How Long Do Lunchables Last?
Even as an adult, Lunchables are one of my favorite snacks. Sure, they don’t offer much in terms of nutritional value, but they’re okay to eat once in a while. So, how long do Lunchables last?
Factory sealed Lunchables will last anywhere from 2-6 weeks in the refrigerator. This is a general recommendation and it’s always a good idea to check the expiration date on the package.
Once opened however, Lunchables will only last 3-4 days. When packaged food is opened it’s quickly exposed to oxygen. Bacteria and other dust particles in the air can get on the food and make it go bad faster.
Do Lunchables Expire?
Yes, all Lunchables will expire at some point. This date will always change depending on the store you bought the Lunchable in and when it was made. Let’s use my Lunchable as an example (see photo below).
I purchased a Ham & Cheddar Cracker Stackers on January 19, 2024. And the printed expiration date on the package was March 2, 2024. That gave me roughly 6 weeks to eat my Lunchable, before it expired.
If you’re wondering, I ate the Lunchable on the same day I bought it. You should always be aware of the expiration date on food when you’re grocery shopping.
Something I’ve noticed is that stores tend to put items that are about to expire closer to the edge of the shelf. And if you reach behind them, there’s a good chance you will find newer items with a later expiration date.
Do Lunchables Need to be Refrigerated?
Lunchables should always be refrigerated, because they contain cheese, meats, and other products that can spoil in hot temperatures. Just think about where you might find Lunchables in the grocery store.
The answer? The refrigerated section. If that’s not a clue to keep them cool, I don’t know what is. There’s nothing wrong with keeping a Lunchable out in room temperature for 1-2 hours.
But longer than this (especially in a warm climate) can cause food to spoil. Even through Lunchables contain sodium and preservatives, they can go bad under the right circumstances.
If you’re ever questioning the quality of your food, you can always smell it to see if it’s spoiled. Nothing is worth getting sick over and if your Lunchable smells off for some reason, just throw it away.
What makes Lunchables Unhealthy?
As a nutritionist, I try to stay away from labeling foods as unhealthy. I believe that the best diet is all about eating the foods you want to in moderation. Once you start restricting certain foods, bad habits can develop.
With that being said, a Lunchable is not the most balanced thing you can put in your body. They are generally high in fat and carbohydrates, and low in protein. Lunchables also have a high amount of sodium per serving.
For example, there was 700mg of sodium in the Lunchable I ate. That’s roughly a 30% daily value for an individual following a 2,000 calorie (per day) diet. But that doesn’t mean you need to cut out Lunchables from your meal plan.
There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a Lunchable (or any other kind of treat) once in a while. Just don’t let these food choices become a daily habit. At the end of the day, it’s best to limited processed items and opt for whole foods with minimal processing.
