# Nostalgic Packed Lunches M&M's PB&J Packed Lunch Specials Treat Adults to Simpler Times By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-07-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pbj-packed-lunch-specials References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mars-makes-adulting-a-little-sweeter-with-the-limited-edition-mms-pbj-packed-lunch-special-302510150.html) & [mms](https://www.mms.com/en-us/pbj-packed-lunch?utm_source=print&utm_medium=public_relations&utm_campaign=brand-pbj-packed-lunch-special)  A [peanut butter and jelly sandwich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/welchs-real-pbjs), with its sticky sweetness and soft bread, evokes comforting nostalgia, a return to childhood afternoons and the simple joy of carefree moments, which is why [M&M's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peanut-butter-ice-cream-cookie-sandwich) is serving up 500 free PB&J Packed Lunch Specials in select markets. With the aid of Fooji and TV mom Kim Rhodes, M&M's is making adulting a little sweeter, and encouraging adults to take a real lunch break. These packed lunches in collectible tins treat adults to not only the ultimate throwback flavor combination but also two packs of the new M&M's Peanut Butter & Jelly candies so they can share with a friend like they once did in the days of their youth during school lunches or recess. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 44% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Nostalgia-driven Marketing:** Brands are tapping into consumer nostalgia by reviving iconic flavors and packaging to create emotional connections with modern audiences. - **Adult-friendly Childhood Snacks:** Traditional childhood snacks are being reimagined for adults, offering familiar taste experiences with a sophisticated twist. - **Limited Edition Collectibles:** Companies are leveraging the allure of limited edition collectibles to drive consumer engagement and create a sense of urgency. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food & Beverage:** The food industry is innovating by blending nostalgic flavors with modern convenience to attract a broader range of age groups. - **Marketing & Advertising:** The advertising sector is rethinking strategies by invoking nostalgia to foster brand loyalty and authentic consumer relationships. - **Retail & Merchandising:** Retail is capitalizing on collectible packaging as a way to create unique buying experiences that encourage repeat purchases. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sandwich-Inspired Chocolate Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peanut-butter-jelly-mms.md) - [PB&J-Inspired Snack Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-bread-pbj.md) - [Nutty Ice Cream Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peanut-butter-ice-cream-cookie-sandwich.md) - [Nostalgically Flavored Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pbj-pop.md) - [Ready-to-Eat Crustless Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunchables-pbj.md) - [Nostalgic Snack Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-snack.md) - [Sweet Sandwich Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reeses-pbj-sandwich-kit.md) - [Sandwich-Flavored Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peanut-butter-and-jelly-flavor.md) - [Gifting-Friendly Candy Pouches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mms-peanut-gifting-pouches.md)