Lunchables will no longer be available on school cafeteria menus across the country due to lower-than-expected demand.
Here’s everything you need to know about the decision and its impact.
Why Kraft Heinz Pulled Lunchables from Schools
Food and beverage giant Kraft Heinz, announced Tuesday that it would remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which provides discounted or free meals to over 30 million low-income children.
The company introduced two specially formulated versions — Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Extra Cheesy Pizza — into schools during the 2023-2024 academic year. However, sales fell short, making up only 1% of overall Lunchables sales, according to the company.
“While many school administrators were excited to have these options, the demand did not meet our targets,” Kraft Heinz said in a statement. “Lunchables products are not available in schools this year, and we hope to revisit at a future date.”
Consumer Reports Praises the Decision
Consumer Reports applauded the move, citing health concerns. “Lunchables and other lunch kits with concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals have no place on the school lunch menu,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports. Ronholm has been vocal in opposing the inclusion of Lunchables in the program and previously advocated for their removal.
High Levels of Sodium, Lead and Cadmium
In April 2024, Consumer Reports urged the USDA to remove Lunchables from schools after tests revealed high sodium levels, as well as the presence of lead and cadmium.
School-specific versions of Lunchables were found to have even higher sodium levels than their retail counterparts, raising further concerns from advocacy groups. The school version of the pizza variety contains 700 mg of sodium compared to 510 mg in the store version.
The tests also found phthalates — plastic-related chemicals linked to reproductive issues, diabetes, and some cancers. “Lunchables are not a healthy option for kids and shouldn’t be allowed on the menu as part of the National School Lunch Program,” Ronholm stated in a petition to the USDA.
What’s Next for Kraft Heinz and School Lunches
While Kraft Heinz remains open to revisiting the inclusion of Lunchables in the future, the company acknowledged the challenges of aligning its products with both federal nutrition standards and consumer expectations.
For now, the focus remains on providing healthier, balanced options for students through the NSLP, as the debate over the role of processed foods in school meals continues.
For more smart consumer coverage, please sign up for our free newsletters.
