In a coup for its processed packaged kids’ foods called Lunchables, Kraft Heinz will move the ready-to-eat meals into school lunchrooms, beginning in the next school year.

The company had to tweak its ingredients slightly to meet USDA school lunch standards. The company said on its website that besides a lunch choice, the products will also be”great for field trips, summer school and dinner programs. One of the main selling points for schools is that the Lunchables for schools don’t need to be frozen, but kept refrigerated, ‘minimizing [school] labor needs and costs.’”

Two options are currently on the menu: turkey and cheese and an extra cheesy pizza. At least one food scientist isn’t happy about it. On his LinkedIn page Robert Lustig says, “The politics of school lunch just took a turn for the worse”.

“Are you sure you want Kraft-Heinz (home of the high-fructose-corn syrup ketchup) dictating your kid’s nutrition? There is a MUCH better way … Real food increases cognition. Real food reduces irritability. Real food reduces violence. Call your congressman. Get Kraft-Heinz out of your kid’s school.”

SOURCES:

CNN March 14, 2023

Robert Lustig Linkedin March 14, 2023