Back-to-school season means busy mornings and the daily challenge of what to pack for lunch. If you’re looking for ideas that go beyond PB&J, here are some easy, fun, and healthy options to keep kids fueled and happy all year long.
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1. DIY Lunchables
Skip the store-bought version and make your own! Pack cheese cubes, crackers, and sliced lunch meat or pepperoni. Kids love the mix-and-match style, and you’ll love knowing what’s in it.
2. Hummus Cups & Dippers
Individual hummus cups pair perfectly with sliced carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and a side of crackers, pita, or pretzel chips. A crunchy, protein-packed option!
3. Guacamole Snack Box
Add a single-serve guacamole cup to the lunchbox with corn chips and sliced peppers. Creamy, crunchy, and full of healthy fats.
4. Lunch Kabobs
Everything tastes better on a stick! Use toothpicks to thread mozzarella balls, olives, cherry tomatoes, and folded slices of salami or pepperoni.
5. Pasta Salad
Make a big batch at the start of the week. Use spiral or penne pasta with cheese cubes, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and meat (like pepperoni). Toss with olive oil, Italian dressing, or balsamic vinegar for a flavorful, filling lunch.
6. Mini Sandwiches
Switch it up with small Kaiser rolls or slider buns. Add deli meat, cheese, and your child’s favorite condiments for bite-sized sandwiches.
7. Wraps
Try Caesar, Greek, or veggie-and-hummus wraps. Spread hummus or cream cheese first to help everything stay together, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
8. Roll-Ups & Pinwheels
Make wraps mini by rolling them up with lighter fillings like turkey, cream cheese, and cucumber. Slice into pinwheels for a fun, bite-sized twist.
Don’t Forget the Extras!
Round out lunches with a fruit and veggie:
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Veggies: carrot sticks, cucumber slices, pepper strips
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Fruits: oranges (Cuties), strawberries, apple slices, grapes (cut for little ones), applesauce cups, raisins, or fruit cups
- Proteins: turkey or beef sticks, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt sticks/cups, cheese sticks or BabyBel
*Always check your child’s school rules on nuts.
A Little Something Sweet
Lunch feels complete with a small treat! Try adding:
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Homemade cookies (make a big batch and freeze extras)
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Chocolate-covered raisins
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Yogurt-covered raisins or pretzels
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Mini brownies or bite-sized bars
Packing school lunches doesn’t have to be complicated. With a mix of protein, veggies, and fruit, you can keep kids satisfied and energized—without running out of ideas by week two!
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