Discontinued Lunchables

Lunchables, Oscar Mayer’s pre-packaged meal packages, have evolved since 1988. These simple, customisable meals with meats, cheeses, and snacks became a mainstay in American kids’ lunchboxes. Not all Lunchables have endured. Some were abandoned owing of consumer preferences, health concerns, or market forces. The discontinued Lunchables of the past are detailed here:

Historical Lunchable Discontinuations

1990s Discontinuations

• Lunchables Deluxe (1990-2009): Targeted at older kids and teens, this version included two types of meats and cheeses along with condiments like mustard and a mint.

• Lunchables for Grown-ups (1993-Mid 1990s): Marketed as a more sophisticated option with deli-thin meats, creamy herbed cheese, and crisp crackers, this version catered to adults but failed to sustain popularity.

• Lunchables with Pudding (1993-Mid 1990s): Featured lean honey ham, American cheese, crackers, and Jell-O chocolate pudding, but was eventually phased out.

• Low-fat Lunchables (1995-Late 1990s): Introduced as a healthier option, these Lunchables included lean meats and fat-free Jell-O desserts, reflecting an early attempt at addressing health trends.

• Friday Funday Lunchables (1995-Late 1990s): This variety was a fun pack that included deli meat, cheese, crackers, a Capri Sun drink, and a Reese’s peanut butter cup.

• Lunchables with Pizza Swirls (1997-Unknown): Known for its mini pepperoni pizzas and a dessert pizza, this variant was one of the earlier attempts to diversify the pizza theme in Lunchables.

• Taco Bell Lunchables (1997-2000): These kits offered miniature versions of Taco Bell’s tacos and nachos, but were discontinued, possibly due to concerns over processed ingredients.

• All Star Burgers & Mini Burgers (1998-Early 2000s): These included pre-cooked mini beef patties and buns, but were eventually phased out.

Early 2000s Discontinuations

• Waffles (1999-Early 2000s): Offered waffle strips with syrup, sausage patties, and a cereal bar, providing a breakfast twist to the Lunchables lineup.

• Pokémon Trading Cards Edition (1999-Limited Time): These included collectible Pokémon cards, which were highly sought after by collectors but were only available for a limited time.

• Pizza Dunks (Late 1990s-2005): Known for its breadsticks with cheese and pizza sauce, this product was discontinued as health initiatives gained momentum.

• Maxed Out Lunchables (Late 1990s-2009): Contained larger portions but faced criticism for high saturated fat content, leading to its discontinuation.

• Chicken Nuggets Lunchables (Late 1990s-Early 2000s): This version included pre-cooked nuggets, which required refrigeration and were eventually removed from shelves.

• Mini Tacos & Cinnamon Rolls (Late 1990s-Early 2000s): These varieties catered to niche tastes but did not last long in the market.

• S’mores Fun Snacks (Early 2000s-Mid 2000s): Included graham crackers, marshmallow frosting, and mini chocolate chips, but were later considered too sugary.

• Oreo Cookies & Frosting Fun Snacks (Early 2000s-Mid 2000s): Featured Oreo cookies with frosting, popular among kids but eventually discontinued.

• Fudge Brownie Fun Snacks (Early 2000s-Mid 2000s): Offered brownies with frosting and sprinkles, including a special Spider-Man edition, but were phased out.

• Marshmallow Crispy Square Fun Snacks (Early 2000s-Mid 2000s): Allowed for customization of Rice Krispies-style treats but were not sustained in the market.

Recent Years: Continued Changes

• Dessert Dunkers (Early 2000s-Late 2000s): Included cookies and chocolate dipping sauce but faced scrutiny for high sugar content.

• Breakfast Pancakes (Late 2000s-2010s): Featured mini pancakes with syrup packets, though issues with leaking syrup packets led to their discontinuation.

• Mini Hot Dogs (Early 2010s-Mid 2010s): Included miniature beef frankfurters with buns, but were criticized for their high sodium content.

• Italian Style Chicken (Early 2000s): This version combined chicken, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, but did not remain popular.

Market Adjustments and Health Concerns

Lunchable discontinuations typically reflect market and health changes. Some Lunchables were reformulated or discontinued because to high saturated fat and sodium levels as consumer understanding of health and nutrition improved. To combat obesity, UK Lunchables replaced sugary drinks and candies with healthy options in 2004.

Recent reports, such as the 2024 Consumer Reports on lead and phthalates, have called for more oversight and safer packaging. These considerations have greatly impacted which Lunchables are available and which have been discontinued.

FAQ

What are Lunchables?

Oscar Mayer Lunchables are pre-packaged meal kits including meats, cheeses, crackers, and snacks.

Why were some Lunchables discontinued?

In response to changing customer choices, health concerns, and market changes, Lunchables were discontinued.

Did Lunchables have adult versions?

Adult Lunchables like Lunchables Deluxe and Lunchables for Grown-ups were discontinued.

What happened to Pokémon Lunchables?

Pokémon Trading Cards Lunchables were a limited-time promotion with collector cards that raised their popularity but did not last.

Are there healthier Lunchables?

Due to consumer demand and health rules, Lunchables has offered healthier choices with less sugar and sodium.