Remember, last year, when Consumer Reports raked kid’s ‘lunch packs’ over the coals for unhealthy ingredients? Now, a trio of online foodie influencers have banded together to offer ‘better’ kids’ lunch packs. But how much better are they?
Mr. Beast, vlogger Logan Paul, and Brit boxer KSI have partnered to create an extensive new line of ‘better’ kids lunch packs…
A High Bar
“The trio aims to offer a grab-and-go option that’s not only convenient but also nutritious,” the ‘official announcement on Beast’s FoodBeast platform advises.
The Lunchly brand is launching with three kid-friendly choices: Turkey Stack ‘Ems, Pizza, and Fiesta Nachos. Each combo will include a Prime beverage and a Feastables chocolate bar, combining the partners’ successful brands into ‘one power-packed meal’.
A game changer?
“LUNCHLY is changing the grab-and-go game with an innovative approach that prioritizes quality ingredients and delicious flavors.” the brand’s website proclaims.
“We’re here to fuel your fun from the lunchroom[.] Driven by our commitment to great quality and taste, we’re confident there’s no better value on the market. Remember, leave no crumbs =).”
By the numbers
The LUNCHLY crew isn’t afraid to stack itself up against the compe-tition. In fact, their website include s whole page dedicated to a head-to-head comparison of their three inaugural offerings against comparable Lunchables. The numbers don’t lie. The LUNCHLY boxes are all more healthy, on paper.
But even the healthiest-sounding Turkey Stack Em’s list the following on their Nutrition Facts panel:
- Fat: 12 g / 30 percent of the total daily recommended value (DRV)
- Sodium: 480 mg / 21 percent DRV
- Sugar: 22 g / 8 percent DRV (includes 6 g added sugars)
For my money, that’s a lot of salt. And any amount of added sugar is too much. Not to mention almost 1/3 of your daily recommended maximum of saturated fat makes for a heavy lunch.
Aside from the raw numbers, I have to point out that the main ‘food’ ingredients – salty crackers, turkey luncheon meat and what appears to be American (processed) cheese – are all ultra-processed foods.
My take
It’s up to those of you who are parents who pack their kids’ lunches to decide how ‘healthy’ the LUNCHLY products are. I can think of a lot of much healthier stuff to put in a kid’s lunch – investing just a little extra thought and effort.
~ Maggie J.