A new school year brings lots of excitement, with new teachers, classrooms, friends, and activities. But let’s be honest: it also means staring down the lunchbox and wondering “what on earth will they eat this year?” Kids’ tastes seem to change faster than the seasons and keeping them both happy and fueled is no small feat. Since you can’t be there to guide every bite, having a stash of fun, tasty, and nourishing ideas up your sleeve makes all the difference.
We’ve rounded up a few tried-and-true lunchbox favorites that kids love so much, they’ll keep coming back for more.
Creative & Healthy Mains
Banana Sushi Roll Ups: Traditional sushi gets a playful makeover. Spread your favorite nut butter on a whole-wheat tortilla, top with sliced banana, roll it up, and cut into sushi-style pieces. Add fun toppings like chia seeds, a drizzle of honey, or a few chocolate chips for extra flair.
Better-for-You Lunchables: Get nostalgic, but with a healthier twist. Build a DIY snack box with whole-grain crackers, lean meats, cheese cubes, and plenty of sliced fruits and veggies. Toss in a dip like hummus or guacamole for a nutrient boost and added variety.
Nut Butter & Chia Jam Sandwiches: The classic PB&J gets a smarter upgrade. Swap in natural almond or sunflower seed butter and pair it with easy homemade chia jam. The result? A lower-sugar, protein-packed version that won’t leave kids with a mid-afternoon crash.
Pasta Salad: A lunch that’s just as tasty cold as it is fresh. Toss cooked pasta with olive oil, mozzarella balls, colorful veggies, and your child’s favorite protein. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that keeps kids satisfied until the last bell.
Homemade Veggie Tots: A lunchbox hero with a healthy twist. Use chopped or riced veggies like cauliflower, zucchini, or broccoli to make baked tots instead of fried ones. Pair with a kid-approved dip, and you’ll score major lunchtime points.
Breakfast for Lunch: Who says breakfast has to stay in the morning? Fill their lunchbox with healthy favorites like hard-boiled eggs, fruit salad, yogurt with granola, or even mini protein pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup. The options are endless—just like their appetite.
Veggie-Packed Muffins: A sneaky (and tasty) way to serve veggies. Bake shredded zucchini, carrots, or sweet potato purée into moist, fluffy muffins. Go savory with cheese, or sweet with combos like sweet potato and maple syrup.
Sides & Snacks to Mix and Match
No lunchbox is complete without a few sides to round things out. Ditch the bags of chips and sugary bars, and try these quick, wholesome options instead:
Fresh fruit skewers or fruit salad – colorful, sweet, and easy to grab.
Cheese cubes or mozzarella pearls – a protein boost in fun, bite-sized form.
Crispy pea snacks – crunchy, salty, and secretly packed with fiber.
Air-fried chickpeas or edamame – light, crispy, and full of plant-based protein.
Trail mix (nut-free if needed) – customizable with dried fruit, seeds, and whole-grain cereal.
Veggie sticks + dip – use a crinkle cutter for a fun zigzag shape and pair with a delicious dip.
Homemade energy bites – naturally sweet, filling, and perfect for a midday pick-me-up.
Tips for Success
Aim for a mix of protein, whole grains, fruits, and veggies to keep kids energized all day.
Prep ahead: Batch-cook or pre-portion snacks so mornings feel a little less rushed.
Make it fun: Colorful, bite-sized, and interactive foods are way more exciting than plain sandwiches.
Bento box magic: A divided lunch box keeps everything fresh, looking neat, and somehow more fun to eat.
Mix & match: Rotate mains and sides so lunches stay fresh and never boring.
Healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, prepping, and packing, your kids will come home with empty lunch boxes and full bellies.
