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The number one way to know what's really in your food - and how highly processed it is - is to read the ingredient label.
There are some products that you just know are total junk food without even seeing what's inside like Doritos, Coca-Cola, and pretty much any Little Debbie Snack. Then there are others that I don't think are so obvious (to the average shopper), for example... Cheese and crackers? Peanut butter and jelly with fruit? All white chicken strips with a smoothie? C'mon, you have to admit those combinations sound more innocent and not nearly as bad as a Swiss Cake Roll.
It's no secret that these are some of the combinations packaged up and sold as Lunchables. I can totally see the attraction to buying these "lunches" for your kids. There is no question that they are convenient for the adults and desired by (most) little ones.
But, at what point do we stop letting the benefits of convenience outweigh the importance of our children's health?
I know we are all busy. Let's face it though, we all have the same 24 hours in a day and it's up to each individual to prioritize what is important in their own life. I don't think one Lunchable is going to put anyone's health over the edge, but please tell me that we can all agree this is not what we should be feeding our children on a weekly basis.
Let's take a look at what's inside those Lunchables!
Lunchables Contain...
Ingredients you know are bad:
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Hydrogenated Oils
- Artificial Flavors
- Mechanically Separated Chicken
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Sodium Nitrites
Ingredients you do not cook with at home:
- Sodium Diacetate
- Potassium Chloride
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Monocalcium Phosphate
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- Monocalcium Phosphate
- Calcium Propionate
- Whey Protein Concentrate
- BHA and BHT
Ingredients that are mysteriously evasive...probably for a reason:
- Flavor
- Natural Flavors
I also find it interesting that the ingredients for Lunchables used to be listed on their website - because I saw them there with my own eyes earlier this year - but when I went to "copy and paste" the ingredients for this blog post they had strangely disappeared. Clearly the Lunchables people don't want us parents spending too much time thinking about this stuff. So I took the liberty to type them up for you (below) straight off the package.
Lunchable 1: Chicken Strips with Smoothie
Out of the three lunches highlighted here, this is the one that took me the longest to replicate. But (to make things more manageable) you could prepare the chicken nuggets and smoothies in big batches ahead of time and store them in the freezer. You can get the "knockoff" divided containers I used online or at Target or Walmart.
Lunchable Brand Ingredients:
Fruit Smoothie - Water, Strawberry Puree, Banana Puree, Apple Juice Concentrate, Orange Juice Concentrate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Fruit & Vegetable Extract For Color.
Breaded White Chicken Strips - Chicken Strips - White Chicken, Water, Potassium Lactate, Modified Cornstarch, Contains Less Than 2% Of Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dextrose, Sodium Phosphates, Carrageenan, Sodium Diacetate, Lemon Juice Solids, Flavor. Breading - Wheat Flour, Dextrose, Yellow Corn Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Wheat Gluten, Egg Whites, Whey [From Milk], Spices, Caramel Color, Salt, Paprika [Color], Onion Powder, Extractive of Paprika, Celery Seed Extract. Batter - Bleached Wheat Flour, Food Starch-Modified, Yellow Corn Flour, Dextrose, Flavor, Garlic Powder, Extractives of Paprika, Monosodium Glutamate, Caramel Color. Seasoning Blend - Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour [Bleached Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Egg Whites, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Spices, Natural Flavor, Browned In Soybean Oil.
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies - Sugar, Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate {Vitamin B1}, Riboflavin {Vitamin B2}, Folic Acid), High Oleic Canola And/Or Palm And/Or Canola Oil, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Cornstarch, Leavening (baking Soda And/Or Calcium Phosphate), Salt, Soy Lecithin, Vanillin - An Artificial Flavor, Chocolate.
Ketchup With Starch Added - Water, Tomato Paste, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Sucrose, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Modified Food Starch, Soybean Oil, Sodium Benzoate And Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives), Dextrose, Onion Powder, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Spice, Natural Flavor.
Homemade Version Ingredients*:
Fruit Smoothie - Bananas, Peaches, Raspberries, Kale, Milk.
Chicken Strips - Chicken Breasts, Egg, Butter, Breadcrumbs (Unbleached Whole Wheat Flour, Malt Extract, Yeast, Sea Salt), Paprika, Garlic Powder, Parmesan Cheese (Pure Cow's Milk, Salt, Rennet), Sea Salt.
Dark Chocolate - Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa, Raw Cane Sugar, Vanilla Extract.
Ketchup - Tomato Puree, Sugar, White Vinegar, Salt, Onion Powder, Spices.
*Organic ingredients were sourced when possible. Not all ingredients in the "Homemade Version" are technically 100 Days of Real Food approved, but are still far superior to the store bought version.
-
Lunchable 2: Ham and American Cracker Stacks
Call me old fashioned, but (in an ideal world) I think everyone's lunch should contain some sort of fresh fruit or vegetable. So I took the liberty of adding organic grapes to this one.
Lunchable Brand Ingredients:
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies - Sugar, Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate {Vitamin B1}, Riboflavin {Vitamin B2}, Folic Acid), High Oleic Canola And/Or Palm And/Or Canola Oil, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Cornstarch, Leavening (baking Soda And/Or Calcium Phosphate), Salt, Soy Lecithin, Vanillin - An Artificial Flavor, Chocolate.
Cooked Ham - Water Added - Chopped and Formed - Smoke Flavor Added - Ham, Water, Contains Less Than 2% Of Sodium Lactate, Potassium Chloride, Modified Cornstarch, Sugar, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Ascorbate, Flavor, Sodium Nitrite, Smoke Flavor.
Pasteurized Prepared American Cheese Product - Milk, Water, Milkfat, Milk Protein Concentrate, Whey, Whey Protein Concentrate, Contains Less Than 2% Of Sodium Citrate, Salt, Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid As A Preservative, Cheese Culture Enzymes, Oleoresin Paprika (Color), Annatto (Color), With Starch Added For Slice Separation.
Crackers - Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vegetable Shortening (Soybean Oil, Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil With TBHQ And Citric Acid Added To Help Flavor), Sugar, Leavenings (Baking Soda And/Or Monocalcium Phosphate), Salt, Whey (From Milk), Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Enzymes.
Homemade Version Ingredients*:
Dark Chocolate - Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa, Raw Cane Sugar, Vanilla Extract.
Organic Ham - Pork, Water. Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Sea Salt, Honey, Cane Sugar, Celery Powder.
Cheddar Cheese - Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Cheese Culture, Rennet, Annatto Color.
TJs Whole-Wheat Wafer Crackers - Whole Wheat, High Oelic Safflower Oil and/or High Oelic Sunflower Oil, Salt.
Grapes - Grapes
*Organic ingredients were sourced when possible. Not all ingredients in the "Homemade Version" are technically 100 Days of Real Food approved, but are still far superior to the store bought version.
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Lunchable 3: Pizza with Pepperoni
A lot of people seem to think of pizza as "junk food," but if it's made with 100% whole-wheat crust, organic cheese and sauce, and accompanied by a "real" vegetable then what's so bad about it? I say dig in and, if you are a pepperoni fan, treat yourself to an organic version (Applegate makes one) on occasion.
Lunchable Brand Ingredients:
Pizza Crust - Wheat Flour (Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour [Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Whole Wheat Flour), Water Sugar, Glycerin, Soybean Oil, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Yeast, Vital Wheat Gluten, Mono- & Diglycerides, Salt, Xantham Gum, Calcium Propionate, Sorbic Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Enzyme.
Pizza Sauce - Water, Tomato Paste, Sugar, Contains Less Than 2% Of Modified Food Starch, Garlic Powder, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice, Citric Acid, Dried Basil, Sea Salt, Potassium Sorbate Added As A Preservative, Xantham Gum, Natural Flavor.
Pepperoni Made WIth Pork, Chicken And Beef - BHA, BHT And Citric Acid Added To Help Protect Flavor - Pork, Mechanically Separated Chicken, Beef, Salt, Contains 2% Or Less Of Pork Stock, Spices (Including Mustard), Dextrose, Lactic Acid Starter Culture, Oleoresin of Paprika, Flavoring, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Nitrite, BHA, BHT, Citric Acid.
Pasteurized Prepared Mozzarella Cheese Product - Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Water, Milk Protein Concentrate, Salt, Cheese Culture, Whey Protein Concentrate, Sodium Citrate, Milkfat, Sorbic Acid As A Preservative, Enzymes, With Cellulose Powder To Prevent Caking.
Homemade Version Ingredients*:
TJs Whole-Wheat Pita - Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Honey, Yeast, Sea Salt, Ascorbic Acid.
Pizza Sauce - Tomato Puree, Oregano, Salt.
Pepperoni - Pork, Sea Salt, Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Dextrose, Celery Powder, Spices Paprika, Paprika Extract, Garlic, Lactic Acid Starter Culture.
Mozzarella Cheese - Cultured Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Salt, Enzymes.
Carrots - Carrots
*Organic ingredients were sourced when possible. Not all ingredients in the "Homemade Version" are technically 100 Days of Real Food approved, but are still far superior to the store bought version.
Full Disclosure: I clearly had to purchase Lunchables in order to write this blog post. While taking the photographs and making the "knock off" versions I allowed my children to sample everything you see pictured here. I hope to raise children who don't just avoid highly processed food "because mommy said so," but instead because they realize it is far inferior. My older daughter didn't really like most of what she tried (and now knows what this stuff tastes like!), but my younger daughter, on the other hand, would eat anything and everything I put in front of her...including these. That is why I don't buy this stuff. If it's not around it is rarely ever an issue. Always a work in progress around here. :)
Beth in TX says
What do you use for your smoothies to pack them? I don't see them in your favorite containers and you've mentioned something else in an earlier post (which seems really expensive to me) but that's not what's in this picture.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Beth. Here is a link to pouches that Lisa has featured and for the ones in this post: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/07/11/3-ways-introduce-baby-toddler-real-food/ and http://www.littlegreenpouch.com/. ~Amy
Jenny says
Such a labor intensive post! I wasn't sure what it was about at first... why don't those lunches have vegetables? Then I read where you are recreating Lunchables at home using real food. When Lunchables first came out I thought every mother in America would instantly see how little food value was in them and they would fail miserably... but no, people actually give these to their children -- people who fuss over sunscreen and baby monitors and seat belts hand over these science projects for their kids to ingest into their bodies. I hope your homemade versions go a long way to open up blinded eyes.
kari says
I saw a couple other people ask about the pepperoni but did not see that the question was answered. Please let us know what kind it is that doesn't have the preservatives it in. My sons would be ECSTATIC to have that in the mix!
Laura says
I'm not on the team but I have found it funny how many people have asked this question. I got a response to mine so I can share w/ you ... Answer: She got it at Earth Fare and it is Applegate Naturals. For a store locator check out http://www.applegate.com/products/natural-pepperoni
Here in Chicago area I've seen Applegate Naturals at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, among other places.
Critical Reader says
I just checked the label of "Applegate's uncured natural pepperoni" and it demonstrates the entire failure of the food labeling rules. It contains celery powder, which is a natural source of nitrite. I just can't believe that it is allowed to label that pepperoni as "uncured". It is also advertised as "casein free", "gluten free", "dairy free", and "low carbohydrate". Can anybody show me a pepperoni that is high in carbs and/or has casein, gluten and dairy in it?
There are two lessons to be learned. 1. The organic food manufacturers are not an ounce better in advertising their products than "Big Food". 2. It is time for the consumer to get realistic. Curing is an old, traditional method to preserve meat; to make it microbiologically safe, to create a certain flavor and to preserve the color. For curing meat you need nitrite. If you don't like nitrite just don't eat pepperoni and other classically cured meats. What good does it do to kind of force the manufactures to lie to you?
Tiki says
I am a celiac and can assure you that a number of processed meats are hiding gluten. They use the starch to bind the meat. Dairy is also sometimes found as the meat may be injected with a mixture including milk to keep it moist. Applegate farms is one of two brands I can find at a foodstore on a regular basis that offers gluten free lunchmeat.
Lisa says
I agree with you. People need to realize that "uncured" and "no nitrates added" meat products are actually cured using the nitrates in celery products.
On the other hand: I believe products are labeled such because it makes it easier for consumers who want to avoid certain foods (dairy, etc) to know, at a glance, whether a product is safe, without having to stand there are squint through the ingredients label. More a convenience/courtesy than dishonest labeling (except the "nitrates/celery" thing).
kari says
Thank you, Laura!
Elizabeth says
Can you tell me about these pouches (the reusable green one and the Zipsicle one) that you use? I have tried those pointy smoothie things before but they ended up a disastrous lunchbag mess. I am curious about these new ones! Thanks for some great suggestions!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Elizabeth. Here is a link to the pouches: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/07/11/3-ways-introduce-baby-toddler-real-food/ and http://www.littlegreenpouch.com/. ~Amy
Jamie says
Thank you so much for this post and all the ingredients! My 8 year old daughter loves Lunchables but I cannot stand knowing she's eating all those unhealthy things. I will be making the 100 Days of Real Food version of Lunchables from now on! Thank you!
Tess D says
I love the little sauce pouches, too. In the picture, it looks like "zipzicles", so I googled and found these: http://www.zipzicles.com/ BPA-free!
Alison says
Lisa- What brand of pepperoni do you recommend?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Alison. Lisa doesn't buy it or other lunch meats often but this peperoni is Applegate Farms from Earth Fare. ~Amy
Brittany says
Lol! I love this ..I could look at these pics all day it like watching an extreme makeover show! Way to go Lisa!
Valerie says
We have always fed our grandchild healthy food. At one time she just HAD to have a lunchables pizza. I relented, took it home and cooked one little pizza. She ate one bite and that was the end of that. If you look at Japanese web sites, you will find something called BENTO. What genius! There are many web sites dedicated to BENTO. Little adorable boxes and containers and ideas for healthy food made to look beautiful. My grandchild considers it a real benefit to be able to take a Bento Lunch. Husbands like them too. Varied, healthy and beautiful.
Melissa says
For what it's worth, I always thought lunchables were pretty gross as a kid, especially the sandwich meat (slimy?).
Melissa says
But I love the fruit and cheese tray, etc, at Starbucks.
Mallory says
I'm curious about the "real food" dark chocolate, too. I can't seem to find any chocolate that doesn't contain soy lecithin. Where can I find some?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Mallory. Here is a post by Food Babe that compares several chocolate bar ingredients: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/10/31/food-babe-investigates-death-by-chocolate/. Hope it helps. ~Amy
Shannon Stoker says
I would love to send these with my son. How did you seal the top? Also, I too would love to know where you get the refillable pouches. Are they lined with BPA like the baby food pouches?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Shannon. I am not sure which container you are talking about Lisa is careful to not use containers containing BPA. The little tubes are: http://www.zipzicles.com/. ~Amy
Amy says
What do you use to cut/shape the lunchmeat? My cookie cutters are plastic... maybe a duh question
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. You can find the round cutters Lisa uses here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/. ~Amy
Anna says
I used to HATE that my mom wouldn't let us have lunchables. We went to school with leftovers, soups, sandwiches, and always some homemade dessert (and a note letting us know how much she loved us). Now I am so thankful for a mom who at least had the right idea. As a step mom whose step kids eat CRAP all week, meals on the weekends can be a real pill. I'm not giving up though!
Alex says
You always seem to find a wonderful balance of making things accessible and exciting for kids, and making it healthy / parent approved. Your straightforward, honest and realistic approach to food for kids is refreshing. Thanks!!!
Sarah says
Perhaps you have already answered this question, but what brand of pepperoni do you buy?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. Lisa buys Applegate Farms peperoni from Earth Fare. ~Amy
Jennifer says
This is great! When my daughter was younger she was nuts about Lunchables, but I was completely grossed out by the idea of her eating all that processed junk. So I bought one, and replaced the turkey with organic turkey (cut into circles), the "cheese" with real cheddar cheese and the crackers with whole wheat crackers. Then I glued the cover back on. Fooled her. :)I don't think she would fall for it now, so I just avoid that aisle! BTW, where did you get that reusable food pouch? I need that!!
Maryann says
I use so many of your ideas for my kids and for my husband and myself. Can I Ask what you have your pizza sauce stored in. I can see my 5 year old getting messy with that, but she would love this for a lunch at school. She chooses not to buy, i dont blame her
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi. The container is called a Zipcicle: http://www.zipzicles.com/. :)
~Amy
bloggoneit says
I just realized that because I never took the kids to McDonald's, they don't even ask to go there, not even as a 'treat.'
Just keep doing what you're doing and soon you'll realize that your children will find the processed food gross and disgusting, too. Their taste buds crave what they're given.
The key is to present the food to the child at least 6 times (or at least that is the magic number I remember). My fussy girl wouldn't touch beans at all and they're a huge part of our meals. Now she'll at least fork some into her mouth.
Heather says
A lot of loving caring parents truly don't know that this stuff is bad for their kids. No need to judge, let's just be a source of information for those great moms & dads who don't know yet.
Amanda says
These are great suggestions, Lisa. But commenters, please don't be so judgemental of people feeding their kids lunchables. until about 6 months ago, i personally didn't realize just how bad they are for you (fortunately, my son is only 1, so i learned in plenty of time). they seem relatively innocent - cheese and crackers, mini pizza, etc. so it's not OBVIOUS that they are terrible for you. my own mother sent them with me to school as a kid and i loved them. but 20 years ago, we didn't have the resources or information we have now. plus, my mother was a single, working mother (she and my father divorced when i was 2) and had limited time. my mother went above and beyond when it came to parenting me. she kept our home clean and safe, almost every night of the week she made a home cooked meal (no it was not organic, and yes she used plenty of processed foods to make them, but she took the time to cook instead of just heat up something frozen), and she didn't sacrifice the time she spent with me. the same is true for so many mothers today... plenty of which have multiple children and a similar lack of resources and information! so please stop demeaning and judging. just educate. And thank you Lisa for doing just that - educating without demeaning and judging.
Ginger says
You bring up a good point, Amanda. We should take that negative energy and apply it toward the food manufacturers who invent this stuff and package it to look appealing to the masses.
Tasha says
Thank you for all that. I to never realized how bad all this stuff was for me. Thankfully I was around great people who encouraged me to learn more while I was pregnant now I am "TRYING" to create a whole foods atmosphere for all 3 of us. My mom too always took time to cook for me and never knew about all the ingredients in processed foods, now I am (lovingly) trying to clean her diet up also :)
Caitlin says
Hello,
First off, great post. Really eye opening.
I was wondering about the chocolate bar. How you pick it and if you have any brands you recommend?
Thanks!
Caitlin
Laura says
Sorry, the word chocolate caught my eye so I thought I'd chime in! :) When I pick one, I turn over and read ingredients. I look for no "artificial flavoring" or emulsifiers. Of course, with organic chocolate bars you know the sugar is not from GMO sugar beets.
I personally like the flavor of 70% ish dark chocolate the best. Any darker and it's a bit too bitter straight up (add in cranberries or almonds though, and anything goes). Fair trade chocolate is even better, IMO. I have seen "Green & Black's" brand, and Dagoba brand as a few examples.
Meredith says
I love this idea of making your own. I do have a question, what type of container did you use for the pizza sauce. My son would love to take little pizzas to school. Thanks!
Cathy says
I think these ideas are great. And for all those moms who are like oh my god I can't believe people give these to there kids... My mom is one of these people, I was raised on this stuff and she keeps trying to give them to my son. Education or not some people are set in there ways and they don't care.
Eileen says
This is incredibly clever. Why not knock off something (the junk Lunchables) that is crazy-popular with so many kids, and in a healthful way? I do not see the harm in it and it looks like fun, too.
Karen says
I've been making lunch most day of my 4th grader's school life. He's never begged for lunch-ables, but in kindergarten came home describing someone's pizza lunch-able. We eat homemade pizza every Saturday, so it was no problem to make our own by reserving a bit of sauce, toppings and cheese. Today, by mere coincidence he has homemade and GF chicken nuggets, veggies (carrot, cucumber, pea pod, red and orange pepper) and homemade ranch dip, chia pumpkin pudding and an apple.
Packing lunch used to be hard, but as the years go by it easier. I even pack lunches for the 4 year old and myself, never know where we might go on the spur of a moment.
Angie says
I had lunch with my 1st grader at school one day, & the kid next to him had the 'nachos' lunchable -- so gross!!!!!! My kid is a junk food junkie & would eat any processed starch or other put in front of him, so I don't buy these things either. But I do constantly battle with snacks given at school or church that are definitely not on my list of acceptable items...I try to teach him to make good choices, but he really likes them. Ugh. (Fortunately he has no desire to buy hot lunch at school!) :)
Teresa says
That's just crazy...I don't understand that kind of stuff. We weren't allowed it when I was a child. We had plain cereal, basic lunches (sandwich with good quality bread/fillings and fruit). I'd have enjoyed your version of lunchables, but not those highly processed ones. Just yuck!
Caitlin says
I actually love this. I have a 7 month old, and I know I have a while to go before I start packing his lunches, but why didn't I think of this for me? My SO is a CO working 12 hour shifts, and these are perfect for him!! Thanks for such a great idea, even if it is for "kids" lol.
Selene L says
I cannot figure out why people even feed their kids that junk. It's a processed product, it is NOT food. There is enough education out there on this stuff that there is no excuse for kids to be eating it. Even my 7 yr old can figure that out. Thank you for sharing this and for providing options for us moms to treat our kids with an alternative that is not going to give them cancer down the road.
Kate says
Thanks again for another good post. I am a working mom and seem to be just as busy as when I was a stay at home mom when my kids were babies.
We are not quite 100% processed free food yet , but we arent far off and continually try to get one step closer to healthier as well as more informed choices. These posts help us on our journey.
I dont buy lunchables. They are so over-processed it has never made sense and having it outlined really is helpful for our general society in my opinion. My kids do eat hot lunch and our school has healthier options like hummus, yogurt, fresh fruit and veggies and my kids pick that because they are used to eating it. I would like to increase our homemade lunches as the result of these posts. Maybe my own kids can help with the lunch preparation to help with time?:)
I loved the disclosure. I actually wondered if you cringed when you bought them for the pictures ha ha! I like that you let the kids try them too...I have had kids over that never were allowed candy and before I even realized it had eaten the whole bowl. I love your approach that you dont buy processed but that you realize you may eat it once in awhile at a party or for a treat.
Keep posting, you are helping us think!! (and my son's 4th grade class is still following the posts too and bringing in labels for discussion daily!!)
Heather says
While I appreciate that you are making people aware of the things they eat, I do feel some of this is over the top. For example, the ham in the second lunchable has lots of sodium and nitrate components to help preserve it. Your alternative uses a "celery powder." Same exact nitrates only not extracted in a lab so it can be called all natural or organic. You are still getting the same chemical makeup. A rose by any other name...
Lisa says
Heather - Are you implying that my versions aren't far superior (even if they aren't exactly "perfect")? Which one would you rather eat?
Tatiana says
I wouldn't eat either, and there's no way I would give them to my kids. Check out "Disease Proof Your Child" by Dr. Fuhrman. I know you are open-minded and looking to feed your family right so check it out :)
We have a messed up idea of what is good nutrition in this country. Hint dairy...
Laura says
I'd pick Lisa's all day long. You know the saying, don't let perfect be the enemy of good? ;)
Transfit says
What a great post! So much helpful information, and very eye opening. Thanks for sharing!
Brooke says
I LOVE that you are raising awareness about how awful these things are! Last year, my daughter started Kindergarten and it was the first year we ever had to pack her lunches. So of course, she wanted to bring lunchables like her friends at school had. Well, I bought them for her, not being as aware and mindful as I now am. She was taking them a couple times a week, I never gave it a thought. Well halfway through first quarter, she started developing a rash around her mouth. I took her to an allergist, had our primary care look at it, even a dermatologist. No one could figure it out. So I started researching myself. Come to find out, it was due to her having too much sodium. And when I got to thinking about it, those lunchables are PACKED FULL of all of that! I felt terrible. So we cut them out completely, and she hasn't had a rash since! Wish I would have seen this post last year! Thanks for all your hardwork and dedication to the matter!
Dawn says
There were a couple of comments about finding pepperoni with BHA/BHT. I've found 2 different brands without it at Whole Foods. One is the already mentioned Applegate brand. The other brand is by Wellshire. It is uncured small pepperoni rounds like the regular supermarket brands.
http://www.wellshirefarms.com/allergy-free-foods-database/00739-Pillow-Pack-Pepperoni
Michelle says
Where do you purchase the divided containers and pouches? This is a great idea and would work well with my family! :)
Marisa C says
I use the EZ lunchboxes from amazon. http://www.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-3-compartment-Containers-BPA-Free-Easy-Open/dp/B004UIRUJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379968439&sr=8-1&keywords=ez+lunch+boxes
They clean up great by hand or in the top rack of the dishwasher. Use reusable silicone muffin liners from Wilton for smaller items.
Jenifer says
Be careful about the EZ lunchboxes though... the compartments are leak proof and we've had strawberry juice (from the sliced strawberries as they sweated) leak into the other compartments and basically ruin a lunch. Talk about feeling bad when your 2nd grader comes home with his entire lunch intact and tells you he didn't eat anything because it was all ruined!!! I'll be getting the Ziplocs next time!
Jenifer says
Oops... I meant to say the compartments of the EZ Lunchboxes are NOT leak proof!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. Lisa's containers are Ziplock brand and they are leak-proof. You can find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. And here are links to the pouches: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/07/11/3-ways-introduce-baby-toddler-real-food/ and http://www.littlegreenpouch.com/. ~Amy
Cinda says
Thank you so much for the info! You have really inspired me. I, too, would like some suggestions for other healthier alternatives to lunch meat. Thank you!
Trisha Turner says
Thanks for this post. Last year I too made a home made lunchable build your own pizza lunch and my daughter has requested it again this year. Since you posted, this I did a quick google search for those zipzicle baggies and ordered them right away. Love the power of the internet :D
Sarah says
Great post! Just wondering where you got the "packets" that you have sauce in for the pizza homemade lunchable? Sometimes it's all about the packaging to make food cool for my little guy. Thanks!
Katie says
I think they are Zipsicles, which are intended as reusable freezie-pop bags.
Angela Mireles says
So very happy I stumbled upon your blog as I was looking for healthy lunch recipes. I tried it today and I will get the verdict when my son gets home from school. I am sure he will love all the good eats I packed. We are usually pretty healthy eaters.
I was wondering when you make popcorn for lunches, how do you store it without it going stale?