Twelve different countries are competing in women’s soccer this summer and are putting on one of the greatest shows ever seen. What if this clash of culture and competition was decided on the kitchen counter instead of the field?
We tried 12 different takes on America’s greatest sandwich with each one having a slight twist based on the country it was representing. A panel of five peanut lovers tasted each sandwich and rated them on a scale from 1 to 10. Rating a sandwich a 7 out of 10 was the equivalent to the standard PB&J. Anything above that 7 mark excelled and anything below didn’t shine like America’s greatest sandwich.
Let’s check out the results and see who came out victorious.
12. Brazil
Ingredients: Bread, Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter, Jelly and Pacoquinh
Overall Score: 3/10
- Judge 1: 1/10
- Judge 2: 4/10
- Judge 3: 3/10
- Judge 4: 3/10
- Judge 5: 4/10
Brazil finished in last place with a PB&J that fell short of the mark. The judges compared the taste of this sandwich to banana toothpaste. This sandwich is more geared toward the banana lovers out there.
11. Japan
Ingredients: Rice Paper, Peanut Butter, Seaweed, Rice Noodles and Teriyaki Sauce
Overall Score: 5/10
- Judge 1: 4/10
- Judge 2: 6/10
- Judge 3: 5/10
- Judge 4: 4/10
- Judge 5: 6/10
Japan entered the competition with the most abstract peanut butter sandwich. This entry surprised the judges with its unique texture and rich taste. Will the judges be eating this for lunch every day? No. Would they be willing to try it again? Yes.
10. Chile
Ingredients: Bread, Peanut Butter, Honey and Chipotle Hot Sauce
Overall Score: 5.4/10
- Judge 1: 6/10
- Judge 2: 4/10
- Judge 3: 4/10
- Judge 4: 7/10
- Judge 5: 6/10
The idea behind this sandwich was a play on the word “Chile” and introduce some spice to the PB&J world. Several judges were pleasantly surprised with the combination of peanut butter and spice and found the sandwich quite nice. The judge from Wyoming, Judge 4, thought this was on par with the classic PB&J.
9. Zambia
Ingredients: Fritters filled with Peanut Butter and drizzled with Plum Butter
Overall Score: 5.4/10
- Judge 1: 5/10
- Judge 2: 5/10
- Judge 3: 8/10
- Judge 4: 5/10
- Judge 5: 4/10
Alright you caught us, this one might not be a sandwich. The fritters were on the plate in place of Zambia’s popular Vitumbuwa, fried dough balls of flour. This candidate was underwhelming for most of the panel except for the judge from Texas, Judge 3. They gave this entry an 8/10 for its sweetness.
8. New Zealand
Ingredients: Bread, Peanut Butter and Boysenberry
Overall Score: 6/10
- Judge 1: 5/10
- Judge 2: 6/10
- Judge 3: 7/10
- Judge 4: 6/10
- Judge 5: 6/10
New Zealand introduced Boysenberry to America’s greatest sandwich. The Boysenberry did a little dance on the judges’ tastebuds, but not enough to finish among the elite. The sole representative from Oceania did its best and fell just short of being as tasty as a classic PB&J.
7. Sweden
Ingredients: Bread, Peanut Butter and Lingonberry Jam
Overall Score: 6.6/10
- Judge 1: 6/10
- Judge 2: 9/10
- Judge 3: 5/10
- Judge 4: 5/10
- Judge 5: 8/10
This PB&J was either a smash hit or a dud according to our judges. This sandwich was a favorite for Judges 2 and 5 from Washington and New York, respectively. Lingonberry jam has quite the taste to it that will either make or break a sandwich.
6. Great Britain
Ingredients: English Muffin, Peanut Butter and Black Currant Jam
Overall Score: 6.8/10
- Judge 1: 7/10
- Judge 2: 8/10
- Judge 3: 5/10
- Judge 4: 8/10
- Judge 5: 6/10
Oh, Great Britain and English muffins. The only thing missing from this PB&J was a cup of tea. Overall, the judges were pleased with this candidate, and it was nearly on par with America’s greatest sandwich. The warmth and texture from the toasted English muffin were game changers.
5. United States
Ingredients: The Classic — Peanut Butter & Jelly
Overall Score: 7/10
- Judge 1: 7/10
- Judge 2: 7/10
- Judge 3: 7/10
- Judge 4: 7/10
- Judge 5: 7/10
America’s greatest sandwich always delivers. To make this competition fair, we decided to rate the PB&J a 7 out of 10 to give the others a chance. There’s nothing more reliable than the PB&J. Much like the U.S. women’s soccer team, you can always count on it to get the job done.
4. China
Ingredients: Warmed Bao, Peanut Butter and Jelly
Overall Score: 7.2/10
- Judge 1: 8/10
- Judge 2: 8/10
- Judge 3: 6/10
- Judge 4: 7/10
- Judge 5: 7/10
China came out swinging by dropping the typical bread and introducing the judges to a heated bao bun. This was a PB&J with the crusts cut off on steroids. China’s PB&J was the first sandwich to truly wow the judges. China only got fourth though, let’s check in on who placed in the top three.
3. Canada
Ingredients: Bread, Peanut Butter, Jelly and Maple Syrup
Overall Score: 7.6/10
- Judge 1: 10/10
- Judge 2: 7/10
- Judge 3: 7/10
- Judge 4: 8/10
- Judge 5: 6/10
Judge 1 from Colorado was crazy for the maple syrup. Canada’s Maple PB&J is the perfect dessert sandwich. You can never go wrong with a PB&J and a little extra sweetness. This was one of three sandwiches to receive a 10/10 from one of the judges.
2. Australia
Ingredients: Bread, Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly
Overall Score: 7.6/10
- Judge 1: 7/10
- Judge 2: 7/10
- Judge 3: 7/10
- Judge 4: 10/10
- Judge 5: 7/10
Australia came in with the slightest of tweaks of strawberry jelly. The judge from Wyoming loved the strawberry jam so much they gave the sandwich a perfect 10/10. That’s a lot for the Australian women’s soccer team to live up to. They will have to see if they can perform at the same level as their edible counterpart.
1. Netherlands
Ingredients: Stroopwafel, Peanut Butter and Jelly
Overall Score: 8.2/10
- Judge 1: 8/10
- Judge 2: 5/10
- Judge 3: 10/10
- Judge 4: 9/10
- Judge 5: 9/10
Judge 2 didn’t have their sweet tooth ready for the PB&J sandwich champion! The Dutch take home first place with the almighty StroopB&J. This candidate had the judges begging for more and is crowned as this challenge’s greatest sandwich.
