Peanut Butter vs. Jam: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 22, 2024
Peanut butter is a paste made from ground peanuts, often used as a spread, while jam is a sweet spread made by cooking fruit with sugar to a thick consistency.
Key Differences
Peanut butter is a thick, creamy spread made primarily from ground peanuts, often with added oil and salt. Its texture can range from smooth to crunchy. Jam, on the other hand, is made by cooking fruit with sugar and water, resulting in a sweet, spreadable gel with pieces of fruit or fruit pulp.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Peanut butter is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a nutritious option for a balanced diet. It also contains vitamins and minerals like magnesium. Jam, in contrast, is high in sugar and carbohydrates, with a lower protein content. It may contain some vitamins and antioxidants from the fruit used.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Peanut butter is versatile in the culinary world, used in sandwiches, baking, sauces, and even in some savory dishes. It's known for its rich, nutty flavor. Jam is typically used as a sweet spread on bread, pastries, and desserts, adding a fruity flavor to various dishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
There are various types of peanut butter, including smooth, crunchy, and natural, with varying levels of sweetness and saltiness. Jam comes in numerous flavors, depending on the fruit used, like strawberry, raspberry, apricot, and more, each with its distinct taste.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Peanut butter generally has a longer shelf life and can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated after opening. Jam, due to its high sugar content, also has a long shelf life but is usually refrigerated after opening to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Nutritional Content
High in protein and healthy fats
High in sugar, lower in protein
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
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Peanut Butter and Jam Definitions
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is often combined with jelly in American cuisine.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a classic lunchbox staple.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Jam
Jam is a sweet spread made from cooked fruit and sugar.
He spread strawberry jam on his morning toast.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a creamy spread made from ground peanuts.
She spread peanut butter on her toast every morning.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Jam
Jam is used to flavor and sweeten various baked goods.
She filled the pastries with raspberry jam.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a protein-rich food used in various dishes.
He added peanut butter to his smoothie for extra protein.
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Jan 02, 2024
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Jam
Jam comes in many flavors, depending on the fruit used.
She bought apricot jam for her baking recipe.
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Jan 02, 2024
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a source of healthy fats and nutrients.
She chose peanut butter as a healthy snack option.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To drive or wedge forcibly into a tight position
Jammed the cork in the bottle.
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Jan 02, 2024
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be either smooth or chunky in texture.
For her sandwich, she preferred chunky peanut butter.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To activate or apply (a brake) suddenly. Often used with on
Jammed the brakes on.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To cause to become unworkable because a part is stuck
The wrinkled paper jammed the copying machine.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To cause (moving parts, for example) to lock into an unworkable position
Jammed the typewriter keys.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To pack (items, for example) to excess; cram
Jammed my clothes into the suitcase.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To fill (a container or space) to overflowing
I jammed the suitcase with clothes. Fans jammed the hallway after the concert.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
(Electronics) To interfere with or prevent the clear reception of (broadcast signals) by electronic means.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To become locked or stuck in an unworkable position
The computer keyboard jammed.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To force one's way into or through a limited space
We all jammed into the elevator.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
A crush or congestion of people or things in a limited space
A traffic jam.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
A sweet mixture of fruit boiled with sugar and allowed to congeal. Often spread on bread or toast or used in jam tarts.
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Jan 02, 2024
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
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
An informal event where people brainstorm and collaborate on projects.
We came up with some new ideas at the game jam.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
That which one particularly prefers, desires, enjoys, or cares about.
Teaching is my jam.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
A play during which points can be scored.
Toughie scored four points in that jam.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To cause congestion or blockage. Often used with "up".
A single accident can jam the roads for hours.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Jam
(baseball) To throw a pitch at or near the batter's hands.
Jones was jammed by the pitch.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
(music) To play music (especially improvisation as a group, or an informal unrehearsed session).
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
(roller derby) To attempt to score points.
Toughie jammed four times in the second period.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To bring (a vessel) so close to the wind that half her upper sails are laid aback.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To give up on a date or some other joint endeavour; to stand up, chicken out, jam out.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Jam
A preserve of fruit boiled with sugar and water; also called jelly; as, raspberry jam; currant jam; grape jam.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To bring (a vessel) so close to the wind that half her upper sails are laid aback.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To block or obstruct by packing too much (people or objects) into; as, shoppers jammed the aisles during the fire sale.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Jam
To crowd together; - usually used with together or in; as, fifty people jammed into a conference room designed for twenty.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
Informal terms for a difficult situation;
He got into a terrible fix
He made a muddle of his marriage
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
Deliberate radiation or reflection of electromagnetic energy for the purpose of disrupting enemy use of electronic devices or systems
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
Interfere with or prevent the reception of signals;
Jam the Voice of America
Block the signals emitted by this station
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
Jam contains pieces of fruit or fruit pulp.
The homemade jam was full of whole fruit pieces.
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Jan 02, 2024
Jam
Jam is a common topping for desserts and breakfast items.
They topped their pancakes with blueberry jam.
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Jan 02, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can peanut butter be used in savory recipes?
Yes, peanut butter is often used in savory dishes like sauces.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
What is the main ingredient in peanut butter?
The main ingredient in peanut butter is ground peanuts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Is jam a good source of protein?
No, jam is high in sugar and not a significant source of protein.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Does jam need to be refrigerated?
Yes, jam should be refrigerated after opening to preserve its quality.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
How is jam different from jelly?
Jam contains pieces of fruit, while jelly is made from fruit juice.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Is there sugar-free jam available?
Yes, sugar-free jams are available for those reducing sugar intake.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
How long does peanut butter last?
Peanut butter can last several months, especially if refrigerated.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Can peanut butter be part of a weight-loss diet?
In moderation, peanut butter can be part of a healthy diet.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Is crunchy or smooth peanut butter healthier?
Both have similar nutritional values; the choice is a matter of texture preference.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Is peanut butter vegan?
Yes, most peanut butter is vegan as it's made from peanuts.
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Jan 22, 2024
Can people with nut allergies eat peanut butter?
No, people with nut allergies should avoid peanut butter.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Can jam be used in savory dishes?
Yes, jam can be used in savory dishes to add sweetness.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Is homemade jam healthier than store-bought?
Homemade jam can be healthier if made with less sugar.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Are there low-fat versions of peanut butter?
Yes, there are low-fat peanut butter options available.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Can diabetics eat jam?
Diabetics should choose low-sugar or sugar-free jam options.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Can jam be frozen for long-term storage?
Yes, jam can be frozen to extend its shelf life.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Is peanut butter a good source of fiber?
Yes, peanut butter contains dietary fiber.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Does jam contain preservatives?
Some jams contain preservatives, but many are made with natural ingredients.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Does peanut butter contain cholesterol?
Peanut butter is cholesterol-free but check labels for added ingredients.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
Does the fruit in jam count towards daily fruit intake?
While jam contains fruit, fresh fruit is a better option for daily intake.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 22, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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