Attention has shifted towards the nutritional content and safety of children’s foods, including popular items like Lunchables. A recent Consumer Reports investigation has raised significant concerns, mirroring past findings about heavy metals in baby food. 

At Little Spoon, we feel strongly that knowledge is power. When we learned more about the outdated and frankly unfair options that parents had for convenient mealtime, we knew it was time to do something about it. We understand that healthy mealtime convenience is crucial for busy families and that’s why we’ve developed our freshly made baby food, kids meals and Lunchers. We want to empower parents to make educated choices for their families so that they can find the option that works best for them. Here’s the lowdown. 

1. Alarming Sodium Levels

• The Issue: Lunchables intended for school lunch programs contain excessive amounts of sodium, with some varieties reaching up to 930 mg per serving.
• Bottom Line: Of course, sodium in moderation is completely safe and naturally occurs in many foods. However, sodium levels should be kept low  to support heart health and prevent the risk of hypertension in children. A varied diet with controlled sodium intake is crucial for long-term health. 
• Little Spoon’s recommendation: Our Easy Cheesy Pizza Luncher has 330 mg sodium, a third of the amount found in a Lunchable.

2. Heavy Metals Detection

• The Issue: Tests have found lead and cadmium in pre-packaged lunch kits, important to call out is that these levels are thus far within federal limits. Still, these findings warrant further investigation,  especially for young, developing bodies.
• Bottom Line: It’s critical for brands to be thoughtful and intentional about sourcing to ensure high quality from moment one. 
• Read more about Little Spoon’s approach to heavy metals here.

3. Ultra-Processed Foods and Additives

• The Issue: Many lunch kits are ultra-processed and contain additives designed to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life but may pose health risks.
• Bottom Line: Prioritizing whole,non-GMO ingredients that are minimally processed is key. 
• Little Spoon’s recommendation: Our new Guac Nacho Dips Luncher is delicious and  free from unnecessary additives, focusing on providing a balanced, nutritious and delicious meals parents + kids can love. 

4. Nutritional Content and Variety

• The Issue: The reliance on pre-packaged meals like Lunchables can limit dietary variety, essential for a balanced diet and proper nutrient intake.
• Bottom Line: Children should receive a broad variety of nutrients, flavors, and textures, promoting a well-rounded diet and palate development. 
• Little Spoon promotes a varied diet from day one. Check out our 40+ organic Babyblends built to encourage a diverse diet. 

5. Advocacy for Better Food Standards

• The Issue: The presence of concerning substances in children’s foods highlights the need for stricter food standards and transparency.
• Bottom Line: Little Spoon advocates for higher food safety standards and partners with organizations that push for consumer transparency. We believe in using our voice to support changes that will benefit all children.

While no food system is perfect due to environmental factors like pollution affecting soil and water, informed choices can really reduce exposure risks. By choosing better food options and advocating for higher standards, together, we can make a significant impact on the nutritional well-being of our children.

At Little Spoon, we’re  committed to providing safe, nutritious, and enjoyable meals that support the health of our little ones.