Debunking the Myth: Does Lunchly Use Real Cheese? The Nutritional Breakdown

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a Consumer Reports study, popular pre-packaged lunch kits, including Lunchables, contain significantly high levels of sodium and heavy metals. This has led many to question the ingredients, particularly, does lunchly use real cheese?, and what the health implications are for a nutritious diet.

Quick Summary

The cheese in popular Lunchables snack kits is a pasteurized prepared cheese product, not natural cheese, featuring emulsifiers and additives for a longer shelf life and consistent texture.

Key Points

Processed, not Real: The cheese in Lunchables is a 'pasteurized prepared cheese product,' which is not the same as natural, unprocessed cheese.
Contains Additives: Processed cheese products include emulsifiers, preservatives, and other milk solids to achieve their smooth texture and long shelf life.
High in Sodium: Studies have shown that many pre-packaged lunch kits are high in sodium, a concern for a healthy diet, particularly for children.
Natural Cheese Benefits: Real cheese offers better nutritional value, including more protein, healthy fats, and calcium, without the artificial additives.
Check the Label: To ensure you're getting real cheese, always check the ingredients list for natural products made simply from milk, salt, and enzymes.
Healthier Alternatives: Substituting processed cheese with natural cheese, alongside whole grains and fresh fruit, is a more nutritious dietary choice.

Understanding the 'Lunchly' and 'Lunchables' Distinction

Before diving into the cheese debate, it is important to clarify a common search query. The term "Lunchly" is a frequent misspelling of "Lunchables," the popular Kraft Heinz pre-packaged snack kit. This article will focus on the ingredients found in the Lunchables brand, as it is the most well-known product associated with this query. The question of whether the cheese is 'real' has been a long-standing point of confusion and consumer interest, given the rise in awareness about processed versus whole foods.

Unpacking the Ingredients: A Look at Lunchables' Cheese

Lunchables does not use natural, or 'real,' cheese in many of its varieties. Instead, the packages prominently feature a "pasteurized prepared cheese product" or a "pasteurized process cheese product". These are specific legal classifications for products that, while containing cheese, have been modified with additional ingredients through a heating and emulsifying process.

Key Ingredients in Lunchables' Cheese Product

Milk: The base of the product.
Milk Protein Concentrate: Added to boost protein content.
Whey and Whey Protein Concentrate: By-products of cheesemaking that are used as fillers.
Milkfat: Provides richness and flavor.
Sodium Citrate & Other Emulsifying Salts: These are crucial additives that give processed cheese its uniform, smooth texture and perfect meltability.
Lactic Acid: A natural acid used to add a tangy flavor.
Sorbic Acid: A preservative that inhibits mold growth and extends shelf life.
Cheese Culture & Enzymes: Used in the cheesemaking process.
Annatto or Oleoresin Paprika: Added for artificial coloring to give the cheese its recognizable shade.

This blend of ingredients allows the product to remain stable and have a long shelf life, a key advantage for pre-packaged snacks. However, it is a far cry from the simple, aged ingredients found in traditional cheeses.

Natural vs. Processed Cheese: A Nutritional Comparison

There are significant differences between natural cheese and processed cheese products, not only in their ingredients but also in their nutritional profiles. This comparison table highlights some of the key distinctions.


Feature	Natural Cheese	Processed Cheese Product
Ingredients	Milk, salt, enzymes, cultures.	Starts with cheese, but adds emulsifiers, preservatives, whey, and other milk solids.
Processing	Made through a fermentation and aging process.	Heat-processed and blended with additives.
Shelf Life	Shorter due to fewer preservatives.	Much longer due to preservatives and processing.
Texture	Varies widely from hard and dense to soft and creamy, often with a more complex flavor profile.	Uniform, soft, and very creamy, designed for a consistent melt.
Nutritional Profile	Generally higher in protein, healthy fats, and nutrients like calcium.	Often higher in sodium and may contain more fillers.
Best Use	Enjoyed on its own, paired with fruits and nuts, or on whole-grain bread for a nutritious snack.	Convenient for certain recipes, but its high-sodium and additive content makes it less ideal for a regular diet.

The Role of Cheese in a Nutritious Diet

Including cheese in a balanced nutrition diet can offer several health benefits, particularly when consuming natural, less-processed varieties.

Benefits of Natural Cheese

Excellent Source of Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.
Rich in Protein: Provides high biological value protein necessary for muscle repair and growth.
Contains Healthy Fats: Provides fats that are important for energy and cell function, especially from grass-fed sources.
Source of Vitamins: Contains important vitamins like A and B12.

Nutritional Concerns with Processed Cheese

While offering convenience, processed cheese products come with nutritional drawbacks. They are typically much higher in sodium, an issue flagged by organizations like Consumer Reports, which highlighted excessive sodium in many children's lunch kits. The additives and high degree of processing also mean they offer less nutritional value compared to their natural counterparts. Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health advises that while cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation and preferably paired with other nutrient-dense foods to offset its high saturated fat and sodium content.

For those seeking healthier options, swapping out processed cheese products for slices of real cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella can significantly improve the nutritional quality of a meal. Pairing these with whole-grain crackers, fruits, and lean protein creates a more balanced and beneficial snack. The key lies in reading labels carefully and opting for minimally processed ingredients wherever possible to support overall health and wellness.

Conclusion

In summary, the popular lunch kits from the Lunchables brand do not contain real, natural cheese, but rather a processed cheese product formulated with various additives to achieve a long shelf life and uniform texture. While this offers convenience, it comes at the cost of higher sodium content and reduced nutritional value compared to traditional cheese. For those focused on a balanced nutrition diet, particularly for children, opting for real cheese or other whole-food alternatives is a more beneficial choice. By understanding the difference between natural and processed cheese, consumers can make more informed decisions to support healthier eating habits.

Explore more about balanced diets and healthier food choices on the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's nutrition resource page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Real cheese is made from milk, salt, and enzymes and is aged naturally, resulting in a complex flavor and texture. Processed cheese starts with real cheese but is heat-processed and blended with emulsifying salts, preservatives, and other milk ingredients to create a uniform, long-lasting product.

The cheese in Lunchables is officially a "pasteurized prepared cheese product" or "pasteurized process cheese product". It is not considered natural cheese due to the addition of preservatives, emulsifiers, and other fillers.

Experts have raised concerns about the healthiness of Lunchables, citing their highly processed nature, high sodium content, and potential presence of heavy metals. They are not considered a healthy dietary staple.

Processed cheese melts so smoothly because it contains emulsifying salts, like sodium citrate. These additives prevent the fat from separating from the protein when heated, which is a common issue with natural cheeses.

For a healthier option, choose natural cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss, which are typically made with fewer ingredients. Reading the product label and ingredient list is the best way to determine the level of processing.

Yes, one of the main advantages of processed cheese is its significantly longer shelf life. The added preservatives inhibit mold growth and the heat-processing ensures the product remains stable for extended periods.

Yes, you can create a healthier version by packing natural cheese slices, whole-grain crackers, and lean deli meat. This allows for control over the ingredients, reducing sodium and additives.