Consumers Seeking Money-Saving School Lunch Options

With students across the country heading back to the classroom, the cost of bringing lunch from home is a concern for many parents, according to new data from Deloitte.

Nearly half of parents and caregivers (48%) said the cost of lunch for the coming school year will be higher than in 2024, and figures shared by Deloitte prove that correct. The current average price for a brown-bag lunch for students is $6.15, up from $5.65 in 2022. The bump in the average price is higher than in 2024, but lower than at the start of the 2023 school year, when the average index lunch cost was up 6% year-over-year.

Additionally, the cost of lunch varies based on what is in the bag.

For example, the “classic” lunch outlined by Deloitte that includes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, baby carrots, an apple, cookies, and milk costs an average of $4.84, which is up 6% year-over-year. At the high end, a “contemporary” lunch consisting of a chicken and avocado quesadilla, dipping salsa, mango, brownie, and juice costs an average of $7.30, up 2% year-over-year.

To manage budgets and offset higher prices, nearly one-third of caregivers in the Deloitte survey said they may switch to store brand from name brand products. Others said they would look to substitute a cheaper main lunch item, such as a less expensive sandwich type (27%), with nearly one-quarter saying they would cut other household expenses to free up money to cover the added cost of school lunches.

Another money-saving option is purchasing lunch at school, which on average costs about $3 per day. Some schools provide free lunch to all students, while others provide free lunch based on a family’s income.

While this less expensive school lunch option is available, 42% said they continue to bring lunch from home, a figure that rises with household income. The reasons for bringing lunch from home vary and include better taste relative to school lunches, the thought that lunch made at home is a better value, and also offering more variety.

Deloitte officials noted that the daily challenges for parents preparing school lunches provide new selling opportunities for retailers. These include offering affordable lunch bundles, five-day lunch kits, kid-friendly recipes that are quick and easy, offering grab-and-go options in-store and online, and sending shoppers texts about the lunch options offered by the retailer.

“For retailers who can make lunch planning easier and more affordable, there’s a chance to really stand out this season and help families feel a little less stressed,” Deloitte said.