Kid’s Lunch Box Ideas (Printer-Friendly Version)
Simple tips and ideas for packing nutritious, kid-friendly lunches to keep kids fueled and happy at school or on the go.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruits
01 -
Strawberries, hulled and chopped as needed
02 -
Blueberries
03 -
Raspberries
04 -
Blackberries
05 -
Watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces
06 -
Cantaloupe, cut into bite-sized pieces
07 -
Kiwi, peeled and sliced
08 -
Apple slices
09 -
Pear slices
10 -
Peach slices
11 -
Banana, half with peel
12 -
Grapes, halved or quartered
13 -
Freeze-dried mango pieces
14 -
Freeze-dried raspberries
15 -
Freeze-dried blueberries
16 -
Freeze-dried strawberries
17 -
Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
18 -
Prunes
19 -
Raisins
20 -
Dried blueberries
21 -
Dried cranberries
→ Vegetables
22 -
Cucumbers, peeled if desired and sliced
23 -
Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
24 -
Carrots, chopped or diced
25 -
Bell peppers, sliced
26 -
Snap peas or snow peas
27 -
Roasted sweet potatoes
28 -
Roasted broccoli florets
29 -
Roasted cauliflower florets
30 -
Roasted zucchini and squash slices
→ Dairy
31 -
Laughing Cow cheese wedges
32 -
Babybel cheese rounds, wax removed if preferred
33 -
Mini mozzarella pearls
34 -
Cheddar cheese blocks or slices
35 -
String cheese sticks
36 -
Plain Greek yogurt
37 -
Shelf-stable milk cartons
38 -
Yogurt pouches (e.g., Stonyfield Organic, Siggi’s)
39 -
Kefir pouches
→ Grains and Bread
40 -
Mini sweet Hawaiian rolls
41 -
Mini bagels, plain or everything
42 -
Tortillas for pinwheel sandwiches
43 -
Crackers (e.g., Back to Nature)
44 -
Granola bars (nut-free or chewy)
45 -
Granola minis
46 -
Graham crackers
47 -
Oatmeal (cooked or overnight)
48 -
Pita chips
49 -
Plantain chips
50 -
Mini muffins
51 -
Morning buns
52 -
Oat bars (e.g., Once Upon a Farm)
53 -
Fig bars
54 -
Pretzel crisps
→ Proteins
55 -
Sunbutter (sunflower seed butter)
56 -
Peanut butter (if allowed)
57 -
Deli meats (ham, turkey, roast beef)
58 -
Smoked salmon slices
59 -
Hard boiled eggs
60 -
Egg white muffins or frittatas
61 -
Tuna, chicken, salmon, or egg salad
62 -
Cheddar cheese
63 -
Salami slices
64 -
Beans and rice (optional)
→ Snack and Treats
65 -
Hippeas cheese puffs
66 -
Annie’s cheddar bunnies or bunny grahams
67 -
Earth’s Best Organic Crunchin’ Grahams
68 -
Bear Fruit natural fruit rolls
69 -
Soley Gummies
70 -
Annie’s Gummies
71 -
Harvest Snaps Green Pea Crisps
72 -
Beef jerky snacks (e.g., Chomps)
73 -
Roasted chickpea snacks
74 -
Snack Factory Pretzel crisps
75 -
Trail mix (nut-free if required)
76 -
Sunbutter energy balls
77 -
Nut-free granola bars
78 -
Chewy granola bars
79 -
Yogurt muffins
80 -
Snickers stuffed dates
81 -
3-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies
→ Condiments and Dips
82 -
Mayonnaise
83 -
Guacamole
84 -
Hummus (store-bought or homemade, e.g., lemon garlic)
85 -
Jam or chia jam substitute
86 -
Maple syrup or honey (for sweetening yogurt)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Wash, peel, chop, or slice fruits and vegetables as appropriate for your child’s age and preference. Store cut fruits in an airtight container lined with paper towels to preserve freshness.
02 -
Create sandwiches using mini rolls, bagels, or tortillas with preferred fillings such as deli meats, cheeses, spreads, or sunbutter and jam. For crust-averse kids, make uncrustables by sealing sandwich edges or remove crusts manually.
03 -
Cook or prepare protein-rich items such as egg white muffins, hard boiled eggs, or protein salads (tuna, chicken, salmon, egg). Cool accordingly before packing.
04 -
Portion dips like hummus or guacamole into silicone muffin liners or small containers to prevent spillage. Include complementary dippers such as crackers, pita chips, or vegetables.
05 -
Arrange all prepared items into separate compartments of a bento-style lunch box or other containers, ensuring a balanced combination of main dish, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and snacks.
06 -
When possible, prepare and pack items the night before to reduce morning stress and ensure freshness with proper storage.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Use silicone muffin liners or small containers to separate dips and moist items from dry foods, preserving texture and preventing mess.
02 -
Choosing a ‘safe’ food your child loves helps ensure they will have at least one familiar item they will eat.
03 -
Pre-cut and wash fruit and vegetable parts in advance to expedite the morning packing routine.