Lunchables: Coming Soon To a School Cafeteria Near You

School lunches can be a contentious subject, from within the house (coming from a parent of two "selective" eaters), to even outside the home within the community. I don't envy the administrators who have to strike a balance between budgets and menus—and the regulations in between. Kraft Heinz, makers of those infamous yellow packages of build-your-own-bites, is planning to add another option to the cafeteria line starting next year.

That's right, Lunchables may be available at the school cafeteria to your students in the 2023-2024 school year. Whether this is welcome news or eye-roll-inducing is as subjective as whether you bring or buy to begin with. But I'm sure there will be many kids clamoring for a special chance to break one open in place of their usual fare.

Lunchables in Schools

According to Kraft Heinz Away From Home, the Lunchables "now built for schools" will come in two varieties: Turkey and Cheddar Cracker Stacks and Extra Cheesy Pizza. The nutrition and package size have both been altered to meet standards set by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The NSLP is a federally assisted meal program that has operated in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions since 1946.

Currently, the Turkey and Cheddar stackers come in a 3.2-ounce package while the Extra Cheesy Pizza comes in at 4.2 ounces in stores. The upgraded packs for students will be 3.5 ounces and 5.05 ounces respectively. To further comply with NSLP standards Kraft Heinz had to reformulate to reduce saturated fat and sodium.

Schools will have the option to buy Lunchables in bulk to offer the kiddos, though no word yet on price.

More School Lunch Inspiration

Not into the idea of peeling back your lunch lid? The novelty of the Lunchable might wear off in a week or so, especially for my aforementioned children that bring plain peanut butter sandwiches every. day. And while we're well into the academic year right now, it might be exciting to freshen up for the spring semester with fun spins like breakfast for lunch with these egg muffins, DIY PB&J "Sushi", customizable turkey wraps, and more great ideas.