Before I read Moss’s book, I had not realized how aggressively they were marketed to children. Based on psychological studies, Kraft/Oscar Mayer/Philip Morris executives expected children to feel peer pressure to eat Lunchables. The executives rightly predicted that they would become “badges” of honor that kids could, in a metaphorical sense, wear around the lunchroom. For harried parents, they would be neatly packaged, no-preparation “presents” that they could send their kids to school with, symbolizing how much they cared. Having given in to Lunchables’ marketers, if only for a few days, I felt manipulated, violated even.

The powerful –– and cunning –– marketing employed to sell Lunchables, though, explains why more than $1 billion worth of these “meals” are sold each year.

If you’re considering buying your child Lunchables –– or any form of junk food –– read the nutrition label. Here’s the breakdown for the new Nachos Cheese Dip and Salsa Lunchable, which includes a Capri Sun and Kit Kat:

Calories: 510
Calories from fat: 220
Total fat: 37 percent of daily value
Saturated fat: 36 percent
Sodium: 36 percent
Total carbohydrates: 22 percent
Sugars: 26 grams

Fooducate.com gives the meal a D+. Enough said.

Scott Brinton is senior editor of the Bellmore and Merrick Heralds and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Graduate Journalism Program. Comments? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203. Brinton’s profile and posts can be found at facebook.com/scottabrinton.