Lifestyle ·Mar 17, 2023

Snacks and Books That Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

by Teri Coan

Five bowls of assorted snacks including crackers, chips, popcorn, and pretzels arranged on a vibrant blue wooden surface.

There is something completely indulgent about settling down with your latest novel, a cup of tea, or a glass of wine accompanied by your favorite snack. And considering National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day is just around the corner on April 2nd, we thought it was the ideal time to come up with the perfect pairing of snacks and books that were simply made for each other.

Whether you’re looking for cozy escapism or savoring your genius at figuring out the whodunnit, there is nothing better than mixing two of our most favorite things - books and snacks!

Overflowing popcorn in a red-and-white striped container against a vibrant red background, creating a bold and festive snack display.

Thrillers

We love a great thriller. It's the suspense that catches us, the feeling of wanting to know what happens next but at the same time feeling anxious about turning the page. Your senses are heightened; you hear every sound and perhaps find yourself wondering if you should turn on that hallway light after all.

The perfect pairing needs a bit of crunch to add to the heart-pumping suspense, and we can’t think of a better snack than a bowl of freshly made popcorn. And you don’t even need to take your eyes off the page as you grab a handful.

Chocolate-covered strawberries arranged on a white surface, showcasing their glossy red tops and rich chocolate coating.

Romance

Romance is all about indulging in those fantasies, the candlelight dinner, the accidental brushing of hands, the perfect kiss. The long-lost love reunited, the sparks, the passion - we could go on forever but let’s be honest, there is only one snack that works with romance, and that is chocolate; add a glass of wine or champagne, and you’re in for a night to remember.

Whether it's a box of Lindt, Ferrero Rocher, chocolate mousse, or strawberries dipped in chocolate, it is time to tantalize your senses!

Close-up of scones filled with clotted cream and strawberry jam, arranged in a line on a white surface, showcasing their fluffy texture.

The Classics

If you're a fan of the classics, then it is all about the atmosphere, and what could be more elegant than the quintessential cup of tea accompanied by that very English scone?

Tea is an essential part of the classical reading experience. We love the classics and how you instantly find yourself back in 19th-century England with the mere turn of a page. It is time to set the scene; find your best tea set, put on the kettle, warm the scones, add the strawberry jam and cream, and you are in for an afternoon of classical luxury.

Who is ready for tea? Austen, Bronte, or Dickens?

A glass of white wine in focus with a blurred background of a charcuterie board featuring crackers, cheese, and sliced meats on a table.

Mystery

Solving a mystery is a very serious business. There are so many things to consider and we all know it isn’t the obvious candidate, or perhaps it is. Sometimes we find ourselves going back a few pages just to check out a fact or two, and then there are those times when we find ourselves shouting out warnings to our new partner. Being an assistant detective is always a serious job.

Serious business needs serious wine, and nothing goes better with wine than cheese and crackers. So grab your favorite bottle (we have the perfect wine glass to add to the scene), and now all that’s left is to create a mouth-watering platter of your favorite crackers with some brie, camembert, and cheddar cheese, don't forget the grapes!

Colorful gummy bears in shades of red, purple, and pink appear to be floating against a soft, light gray background, creating a playful scene.

Science Fiction

Science fiction is filled with the impossible - the advances of science and technology creating worlds we can’t imagine will perhaps one day exist. Though just go back 200 years, and the world we live in today would probably fall into this genre.

The perfect snack to match these wonderful worlds has to be gummies. The incredible flavors, from sweet to sour, the magical colors, and the endless shapes are wonderful to feel and taste. Take yourself back to your childhood and create the perfect bowl of gummies - from gummy bears and jelly babies to stretchy snakes and sour worms. It is simply a bowl of sensory explosions.

A classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with white bread, served on a vibrant turquoise plate against a white background.

Action and Adventure

Action and adventure go hand in hand, just like peanut butter and jelly. Action and adventure books are wonderful to read; they transport you to a world where you walk alongside the hero of the moment, you share in the victories and defeats, you are part of the team, and you need some good old-fashioned sustenance along the way.

Peanut butter and jelly, that trusted favorite, will always stand you in good stead. And considering it’s been going since 1901, we believe it has stood the test of time. Julia David Chandler is the first person to have officially named one our favorite, and she recommended using currant or crab-apple jelly to make this “original” sandwich.

Whether you are reading the latest romance or thriller, or a great classic, the ultimate pairing is just down the hallway. Reading is one of life’s greatest pleasures, so make it an experience, take time out for yourself - relax, recharge, and spoil yourself.