Kids & Company Blog

6 Easy Healthy Lunchbox Ideas for Kids

It is back-to-school time, and therefore the return of packed school lunches. Packing a nutritious lunch for your child does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few creative ideas, you can assemble delicious and balanced lunches that are both fun and satisfying. Here are some healthy lunchbox ideas that are easy to mix and match, ensuring your child enjoys a variety of flavours and nutrients every day!

1. Ants on a Log

This classic snack gets a healthy twist with cream cheese. It’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients:

• Log base: Celery sticks
• Spread: Cream cheese for a creamy texture or peanut butter if your child's lunch does not need to be peanut-free
• Ants: Raisins for a touch of sweetness and extra fibre

 

2. Homemade Lunchables

Skip the store-bought versions and create your own DIY lunchables at home! This allows you to choose quality ingredients and tailor the portions to your child's needs. Here’s a simple formula for a homemade lunchable:

• Protein: Choose from salami or turkey
• Cheese: Include slices of your child’s favourite cheese
• Crunchy Base: Pack some whole-grain crackers for added crunch

Tip: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the cheese and meat for extra appeal!

3. Turkey Roll-Ups / Pinwheels

These turkey roll-ups are a fun and easy way to get protein into your child’s lunch. Simply:

• Protein: Roll up slices of turkey with a slice of cheese
• Add-ons: For extra flavour, include a thin layer of mustard, a bit of lettuce or a slice of avocado

Tip: Add bread and cut the roll-ups into pinwheels for bite-sized, fun sandwiches.

4. Ham and Cheese Shish Kabobs

Turn your lunch into a mini feast with shish kabobs! All you need is a few toothpicks and a variety of your child's favourite veggies.

• Skewers: Thread cubes of ham, cheese, and cherry tomatoes onto small skewers or toothpicks

Tip: If your child is too young for skewers, you can arrange these ingredients on a plate in a fun pattern.

5. BLT Skewers

Switch-up the ham and cheese shish kabobs with all the ingredients you need for a classic BLT. Combine the classic BLT sandwich into an easy-to-eat toothpick or skewer!

• Ingredients: Bacon (cooked and cut into pieces), cherry tomatoes, and lettuce

6. Kidco Kitchen Chicken Caesar Wrap

Add some excitement with a tasty wrap from our very own Kidco Kitchen!

• Wrap: Chicken Caesar wrap with a delicious and healthy mix of grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, lettuce, and a whole-grain tortilla

Check it out here: Kidco Kitchen Chicken Caesar Wrap

Tip: For a different twist, substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers!

Mix and Match for Variety

To keep things interesting and nutritious, mix and match these ideas throughout the week. Here’s a sample lunchbox plan to get you started:

Monday: Homemade Lunchables with salami, cheese, and crackers, plus ants on a log.

Tuesday: Turkey roll-ups with a side of ham and cheese shish kabobs.

Wednesday: BLT skewers with homemade lunchables with a new selection of cheeses and crackers.

Thursday:  a Kidco Kitchen Chicken Caesar Wrap and ants on a log 

Friday: Turkey roll-ups and BLT skewers with a fresh fruit side.

By rotating these ideas, you can provide your child with a variety of flavours and textures while ensuring they get a balanced, healthy meal every day. Happy packing!

Posted on: Friday August 30th, 2024

Posted by: Kids & Company