Paid Post

The Definitive Ranking Of Lunch Box Trades

Hard-and-fast rules have been established over generations of cafeteria bartering. All economic calculations are based on science-math. Pro tip: Cheese makes lunch trades fun, so throw a Mini Babybel® into your lunch box.

You can trade each item for any item that precedes it.

17. Water Bottle

Water is a sensible beverage, but completely useless in the cafeteria market. It's valueless, but could be used to sweeten a bigger trade.

Emoticon Trade Score: T_T

16. Warm Piece of Fruit

We all know why fruit is thrown into the mix, but how to make it a profitable asset remains a mystery. No matter how good it might taste, it's hard to shake that "grown-in-the-earth" reputation.

Emoticon Trade Score: -_-

15. Stick of Gum

Gum is sort of fun, so it has a chance... but you'll have to do some persuasive sales pitching to give it any value.

Emoticon Trade Score: :|

14. Mixed Nuts

Some people go nuts over mixed nuts, but they are few and far between. Finding a nut friend who will do a recurring trade is your best bet for success.

Emoticon Trade Score: 0.0

13. Boring Dry Cereal

Dry cereal is the lazy man's bag of chips. If you want to play dirty, you can promise something sweet... but it's a risk.

Emoticon Trade Score: o_o

12. Granola

Pro tip for granola: Pick out the dried fruit (probably raisins). People will not trade anything for raisins.

Emoticon Trade Score: *.*

11. Tortilla Chips

These chips were meant for dipping. The best thing to do is to team up with the kid who has cracker cheese dip.

Emoticon Trade Score: *_*

10. Fun Dry Cereal

This shouldn't be a hard sell, but it still doesn't buy you much. Work the people who owe you a favor to get the most out of fun cereal.

Emoticon Trade Score: ^-^

9. Cheesy Crackers

These come in many varieties. They have a big cult following, but it can be hard to find the right customer.

Emoticon Trade Score: @ _ @

8. Potato Chips

Depending on the flavor, a good bag of potato chips can go a long way.

Emoticon Trade Score: ・。・

7. Bologna Sandwich

Love it or hate it, bologna is serious substance food. This guy should always be worth at least two bags of chips.

Emoticon Trade Score: ^_^

6. Juice Box

Not for the faint of heart, these boxes are little energy bombs. Get 'em hooked on the flavor, and they'll trade you whatever you want!

Emoticon Trade Score: @_-

5. Oatmeal Cookie

Cookies are king, but oatmeal is royalty in title alone. Pro-tip reminder: no one wants raisins.

Emoticon Trade Score: ; )

4. PB&J

This lunch staple plays on the hearts of all people who lunch. Use it responsibly.

Emoticon Trade Score: *v*

3. Fruit Snacks

They are sweet, and delicious, and essential for a delicious lunch box lunch. Sell them accordingly.

Emoticon Trade Score: ^^

2. Chocolate Milk

Chocolate milk is a god among beverages. You can get a lot for a little. Don't sell yourself short.

Emoticon Trade Score: +o+

1. Cold Pizza

Pizza aways wins. It is not advised to let this one go without something seriously impressive in return... because pizza. Duh.

Emoticon Trade Score: B]

Don't forget Mini Babybel®.

View this video on YouTube

It's one of the most priceless snacks you can carry!