Tag

Lunchables

All articles tagged with #lunchables

Tobacco Playbook Repurposed to Sell Ultra-Processed Foods
health1 month ago

Tobacco Playbook Repurposed to Sell Ultra-Processed Foods

A new AJPH issue shows big tobacco used its cigarette marketing playbook to push ultra-processed foods after buying Nabisco and Kraft, including Lunchables, by optimizing formulations, boosting hedonic appeal, and creating products with quick reward cycles to drive repeat purchases. Experts warn UPFs are linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline (based on observational data deemed biologically plausible). The analysis draws on confidential industry documents and notes how tobacco tactics were applied to food brands amid corporate consolidations (Kraft– Heinz, Altria) and amid policy debates on subsidies, SNAP, and public health movements like Maha.

Kraft Heinz Withdraws Lunchables from School Lunch Programs
health1 year ago

Kraft Heinz Withdraws Lunchables from School Lunch Programs

Kraft Heinz has removed Lunchables from the US National School Lunch Program due to weak demand and a shift in business focus, despite concerns over sodium and lead levels in the supermarket versions. The decision follows a Consumer Reports investigation and the election of Donald Trump, who appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary, potentially increasing scrutiny on pre-packaged foods. Experts argue that removing ultra-processed foods like Lunchables from schools is beneficial for children's health.

Biden and Trump: A Political Reunion in Washington
news-quiz1 year ago

Biden and Trump: A Political Reunion in Washington

This week's news quiz covers President Joe Biden's meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, the removal of Lunchables from school menus due to high sodium levels, the formation of Tropical Storm Sara in the Caribbean, the FAA grounding flights to Haiti after aircraft were shot at, and Sen. John Thune succeeding Mitch McConnell as Senate majority leader. Additionally, Italian police uncovered a crime network forging artworks, and wildfires were battled on both US coasts.

Kraft Heinz Withdraws Lunchables from School Lunch Programs Nationwide
business1 year ago

Kraft Heinz Withdraws Lunchables from School Lunch Programs Nationwide

Kraft Heinz has withdrawn its Lunchables meals from U.S. school lunch programs due to low demand, despite initially designing them to meet nutritional standards. The decision follows criticism from nutritionists and advocacy groups, including Consumer Reports, which highlighted concerns over sodium and lead content in the meals. The company stated that the impact on its overall sales was negligible, as the school-targeted Lunchables represented less than 1% of total sales.

Kraft Heinz Withdraws Lunchables from School Lunches Nationwide
business1 year ago

Kraft Heinz Withdraws Lunchables from School Lunches Nationwide

Kraft Heinz has removed Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program due to low demand, despite initial enthusiasm from school administrators for the protein-rich options. Concerns over high sodium levels and updated USDA standards focusing on healthier school meals may have contributed to the decision. The company plans to reconsider offering Lunchables in schools in the future.

Kraft Heinz Pulls Lunchables from Schools Due to Low Demand
business1 year ago

Kraft Heinz Pulls Lunchables from Schools Due to Low Demand

Kraft Heinz has stopped offering its school-designed Lunchables meals due to low demand, despite initial excitement from some school administrators. The meals, introduced at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year, were intended to meet national school lunch program standards but faced criticism from nutritionists and advocacy groups. Consumer Reports highlighted concerns over sodium and lead content, leading to a petition to ban such processed meals from schools. Kraft Heinz stated the business impact was negligible, as sales were less than 1% of overall Lunchables sales.

Kraft Heinz Withdraws Lunchables from School Lunch Program
business1 year ago

Kraft Heinz Withdraws Lunchables from School Lunch Program

Kraft Heinz has removed Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program due to insufficient demand and concerns over high sodium, lead, and cadmium levels found in the meal kits by Consumer Reports. The decision aligns with calls for stricter nutritional standards in school lunches. Despite the removal, Kraft Heinz plans to revisit the program in the future. The school-specific Lunchables had higher sodium content than their store counterparts, raising health concerns.

"Report Reveals High Lead and Sodium Levels in Lunchables, Prompting Concerns"
health-and-nutrition2 years ago

"Report Reveals High Lead and Sodium Levels in Lunchables, Prompting Concerns"

Consumer Reports found high levels of lead and sodium in Lunchables and similar lunch kits from other brands, prompting concerns about the health effects on children. Kraft Heinz defended Lunchables, stating that the products meet safety standards and provide added nutrients. Medical experts warn that lead exposure can lead to neurodevelopmental and physical issues in children, while excessive sodium intake can increase the risk of metabolic disturbances, cardiovascular disease, and kidney impairment. Over 17,000 people have signed a petition asking the USDA to remove Lunchables from school cafeterias.

"Report Reveals High Lead and Sodium Levels in Lunchables, Prompting Calls for Action"
health-food-safety2 years ago

"Report Reveals High Lead and Sodium Levels in Lunchables, Prompting Calls for Action"

Consumer Reports found high levels of lead and sodium in Lunchables and similar lunch kits from other brands, prompting concerns about the health impact on children. Kraft Heinz defended Lunchables, stating that the products meet safety standards and provide added nutrients. Medical experts warn that lead exposure can lead to neurodevelopmental and physical issues in children, while excessive sodium intake can increase the risk of metabolic disturbances, cardiovascular disease, and kidney impairment. Over 17,000 people have signed a petition asking the USDA to remove Lunchables from school cafeterias.

"Consumer Reports: High Lead and Sodium Levels in Lunchables Pose Health Risks"
health-nutrition2 years ago

"Consumer Reports: High Lead and Sodium Levels in Lunchables Pose Health Risks"

Consumer Reports tested Lunchables and similar lunch kits, finding high levels of sodium and heavily processed ingredients, as well as lead and cadmium in some samples. Experts warn of potential health risks, including increased cancer risk from processed meat and hazards of heavy metal exposure, especially for children. Kraft Heinz, the parent company of Lunchables, disputes the findings, stating that their products meet safety standards. Nutritionists emphasize the importance of moderation, variety, and nutrient-dense options in children's diets, calling for healthier school lunch choices and expanded partnerships for nutritious meal options.

"Consumer Reports Urges Removal of Lunchables from School Menus Due to High Lead and Sodium Levels"
health-and-nutrition2 years ago

"Consumer Reports Urges Removal of Lunchables from School Menus Due to High Lead and Sodium Levels"

Consumer Reports released a study calling for the removal of Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program due to high levels of lead and sodium. Kraft Heinz, the owner of Lunchables, responded, stating that the study was misleading and that their products meet strict safety standards. While concerns about the healthiness of Lunchables persist, the USDA notes that it's not possible to completely prevent lead from entering the food supply, and it's the responsibility of food manufacturers to minimize chemical hazards. Lunchables have not been recalled, and their prices vary depending on the store.

"Health Risks of Lunchables: What You Need to Know"
health-nutrition2 years ago

"Health Risks of Lunchables: What You Need to Know"

Consumer Reports tested Lunchables and similar lunch kits, finding high levels of sodium and heavily processed food, as well as lead and cadmium in some samples. Experts warn of potential health risks, including increased cancer risk from processed meat and hazards of heavy metal exposure, especially for children. Kraft Heinz, the parent company of Lunchables, disputes the findings, stating their products meet safety standards. Nutritionists emphasize the importance of moderation, variety, and nutrient-dense options in children's diets, calling for more plant-forward, low-sodium alternatives in school lunches.

"Health Risks of Lunchables: What You Need to Know"
health-and-nutrition2 years ago

"Health Risks of Lunchables: What You Need to Know"

Consumer Reports found that Lunchables and similar lunch kits contain high levels of sodium and heavily processed food, with some also containing lead and cadmium, though within federal limits. Experts warn of potential health risks, including increased cancer risk from processed meat and hazards of heavy metals, especially for children. Nutritionists emphasize the importance of moderation, variety, and nutrient-dense options in children's diets, calling for more plant-forward, low-sodium, and culturally relevant school meal options.