Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsConsumer Reports said in April 2024 that its tests detected lead and cadmium in Lunchables and similar lunch kits. None of the 12 tested products exceeded federal limits, but five reached at least half of California’s maximum allowable dose level for lead or cadmium. Those results describe the products tested then—not every Lunchables product or current lots.
What Consumer Reports found in its 2024 tests
Consumer Reports reported detecting lead and cadmium in Lunchables and similar store-bought lunch kits. Its testing also found relatively high sodium levels, and all but one of the tested kits contained phthalates, according to its coverage. The report’s results apply to its tested samples; the available coverage does not establish levels in current product lots. Consumer Reports’ April 9, 2024 article
One example was a 3.2-ounce Turkey and Cheddar Cracker Stackers Lunchables sample. Consumer Reports said its lead level was 74 percent of California’s maximum allowable dose level. That comparison does not mean the sample exceeded a federal limit. Consumer Reports
How to interpret the California and federal comparisons
Consumer Reports’ advocacy summary said five of 12 tested products reached at least 50 percent of California’s maximum allowable dose level for lead or cadmium. It also said none exceeded federal limits. These are different benchmarks: reaching half of California’s level is not the same as exceeding a federal limit. Consumer Reports’ April 9, 2024 summary
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- MEAT AND CHEESE SNACKS COMBO: Our Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Cheese and Crackers Lunch Kit includes white meat turkey, cheddar cheese and crackers in a 1.9 oz tray
- TASTY INGREDIENTS: Our meat and cheese tray is made with 100% white meat turkey and cheddar cheese made with real dairy
- STACK IT YOUR WAY: Designed for interactive eating, our stackable lunch snacks let kids mix and match for a fun, personalized experience
- 7g OF PROTEIN: Our lunch snacks contain 7g of protein in every meat and cheese tray to help fuel active kids through school days or after-school fun
- PERFECT FOR LUNCHTIME OR ON-THE-GO SNACKS: Our ready-to-eat tray is perfect as part of a kids lunch or a quick snack between activities
The reported 74 percent figure is likewise a comparison with California’s benchmark, not evidence that the tested sample violated a federal limit. The available Consumer Reports summaries do not provide a full product-by-product table of measurements, sample lot identifiers, or testing protocol.
What FDA says about lead in food
The FDA says lead can enter food from the environment where food is grown, raised, or processed. Its guidance states: “Because there is no known safe level of exposure to lead, the FDA monitors and regulates levels of lead in foods.” FDA, “Lead in Food and Foodwares”
Rank #2
- One single serve Hillshire Farm Snack Pack Honey Roasted Turkey Breast, Colby Jack Cheese and Wheat Crackers
- 14 grams of protein per serving
- Minimally Processed
- No artificial ingredients
- Ideal as a snack or part of a meal
The FDA also says that finding lead in a food does not automatically mean people should avoid it. Potential effects depend on the level, how much and how often someone consumes it, age, other sources of lead, and beneficial nutrients. Young children are especially vulnerable to potential effects during brain development. The agency recommends a variety of nutrient-dense foods across and within the main food groups; variety can limit exposure from any one food while supporting nutrient intake. FDA guidance
What the results mean for parents today
The 2024 testing is a historical snapshot, not a measurement of every product or current batch. The cited material does not provide current lot-specific testing, so it cannot establish the lead level in a package a family might buy today. Nor does detection by itself determine a child’s overall exposure or health risk; the FDA identifies amount, frequency, age, other exposure sources, and nutrients as relevant factors.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- One 2.76 oz, single serve snack pack of Hillshire Snacking Small Plates with Genoa Salami and White Cheddar Cheese
- Features mild Genoa sliced salami, sharp white cheddar cheese, and crisp toasted rounds
- Chef inspired ingredients and flavors for an elevated snacking experience
- Genoa salami snack sized plate features 16 grams of protein per serving
- Ready to eat savory snacks packs straight from the refrigerator
For general food choices, the FDA’s advice is to offer a varied diet rather than infer that one detection result settles whether a food should be avoided. Families with specific concerns about a child’s lead exposure can discuss them with a health professional.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened to Lunchables in the school meal program
In April 2024, Consumer Reports urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program after publishing its test findings. In November 2024, Kraft Heinz said it was withdrawing its school-designed Lunchables from the program, citing demand below company targets. The Associated Press reported that school-meal sales accounted for less than 1 percent of overall Lunchables sales during the prior academic year. The available reporting does not establish that Consumer Reports’ testing caused the company’s decision. Associated Press, November 12, 2024
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MEAT AND CHEESE SNACKS COMBO: Our Lunchables Turkey & Cheddar Cheese and Crackers Lunch Kit includes white meat turkey, cheddar cheese, and crackers in a single 3.2 oz tray
- TASTY INGREDIENTS: Our meat and cheese snack is made with 100% white meat turkey and cheddar cheese made with real dairy
- STACK IT YOUR WAY: Designed for interactive eating, our stackable lunch snacks let kids mix and match for a fun, personalized experience
- PROTEIN SNACK: Our kit contains 12g of protein in every meat and cheese tray to help fuel active kids through school days or after-school fun
- PERFECT FOR LUNCHTIME OR ON-THE-GO SNACKS: Our ready-to-eat tray is perfect as part of a kids lunch or a quick snack between activities
Rank #4
- MEAT AND CHEESE SNACKS COMBO: Our Lunchables Ham & Cheddar Cheese and Crackers Lunch Kit includes ham with water and smoke flavor added, cheddar cheese and crackers in a 1.9 oz tray
- TASTY INGREDIENTS: Our meat and cheese snack contains no artificial dyes or flavors and cheddar cheese made with real dairy
- STACK IT YOUR WAY: Designed for interactive eating, our stackable lunch snacks let kids mix and match for a fun, personalized experience
- 7g OF PROTEIN: Our lunch snacks contain 7g of protein in every meat and cheese tray to help fuel active kids through school days or after-school fun
- PERFECT FOR LUNCHTIME OR ON-THE-GO SNACKS: Our ready-to-eat tray is perfect as part of a kids lunch or a quick snack between activities
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
