YouTubers MrBeast, Logan Paul, and KSI have come under fire for their new business venture, Lunchly, a prepackaged lunch line marketed as a healthier alternative to Lunchables. However, this has sparked significant backlash from various quarters. Critics, including prominent YouTuber DanTDM have accused the trio of “selling junk” to their young fanbase, questioning the quality and health claims of the products.
The launch of Lunchly, a prepackaged meal brand by YouTubers MrBeast, Logan Paul, and KSI, aimed to offer a healthier alternative to Lunchables. DanTDM, Logan Paul, a key figure in the campaign, defended the meals against criticisms of lead contamination in his PRIME hydration drinks. He claimed that Lunchly offered a safer alternative to traditional lunch options like Lunchables, arguing that their meals were made with better ingredients, such as real cheese and higher-quality meats. However, this defence hasn’t been enough to quiet critics who feel that such products still do not meet the standards of a truly “healthy” meal option.
MrBeast, known for his massive YouTube philanthropy and challenges, also stepped in to defend the brand, emphasising that Lunchly was meant to offer a more nutritious, lower-calorie alternative at a comparable price to its competitors. However, his involvement has not been without its own set of complications. MrBeast is currently facing scrutiny over allegations from former employees, including claims of unsafe working conditions and mistreatment during the filming of his Amazon Prime series, Beast Games. Critics have noted his silence on these more serious issues, accusing him of deflecting attention by focusing on business controversies.
In addition to the accusations of poor product quality and misleading health claims, there have been reports of mould found in some Lunchly meals, further intensifying the criticism.
As the backlash continues, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect Lunchly’s long-term success and the reputations of the YouTubers involved. Critics argue that influencers like MrBeast, Logan Paul, and KSI must take greater responsibility for the products they promote, especially when targeting impressionable audiences. Meanwhile, these influencers remain steadfast in their defence, framing the launch of Lunchly as part of their broader mission to build successful business ventures.