Are Lunchables Nutritious or Unhealthy?

It appears that the snack kids have enjoyed for a long time might not be very good for you.

This article will explain why Lunchables have become popular and why they can be harmful. We'll look at what Lunchables are made of and why they don't match up to real, nutritious food.

What Makes Lunchables so Popular?

Why don't kids like lunch? Well, it's pretty boring for them. They don't like having to sit still and eat healthy food like casseroles or carrot sticks when they'd rather have pizza and candy. Moms understand the frustration of packing a lunch with care only to see it come home hardly touched.

Lunchables is a clever solution to this problem. Moms across the country are drawn to these convenient meal kits because they're quick and easy for kids to handle—and kids actually like them. They come in flavors that kids enjoy, and they're interactive too. Kids can put together their own lunches, turning what used to be a dull mealtime into something fun and interesting.

Kids' favorite Lunchables options are things like Pizza and Treatza, Light Bologna and American Cracker Stackers, Kabobbles, and Pepperoni Pizza. They also really enjoy the Breakfast Bacon and Pancake Dipper and the Duo Dunks.

And let's face it, moms. Sometimes you just need a break! And who doesn't appreciate a little shortcut every now and then?

Are Lunchables a Recommended Snack Option?

Lunchables are convenient snacks that can help if you have a picky eater, ensuring they have something to eat. However, Lunchables contain a lot of processed foods like white flour crackers, nachos, or tortillas. The meats and sauces in these packs don’t offer much in the way of nutrition.

The Fun Packs are even less healthy because they come with sugary drinks and cookies, and they don't include any vegetables, milk, or other nutritious foods apart from small amounts of cheese. While it's okay to have these occasionally, especially when you're busy, it's better not to rely on them too much.

The small portions of these snacks don't give your child all the important vitamins and minerals they need. Plus, they have lots of sugars and processed carbs that can make your child more likely to become overweight or get diabetes. It's best to have your child eat meals provided by the school or bring lunch from home.

Even though some snacks claim to be packed with calcium and protein, they can't compare to the healthy goodness of homemade food. Meals made at home have way more nutrition and are better for your child.

The Health Risks of Lunchables

Lunchables contain some of the worst additives and ingredients for kids. Each one is packed with questionable stuff that can be bad for growing bodies. Eating them regularly can lead to health problems and diseases.

Now, let’s talk about what’s inside Lunchables like Ham + American, Pepperoni + Mozzarella, and Light Bologna + American Cracker Stackers. They all use graham or Ritz crackers, which have empty calories and zero fiber.

Simply put, these food items are not good for you or your kids. They contain oils high in trans-fat, which can lead to cholesterol and heart problems.

The Nachos, Cheese Dip, Salsa, and 6-Inch Sub Sandwiches have Kraft Cheese (mostly cheddar) and deli meats, which are packed with sodium. Too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of obesity.

The cheeses and meats also have preservatives like nitrite and nitrates, which when combined, can form substances that may be harmful to your health. There are other additives like emulsifiers, palm oil, and sodium benzoate that might be linked to issues like ADHD and trouble focusing.

The additional snacks and drinks in these packs, like Kool-Aid, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats, Snack Stacks crisps, chocolate chip cookies, and Cheez-Its, are also low in nutritional value and best avoided.

Is it Safe for Pregnant Women to Eat Lunchables?

Pregnant women should steer clear of eating Lunchables too often. These packaged meals contain lots of additives and chemicals that aren't good for expecting moms and their babies. Even though the deli meats in Lunchables might say they're lean, they can actually be quite fatty.

These pre-packaged meats can sometimes have a harmful bacterium called Listeria. This can lead to a serious type of food poisoning called listeriosis, which is especially risky for pregnant women. If the meat isn't processed properly, it can increase the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth, or meningitis for either the woman or her baby.

Listeria can be harmful during pregnancy, causing problems and slowing down the baby's growth. Pregnant women are more at risk because their immune systems are weaker and can't fight off infections as well.

If you're pregnant and craving Lunchables, it's safer to heat the meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any germs that could make you sick. The high sodium levels could also raise your blood pressure and potentially cause early labor. Additionally, the artificial ingredients might pass through the placenta and harm the baby's health.

What is the shelf life of Lunchables?

Lunchables typically stay good for about 3-5 weeks if you haven't opened them. It's best to keep them in the fridge or freezer in sealed containers to prevent odors from getting in. If your Lunchable has crackers, though, it's better not to refrigerate them because they can become soft and less tasty.

If you leave a Lunchable out in the open, it won't last as long—probably only 2-3 weeks or less. Look for the expiry date on the label, but if there isn't one, don't eat it after 3 weeks. Even though most of the food in Lunchables lasts a while and doesn't spoil easily, it will eventually go bad. The meats that are smoked or preserved with salt or brine will last longer, but after 3 weeks, the chance of bacteria and mold grows. So, make sure to eat them before then or throw them out within a week of their expiry date.

It's true what they say—taking shortcuts isn't worth it. A healthy childhood is more important than avoiding a few complaints, right? So, let's say goodbye to Lunchables and head back to the kitchen!

Disclaimer: 

Dr. Berner does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical diseases or conditions; instead, he analyzes and corrects the structure of his patients with Foundational Corrections to improve their overall quality of life. He works with their physicians, who regulate their medications. This blog post is not designed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any other individual. The information provided in this post or through linkages to other sites is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation, or the advice of your physician or another healthcare provider. Foundation Chiropractic and Dr. Brett Berner are not liable or responsible for any advice, the course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or products you obtain through this article or others.