Consumer Reports Praises Kraft Heinz for Excluding Lunchables from School Lunch Program

Consumer Reports has praised Kraft Heinz for its decision to exclude Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program. The organization is advocating for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement stricter standards for school lunches.

This year, Consumer Reports petitioned the USDA to remove Lunchables from the approved list of school lunches after assessing various products for lead, sodium, and other harmful chemicals.

In 2023, Kraft Heinz introduced two varieties of Lunchables that complied with federal school lunch requirements for K-8 students: turkey and cheese, as well as extra cheesy pizza. These options were distinct from those sold in retail outlets.

“Last year, we brought two (National School Lunch Program) compliant Lunchables options to schools that had increased protein," said a representative from Lunchables. "While many school administrators were excited to have these options, the demand did not meet our targets. This happens occasionally across our broad portfolio, especially as we explore new sales channels. Lunchables products are not available in schools this year and we hope to revisit at a future date. The NSLP compliant Lunchables sales last school year were far less than 1% of overall Lunchables sales, so business impact is negligible.”

Consumer Reports emphasized that high levels of lead and sodium in food can pose serious health risks.

“Lunchables and other lunch kits with concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals have no place on the school lunch menu,” stated Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports. “We’re pleased that Kraft Heinz has pulled Lunchables from the school lunch program after lower than expected demand from school districts across the country. The USDA should maintain stricter eligibility standards for the school lunch programs so that millions of kids who depend on it receive healthier options.”

Kraft Heinz defended its products by stating that Consumer Reports' petition was "misleading" and asserted that their offerings tested "well below acceptable limits."

"By offering Lunchables in schools, we’re able to help meet schools’ needs by giving them affordable, convenient solutions that provide students with quality nutrition at lunchtime," said a company representative. "We’ve received feedback that products like Lunchables are more trusted by school administrators due to our strict food safety and quality guarantee. We see our work with schools as a solution to valid struggles schools may face."