15 Great Packed Lunch Ideas for Your Children

Packing a nutritious and appealing lunch for your children is an essential part of their daily routine. A well-balanced packed lunch provides them with the energy and nutrients they need to stay focused and active throughout the day.

While the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich has its place, there are countless creative and healthy options to keep your children excited about lunchtime.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 great packed lunch ideas that are not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare.

Homemade Wraps

Wrap up a variety of ingredients such as turkey, cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes in a whole wheat or spinach tortilla. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for smaller kids.

Bento Box Delight

Create a colorful bento box with a mix of bite-sized fruits, veggies, cheese cubes, and whole-grain crackers. Kids love the variety and the opportunity to mix and match.

DIY Pizza Lunchables

Make a health, quick and easy version of the classic Lunchables by providing whole-grain crackers, sliced cheese, mini turkey pepperoni, and a side of tomato sauce for dipping.

Hummus and Veggie Sticks

Pair a generous scoop of hummus with carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks. This combo is not only tasty but packed with vitamins and fiber.

Pasta Salad

Prepare a pasta salad with whole-grain pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, olives, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Add some diced grilled chicken for extra protein.

Fruit Kabobs

Thread colorful fruit chunks onto skewers for a fun and visually appealing treat. Include a side of yogurt for dipping to boost calcium intake.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a nutritious grain that can be combined with various ingredients like diced chicken, black beans, corn, and avocado. Toss it in a zesty lime dressing for added flavor.

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Roll up turkey slices with cheese and a thin layer of mustard or mayonnaise. Secure them with toothpicks for easy handling.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a protein-packed snack. Add some carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and a whole-grain roll to create a balanced meal.

PB&J Alternatives

Swap the usual peanut butter and jelly with almond butter and banana slices on whole-grain bread or try cream cheese and strawberry slices for a delightful twist.

Sushi Rolls

Make mini sushi rolls with sticky rice, cucumber, avocado, and a hint of soy sauce. You can even use smoked salmon or imitation crab for added variety.

Mini Pita Pockets

Stuff mini whole-wheat pita pockets with lean protein like chicken or turkey, along with veggies and a dollop of Greek yogurt-based dressing.

Soup in a Thermos

During colder months, send your child off with a thermos filled with their favorite soup. Opt for nutritious options like vegetable soup or chicken noodle soup.

Muffin Tin Meals

Use a muffin tin to create a mini meal with a variety of ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, grapes, and mini sandwiches.

Quesadilla Wedges

Make whole-wheat quesadillas filled with shredded chicken, black beans, and a sprinkle of cheese. Cut them into wedges for easy snacking.

Tips for Packing the Perfect Lunch

Knowing what to pack is only part of the healthy lunch equation. Knowing how to pack it is the second part. Here are a few tips for how to nail your packed lunch game beyond these tasty and healthy alternatives to traditional lunch items.

Keep it Balanced

Ensure each lunch includes a mix of protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy or dairy alternatives to provide a well-rounded meal.

Portion Control

Consider your child’s age and appetite when portioning their lunch. Younger children may need smaller servings than teenagers. Or if you are raising a future hall-of-famer, consider what they might need to fuel up for a practice or a big game.

Food Safety

Use an insulated lunch box with ice packs to keep perishable items safe and at the right temperature. And trusty soup or drink thermos is a great way to keep food hot.

Variety is Key

Keep things interesting by rotating through different lunch ideas to prevent boredom and ensure a diverse range of nutrients.

Get Creative

Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches and fruits into fun designs. Kids are more likely to eat foods that look appealing.

Providing your children with nutritious and exciting packed lunches is an excellent way to support their growth and development. The 15 lunch ideas and tips mentioned above offer a wide range of options to keep lunchtime interesting and satisfying.

Remember to involve your children in the meal planning process to ensure they have a say in what goes into their lunchbox and to teach them some basic cooking skills. By offering a balanced and diverse selection of foods, you can help instill healthy eating habits that will benefit them for years to come.

Need a Whole Lot of Packed Meals?

You are the master of your kid’s packed lunches. Our team at Silver Spoon Catering is the master of tasty packed meals for any special event you may have cooking. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, retirement send off, corporate retreat, or even a big school shindig – we have the culinary experience to make it happen.

Contact our Catering team today to get started planning the best made-for-you breakfast, lunch, or dinner for your event.