated?
When it comes to Uncrustables, you want to make sure they’re properly stored. And, yes, Uncrustables need to be refrigerated (or frozen) when not being thawed for consumption.
If you’re not devouring an Uncrustable within 1-2 hours of taking it out, then keeping them in the fridge or using ice packs is your best bet.
The Smucker’s website recommends thawing at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before enjoying – but be sure to eat them within 6-8 hours while they’re still tasting their absolute finest.
For longer storage times, pop ’em in the refrigerator and just allow extra time for thawing.
And don’t forget: never try heating up a plastic-wrapped sandwich with any kind of appliance like a microwave, air fryer, or even worse…a toaster!
How Long Can Uncrustables Be Stored?
In the freezer
Uncrustables can last for months in the freezer when stored properly. However, you should always check the expiration date on each package before eating. Even though it can last for months in the freezer, you should consume Uncrustables as soon as possible for the best taste.
|Read: Freezing Tuna Salad: The Perfect Hack for Busy Weeknights
In the fridge
The Smucker’s website also states that Uncrustables can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours when kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
If you plan to keep your prized Uncrustables in the fridge, keep them in an airtight container. Not only can they be kept just as long as a regular sandwich, but their soft texture and delightful flavor will remain intact.
However, even with proper storage precautions, it is important to remember that these delicious treats won’t last forever outside of their packaging!
Again, always check the expiration date on each package before eating and discard any expired Uncrustables.
At room temperature
Uncrustables aren’t made to be kept at room temperature, as they will go bad quickly. The best practice is to thaw them in the fridge and eat them within 6 to 8 hours.
How Long Do Uncrustables Last Out Of The Refrigerator?
Uncrustables that have been stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower can last up to 24 hours when kept at room temperature. However, this is not recommended as Uncrustables are best enjoyed fresh.
Uncrustables that are not refrigerated should be consumed shortly after they have thawed, according to Smucker’s website.
Uncrustables are a great grab-and-go snack, but you need to be careful when shopping and storing them. Make sure they’re the last item in your cart, so they stay frozen longer. Otherwise, their shelf life decreases dramatically once thawed!
If not kept in proper conditions, bacteria can quickly start breeding, leading to food poisoning. So resist the urge to leave these tasty sandwiches out for more than an hour (or two depending on how hot it is)!
Can You Refreeze Uncrustables?
No, you should not refreeze Uncrustables. Once they have been opened and thawed, they should not be put back in the freezer. This is because the bread has already been thawed, which can cause a loss of texture and flavor.
It’s also important to note that Uncrustables contain dairy, which can spoil quickly when not refrigerated properly. Therefore, it is best to consume Uncrustables within 6 to 8 hours of thawing for the best flavor.
If you have Uncrustables that have been kept at room temperature for longer than this amount of time, it is best to discard them. This is also true for Uncrustables that have been stored in the fridge for more than 24 hours.
How to thaw Unscrustables right
When it comes to thawing Uncrustables, the best way is to take them out of the freezer, place them in a plastic bag and let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes (advice from Smucker’s)
If you prepare it for lunch, you can use an ice pack or keep them in the fridge (to slow down the thawing process).
Whatever method you choose, make sure to eat them within 6-8 hours for the best flavor.
And never put Uncrustables in the toaster, air fryer, or microwave with their plastic on! That could be a potential fire hazard and cause unpleasant flavors.
Read More: How Many Calories in A Tsp of Peanut Butter
Signs that Uncrustables Have Gone Bad
You can tell if your Uncrustables go bad by visual signs, smell, and taste.
Visual clues
The discoloration on the bread is an indication that the Uncrustables have gone bad. The peanut butter and jelly may also appear to be a different color than when they were first opened.
Also, mold might develop on the Uncrustables if left out for too long.
Smell
If your Uncrustables have a sour or strong odor, you should discard them immediately. The smell might come from a bacterial imbalance or mold growth. So, be sure to toss them out.
Taste
Unscrutables are supposed to have the delicious taste of peanut butter and jelly, but it’s best to toss them away if you don’t feel the taste is present. If the sandwich tastes off or sour, then it is best to throw it away, too.
Tips for Storing Uncrustables
Here are some suggestions for extending the life of your Uncrustables in the freezer or refrigerator:
- Always check the expiration date before buying Uncrustables.
- Keep them in the freezer in an air-tight container or sealable bag.
- Refrigerate Uncrustables for no more than 24 hours and consume within 8 hours of thawing.
- Do not refreeze already thawed Uncrustables, as this can make them go bad
- Keep them in nice and dry areas to avoid moisture and spoilage.
Check out This Video: How It’s Made: Pre-Packaged Sandwiches
Is Uncrustables Healthy?
Uncrustables are a convenient snack but may not be the healthiest choice. While Uncrustables contain some vitamins and minerals, like vitamin E and calcium, they also contain added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. In addition, Uncrustables do not offer any dietary fiber or protein.
If you are looking for a nutritious snack, it is best to make it yourself to ensure that all the ingredients are fresh and that you are getting the right balance of nutrients.
This will also help you save money in the long run, as making your own snacks can be cheaper than buying pre-made products like Uncrustables.
So if you want to enjoy an Uncrustable from time to time, balance it with healthier snacks packed with fiber and protein.
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Do Uncrustables need to be refrigerated? The short answer is yes. Uncrustables should always be stored in the freezer until you can enjoy them. To keep them fresh, make sure to keep them tightly sealed in their original packaging and consume them within a month of purchase.
Further Reading:
- The Healthfulness of the US Packaged Food and Beverage Supply
- How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
I am Benjamin Nunez, and I love Spanish food, Italian food, and seafood. I have worked in kitchens all my life. I started as a dishwasher when I was just a teenager, and worked my way up to being a head chef.
I specialize in Spanish cuisine, but I can make any kind of Italian or seafood dish you want. My kitchen is always open! Website: https://granadarestaurant.com/