YouTube stars Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, KSI, and Logan Paul recently launched a new product named Lunchly. Lunchly, which is positioned as a more health-conscious and portable lunch choice than Lunchables, comes with a variety of snack options like pizza, nachos, and turkey stacks along with Prime Hydration and Feastables chocolate. The concept sought to transform lunchtime by offering kids a healthier option.
Product Launch and IntentionsDonaldson explained that the goal of Lunchly was to "change what lunchtime looks like" by offering a "fun, grab-and-go meal" that is both "delicious" and "good for them." Paul emphasized the mission to deliver "high-quality products" while challenging traditional snack options. Criticisms and ConcernsAlthough the product's designers had good intentions, users and other YouTubers have criticized it. When compared to Lunchables, several reviewers have questioned if Lunchly actually offers a healthier option. The usage of processed ingredients and the involvement of influencers in promoting kid-focused food items have drawn criticism. One YouTuber remarked, “Just because it’s branded with their names doesn’t make it better than Lunchables.” Response from DonaldsonIn response to the criticisms, Donaldson defended Lunchly in a tweet. He noted that Lunchables, a popular product, sells hundreds of millions of units annually. He highlighted Lunchly’s benefits, stating that the turkey meal in Lunchly contained 80 fewer calories, 60% less sugar, and more electrolytes. Jimmy wrote, "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."
He continued, "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. Also as we get economies of scale and can get things cheaper we will be only improving the product more and more." Reception and Retail AvailabilityLunchly 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. Donaldson defended his remarks, but the reaction to them was still mainly unfavorable.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
