If you’re in a slump for easy school lunch ideas for your kids (or simply don’t have the time to concoct new recipes), don’t fret. I’ve rounded up some of the most creative lunch ideas that will have your kids returning home with an empty lunchbox.
If there’s one thing that puts a speed bump in my morning routine, it’s making lunch for my kids. Every Sunday, I grocery shop, channeling the Barefoot Contessa, eager to come up with healthy school lunch ideas. But, by the time Friday morning rolls around, the kitchen pantry is near empty, and it’s another PB&J with a bag of chips haphazardly thrown into their lunch boxes. Should I be surprised when they come home in bad moods? Absolutely not.
The elementary school that my children attend doesn’t provide a lunch program, so it’s up to me to make sure that I send them off for the day with a healthy lunch. In our school district, there are 185 days of school. With two children, this means that I have to make 370 lunches during the school year—so it’s no wonder that I easily fall into a rut sometimes.
Below, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to making the best school lunches for your kids all year round. It starts with a school lunch grocery list of ingredients and my best tips and hacks to make packing lunches a breeze. Then, keep reading for 43 school lunch ideas for kids, broken down by Bento Box inspo and creative lunch mains that aren’t sandwiches. These make-ahead school lunches are great alternatives to sandwiches and will even satisfy picky eaters!
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School Lunch Grocery Shopping List
Proteins:
- Deli ham
- Deli turkey breast
- Shredded chicken
- Pepperoni
- Salami
- Mini hot dogs
- Meatballs
- Cheese slices or cubes
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Greek yogurt
- Nuts (if allowed)
Fruits & Veggies:
- Grapes
- Apple slices
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Pears
- Orange slices
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Watermelon
- Fruit cups (like Mandarin oranges)
- Applesauce cups
- Dried fruit
- Carrots
- Celery
- Snap peas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Mini cucumbers or cucumber slices
- Mini bell peppers or bell pepper slices
- Jicama sticks
- Hearts of palm
- Black olive cups
Carbs:
- Crackers
- Pita bread
- Pretzels
- Tortilla chips
- Sun Chips
- Wheat Thins
- Triscuits
- Animal crackers
- Popcorn
- Granola
- Dry cereal
Dips:
- Ranch
- Blue cheese
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Peanut butter (or nut butter alternative)
- Guacamole
- Hummus
Dessert:
- Banana bread
- Mini chocolate bar
- Fruit snacks
- Pudding cup
- Mini muffins
- Oreos
- Nutella & Go! pack
- Chocolate chip cookie
- Tootsie Pop sucker
- Gummy candy
- M&Ms
- Chocolate chips
The Perfect School Lunch Formula
If you’re at a loss for where to start, follow this quick and easy formula to make sure your kids hit all the main food groups with their school lunch—along with a little treat.
1. Protein + Fat
Probably the most important thing on this list. Make sure to include a protein source and some healthy fats so that they leave lunch period ready to tackle the rest of their day.
- Charcuterie deli meats: turkey, ham, salami, pepperoni, etc.
- Tuna, chicken, egg salad, or hard boiled eggs
- Yogurt (greek yogurt is an excellent protein source!)
- Hummus
- Sunbutter (great peanut butter alternative!)
- Cheese
2. Grain
Carbs, carbs, carbs! While the classic sandwich is always an option, alternatives like crackers, pita, or leftover pasta also work well.
- Sandwich bread
- Bagel
- Tortilla
- Pita
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Pasta
3. Fruit + Veggie
They may try to fight it, but fruits and veggies are an important component of every meal. Fresh berries, dried fruits, or even packaged applesauce are great ways to incorporate these things into your kids’ school lunches.
- Fresh berries, melons, banana, apples, etc.
- Raisins or another dried fruit
- Freeze-dried fruits (strawberries, mangos, etc.)
- Applesauce
- Crudités (carrots, cucumbers, peppers, celery, etc.), and don’t forget a dip!
- Lettuce on a sandwich
- Dinner leftovers that include a vegetable
4. Crunchy, Snacky Thing
Now getting on to the good stuff. Snacks like chips, popcorn, and Goldfish are easy foods to stash in the lunch bag, especially for picky eaters who may not be in the mood for anything else.
- Popcorn
- Chips
- Pretzels
- Goldfish
- Veggie Straws
5. Something Sweet
The best part of the meal! A sweet treat is a great incentive for your kids to eat everything in their lunch boxes.
- Cookies
- Candy
- Chocolate chips
- Gummies or fruit snacks
How to Meal Prep School Lunches for the Week
Packing school lunches in the midst of the work week can feel like just another task to add to a never ending day. Luckily, making meal prep school lunches can take some of the load off throughout the week and ease stress for child and parent. Plus, budget-friendly meal prep helps to save money at a time when grocery prices are at an all time high.
Here are some of our go-to tips and tricks to make meal prep school lunches:
- Prep proteins ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer.
- Make and freeze sandwiches for the week on Sunday night.
- Wash all produce at the beginning of the week.
- Use leftovers intentionally—you can even plan your week night dinners with school lunches in mind!
- Portion snacks into containers, that way they’re ready to get thrown into the lunch bag on a busy morning.
- Keep a “lunch station” in your pantry. This way, kids can grab the snacks they want for their lunch without needing you to help find something.
Bento Box School Lunch Ideas
Back in my school days, kids brought packed lunches in simple plastic lunch boxes (with a matching thermos, of course) or in disposable brown paper bags. But today, the Bento lunch box is all the rage. Personally, I love the simplicity and organization of Bento boxes. They’re leak-proof, keep food separated, and help me visually organize my kids’ meals. So, what does a Bento-style kids’ lunch include, you ask? They’re essentially just deconstructed meals, often made up of carbs, proteins, fruits/veggies, some type of dip, and a dessert.
Since I’ve implemented this new way of making lunches, my kids come home with empty lunch boxes every day—a serious mom win. In addition to buying and prepping items from the school lunch grocery shopping list outlined above, we’ve rounded up 17 Bento box and Lunchable-style school lunch ideas to make for your kiddos.
1. Protein Bistro Box
This Starbucks-inspired Bistro Box features several protein-rich foods to keep kids feeling full throughout the school day. Assemble this lunch using peanut butter (if allowed in your child’s school), grapes, an apple, a hard-boiled egg, a Babybel cheese, and some pita or crackers. A huge bonus of this Bistro Box? It also makes a great lunch for moms to bring to work or eat while working from home!
2. Apple and Peanut Butter Sandwich Bento Box
This classic Bento box lunch includes apples with peanut butter (or a nut butter alternative), a handful of blueberries, nuts, two hard-boiled eggs, and some carrots and celery. Healthy and easy to assemble: a win-win for busy moms during school season and all year round!
3. Turkey, Pita, Peppers & Fruit Bento Box
Kids will love eating foods from the different sections of this Bento box meal, including blueberries, grapes, bell peppers, hummus, pita bread, turkey, and a few chocolate chips as a sweet treat.
4. PB&J, Fruit, Pistachios & Cheese Stick Bento Box
For those not dealing with allergy restrictions, this peanut butter lunch recipe will be a hit with all your kiddos. And to make for a well-rounded meal, add your kids’ fruit of choice (we love strawberries and clementines, but it’s totally customizable) with a side of pistachios, too.
5. Turkey, Cheese, and Hummus Sandwich, Chips & Granola Bento Box
This Bento Box idea does an excellent job of blending snacks that kids love—granola bites, chips—with a protein-focused main course that will leave them feeling energized for the day ahead. Plus, you can add the fruits and veggies of your choice (cucumbers pair great with hummus).
6. Yogurt, Granola & Fruit Bento Box
Have a kiddo who can’t get enough yogurt? Let them have all they want, and add in this homemade granola that’s way better than anything that can be found in the grocery store. Pair that with some seasonal fruit for a sweet treat and a hard-boiled egg for extra protein.
7. Turkey and Sprout Sandwich Bento Box
You truly can never go wrong with a turkey sandwich, but why stop there? Make it extra healthy by adding some leafy greens that they won’t even know are there. Throw in some fruits, veggies, and a crunchy snack like pretzels and dip, and they’ll be set for a productive school day.
8 Chicken, Avocado & Tomato Sandwich Bento Box
Take your sandwich game up a notch with this healthy and protein-packed option. The chicken and avocado will ensure they have the energy to take on the remainder of their day, and adding some colorful sides like bell peppers and blueberries will make this a well-rounded lunch.
9. Tuna Salad Bento Box
Any little ones who enjoy tuna salad will love this option. Make the tuna spread and send it with either celery and carrots, like pictured here, or with pita bread for dipping. Round out this Bento box lunch with sides including a hard-boiled egg, cheese cubes, grapes, and blueberries.
10. Strawberries and Arugula Bento Box
Having fresh strawberries and a salad is a refreshing mid-day pick-me-up any kid could use. Throw in some flatbread crackers and toasted pecans, and they’ll be satisfied for the rest of the school day.
11. Cracker Stacker Bento Lunch with Turkey and Cheese
If your kids love the comfort of a store-bought Lunchable, but you would rather them eat something healthier and less processed, this is the recipe for you. The bento box includes crackers and cheese of your choice, plus some hard-boiled eggs for protein—the only part of this lunch that needs to be cooked!
12. Falafel Salad Lunchbox
Falafel is an underrated option for a healthy school lunch. It can easily be made in the air fryer the night before for dinner and repurposed the next day for your kids. No time to cook? You can also grab some frozen falafel from the freezer section during your next grocery trip.
13. Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Sandwich Lunch Box
Cream cheese sandwiches are a favorite from my childhood, and are perfect for a kid more resistant to trying different proteins and veggies. Add some cinnamon on top, and you’ve got yourself a staple they’ll ask for over and over. Plus, the chickpeas and apple slices are great healthy additions to the lunch!
14. Chickpea Salad Bento Box
This vegan, no-cook lunch option can be made in under 25 minutes and is a healthy, clean option for your kiddos (or you!). All you have to do is chop and mix.
15. Greek Chicken Bento Lunch
Make sure to include some Tzatziki sauce when making this protein-packed lunch, as well as some tomatoes, cucumbers, and pita. It’s delicious, simple, and super healthy.
16. Cheeseburger Skewer Bento Box
If you’re utilizing leftovers, this is a great Bento recipe to save for later. Take some burger from the night before, add some lettuce and cheese to a skewer, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded lunch.
17. Waffle Breakfast Bento Box
What’s better than some breakfast for lunch? And this one can be packed in a Bento box. It includes mini waffles, whipped cream cheese, and peaches (or the fruit of your choice). Your kids will definitely be asking you to pack this one again.
School Lunch Ideas That Aren’t Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a classic lunch box staple—but after the first few months of school, you might be looking for a few easy-to-make recipes for other main dishes to mix up your child’s mid-day meal. From pizzas and quesadillas to homemade chicken tenders and even a healthy Hamburger Helper dupe, we’re including 16 school lunch ideas that aren’t sandwiches in the list below.
All of the recipes would make great main dishes—just like a PB&J sandwich usually would—that can be added into a Bento-style lunch box and served with fruits, veggies, and other snacks as sides. Or, if your child would enjoy a simpler lunchtime meal, serve any of the below lunch ideas on their own in a classic insulated lunch box. These options are also great peanut-free lunch ideas, too!
1. Mac and Cheese, Berries & Granola
Even as an adult, mac and cheese still hits the spot, and I would happily eat it for three meals a day—so why not add it to your kids’ lunch boxes? It can easily be made into a well-rounded meal with fruits like strawberries or clementines, or another protein source like granola.
2. Easy Tortilla Pizzas
Have some leftover tortillas from taco night? Perfect! Transform them into these easy and delicious pizzas for a fun school lunch alternative to the classic sandwich and sides combo.
3. Baked Chicken Meatballs
Meal-prep-friendly options are always my go-to when it comes to making kids’ lunches. I love these meatballs that I can throw together on Sunday and keep in the fridge until they’re ready to be eaten all week long.
4. Cheese Quesadillas
Whether I accomplish my goal of meal prepping on Sunday or inevitably find myself throwing something for the kids’ lunch boxes together every morning, quesadillas are a great option. They take minutes to prepare, and my kiddos love eating them.
5. Healthy Hamburger Helper
I know there are kiddos who could happily live off of Hamburger Helper, but no parent wants them constantly eating something like that. This recipe is the best of both worlds, with their favorite flavors in a healthy alternative, and is easy to pack in their Bento lunch box.
6. Baked Broccoli Tots
Help your little ones get their veggies in for the day in the tastiest way possible with these tots that mimic their favorite potato snack—but make it healthy.
7. Hummus Veggie Wrap
Healthy lunch ideas should always be thrown in the mix, and it doesn’t get much better than this wrap filled with colorful veggies and creamy hummus.
8. Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Not only does this recipe have the creaminess of the avocado and the protein of the chicken to satisfy your little one all afternoon, but it’s also one you can prep in 10 minutes or less.
9. BLT Chicken Salad
A BLT is always a classic lunch option, but opt for a fun twist on the lunchtime sandwich by making this delicious chicken salad instead. This is great to serve in your child’s Bento lunch box paired with crackers or pita triangles.
10. Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This is one of our favorite lunch ideas because we can make it for dinner the night before and then send it to school with the kids as leftovers. Consider this a lighter version of a family favorite that doesn’t compromise a single ounce of flavor.
11. Ham and Cheese Apple Wraps
When I find myself in a pickle at the end of the week when the groceries are dwindling, this is a great option to turn to. These ham and cheese apple wraps can be made with ingredients I almost always have on hand. They’re also the perfect sweet and savory combination.
12. Chicken Vegetable Soup
Kiddos will feel right at home when they open their lunch to homemade chicken soup. This recipe is packed with chicken and veggies. Toss it in a quality thermos, and it’ll still be warm by the time lunch rolls around.
13. Turkey Burgers
This healthy turkey burger will, without a doubt, fill the kiddos up until the end of the day. Lunch ideas are the best when they can be made ahead of time, and this is a great option to do just that.
14. Hidden Veggie Lasagna
Some kids simply don’t enjoy eating their veggies. When we run into this issue, it’s nice to have a hidden veggie recipe on hand. Both kids and parents will love this lasagna recipe that masks the flavors of the veggies within and can be made gluten-free.
15. At-Home Chipotle Burrito Bowl
If you can’t go a week without hearing, “can we get Chipotle?” compromise with this copycat recipe. Kids will be showing this off in the lunch room, telling their friends it’s the real deal.
16. Pizza Bagels
Another favorite from my childhood, these couldn’t be easier to throw together and can be topped with your choice of healthy toppings. I always loved putting tomatoes and peppers on mine! Plus, the bagel can be paired with healthier sides like mixed greens or chickpeas.
Read More: 40 Easy-to-Make School Morning Breakfasts Your Kids Will Love
High-Protein School Lunch Ideas
If you have protein fatigue, you’re not alone. I feel like I’m living in a world of “energy smoothies” and “protein-forward” dinners. Luckily, when it comes to kids, you don’t need to overthink it. There are tons of simple food choices that can help incorporate protein into your child’s daily meal routine. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite high-protein school lunch ideas.
1. Chicken Kabobs
We can never go wrong with chicken, veggies, and our little one’s favorite dipping sauce. Just leave the skewers at home and add these deconstructed kabobs to your kiddo’s lunch box. They’ll feel wholly energized for the day ahead.
2. Chicken Fried Rice
Healthy and simple for the win! This is a great, healthy dinner option that can be repurposed in your kids’ lunches the following day. Rice, veggies, juicy chicken breasts, a tasty sauce, and scrambled eggs are all mixed together in one pan, making for a balanced and delicious meal.
3. Mini Egg Frittatas
Egg bites are always great because the ingredients can be customized, and they will always be high in protein. My kids love having breakfast for lunch (or dinner), so these are sure to be a welcome treat for your kiddos, too.
4. Greek Yogurt Parfait
You don’t need meat to make a high-protein school lunch! Grab your kiddos’ favorite greek yogurt brand (personally, we’re an Oikos household), throw in some granola and fresh berries, a favorite snack or veggie, and you’ve got yourself a balanced, filling lunch. There are also plenty of greek yogurt brands that are vegan, for those operating under stricter dietary constraints.
5. Baked Turkey Meatballs
Another great meatball option to make at home and send to school with your kiddos. These are awesome for a spaghetti dinner and are packed with protein to get your little ones through school the next day.
Easy School Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters
I know there are plenty of moms reading these recipe ideas thinking to themselves, “my kind won’t eat any of this stuff.” Trust me, we see you and hear you—I was that kid. Below you’ll find all the best school lunch ideas for picky eaters, whether you’ve got a kid who won’t touch meat or only likes pizza. Make sure to save these for your back-to-school prep!
1. Sheet Pan Pizza
Not only is this recipe totally customizable, but it can also be made in 30 minutes. Make it as healthy as you want while still ensuring your kiddo will be excited when they get to lunch. Plus, it’s a big enough portion to serve your kiddos slices all week long!
2. Salami and Provolone Lunchable
This DIY Lunchable includes carrots, cucumber slices, raspberries, and crackers, and more. Add in some salami and provolone cheese, and kids can create their own mini sandwiches! Or, cut out as many ingredients as you need to make your kiddo actually eat it—lunchables are totally customizable!
3. Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders
I can’t think of one child who would say “no” to a lunch box filled with chicken tenders. This recipe will absolutely be on regular rotation throughout the school year, and it’s always healthier to make it at home over the store bought brand. Don’t forget the dipping sauces, too!
4. Pizza Lunchable
Not only is this DIY Lunchable easy to put together, but kids have a blast assembling their own mini pizza for lunch with the ingredients. This one includes thinly sliced pepperoni, mozzarella cheese cubes, black olives, roasted red bell peppers, pita chips, and hummus—but you can customize it to fit your child’s needs and preferences! That’s the great thing about lunchables for picky eaters.
5. Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Frozen fish sticks from a box could never compete! This recipe is great because it uses the air fryer to ensure the sticks are crispy every time. Plus, you have the option to freeze them and have them on hand when you want them. For picky kiddos, a safe food like this always be a win.
School Lunch Ideas, Tips & Hacks
Prep lunches on Sunday
Preparing and packing daily lunches can be time-consuming. I’ve found that prepping the week’s worth of school lunch meals on Sunday afternoons works best for me. After our family’s weekly grocery run, I wash all fruits and veggies, cook some chicken breasts and other proteins that I will use for the week, and make sure all the lunch boxes are clean. And, I write down what I will pack for lunches each day so I don’t have to think about it during the hustle and bustle of each school day morning!
Utilize leftovers
When it comes to packing school lunches, I always try to incorporate leftovers from our weekly dinners as much as I can because it’s both budget-friendly and saves me time. Assembling Bento box lunches with lots of ingredients is great, but sometimes mixing in leftovers keeps mid-day meals feeling fresh and exciting, too. And if my littles enjoyed eating the meal during dinner the first time around, I know they’ll definitely eat it for lunch—a great hack for even the pickiest of eaters.
Make the same lunch every day
I don’t know about you, but managing the mental load of the school year is a lot to handle. After a few months, I quickly find myself feeling decision fatigue with all of the school-related tasks. Coming up with creative school lunch ideas is often the first thing to fall off my long list of weekly to-dos. But, you know what? There’s no rulebook that says parents need to pack a brand new and exciting school lunch for their kids every. single. day. I often make the same school lunch for my children each week, and they don’t mind it at all. Don’t overthink these packed lunches, moms. Your kids will be thrilled to eat their favorites, and they thrive when given routines.
Lean into the school’s hot lunch
If you’re feeling the lunch-packing burnout, remember that it’s also perfectly OK to have your kids opt into the school’s hot lunch option, if they offer one. Your kids likely won’t remember every thoughtfully-curated and perfectly-packed lunch you make them during each school year. But they will remember feeling energized and successful during their days, thanks to a full belly, regardless of whether the meal was homemade or purchased at school. Don’t hesitate to lean into hot lunch options to give yourself a break!
FAQs
What are easy school lunches I can make the night before?
Some easy school lunches you can make the night before include Bento box lunchables with deli meats, fruits, veggies, and snacks like crackers and pretzels. They’re easy to throw together last minute. Another great option is repackaging leftovers—only takes a few moments!
What can I make instead of sandwiches?
Our favorite school lunch ideas that aren’t sandwiches include pizza (a kid favorite), air fried chicken tenders and fish sticks, soups and pastas that can be kept in a thermos, and lunchable style meals that may include the components of a sandwich in a different style. It’s easy to make sure your kids get a well-rounded meal without always packing them the same sandwich.
What are easy school lunch ideas for picky eaters?
Kid-friendly foods like pasta, chicken tenders, pizza, and fish sticks can easily be packed for a school lunch so your child always has something to eat. Bento box lunchables are also a great option for picky eaters because they’re so customizable and keep all the food separate and organized.
How do I keep a school lunch cold until lunchtime?
Check out our lunch box essentials roundup, where we share some of our favorite ice packs and coolers for lunch boxes. In general, there should be ice packs and thermos available at your local grocery store to help keep food at the right temperature throughout the day.
What can I pack in a Bento box?
Anything you want! Depending on the size of the Bento box, they can fit pretty much anything from deli meats and veggies to hard boiled eggs and crackers. They’re typically best for charcuterie style lunches, but don’t be afraid to experiment.
Gabriela Garcia, Contributing Writer
Gabriela is a former Senior Commerce Editor at Well+Good, where she oversaw content strategy across all platforms. Previously, she was the Senior Beauty Editor at Editorialist, leading the vertical through expansive growth. Her work can be seen in Bustle, Fashionista, Glamour, InStyle, Remezcla, The Pioneer Woman, and more. Gabriela has a Substack called Modern Brown Girl where she writes about product discovery, beauty and lifestyle trends, and conducts interviews with industry leaders.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.