Five types of Lunchables sit on the shelf at Safeway: Cracker Stackers (the classic crackers-meat-cheese tray), Pizza, Nachos, Brunchables (the breakfast version), and the larger Sub Sandwich line, marketed as Uploaded.

The right pick depends on the lunchbox and the age of the eater.

The five formats

Cracker Stackers. Crackers, sliced cheese, and sliced deli meat that kids stack into bites. Some varieties also include a fruit pouch, a juice, or a small dessert.

• Ham and American Cheese Cracker Stackers: 9.1 oz, the full-lunch tray.

• Pepperoni and Mozzarella Cracker Stackers: 1.3 oz, the snack-size version.

• Light Bologna and American Cracker Stackers: 1.9 oz, the leaner option.

Pizza. A crust, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni that kids layer into a mini pizza. Lunchables Pizza with Pepperoni is 4.3 oz.

Nachos. Tortilla chips with cheese dip and salsa. Lunchables Nachos with Cheese Dip and Salsa is 4.4 oz.

Brunchables. The breakfast format. Brunchables Breakfast Sandwiches with Ham (2.7 oz) packs three small ham-and-cheese sandwiches.

Sub Sandwiches (Uploaded). The full-meal tier. A hoagie, side, drink, and dessert in one tray. The Ham & American Cheese Sub Sandwich is 15.91 oz, sized for older kids, teens, and adults.

What to pack alongside

A piece of fruit and a water bottle round any Lunchable into a fuller lunch. Apple slices, a clementine, grapes, strawberries, baby carrots, or cucumber rounds all pack well next to the tray.

When Lunchables work well

• Busy mornings when there isn't time to pack a lunch from scratch

• Summer camp and day-camp lunches

• Road trips and plane travel

• A reliable option for picky eaters

• A first lunch a young kid can assemble on their own (the Pizza and Nachos kits are the easiest)

• Adult lunch at the desk (the Sub Sandwich line is sized for it)

Where to find them at Safeway

Lunchables are in the refrigerated lunch and snack section, near the deli meat and cheese cases. They're also available through Drive Up & Go and Safeway home delivery.

FAQ

Which Lunchables is the right size for an adult lunch?

The Sub Sandwich line. The Ham & American Cheese Sub Sandwich is 15.91 oz and includes a hoagie, side, drink, and dessert.

Which Lunchables can a young kid assemble on their own?

The Pizza and Nachos kits. Both involve simple layering or dipping that kids around six and up can handle without help.

Do Lunchables need refrigeration?

Yes. The label says they can be held in an insulated lunch bag with a cold pack for a normal school day. After that, standard deli-meat-and-cheese rules apply: two hours at room temperature, one hour above 90 degrees.

Which Lunchables has the lowest added sugar?

Varieties without a dessert or juice pouch in the tray carry less added sugar. The Nachos kit is one of the lower-sugar options. Check the nutrition label on the variety you're holding.

Where in Safeway are Lunchables?

In the refrigerated lunch and snack section, near the deli meat and cheese cases. Also available through Drive Up & Go and home delivery.