MrBeast defends Lunchly amid criticisms over health benefits and influencer marketing

YouTube stars MrBeast, KSI, and Logan Paul launch Lunchly, a healthier alternative to Lunchables.

YouTube personalities MrBeast, KSI, and Logan Paul have introduced Lunchly, a new lunch product aimed at providing a healthier and portable alternative to Lunchables. Despite its goal to offer a better-for-you option with lower calories and less sugar, Lunchly has faced criticism regarding its health benefits and the involvement of influencers in marketing kid-focused foods.

According to MrBeast, the goal of Lunchly is to "change what lunchtime looks like" by offering a "fun, grab-and-go meal" that is both "delicious" and "good for them." Logan Paul emphasized the mission to deliver "high-quality products" while challenging traditional snack options.

However, critics have questioned whether Lunchly truly offers a healthier option compared to Lunchables, citing the use of processed ingredients and the involvement of influencers in promoting kid-focused food items. One YouTuber remarked, "Just because it's branded with their names doesn't make it better than Lunchables."

Lunchables sells hundreds of millions of units and countless people eat it. Our goal is to give people a better for you alternative to it. Our turkey meal for example is 80 less calories, 60% less sugar, more electrolytes, we use real cheese they use “cheese product” (they can’t…

— MrBeast (@MrBeast) September 17, 2024

In response to the criticisms, MrBeast defended Lunchly in a tweet, highlighting its nutritional advantages over Lunchables. "Lunchables sells hundreds of millions of units and countless people eat it. Our goal is to give people a better for you alternative to it. Our turkey meal for example is 80 less calories, 60% less sugar, more electrolytes, we use real cheese they use 'cheese product' (they can't call it cheese), higher quality meat, etc."

MrBeast also acknowledged that while eating fresh chicken and broccoli is healthier, providing a higher-quality premade meal option at a similar price point is a "net good" in his opinion. "Obviously eating fresh chicken and broccoli is healthier but if someone is going to eat a premade meal like this (which millions of people do thru lunchables) then I think giving them a higher quality version at roughly the same price is a net good imo and why we launched Lunchly."

Lunchly will retail for $3.99 and be carried by large stores like Kroger and Albertsons. Concerns over its affordability in relation to more conventional choices, such as Lunchables, have been raised by this cost.