A new lunch kit marketed as a healthier alternative to Lunchables is raising red flags.Lunchly, promoted by social media influencers MrBeast, KSI and Logan Paul, is the latest lunchbox craze that is said to be a better-for-you version of the classic kids' meal.But a new Consumer Reports investigation found that Lunchly may not live up to its health claims."We tested these kits just like we did Lunchables," Consumer Reports Director of Food Safety James Rogers said. "We found no reason to call them healthier and found similar concerning levels of lead to those we found in other lunch kits." While Lunchly markets its meals as lower in sugar and calories, Consumer Reports said those claims don't tell the full story."Yes, the sugar is lower, but it's replaced with two sugar substitutes. And overall, it's still a highly processed meal," said Consumer Reports nutritionist Amy Keating. Each Lunchly meal includes a savory food, a Prime Hydration drink, and a small chocolate bar, which may be delivering more than just a sweet treat.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<"We know from our past tests that chocolate can be a high source of lead," Rogers said. "In this case, we found that skipping the chocolate bar would drop lead levels in the kit by about 30%. But let's be honest, kids are going to eat the chocolate." In a statement to Consumer Reports, Lunchly said: "We take the safety and nutritional value of our products very seriously. We abide by all legal requirements that apply to our products, while also providing high-quality food and ingredients to our consumers."However, Consumer Reports noted the company's website does not include a warning about sodium content, which, in some kits, delivers nearly half of a young child's recommended daily limit. Nutrition experts said there's nothing wrong with eating a Lunchly kit occasionally, but they caution against eating them every day due to high sodium, processed meats and possible exposure to phthalates that can leach from plastic packaging.For busy parents, Consumer Reports recommends creating homemade lunch kits using real food in fun, compartmentalized containers. "Kids love choices," Keating said. "You can pack fruit, veggies, cheese and dips. It still feels like a lunch kit, but with a nutritional boost and fewer additives."Despite its flashy branding, experts said that when it comes to nutrition and cost, the best lunch is often the one made at home. >> Subscribe to WMUR's YouTube channel <<

A new lunch kit marketed as a healthier alternative to Lunchables is raising red flags.

Lunchly, promoted by social media influencers MrBeast, KSI and Logan Paul, is the latest lunchbox craze that is said to be a better-for-you version of the classic kids' meal.

But a new Consumer Reports investigation found that Lunchly may not live up to its health claims.

"We tested these kits just like we did Lunchables," Consumer Reports Director of Food Safety James Rogers said. "We found no reason to call them healthier and found similar concerning levels of lead to those we found in other lunch kits."

While Lunchly markets its meals as lower in sugar and calories, Consumer Reports said those claims don't tell the full story.

"Yes, the sugar is lower, but it's replaced with two sugar substitutes. And overall, it's still a highly processed meal," said Consumer Reports nutritionist Amy Keating.

Each Lunchly meal includes a savory food, a Prime Hydration drink, and a small chocolate bar, which may be delivering more than just a sweet treat.

>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<

"We know from our past tests that chocolate can be a high source of lead," Rogers said. "In this case, we found that skipping the chocolate bar would drop lead levels in the kit by about 30%. But let's be honest, kids are going to eat the chocolate."

In a statement to Consumer Reports, Lunchly said: "We take the safety and nutritional value of our products very seriously. We abide by all legal requirements that apply to our products, while also providing high-quality food and ingredients to our consumers."

However, Consumer Reports noted the company's website does not include a warning about sodium content, which, in some kits, delivers nearly half of a young child's recommended daily limit.

Nutrition experts said there's nothing wrong with eating a Lunchly kit occasionally, but they caution against eating them every day due to high sodium, processed meats and possible exposure to phthalates that can leach from plastic packaging.

For busy parents, Consumer Reports recommends creating homemade lunch kits using real food in fun, compartmentalized containers.

"Kids love choices," Keating said. "You can pack fruit, veggies, cheese and dips. It still feels like a lunch kit, but with a nutritional boost and fewer additives."

Despite its flashy branding, experts said that when it comes to nutrition and cost, the best lunch is often the one made at home.