Peanut Butter vs. Jam: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 4, 2023
"Peanut Butter" is a spread made from ground peanuts, often smooth or crunchy, while "Jam" is a preserve made from whole fruit and sugar, usually spreadable.
Key Differences
"Peanut Butter" is a popular spread derived from roasted and ground peanuts that provides a creamy or chunky texture and is often used in sandwiches, particularly paired with jelly or "Jam," which is made by cooking down fruit and sugar to a thick, sweet spread.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Nutritional content is another area where "Peanut Butter" and "Jam" differ significantly. "Peanut Butter" is high in protein and healthy fats, making it a filling food that can be part of a balanced diet. In contrast, "Jam" is high in sugars and carbohydrates, with a lower nutritional density but a sweet taste that complements many dishes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
In terms of consistency, "Peanut Butter" can be either smooth or crunchy, depending on whether it retains peanut pieces. "Jam," however, typically has a gel-like consistency, achieved through the pectin in the fruit combined with sugar, and may contain chunks of fruit.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
"Peanut Butter" often requires stirring before use, as the natural oils can separate on standing, whereas "Jam" is generally homogenous and doesn't separate due to the high sugar content that acts as a preservative.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Both "Peanut Butter" and "Jam" have cultural significance in American cuisine, notably in the classic PB&J (peanut butter and jelly) sandwich. The combination of the creamy or chunky "Peanut Butter" with the sweet, fruity "Jam" creates a beloved taste sensation enjoyed by many.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Nutritional Content
High in protein and healthy fats
High in sugars and carbohydrates
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
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Peanut Butter and Jam Definitions
Peanut Butter
A pantry staple in American households.
No household pantry is complete without a jar of Peanut Butter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Jam
A preserve made from whole fruit and sugar.
She had toast with strawberry Jam for breakfast.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Peanut Butter
A spread made from ground peanuts.
He slathered Peanut Butter on his toast for breakfast.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Jam
A versatile dessert ingredient.
The chef used apricot Jam to glaze the pastries.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Peanut Butter
A creamy or chunky food paste.
She prefers chunky Peanut Butter for its added texture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
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Jam
To drive or wedge forcibly into a tight position
Jammed the cork in the bottle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Peanut Butter
A versatile ingredient in savory and sweet dishes.
He made a spicy Peanut Butter sauce for the chicken skewers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Jam
To activate or apply (a brake) suddenly. Often used with on
Jammed the brakes on.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Peanut Butter
A high-protein spread derived from legumes.
Athletes often include Peanut Butter in their diet for protein.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Jam
To cause to become unworkable because a part is stuck
The wrinkled paper jammed the copying machine.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To cause (moving parts, for example) to lock into an unworkable position
Jammed the typewriter keys.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To pack (items, for example) to excess; cram
Jammed my clothes into the suitcase.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To fill (a container or space) to overflowing
I jammed the suitcase with clothes. Fans jammed the hallway after the concert.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
(Electronics) To interfere with or prevent the clear reception of (broadcast signals) by electronic means.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
(Baseball) To throw an inside pitch to (a batter), especially to prevent the batter from hitting the ball with the thicker part of the bat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To become locked or stuck in an unworkable position
The computer keyboard jammed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To force one's way into or through a limited space
We all jammed into the elevator.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
A crush or congestion of people or things in a limited space
A traffic jam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
A sweet mixture of fruit boiled with sugar and allowed to congeal. Often spread on bread or toast or used in jam tarts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
(countable) A blockage, congestion, or immobilization.
A traffic jam caused us to miss the game's first period.
A jam of logs in a river
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
An informal event where people brainstorm and collaborate on projects.
We came up with some new ideas at the game jam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
That which one particularly prefers, desires, enjoys, or cares about.
Teaching is my jam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
A difficult situation for a pitcher or defending team.
The pitcher's in a jam now, having walked the bases loaded with the cleanup hitter coming to bat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
A play during which points can be scored.
Toughie scored four points in that jam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
Any of several maneuvers requiring wedging of an extremity into a tight space.
I used a whole series of fist and foot jams in that crack.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To get something stuck, often (though not necessarily) in a confined space.
My foot got jammed in a gap between the rocks.
Her poor little baby toe got jammed in the door.
I jammed the top knuckle of my ring finger.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To brusquely force something into a space; to cram, to squeeze.
They temporarily stopped the gas tank leak by jamming a piece of taffy into the hole.
The rush-hour train was jammed with commuters.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To cause congestion or blockage. Often used with "up".
A single accident can jam the roads for hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To block or confuse a radio or radar signal by transmitting a more-powerful signal on the same frequency.
The government jams foreign propaganda broadcasts.
The airstrike suffered minimal casualties because electronic-warfare aircraft were jamming the enemy air-defense radars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
(baseball) To throw a pitch at or near the batter's hands.
Jones was jammed by the pitch.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
(music) To play music (especially improvisation as a group, or an informal unrehearsed session).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To injure a finger or toe by sudden compression of the digit's tip.
When he tripped on the step he jammed his toe.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
(roller derby) To attempt to score points.
Toughie jammed four times in the second period.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To bring (a vessel) so close to the wind that half her upper sails are laid aback.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To give up on a date or some other joint endeavour; to stand up, chicken out, jam out.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
A mass of people or objects crowded together; also, the pressure from a crowd; a crush; as, a jam in a street; a jam of logs in a river.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
A preserve of fruit boiled with sugar and water; also called jelly; as, raspberry jam; currant jam; grape jam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To press into a close or tight position; to crowd; to squeeze; to wedge in; to cram; as, rock fans jammed the theater for the concert.
The ship . . . jammed in between two rocks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To bring (a vessel) so close to the wind that half her upper sails are laid aback.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To block or obstruct by packing too much (people or objects) into; as, shoppers jammed the aisles during the fire sale.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To interfere with (a radio signal) by sending other signals of the same or nearby frequency; as, the Soviets jammed Radio Free Europe broadcasts for years during the cold war.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To cause to become nonfunctional by putting something in that blocks the movement of a part or parts; as, he jammed the drawer by putting in too many loose papers; he jammed the lock by trying to pick it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
To crowd together; - usually used with together or in; as, fifty people jammed into a conference room designed for twenty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
Informal terms for a difficult situation;
He got into a terrible fix
He made a muddle of his marriage
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
Deliberate radiation or reflection of electromagnetic energy for the purpose of disrupting enemy use of electronic devices or systems
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
Interfere with or prevent the reception of signals;
Jam the Voice of America
Block the signals emitted by this station
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Jam
A sweet, spreadable condiment.
He found the Jam's sweetness perfectly balanced the scones.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Jam
A thick, pectin-set, fruit-based product.
She made homemade Jam using fresh berries from her garden.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Jam
A long-lasting food item due to high sugar content.
They stored the Jam in the pantry to use throughout the year.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
Does "Peanut Butter" have health benefits?
Yes, it's high in protein and contains healthy fats.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Jam" be made from any type of fruit?
Most fruits, yes, especially those high in pectin.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 04, 2023
How long can "Jam" be preserved?
It can last for several months or even years if unopened and stored properly.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Peanut Butter" vegan?
Yes, it's made from peanuts, making it suitable for vegans.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Why does oil sometimes collect on top of "Peanut Butter"?
Natural oils from the peanuts separate over time.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Jam" the same as jelly?
No, jelly is made from fruit juice and sugar, while jam contains whole fruit pieces.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
What's the difference between "Jam" and preserves?
Preserves contain larger chunks of fruit compared to jam.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
How is "Jam" typically used?
As a spread on bread or toast and as a filling in pastries.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Can diabetics eat "Jam"?
They should opt for sugar-free or low-sugar varieties.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Does "Jam" contain a lot of sugar?
Yes, sugar is a primary ingredient in traditional jam recipes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Can you be allergic to "Peanut Butter"?
Yes, peanut allergies are common and can be severe.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
Does "Peanut Butter" need to be refrigerated?
Not necessary, but it can extend freshness.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
Can dogs eat "Peanut Butter"?
Yes, but ensure it doesn't contain xylitol, a harmful sweetener.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Peanut Butter" good for weight loss?
In moderation, its high protein content can aid in satiety.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Peanut Butter" gluten-free?
Naturally, yes, but check labels for specific brands.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Are there seedless "Jam" varieties?
Yes, some jams are made without seeds for smoother texture.
Janet White
Nov 04, 2023
How is "Jam" made?
By cooking fruit, sugar, and sometimes pectin until thickened.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
