Kraft Heinz’s 35-year-old Lunchables brand has evolved into a profitable franchise for the packaged food company. Its market presence expanded last year when the company reformulated two of its Lunchables—Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Extra Cheesy Pizza Lunchables—to meet the criteria for the National School Lunch Program. This change made those versions available to nearly 30 million children, enhancing the brand’s visibility among consumers. Lunch kits have been a staple for decades, particularly among children who enjoy them as a convenient snack or lunch option.
The long-term effects of the findings from Consumer Reports on the consumption of Lunchables and similar meal kits remain uncertain. Currently, Kraft Heinz, Target, and Smithfield Foods—who are behind nearly all the reviewed meal kits—find themselves needing to defend their products. Cadmium, which the World Health Organization has linked to cancer and kidney and bone diseases, was found in some of the meal kits. Both lead and cadmium naturally occur in soil, with some regions having higher concentrations. Additionally, Consumer Reports highlighted that excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, with an estimated 14% of children and teens experiencing prehypertension or hypertension.
While the two school lunch versions of Lunchables are not marketed as health foods, it is understandable for consumers to assume they are healthier than the retail versions. Consumer Reports discovered that the Lunchables offered in schools actually contain higher sodium levels than those available in stores. “The endorsement from schools sends a message to parents and children that these kits are a healthy choice,” said Jennifer Pomeranz, an associate professor of public health policy and management at NYU School of Global Public Health, in the watchdog report.
The USDA emphasized to CNN its commitment to ensuring that school meals meet high nutritional standards but clarified that it does not approve or disapprove individual food items. “Our requirements focus on the overall content of meals—some daily and others weekly. Therefore, the Lunchables mentioned would need to be served alongside fruits, vegetables, and milk. If a school chooses to offer a higher sodium product one day, they must balance it with lower sodium options on other days.”
In a statement to Food Dive, a Kraft Heinz spokesperson indicated that the company has made strides to enhance the nutritional profile of Lunchables to cater to consumer needs. After observing a 500% surge in social media searches for “Lunchables with fruits and vegetables,” the company collaborated with Fresh Del Monte Produce last August to launch a meal kit that includes pineapple, clementines, grapes, and apples. Additionally, it has reduced sodium levels in all Lunchables crackers by 26%. However, the company maintains that many Lunchables are good sources of protein, providing essential nutrients through meats and cheeses.
“We take pride in Lunchables and stand firm on the quality and integrity involved in their production,” the spokesperson stated. “Current scientific understanding indicates that processed foods, often labeled as ‘ultra-processed,’ are not necessarily less nutritious. In fact, many processed foods include added nutrients, offering additional benefits to consumers.” For those looking to balance their nutrition, incorporating calcium citrate with or without food can also be an important consideration.