We go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly...

Have you ever heard this expression or maybe seen the Facebook bumper sticker of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich holding hands? I was wondering when and where the actual salty and sweet combination originated. No one really knows the exact history about when or where this sandwich was created. Peanut butter was not invented until the late 1890’s, and there is no mention of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before the 1940’s. It seems strange that it was not sooner since we view it as such a typical school lunch. Peanut butter and jelly were both on the military rations lists and it is speculated that American soldiers added jelly to make peanut butter easier to eat. Returning service men helped the peanut butter and jelly combination cause. Additionally, food rationing at home may have added to the popularity of this combination. Because peanut butter was cheap and a good source of protein, it was purchased more than expensive cheese and meats. It was certainly a big hit and has remained post World War II.