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In this article
- 18 lunchbox ideas for kids and adults
- 16 top tips for packing lunchboxes
- Savoury and sweet treats for lunchboxes
- How to up your protein in lunches
Lost your lunchbox mojo? Looking for a fresh start to packed lunches? We’re here to help you with that. Read on for fabulous lunchbox ideas that avoid boring boxes, soggy sandwiches and uneaten food coming home at the end of the day.
We’ve pulled together quick and easy recipes, lots of healthy options and a few treats to keep lunch varied and appealing for kids and adults alike. You’ll also find smart tips for prepping ahead and packing like a pro.
Whether you’re feeding little ones, teenagers or yourself, these practical ideas will make weekday lunches simpler, tastier and far more enjoyable.
9 kids lunchbox ideas
For most parents, the struggle to get your kids eating vegies is real, so if there’s a way to sneak it into lunchboxes that’s a bonus. These vegie-packed lunchbox heroes are not only full of wholesome vegetables, they’re also delicious – I mean who could resist crisp fritters, colourful falafels or even a chocolate cupcake? Easy to make, simple to pack and appealing to little eaters, these recipes help take the stress out of lunchbox prep while adding extra goodness to their day.
The key with kids’ lunchbox ingredients is that they have to keep them going all day so they’ve got the energy to run around at lunch and the concentration to sit through an afternoon maths class. We’ve gathered recipes that are full of energy-boosting nutrients. From dairy and nut-free lentil and vegie cups to filling sausage rolls packed to the brim with vegies and for a sweet treat, homemade protein balls.
While it’s not good to put too much sugary food in kids’ lunchboxes, the occasional treat is okay and will make their day. There is still some goodness in these treats too, so they’re not all bad. For example, the banana pikelets are loaded with bananas, the oat slice has energy-boosting oats and the apple rosebud tarts hero apple. These are also easy to make ahead.
Top tips: Packing lunchboxes for kids
- Save time by preparing lunchbox items ahead of time over the weekend
- Cut fruit into snackable sizes for easy quick bites for busy littlies
- Involve your kids in the process – have them help choose and pack snacks
- Tuck in a treat – try dried fruit or a healthy slice for an energy boost
- Make it fun – like putting a face on something – kids eat with their eyes too!
- Copycat: ask, “what did other kids have today that you’d like in your lunchbox?”
- Look into subscriptions to healthy snack deliveries – it’s cheaper than shop-bought
- Delegate – if you’re always the one that packs lunchboxes, ask your partner to do it!
9 adult lunchbox ideas
Salad is the ultimate go-to for a healthy lunch to take to work and it’s easy to assemble one in the work kitchen in no time at all as long as you have the makings. The key is to have a tasty and healthy dressing, such as a yoghurt-based dressing to replace mayonnaise or a simple one made with balsamic vinegar, oil and a dash of salt. Remember – it’s much healthier to whip one up yourself than to use a store-bought one.
If you feel like spoiling yourself, make some of these gourmet morsels for your work lunchbox. They’re sure to help keep the pistons firing all day. Also, choosing something that freezes well means you can make double the quantity and have easily accessible lunch in no time at all. Your workmates will be green with envy.
With protein being the current buzz word in nutrition, we thought we’d include a section for those trying to up their protein intake. Look for dishes with eggs, lean meat, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese and tofu as ingredients. These will help you stay fuller for longer so you can power on between breakfast and lunch and avoid snacking during the afternoon slump.
Top tips: Packing lunchboxes for adults
- Prepare the elements of a healthy packed lunch and assemble it at the office
- Try keeping ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ ingredients separate – so you don’t end up with a soggy sandwich
- Add extra flavour to salads with roasted vegetables, nut toppings and healthy dressings
- A soft-boiled egg or leftover barbecue chicken packs in the protein
- A portion of brown rice or quinoa can be metred out to last all week
- Make sure your salad dressing container is leak-proof
- Band together with workmates for a picnic and each take in a dish
- Mix and match leftovers with fresh foods
