Doctor Mike Says Lunchly Fails To Meet USDA School Lunch Nutrition Standards

YouTuber and board-certified family physician Doctor Mike has spoken out about the backlash surrounding Lunchly, a new product from KSI, Logan Paul, and MrBeast. He labeled much of the criticism against these influencers as "unfair," despite acknowledging that there are issues with how Lunchly is marketed.

In September 2024, KSI, Logan Paul, and MrBeast launched Lunchly, a competitor to Lunchables aimed at kids. This new lunch pack claims to be a healthier alternative and includes a Feastables bar and a bottle of Prime Hydration. However, the product faced significant backlash, with viewers and fellow creators like DanDTM criticizing the trio for “selling crap to kids who don’t know better.”

Doctor Mike weighed in, stating that while Lunchly may not hit the mark in terms of healthiness, the criticism aimed at the influencers isn't entirely warranted. He pointed out that the product falls short of being meaningfully healthier than its competitor. “If a company was truly interested in creating a healthier lunch kit for kids, the USDA standards should be the minimum starting requirement,” he emphasized, noting that failing to meet these standards perpetuates the problem.

Mike also highlighted a significant nutritional concern: a single Lunchly pack doesn't contain enough calories to satisfy the average child's lunch requirements. With only 230 calories per pack, children would need to consume about 2.7 portions to meet USDA recommendations. However, eating nearly three packs would result in excessive sodium intake, reaching 1,300 mg.

In response to the criticism, the YouTube stars have defended their product. Logan Paul explained that the choice to exclude traditional healthy snacks like apples and carrots was intentional. “I want, and always have wanted, a fun lunch,” he stated, recalling his own childhood fondness for Lunchables. “I wouldn’t sell something that I don’t eat myself, and I wouldn’t find myself eating a carrot, celery, and apple slice lunch.”