22 Healthy Lunch Box Recipes: Kid-Approved Meals, Snacks, and Treats

Published on Thursday, 12 September 2024 17:49

Packing a healthy lunch your child will eat can seem like a tall order some days; nobody wants to open their kiddo’s lunch box at the end of the day to find they only ate a handful of grapes! To help get you inspired, here are some sweet and savory vegan lunch ideas for kids, plus six tips for creating a winning lunch box. Grab those you think will work for your family, leave any you know won’t, and be open-minded and adapt recipes to suit. Don’t be discouraged: If what works this week doesn’t work next week, keep going. Your happy rotation of convenient, healthy, and kid-approved lunches is just around the corner!

Jump to recipes:

• Sweet Lunch Box Ideas
• Savory Lunch Box Ideas

6 Tips for Creating Healthy Vegan School Lunches

1. Oh, nuts! Be sure to check your school’s food allergy policy. Peanuts (which are actually legumes) and some tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, pecans, and cashews) can be a no-no. Sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds are often allowed. Some schools prohibit nuts and seeds, while others have no restrictions at all.

2. Containers: Invest in non-breakable food-safe containers that children can open themselves. On warmer days, use ice packs; if you live somewhere where it gets really hot, consider a fully insulated lunch pack. In the cooler months, a kid-safe thermos is handy for taking soups and stews.

3. Leftovers: Leftovers are a great way to bulk up your kid’s lunch. If you know tonight’s evening meal is going to be a winner, cook extra so you’ll have leftovers.

4. Bulk it up: The school day is long so be sure to include heftier ingredients such as grains and beans that’ll keep them full. Nuts (if allowed) are high-energy and a good option, too.

5. Fruits and Veggies: Naturally sweet, fresh fruit makes the perfect snack. Raw veggies such as cucumber and carrot sticks, red bell pepper, and edamame are often popular, while cooked veggies such as steamed broccoli or corn on the cob add variety and are fun to eat. Keep things colorful and mix things up.

6. Kid power! Get your kids involved in preparing their lunches; they’ll be more likely to eat what they’ve prepared and will learn about food while they’re doing it.

Sweet Vegan Lunch Ideas for Kids

Sweet treats like cookies, muffins, bars, and balls, made with whole grains, beans, and fruits, are excellent for satisfying young taste buds while providing plenty of oomph. Baked goods that can withstand bouncing around in a lunch box are a plus!

Savory Vegan Lunch Box Ideas for Kids

Savory lunch options include kid-friendly salads, sandwiches, wraps, dips, and more. Use these recipes as written or as a springboard for meals that’ll work for your family.

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