The Great Lunchables Shortage of 2021 explained

First introduced in 1989, Lunchables have since become a staple for the lunches of kids of all ages. From grade schoolers all the way to some adults on their lunch break, they have become a simple way to have a fun lunch without all the time needed to make one.

Offered in almost 30 various combinations by Oscar Meyer, Lunchables have become one of the best selling items in grocery stores nationwide and in parts of Europe. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and kids all began getting home schooled, that number dipped considerably.

Which isn’t shocking. The majority of parents just made lunch for their kids at home. Why buy Lunchables when you can prepare the same thing in your kitchen for your home schooled child and avoid the risk involved at the time of going to a grocery store?

Which doesn’t help explain why earlier this year the nation had to deal with the Great Lunchables Shortage of 2021. There were posts all over social media of empty shelves where Lunchables should be. And the fact this happened right as in-person learning began in September for many children made the situation even more dire.

Why did Lunchables disappear from store shelves in 2021?

Well, according to a report on Mashed, that could be the very reason why the Great Lunchables Shortage of 2021 happened. Yes there have been supply chain issues for just about everything and that did play a role, but not as big a one as you may think.

No, the simple fact was that more people were buying Lunchables last September than ever before and it led to shortages. Quite frankly, many parents were just sick of making their kids lunch every day and when in-person learning began, they sent them to school with Lunchables instead of a homemade lunch.

As Mashed reported, Kraft Heinz, who makes these on-the-go lunch packs, could not keep up with the demand they were seeing.

"“Compared to 2019, nearly 2 million more households bought Kraft Heinz brands in the second quarter of 2021… Lunchables is seeing double-digit growth for the first time in 5 years,”"

You add that many more people buying your product and shortages are going to be inevitable no matter how well prepared you are. Thankfully it looks like the Great Lunchables Shortage is over and they are back on store shelves waiting for your young ones to enjoy.

What do you think Guilty Eaters? Were you or someone you know affected by the Great Lunchables Shortage? Leave us a comment below and let us know or join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages.