Consumer Reports just released a scathing review of the popular snack Lunchables.

The group tested the meat and cheese boxed meal from Kraft Heinz as well as other similar brands. 

Consumer Reports’ registered dietitian said, “There’s a lot to be concerned about in these kits. They’re highly processed, and regularly eating processed meat, a main ingredient in many of these products, has been linked to increased risk of some cancers.”

The research showed that Lunchables contained 74 percent of California’s allowed level of lead and 49 percent of the daily recommended sodium for 4 to 8-year-olds. 

A CR scientist concluded, “We don’t think anybody should regularly eat these products, and they definitely shouldn’t be considered a healthy school lunch.”

A Kraft Heinz representative responded, “According to current science, processed foods arbitrarily classified as ‘ultra-processed’ are not necessarily less nutritious. In fact, many processed foods contain added nutrients, providing even more benefits to the consumer. The classification of foods should be based on scientific evidence that includes an assessment of the nutritional value of the whole product, not restricted to one element such as a single ingredient or the level of processing.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lunchables-lead-sodium-consumer-reports-kraft-heinz/