diff --git a/jupyterlite_xeus_python/build.py b/jupyterlite_xeus_python/build.py
index 098bcb6..23f0260 100644
--- a/jupyterlite_xeus_python/build.py
+++ b/jupyterlite_xeus_python/build.py
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ def build_and_pack_emscripten_env(
     channels = CHANNELS
     specs = [
         f"python={python_version}",
-        "xeus-lite",
+        "xeus-lite>=1.0.0,<1.0.3",
         "xeus-python"
         if not xeus_python_version
         else f"xeus-python={xeus_python_version}",