Sending kiddos to school with healthy food is a high priority in my household, and if you're reading this, then it's important to you as well. Below you'll find lunch ideas for unprocessed or minimally processed items that I put in my girls' lunchboxes. Mix and match to find the right combo for your little one!
My approach to kids' lunches is similar to family meals: the food need to be real and easy to make. The school bus picks up my girls at 6:40 a.m., which means that I'm putting three lunches together for kids with different tastes at 5:30 a.m.
I'm not in a place to get cute with lunches, like little pinwheel sammies or make-your-own pizzas. And I don't cut food into shapes - if you do, more power! These are real-life examples of what my kids get daily, and I rarely get complaints.
Think Inside the Box
I like a Bento box because it gives me boundaries - one big space for the main lunch item and three smaller compartments for the rest. This year, I purchased the Bentgo lunch box. The food compartment tray is an insert that can be removed for easy cleaning, and the box does not get warped from dishwasher use. The ones I purchased are for older kids, so the compartments are larger.
The Main Item
For me, the main item needs to be the most filling, so I go for ones with protein. I do my best to make it ahead of time so that it's quick and easy come o'dark thirty.
Peanut Butter & Jelly
It's simple and classic. Keep it minimally processed by opting for natural PB and a locally-made jam. My fave is Crofter's Premium Spread Organic Strawberry because has only 7g of added sugar compared to 14 grams in other jams. For the bread, I find low-ingredient bread from the bakery section or made yourself.
If your kid or their school is nut-free, PB&J obviously a no-go. An alternative I liked as a kid was cream cheese and jelly sandwiches (read: easy and tasty) but sadly, my kids never got on board with them. On days when I just can't, I'll give one child a jelly sandwich.
Pepperoni Slices, Cheese & Crackers
Yes, this is a more processed option. I use block cheese that I pre-slice, a handful of saltines along with some pepperoni.
Deconstructed Tuna Sandwich
For some reason, my kids won't eat tuna sandwiches, but they'll eat tuna in a bowl with a spoon and a piece of bread on the side. I don't get fancy with it (imagine that!) - it's Bumble Bee Albacore canned tuna with mayo. We don't like anything added, like celery or onions, but if yours do, add 'em in! I make a couple of cans on Sunday night, so I can simply add a scoop to the lunchbox and call it a day. I'll put one piece of bread in there as well.
Want to up the unprocessed in this option? Try making your own mayo! It's super easy and tastes just the same! Check out my IG page for my how-to video.
Deconstructed Egg Salad Sandwich
Same as above. I'll make a small batch with local eggs, mayo, and a dash of salt - nothing fancy with it. A scoop of egg salad and a slice of bread - easy peasy!
Leftover Pizza
Homemade pizza is a weekly dinner in our house, and there are always leftovers. I include two slices, and she enjoys them cold.
Leftover Baked Sweet Potatoes
We eat a lot of baked sweet potatoes. I cube one, and voila! They, too, are enjoyed cold. If your kids need them hot, simply use a thermos container.
The Sides
I have three other squares to fill, and the below items are currently on our eat list.
Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, grapes, and blueberries are on high rotation right now. Summer months, I put cantaloupe, pineapples, plums and other seasonal fruits.
Vegetables: Grape tomatoes cut in half, leftover steamed broccoli
Sliced (good quality) cheddar cheese
Dill pickles
Granola clusters (this is a processed item, and I'm ok with it)
Hard-boiled egg
Plain yogurt with strawberry jam IF you have the right container. This doesn't do well in the Bentgo box, fyi.
Snack Time
School snacks in our district must be able to be eaten without utensils.
Granola clusters or trail mix (if it's not in the lunch)
Whole Apple
Final Notes
Write It Down: As previously mentioned, I make three lunches at 5:30 a.m. before my coffee. Having a note on the fridge keeps of who gets what is very helpful.
Prep Ahead: I really don't like to make things in the morning. I try to have things like tuna or egg salad ready to go, so lunch assembly is smooth and quick.
Don't Overthink: If a meal isn't completely unprocessed or is missing a major food group, it'll be okay.
Parents, friends, and caregivers: what items do you put in your kids' lunch?? Share in the comments!