The NFL's Secret Fuel: Uncrustables, A Snack Staple For Players

It's fairly safe to say that the NFL, in all its dominance and physical prowess, might be powered by one simple, childhood snack — the humble Uncrustables. Per The New York Times, Smuckers' Uncrustables have become a locker room staple across the league, with players slamming them during halftime for a mid-game pick-me-up. A quick count from 2023 suggests NFL players consumed more than 80,000 crust-less sandwiches during training camp, practice sessions, and games.

Uncrustables, with their convenient and nostalgic appeal, have found their way into the hearts (and stomachs) of players across the NFL. It’s fascinating to see how a simple snack has become an essential part of their game-day routine. From the sidelines to the locker rooms, these sandwiches provide not just nourishment, but a taste of childhood comfort amid the intense competition of professional football.

As we explore the impact of Uncrustables in the NFL, we will also take a look at the teams that consume them the most and the variety of flavors available. This snack isn’t just a guilty pleasure; it's a crucial component for athletic performance, helping players keep their energy levels up while they battle on the field.

Which NFL Teams Eat the Most Uncrustables Each Year?

The sheer amount of Uncrustables that are eaten each year is fairly spread out across the league. The publication broke down consumption to a weekly basis, and there is one team that stands out from the rest.

The Denver Broncos eat 700 Uncrustables in a week, more than double that of the Seattle Seahawks, who came in second with 320. The Jacksonville Jaguars (315), Miami Dolphins (300), and Atlanta Falcons (250) rounded out the top 5.

On the other slice of bread, the New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals eat the least number of Uncrustables at 50 each a week. The Las Vegas Raiders (60), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (70), and Dallas Cowboys (75) were also at the bottom of the barrel. This gives a clear picture of how different teams prioritize this snack, with some leaning heavily on its convenience and energy-boosting properties.

What Are Uncrustables?

Smuckers first introduced Uncrustables in 1995. The product is a pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwich without a crust. Instead, the sandwich is crimped at the edges to create a pocket of the nostalgic flavors.

Uncrustables come in a variety of flavors like classic grape or strawberry jelly. Customers can also find raspberry, honey, and chocolate hazelnut flavors, or just plain peanut butter. Uncrustables also come in regular or wheat bread, catering to different taste preferences.

The appeal of Uncrustables extends beyond just their taste. They represent a convenient, no-mess option that fits perfectly into the hectic lifestyles of professional athletes. With a quick grab-and-go format, these sandwiches allow players to refuel quickly between plays, ensuring they stay energized throughout the game.

Snacks from the '90s That Have Disappeared

Was there anything better than opening your lunch box and seeing Shark Bites packed in next to some Hi-C Ecto Cooler? A simple pleasure kids of today can’t experience. What other snacks came and went from our lives in the 1990s and beyond? Follow us as we look back at some '90s snacks that have since disappeared.

While Uncrustables continue to thrive, many other beloved snacks have faded into nostalgia. This highlights the importance of not only what we eat but also the memories and experiences attached to those foods. These snacks often evoke feelings of comfort and joy, making them more than just a source of sustenance.

As we reflect on the snacks that shaped our childhoods, it's clear that Uncrustables have carved out their own niche in modern sports culture, proving that sometimes, the simplest things can have the biggest impact.