Food - Drink
Peanut Butter And Mayo Sandwiches Were Once As Common As PB&J
By HEATHER LIM
Peanut butter spiked in popularity in the 19th century, when it was advertised in the United States as a protein-rich meat alternative. Knowing this, it might be easier to understand why peanut butter was used in savory applications we would never think of today, such as the once-classic peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwich.
Peanut butter with mayo may sound nauseating, especially to mayo haters, but this sandwich was an ideal meal for Americans who couldn't afford more substantial foods. Packed with nourishing fat and protein at a cheap price, the PB&M was established in the American south in the 1930’s, before reaching superstar status nationwide.
Hellmann’s mayonnaise capitalized on the sandwich's success by marketing variations, including additions like pickles and bacon or apples and marmalade. PB&M may have fallen out of favor over the decades, but we may have this sandwich to thank for peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, PB and banana, and even PB and bacon.