The Short Answer
Applegate Naturals Snack Packs are an acceptable, cleaner alternative to traditional Lunchables. They swap the concerning chemical preservatives, synthetic food dyes, and low-grade meats of classic lunch kits for 100% humanely raised, antibiotic-free ingredients.
However, "cleaner" does not mean entirely clean. These are still highly processed convenience foods containing refined grains, added sugars, and naturally occurring nitrates from cultured celery powder. They are great in a pinch, but shouldn't be an everyday lunchbox staple.
Why This Matters
Classic lunch kits are notorious for their poor ingredient profiles. When you look at Whats In Lunchables, you'll find synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT, which have been linked to endocrine disruption. Applegate removes these worst offenders, offering a peace-of-mind option for busy parents.
But the "uncured" label on natural meats can be highly misleading. While Applegate avoids chemical sodium nitrite, they use cultured celery powder, which still delivers nitrates to the body. If you're concerned about Nitrates In Lunchables, you need to know that your body processes natural and synthetic nitrates almost identically.
Comparing the two side-by-side in our Applegate Vs Lunchables breakdown shows Applegate is undeniably better. But building DIY lunch kits with fresh ingredients remains the absolute safest way to control exactly what your kids are eating.
What's Actually In Applegate Snack Packs
Applegate uses a relatively short ingredient list, but it still contains standard processed food components.
- Humanely Raised Meat ā Sourced from farms with no antibiotics ever, making it vastly superior to standard deli meat.
- Cultured Celery Powder ā A natural preservative that functions exactly like synthetic nitrates to cure meat and prevent spoilage. Nitrates In Lunchables
- Expeller Pressed Canola Oil ā Found in the crackers, this is a highly processed seed oil that many health-conscious parents try to avoid.
- Turbinado & Cane Sugar ā Used in both the meat and the crackers, adding unnecessary added sugars to a savory snack.
- Pasteurized Milk & Cheese Culture ā A simple, clean cheese profile with no artificial colors or anti-caking agents.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- No Artificial Preservatives ā Uses natural alternatives like rosemary extract and cherry powder to preserve freshness.
- Antibiotic-Free Sourcing ā Animals are raised without subtherapeutic antibiotics or growth hormones.
- No Synthetic Dyes ā Cheese and meats are naturally colored, unlike the neon orange found in some competitors.
Red Flags:
- Cultured Celery Powder ā Still delivers nitrates, which are linked to health concerns when consumed frequently in processed meats.
- Refined Carbohydrates ā The included crackers are made from enriched unbleached flour, offering very little nutritional value.
- Canola Oil ā An inflammatory seed oil used as the primary fat in the cracker formulation.
The Best Options
If you need a grab-and-go lunch kit, Applegate is one of the better choices on the market. Here is how their main options stack up against the conventional standard.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applegate | Naturals Turkey Pepperoni & Cheddar Snack Pack | ā ļø Acceptable | Cleaner meat sourcing, but still contains nitrates via celery powder. |
| Applegate | Naturals Ham & Cheddar Snack Pack | ā ļø Acceptable | Free of artificial dyes, but crackers contain refined flour and seed oils. |
| Kraft | Traditional Lunchables | š« Avoid | Packed with synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT. |
The Bottom Line
1. Applegate is a massive upgrade over Lunchables. They eliminate the worst synthetic additives and source much better meat.
2. "Uncured" doesn't mean nitrate-free. The cultured celery powder used in these kits still functions exactly as a nitrate in your child's body.
3. Use them for convenience, not daily meals. They are perfect for travel or emergency lunches, but Healthy Lunchbox Snacks should be the everyday standard.
FAQ
Are Applegate snack packs better than Lunchables?
Yes, Applegate is significantly cleaner than traditional Lunchables. They use humanely raised meat, simple cheese without artificial colors, and natural preservatives, whereas classic options are full of highly processed artificial ingredients. If you want a deep dive into the conventional alternative, read our guide on Are Lunchables Bad.
Do Applegate snack packs have nitrates?
Yes, they contain naturally occurring nitrates from cultured celery powder. While they legally label their meats as "uncured," your body processes these natural nitrates similarly to synthetic ones. You can learn more about this loophole in our Nitrates In Lunchables breakdown.
Can I make a healthier DIY lunchable?
Absolutely, and it's much cheaper. The best Healthy Lunchables Alternatives involve packing nitrate-free roasted meat, raw cheese, and whole grain crackers in a bento box. This allows you to skip the celery powder and refined seed oils entirely.