The Influencer-Driven Entry: Lunchly vs. The Established Icon
For decades, Lunchables have been a staple of the lunchbox aisle, representing convenience for busy parents and a fun, buildable meal for kids. However, the rise of a new challenger, lunchly, launched by a trio of internet superstars—MrBeast, Logan Paul, and KSI—introduced a new player claiming to offer a "healthier" alternative. Marketed heavily to a young, online-savvy audience, lunchly’s launch created a buzz with its promise of better ingredients and lower calories. But a closer look, and assessments from nutrition experts, reveals that the truth is far more complex than the marketing suggests.
A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown
When comparing these two ultra-processed meal kits, it is essential to look beyond the surface-level marketing claims. While lunchly highlights its lower calorie and sugar counts, experts caution that this paints an incomplete picture.
The Calories and Sugar Calculation
Lunchly often comes in slightly lower on calories and total sugars when compared directly to its Lunchables counterpart. This difference, however, is not a victory for health. For example, Lunchables typically include a Capri Sun pouch, sweetened with real sugar, while lunchly comes with a Prime Hydration drink, sweetened with artificial alternatives like sucralose. Experts note that replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners is not an automatic health improvement, as the long-term effects on children are not well-studied and can be associated with other health issues. Furthermore, the calorie difference is minimal and does not compensate for the overall processed nature of the meal.
The Hidden Metrics: Sodium and Saturated Fat
One of the most revealing aspects of a fair comparison is what lunchly’s marketing deliberately leaves out: sodium and saturated fat content. Both brands’ kits are alarmingly high in both, and lunchly offers no meaningful advantage. These levels are a significant concern, as excess sodium is linked to high blood pressure in children, and elevated saturated fat can increase heart disease risks later in life. Neither brand meets the USDA nutrition standards for a school lunch.
Ultra-Processed Ingredients
At their core, both Lunchables and lunchly are comprised of ultra-processed ingredients. They contain processed meats, cheeses, and refined grains, which offer little in the way of fiber or whole nutrients. This high level of processing, along with the additives and preservatives, means that neither can be considered a healthy, everyday meal option for children.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Lunchables vs. lunchly
| Feature | Lunchables (e.g., Pizza) | lunchly (e.g., 'The Pizza') | The Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~$390 (with drink/candy) | ~$360 (with Prime/Feastables) | Lunchly is slightly lower, but the difference is minimal. |
| Sugar | ~20-21g (with Capri Sun/candy) | ~12g (with Prime/Feastables) | Lunchly is lower, but uses artificial sweeteners instead of real sugar. |
| Sodium | High, similar to lunchly | High, similar to Lunchables (often not highlighted) | Both are high in sodium, with one kit potentially reaching half a child's daily limit. |
| Saturated Fat | High, similar to lunchly | High, similar to Lunchables (often not highlighted) | Both contain high levels of saturated fat. |
| Drink Included | Capri Sun pouch | Prime Hydration bottle | Artificial sweeteners in Prime raise expert concerns. |
| Treat Included | Reese’s cup (varies) | Feastables chocolate bar | Heavy metals have been found in both brand's chocolate. |
| Controversies | High sodium, lead contamination | Mold reports, lead contamination, artificial sweeteners | Both brands have faced significant health and safety issues. |
Additional Concerns: Contaminants and Food Safety
Beyond the macronutrient breakdown, both products have faced scrutiny over their safety. Consumer Reports testing found detectable levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium in both Lunchly and Lunchables. The chocolate treats included in the lunchly kits were found to contribute significantly to the overall lead content. Additionally, lunchly faced viral backlash over multiple reports of mold found in products, with some reports appearing even months before expiration dates. While the company attributed this to potential transit or store-level issues, it highlighted significant concerns over quality control.
The Healthiest Alternative: The Homemade Lunch Kit
For parents seeking a genuinely healthy alternative, the choice is clear: homemade. DIY lunch kits, often assembled in multi-compartment containers like bento boxes, offer a solution that is superior in every conceivable way. This approach empowers parents to control every ingredient, avoiding the pitfalls of ultra-processed fillers, excessive sodium, and questionable additives.
Benefits of Homemade Kits:
- Complete Control: You choose the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, from whole-grain crackers to lean protein and fresh fruit.
- Nutrient-Dense: Easily include more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods that are often missing or lacking in packaged kits.
- Customizable: Cater specifically to your child’s preferences, dietary needs, or allergies, making lunch fun and personalized.
- Cost-Effective: Buying ingredients in bulk and prepping at home is typically much cheaper than purchasing pre-packaged meals.
- Safe: Avoid concerns over heavy metal contamination, mold, and phthalates found in plastic packaging.
- Educational: Involving kids in the assembly process can encourage healthier eating habits and build a positive relationship with food.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
In the showdown between what's healthier, Lunchables or lunchly?, the answer is a disappointing tie at the bottom of the scoreboard. Despite lunchly's clever marketing as a healthier option from beloved internet personalities, a close examination of the facts reveals that it is not significantly more nutritious than Lunchables. Both are ultra-processed meal kits high in sodium and saturated fat and have faced serious safety concerns. The most important takeaway for parents is that the healthiest and safest lunch option for children is almost always the one made at home with fresh, whole foods. For an in-depth report on the nutritional facts, review the investigation by Consumer Reports.
How to create a better lunch at home:
- Start with a Bento Box: The compartmentalized design replicates the 'fun' aspect of packaged kits.
- Add Protein: Include lean options like sliced turkey, hard-boiled eggs, or cheese cubes.
- Include Whole Grains: Use whole-wheat crackers, pita bread pieces, or small whole-grain wraps.
- Pack Plenty of Produce: Fill compartments with cut-up vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers, and fresh fruits like berries or grapes.
- Add a Dip: Small containers of hummus, guacamole, or a yogurt-based dip can add variety.
With just a few minutes of planning, you can create a meal that is not only healthier and safer but also more appealing and satisfying for your child than any store-bought kit.
