Lunchables vs. Lunchly by MrBeast – What is better?

Picking the right school snack for your teenage boys can be tough. Parents are stuck between what’s healthy and what social media promotes. 

Recently, YouTubers MrBeast, KSI, and Logan Paul introduced their new product Lunchly, which they claim is a “healthier” alternative to Lunchables.  Teens are excited about Lunchly. It’s marketed as a “healthier” choice compared to Lunchables.

However, despite the excitement, Lunchly has faced huge backlash from health experts and parents alike, with many questioning whether it truly lives up to its claims. Famous Youtuber and father of 2 kids DanDTM called out MrBeast, Logan, and KSI for promoting unhealthy to kids.

So, are these snacks really healthy, or just cleverly marketed? Let’s dig into what Lunchly offers and compare it with Lunchables to see which snack, if any, meets the needs of active teenage boys.

What Is Lunchly and What Does It Include?

Lunchly is the latest snack product promoted by MrBeast, Logan Paul, and KSI. With their massive followings, these influencers quickly made Lunchly a sensation among teens. 

The product was marketed as a healthier snack choice compared to the well-known Lunchables.

So, what exactly is inside Lunchly?

• Real Cheese: Unlike Lunchables’ processed cheese, Lunchly features real cheese, a point highlighted by Logan Paul himself as a “better-for-you” option.
• PRIME Drink: Instead of the sugary Capri Sun included in Lunchables, Lunchly comes with PRIME, a sports drink co-created by Logan Paul and KSI. While it has less sugar, it contains more sodium.
• Lean Turkey and Crackers: Like Lunchables, Lunchly features deli meat (turkey) and crackers, but critics argue that it’s still ultra-processed and not significantly better in terms of nutritional value.

Is Lunchly Really Healthier?

The backlash against Lunchly started shortly after its launch, with health experts calling into question its “healthy” branding. Critics argue that Lunchly’s packaging and marketing are misleading, especially when examined closely against nutritional standards.

Logan Paul, in particular, claimed Lunchly is a healthier option. But one nutritionist pushed back, stating, “While Lunchly may have some improvements over Lunchables, it’s far from a healthy choice. The sodium content alone is concerning for growing teenagers.”

Another expert noted that while the product includes real cheese and PRIME has less sugar, these factors do not automatically make Lunchly a balanced, nutritious option.

Lunchables vs. Lunchly Nutritional Value

Nutrition plays a huge role in snack choices for active teens, and unfortunately, both Lunchables and Lunchly fall short of meeting ideal standards for healthy snacks.

Lunchables

• Calories: 270 (Turkey & Cheddar)
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Sugar: 9g (with Capri Sun)
• Cheese Type: Processed Cheese

Lunchly

• Calories: 230 (Turkey Kit)
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Sugar: 2g (with PRIME)
• Cheese Type: Real Cheese

While Lunchly has fewer calories and sugar than Lunchables, the sodium levels remain concerning. A health expert pointed out, “Sure, Lunchly has less sugar, but the sodium is high. And calling it an ‘electrolyte drink’ doesn’t make PRIME automatically healthy.”

Ideal Nutrition Levels for Teens – USDA Guidelines

The USDA recommends that active teenage boys consume 625 calories per meal and less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Additionally, saturated fats and added sugars should make up less than 10% of daily calories. 

Teens also need sufficient protein, calcium, and vitamins to support growth, but snacks high in processed ingredients often miss these marks. While convenient, both Lunchables and Lunchly fall short of these guidelines due to high sodium, low calorie content, and excessive processing. 

Healthier options like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are better choices for daily consumption.

What the Experts Are Saying

Health professionals are urging parents to look beyond the marketing hype of both snacks. According to USDA guidelines, less than 10% of calories should come from saturated fat and added sugars. 

However, Lunchly gets 23% of its calories from saturated fat, and its sugar content, while lower than Lunchables, still exceeds ideal limits.

One particularly concerning aspect of Lunchly is the high vitamin A content. As one expert stated, “Unlike water-soluble vitamins, you can’t easily get rid of excess vitamin A. It can build up in the body and lead to health issues.”

Should You Choose Lunchables or Lunchly?

Both Lunchables and Lunchly have their good and bad points. While Lunchables offers more calories, it’s high in sodium, sugar, and processed ingredients. 

Lunchly, despite having real cheese and less sugar, does not live up to all its health claims when you consider the high sodium content and lack of sufficient calories for an active teen.

Health experts agree that neither snack should be an everyday choice. Both are ultra-processed and are better as occasional treats. 

Parents should focus on healthier options like whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins that provide lasting energy for growing teens.

As one doctor explained, “It’s not about banning these snacks completely, but knowing their limits. Parents should offer balanced meals while allowing occasional treats.”

Whether your teen prefers the familiar taste of Lunchables or is swayed by the trendy appeal of Lunchly, moderation is key. And as always, be sure to check the nutritional facts before filling your child’s lunchbox.