And let’s be real —sometimes, no matter what you pack, the lunch box comes back home with half the food untouched.
Did they eat? Did they trade it? Did they survive on air and friendship today? Who knows?
These simple and healthy lunch box snack ideas are perfect for parents on the go, ensuring kids get the nutrition they need — whether they eat it or just use it as trade currency at lunchtime.
Apple slices with peanut butter
Slice up an apple and pair it with peanut butter for a satisfying and nutritious snack packed with fibre and protein.
To avoid the dreaded “it went brown” excuse, toss the slices in a little lemon juice before packing.
Cheese and whole-grain crackers
A few slices of cheese with whole-grain crackers make for a balanced and filling snack.
But be warned — somehow, the crackers might return as crumbs in the bottom of the bag.
Homemade muffins
Bake a batch of banana, blueberry, or zucchini muffins in advance for an easy grab-and-go snack.
Hummus and veggie sticks
Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and capsicum dipped in hummus make for a crunchy and nutritious snack.
Baked oat bars
Make a simple batch of homemade oat bars with oats, honey, and dried fruit.
A little healthier than store-bought bars.
Popcorn
Popcorn with a sprinkle of sea salt is a light and healthy snack option.
Also excellent for finding under car seats a week later.
Cheese and veggie scrolls
Bake some easy home made scrolls with wholemeal dough, cheese, and grated veggies for a fun, handheld snack.
Or simply just roll with Vegemite and cheese ones, or plain ham.
Trail mix
Mix nuts, dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips for a grab-and-go snack that kids will love.
Or, more accurately, they’ll eat the chocolate and leave the rest.
Rice cakes with nut butter or honey
Rice cakes are a light and crunchy snack that pairs well with peanut butter, almond butter, or a drizzle of honey.
Whole-grain crackers with tuna or avocado
Pack a small container of tuna or mashed avocado and let kids spread it on whole-grain crackers for a protein-packed snack.
Energy balls
Blend oats, peanut butter, honey, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips into bite-sized energy balls.
They’re easy to make, don’t require refrigeration, and will hopefully be eaten rather than left to fossilise in the lunch box.
Dried fruit and seeds
A mix of dried mango, apricots, or apples with pumpkin or sunflower seeds makes for a naturally sweet and nutrient-rich snack.
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