Imagine grabbing a lunch that’s fun, tasty, and backed by your favorite YouTubers like Mr Beast, Logan Paul, and KSI. The Mr Beast Lunchable, officially called Lunchly, hit the market in September 2024, promising a “healthier” alternative to the classic Lunchables. With bold claims of less sugar, more electrolytes, and real cheese, this grab-and-go meal targets kids and teens who idolize these internet stars. But is the Mr Beast Lunchable really a game-changer for school lunches, or just a smart way to cash in on young fans? Let’s dig into what makes this product tick, why it’s sparked debates, and whether it lives up to the hype.
What Is the Mr Beast Lunchable?
The Mr Beast Lunchable, branded as Lunchly, is a pre-packaged meal kit launched by YouTubers Mr Beast (Jimmy Donaldson), Logan Paul, and KSI. It’s designed to compete with Kraft Heinz’s Lunchables, offering three varieties: The Pizza, Turkey Stack ‘Ems, and Fiesta Nachos. Each box includes a Prime Hydration drink (caffeine-free), a Feastables chocolate bar, and a main meal. Marketed as a “better-for-you” option, the Mr Beast Lunchable boasts lower calories, less sugar, and higher electrolytes compared to Lunchables. Available in major U.S. retailers like Walmart and Kroger, it’s aimed at kids and teens who want a quick, cool lunch. But with bold health claims, it’s worth asking: does it deliver on nutrition, or is it just repackaged convenience food?
Why Was the Mr Beast Lunchable Created?
The Mr Beast Lunchable was born from the trio’s desire to disrupt the lunch market. Mr Beast, Logan Paul, and KSI already had success with Feastables chocolate and Prime drinks, so combining these into a lunch kit made business sense. They saw Lunchables dominating the grab-and-go scene and aimed to offer a “healthier” version at a similar price. Mr Beast has said the goal was to provide kids with better ingredients, like real cheese instead of “cheese product” and higher-quality meat. However, critics argue it’s a move to boost sales for Prime and Feastables, targeting young fans who trust these creators. The Mr Beast Lunchable taps into their massive followings—Mr Beast alone has over 300 million YouTube subscribers—making it a marketing powerhouse.
Nutritional Claims: Is It Really Healthier?
The Mr Beast Lunchable markets itself as a healthier choice, but let’s break it down. According to Lunchly’s website, their meals have fewer calories (e.g., Turkey Stack ‘Ems at 230 vs. Lunchables’ 310), 60% less sugar, and 400mg of electrolytes from Prime compared to Lunchables’ Capri Sun (55mg). They also use real cheese and claim better meat quality. However, health experts like Doctor Mike, a YouTube physician, point out that a Lunchly meal covers only a fraction of a child’s daily calorie needs (about 625 for K-8 students). Eating multiple servings to meet calorie goals could spike sodium intake to nearly a day’s limit. While the Mr Beast Lunchable may edge out Lunchables in some areas, it’s still processed food—not a fresh, balanced meal.
The Mold Controversy: A Major Setback
Just a month after its launch, the Mr Beast Lunchable faced a serious issue: mold. YouTuber Rosanna Pansino posted a video in October 2024 showing blue mold in a Pizza Lunchly’s cheese, despite an expiration date of December 8, 2024. Her post, viewed over 13 million times, sparked similar complaints from customers on social media. The FDA received over 10 reports, including one illness linked to the product. While Lunchly’s team claimed strict quality checks, neither Mr Beast, Logan Paul, nor KSI directly addressed the mold issue initially. Logan Paul even joked, “I like my cheese moldy, bro,” which didn’t help. This controversy raised doubts about the Mr Beast Lunchable’s safety and quality, turning some fans away.
Public and Creator Backlash
The Mr Beast Lunchable stirred up more than mold complaints—it faced heavy criticism from fans and fellow YouTubers. Creator DanTDM called it “selling crap to kids who don’t know better,” accusing the trio of profiting off young fans. Others, like YouTuber Squiddy, argued it promotes processed food over healthy eating habits. On platforms like Reddit, users slammed the Mr Beast Lunchable as a “Lunchables ripoff” and questioned the creators’ motives, especially given their lack of nutrition expertise. Mr Beast defended the product, saying it’s a “net good” for those choosing pre-packaged meals. Still, the backlash highlighted concerns about influencers marketing to impressionable kids, especially when health claims seem shaky.
Marketing to Kids: Genius or Ethics Issue?
The Mr Beast Lunchable leans heavily on the star power of its creators. With millions of young followers, Mr Beast, Logan Paul, and KSI know kids will beg parents for Lunchly to feel “cool” at school. The packaging screams fun, with bright colors and buzzwords like “epic” and “drippy.” But this raises ethical questions. Critics argue the trio exploits their influence, pushing processed food to kids who trust them blindly. A Reddit user put it bluntly: “They’re banking on kids whining at the grocery store.” While the Mr Beast Lunchable may offer slight nutritional improvements, its real draw is clout, not health. This marketing tactic—using fame to sell to kids—has fueled debates about influencer responsibility.
How Does It Compare to Lunchables?
Comparing the Mr Beast Lunchable to Lunchables shows similarities and differences. Both offer pizza, nachos, and turkey-cracker kits, but Lunchly includes a Prime drink and Feastables bar, while Lunchables often pairs with Capri Sun and candy like Kit Kat. Lunchly’s Pizza has 360 calories and 12g of protein; Lunchables’ version is slightly higher in calories. Lunchly’s lower sugar and higher electrolytes give it an edge, but both are high in sodium and processed ingredients. Forbes noted that Lunchly’s meals are “almost identical” to Lunchables, suggesting it’s more of a rebrand than a revolution. For kids, the Mr Beast Lunchable might win for its “cool factor,” but nutritionally, it’s not a huge leap forward.
The Business Strategy Behind Lunchly
The Mr Beast Lunchable is a textbook example of influencer branding. By bundling Prime and Feastables into a lunch kit, the trio cross-promotes their existing products while entering a new market. Lunchables sells hundreds of millions of units yearly, so there’s clear demand. The Mr Beast Lunchable targets this space with a price point similar to Lunchables (around $3-$4). Analysts suggest it’s a move to revive Prime’s slowing sales and boost Feastables’ reach. The Mary Sue reported that Lunchly likely aims to leverage the creators’ fanbases for quick profits. However, the mold scandal and backlash could hurt long-term success unless quality improves. For now, the Mr Beast Lunchable is a bold bet on fame-driven sales.
What Parents and Kids Think
Parents and kids have mixed feelings about the Mr Beast Lunchable. Some parents appreciate the convenience and slightly better nutrition, with one Amazon reviewer saying their child “loves the cool packaging.” Others worry about the high sodium and mold reports, with a Reddit parent calling it “overpriced junk food.” Kids, meanwhile, are drawn to the Mr Beast Lunchable for its association with their favorite YouTubers. A Walmart review noted, “My son begs for it because Mr Beast is on the box.” The product’s appeal to kids is undeniable, but parents face a tough choice: give in to the hype or prioritize healthier homemade lunches. The mold issue has made many parents wary.
The Future of the Mr Beast Lunchable
Where does the Mr Beast Lunchable go from here? The mold controversy and creator backlash have dented its reputation, but the product’s strong branding and retail presence keep it alive. Lunchly’s team has promised to improve quality as they scale, which could address safety concerns. However, to win back trust, Mr Beast and his partners may need to be more transparent about production and nutrition. They could also expand flavors or add fresher ingredients to stand out. If they lean too hard on influencer hype without fixing issues, the Mr Beast Lunchable risks fading as a trendy fad. For now, it’s a bold experiment in the influencer economy, but its long-term success is uncertain.
1. What is in a Mr Beast Lunchable
A Mr Beast Lunchable (Lunchly) includes a Prime Hydration drink, a Feastables chocolate bar, and one of three meals: The Pizza, Turkey Stack ‘Ems, or Fiesta Nachos. Each is designed as a grab-and-go lunch for kids.
2. Is the Mr Beast Lunchable healthier than Lunchables?
The Mr Beast Lunchable has lower calories, less sugar, and more electrolytes than Lunchables, according to its website. However, it’s still processed food with high sodium, so it’s not a fully healthy option.
3. Why did people find mold in the Mr Beast Lunchable?
In October 2024, customers reported mold in Lunchly’s cheese, with expiration dates still months away. The issue, raised by YouTuber Rosanna Pansino, led to FDA complaints and questions about quality control.
4. Where can I buy a Mr Beast Lunchable?
The Mr Beast Lunchable is sold at major U.S. retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons. Check Lunchly’s store locator online for availability near you.
5. Why are people criticizing the Mr Beast Lunchable?
Critics, including YouTubers like DanTDM, argue the Mr Beast Lunchable exploits young fans for profit, offers minimal health benefits, and faced mold issues, raising concerns about safety and ethics.
Conclusion
The Mr Beast Lunchable, or Lunchly, is a fascinating mix of influencer marketing and convenience food. Launched with big promises of healthier lunches, it’s gained attention for both its bold branding and its controversies. While it offers slight nutritional improvements over Lunchables, the mold scandal and ethical concerns about targeting kids have sparked debates. For parents, it’s a question of balancing convenience with health; for kids, it’s about eating what their YouTube heroes endorse. As Mr Beast, Logan Paul, and KSI navigate the fallout, the Mr Beast Lunchable’s future depends on quality fixes and transparency. Will it redefine school lunches or fade as a flashy gimmick? Only time will tell.