Crab Legs, Candy And Beer? Parents Reveal Kids’ Surprising Lunchbox Requests

From cold baked potatoes to crab legs and even a few outlandish requests like beer, American kids arent shy about letting their lunchtime imaginations run wild.

A new survey of 2,000 U.S. parents of school-aged children reveals the most unexpected — and sometimes unapproved — items kids have asked to find in their lunchboxes. Commissioned by Chobani and conducted by Talker Research, the survey found that while parents usually opt for packed lunches — 78% send one to school — nine in ten kids regularly come home with uneaten food.

That leaves many parents wondering how to bridge the gap between a lunch that’s nutritious and one their kids will actually eat.

Among the more peculiar requests parents say theyve received from their children: peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, raw beets, Salisbury steak, ketchup and cucumbers, and yes — crab legs. Some even recounted turning down pleas for sushi, steak, seafood boils, and wings. One parent said their child asked to bring beer, which was, of course, a nonstarter.

Despite these wildcards, kids also showed love for lunchtime staples: pizza, chips, cookies, and fruit snacks all ranked at 93% approval. More nutritious choices also fared well — 92% of kids said they love fresh fruit, while 86% are fans of cheese sticks, and over 70% enjoy yogurt pouches and drinks.

But when it comes to what makes a “good lunch,” parents and kids dont always see eye to eye. While both agree that a main and a snack are essential (53% of parents, 50% of kids), parents prioritize water (51%) and nutrient-dense items (39%), while kids lean toward something sweet (44%) and juice (40%).

“Kids always want the things that taste good to them,” said registered dietitian and mom of four Frances Largeman-Roth. “Parents, meanwhile, want whats healthiest for them. But in a lot of cases, those two things arent mutually exclusive.”

Parents are willing to put in extra effort to improve lunchbox success rates. Over half (51%) try to pack food they know their kids like. Other strategies include letting kids see their friends eat the same food (29%) or offering rewards for finishing lunch (19%).

In fact, 74% of parents said they frequently seek their childs input when preparing lunch, and 85% said theyd happily plan lunches together — so long as the kids promise to eat everything.

“Ultimately, parents want the same thing for their kids: to be healthy and well-fed,” said Largeman-Roth. “What’s interesting about this study is how different parents are taking different approaches to achieve the same goal with their kids. Something nutrient-dense that still gets that kid stamp of approval, like yogurt, can help satisfy the wants of kids and needs of parents.”