Nutritional Information For Lunchables Jr

Lunchables Jr. are made by Oscar Mayer and are a smaller version of the original Lunchables; they target kids. Lunchables Jr. contain several nutrients that support health, learning and growth. However, they may not be something you want your child to consume every day because processed meats are high in sodium. There are several varieties of Lunchables Jr. Add some fruits and vegetables to increase the fiber and vitamins in this lunch product.

Fat

A child's daily calorie intake should be made of up 25 to 35 percent fat. Fat offers your child energy and helps his brain and heart function, but most of this fat should be the healthy kind and not saturated fats. The Ham and Cheddar Lunchables Jr. contains 8 g of fat, with 3.5 g being saturated. The Turkey with Mozzarella version has 6 g of fat, none of which is saturated. A diet that is too high in saturated fats contributes to an increased risk of heart disease and obesity as a child gets older.

Calories

Getting adequate calories each day allows your child to grow and develop. Depending on age, school children need 1,200 to 2,220 calories per day. Children who play sports may need additional calories to support the extra physical activity. A Ham and Cheddar Lunchables Jr. contains 140 calories while the Turkey and Mozzarella has 130 calories. This may not be enough for a child's energy levels, so you may need to include additional foods to your child's lunch. Baked potato chips, fruits and vegetables or yogurt are healthy choices.

Protein

Children need protein to grow and to support healthy muscles, cells, skin, hair and nails. Protein should make up 10 to 35 percent of a child's daily calorie intake. A Ham and Cheddar Lunchables Jr. contains 8 g of protein; the Turkey and Mozzarella has 9 g. Adding a glass of milk and some sliced vegetables with hummus will increase the protein content of your child's meal and give her the energy she needs to get through the day.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a child's main source of energy. A lunch that contains a good amount will give him energy to play, learn and grow. Both varieties of Lunchables Jr. contain 9 g of carbohydrates. A child's diet should contain 45 to 65 percent of calorie intake from carbohydrates. Including some fruits and vegetables with the Lunchables Jr. will increase his carbohydrate intake at mealtime.

Sodium

A diet that is too high in sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure, even among children. School age children should get less than 2,200 mg of salt per day. A Ham and Cheddar Lunchables Jr. contains 540 mg of salt while the Turkey with Mozzarella has 390 mg. However, if you add foods to the Lunchables Jr. the sodium content will increase so be sure to keep it moderate so that the limit isn't exceeded for the day.