JEFF’S TABLE: Lunchables, The Original Deconstructed Meal

Not many realized this back then, but Lunchables were the penultimate status symbol of the lunchroom. Yes, the grandaddy of deconstructed meals was an indicator that you had the advantage when bartering for other lunch items or simply were going to attract more friends than usual during lunch. The latest episode of Foodbeast’s docu-series, Jeff’s Table, does much to represent that notion.

The currency of mini bites of processed ham and cheese along with a sip of Capri Sun had much buying power, whether it be of other foods or even of companions, was determined in the hands of the one wielding such might.

Is it the infantile iteration of hors d’oeuvres? Sure. But everybody loves to love infants. And those tiny, bite-sized meals on the go can be just as cute. The mini is much to love, if you think about it.