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After years of sharing the school lunches I pack for my kids on Facebook, I decided to combine all the pictures together below in one easy-to-reference place for inspiration.
I know some readers love to sit down and look at these pics with their kids so they can point out what they want (and, more importantly, what they’ll actually eat!), which I think is a great idea.
If you find it helpful as well, please consider bookmarking this page, sharing it using the social buttons, or leaving a comment with star rating (at the bottom of the page) to help others find this guide. 🙂
Check out these Easy Lunch Ideas and these High Protein Lunch Ideas too!
Table of Contents
360+ Healthy School Lunch Ideas
Narrow results with the drop down filter or search box. Note some of these lunch ideas incorporate real food leftovers, which can be a real time saver. Most recipes can be found here on the blog via the included links, but a few are from my best-selling cookbooks.
- Homemade White Bean Dip (from #100dayscookbook ) with blue tortilla chips
- Apple sandwiches
- Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites (from #100daysonabudget cookbook)
School Lunch Ideas Packing Chart
See my School Lunch Packing Chart post for more details and how to get your free printable copy (a reusable version is also included in my Meal Planner Workbook). Basically you have your kids fill out the chart with all the ingredients they'd like in their lunches for the week, and then take the chart with you on your grocery run so you know what to buy. You'll have all the fixings on hand, plus buy-in from your kids!
School Lunch Ideas "Recipe"
This is similar to the packing chart in that you can get inspiration and buy-in from kids for new lunch combinations.
School Lunch Ideas
Ingredients
Main
- Sandwich (☐Whole wheat bread ☐Whole wheat pita ☐PB & J ☐PB & honey ☐Cheese ☐Hummus ☐Organic ham ☐Organic turkey ☐Lettuce ☐Sliced pickle ☐Sliced cucumber ☐Mustard ☐Mayo )
- Bagel and cream cheese (☐With cucumber slices)
- Cheese and crackers
- Cheese quesadilla (Cold)
- Deviled eggs
- Egg salad
- Grilled cheese (Cold)
- Oatmeal (☐Hot ☐Cold)
- Pasta salad
- Smoothie
- Waffle and cream cheese sandwich
- Whole wheat pita pizza
- Whole wheat pita triangles and hummus
- Other (Write in:_________________________ )
Fruits and Veggies
- Apple (Red)
- Apple (Green)
- Applesauce
- Avocado half
- Bananan half (☐With peanut butter or other nut butter)
- Bell peppers (Sliced)
- Blueberries
- Broccoli (Raw or cooked)
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Celery (☐With peanut or other nut butter ☐With raisins)
- Cherries*
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Dried fruit (Raisins, apricots, apple, or other)
- Frozen peas
- Grapefruit
- Grapes*
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwi
- Mango*
- Olives
- Oranges (☐Big ☐Small)
- Papaya*
- Peach*
- Pear
- Pickles
- Pineapple
- Plum*
- Pomegranate seeds (Fresh or frozen)
- Radish slices
- Raspberries
- Star fruit*
- Strawberries*
- Sugar snap peas
- Watermelon*
- Other (Write in:_________________________ )
Grain or Snack
- Brown Rice Cakes (☐With peanut or other nut butter ☐With raisins)
- Cheese cubes/slices
- Chickpeas
- Crackers
- Dip (☐White bean ☐Other, write in:____________________)
- Edamame
- Granola chunks
- Hard-boiled egg
- Muffin
- Popcorn
- Powerballs (homemade)
- Snack bar
- String cheese
- Trail mix
- Whole wheat noodles
- Whole wheat pretzels
- Yogurt
Instructions
- Choose an ingredient from each category to create new lunch combinations (I recommend doing this with your kids).
- Jot your ideas down as you go for a quick school lunch meal plan.
Notes
School Lunch Meal Plans
Get our uber-popular packed lunch meal plans! Our Real Lunches, Real Easy ebooks are each a complete system that tells you what to buy, what to prep, and what to pack (including colorful pictures) so you're not stressing out at the last minute. Grab one version, or all four, and even have your kiddos help pack their new wholesome, hearty, real food lunches. See samples of each week and learn more here.
More School Lunch Resources
To learn more about the lunches I pack, here are some helpful links…
- Our favorite school lunch supplies including the commonly pictured plastic Ziploc divided containers (each compartment is leak-proof).
- Everything you could ever want to know about those colorful smoothie pop molds used in some lunches.
- Why we don’t track protein or worry about getting “enough.”
- My cookbooks all contain more lunch box ideas as well.
- You can also find more school lunch resources (among others) in our free member’s area.
School Lunch Ideas FAQ
I've get a lot of comments/questions/etc. when I share my kids' lunches on Facebook, so I’d like to address a few of the more common questions below. Read more in the full FAQ.
I’ve written a post that includes everything you could ever want to know about the colorful “freezie pop molds” that I use frequently to add smoothies to their lunches.
Many of the school lunch supplies we use, including the divided lunchbox containers, thermos cups, and freezie pop molds, are detailed in the My Favorite School Lunch Supplies post and my Amazon Favorites page. The lunchbox containers fit nicely (with a drink cup) in both Lands End and Old Navy cloth rectangular lunch boxes.
Some readers ask if these lunches provide enough food for my children, and while I am probably not spot-on with portion size 100% of the time, the short answer is “yes.” First of all, “real food” is a lot more filling than highly processed food (especially the refined grain stuff like white flour). Secondly, portion sizes are getting out of control in America and have unfortunately skewed the public’s view of what is appropriate. Thirdly, my children were 7 and almost 5 when I started photographing their lunches. Lastly, both my children eat after-school snacks. Okay, got that off my chest. :)
A few occasionally ask if these lunches have enough protein. First of all, part of eating a “real food” diet means you no longer have to count calories, fat grams, protein, carbs, etc. You simply eat a variety of whole foods (including lots of veggies) without “overeating” and the rest will just fall into place. It’s kind of nice not to have to worry about that stuff anymore. But, if you aren’t quite ready to forget about your daily protein intake please know there are MANY sources high in protein aside from just meat products such as yogurt, eggs, cheese, cream cheese, nuts (including peanut butter), seeds (including sunflower butter), and beans. When we switched to a "real food" diet we purposely reduced our meat consumption.
My daughters used to go to a peanut/tree nut-free school, so I often used sunflower butter and cream cheese as an alternative to peanut butter. You can filter the lunches above or visit my Nut-Free Lunch Ideas post for more ideas.
What Do Packed Lunches Look Like by Lunchtime?
I've gotten quite a few questions asking what these carefully prepared lunches actually look like come lunchtime—especially after they've been tossed all around while in my kids' backpacks and since "liquidy" foods like yogurt or applesauce are involved. Let's face it, no child keeps their lunch bag or box in one perfect position all day, and that is certainly something I would never expect of my own children.
So when I was having lunch with my daughter at school (and risking looking like a lunatic), I took a bunch of pictures for you! :)
So that's all there is to it! And since I know some will be wondering :) ....
- Those are Ziploc brand divided lunch containers - super cheap, lightweight, BPA-free, and available online. I have no relationship with Ziploc whatsoever. We just really like these lunch boxes.
- I got the muffin cups here. Here are the Thermos cup, the flexible ice blanket, and the fun character ice pack.
- I bought the fun toothpicks at Party City, although I've found cute ones at several different places including Martha Stewart Crafts, and cute Meri Meri Toot Sweet Cupcake Picks.
- The lunch bag is by Lands End and we have the matching backpack that goes with it. This is the brand my older daughter has been using for almost 3 years now and it is still holding up great.
I hope these lunch ideas have been helpful. Please feel free to share your “real food” school lunch ideas in the comments below…
Jessica says
Some of the items (like peas) look frozen. If your child takes them to school - does the school 'heat it up' for them?? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jessica. No, the peas have thawed by the time lunch arrives but are not heated. ~Amy
Mojo says
I gotta admit that I am super impressed, my six year old loves the heart shaped fruits in particular...many thanks
Tabitha says
Love these lunch ideas. I am trying to reduce the amount of processed food my family eats, but was lost for ideas. I am so glad I came across your blog. I love that there are lots of things that can be made ahead and many that require little prep. This is so important with 2 young kids. Thanks for sharing.
Michelle says
I really love your lunch ideas. They always look so beautiful in the Tupperware containers. Although, how in the world do they stay that way after being tossed around in their backpacks? Does the applesauce stay in the applesauce compartment, etc? I like the muffin holder idea, but doesn't it mix with the other items?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Michelle. The items stay in their own compartments but they are not as picture perfect after being carried to school. But, in general, they stay put. ~Amy
April T. says
Question, I see many items that would only stay together if the container remained flat. Many lunch boxes are packed, but then stand on their sides (think rectangle shape). How does this work for you kids?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Katie. Here is great option: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/17/recipe-honey-whole-wheat-sandwich-bread-for-bread-machine/. We also buy 100% whole grain bread from Great Harvest, a local bakery. ~Amy
Katie says
What kind of bread do you use for sandwiches?
Teresa Gilliam says
The healthy meals look great, but what amazed me and excited me was the variety. So many kids are picky eaters today only because they have not been exposed to all the great flavors of real food. Kudos to you for not bringing up picky or fearful eaters.
Paula Bishop says
Hello! Do your children have access to a microwave at school or do they eat this stuff cold? Asking cause I would like to know! Like to try some out on my very picky eating son!!
Thank you!!
Paula
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Paula. No, food cannot be heated at school. If we want something to stay warm, a thermal container is our go to. ~Amy
Melanie says
Love your blog and love your lunch ideas! I just bought some supplies so I can start taking the bento approach. I know my 2 year old will love it. I've been making her ice cube tray lunches and she had lots of fun with it! Thank you!!!
Susie says
My kids LOVE a sandwich with whole wheat bread, peanut butter, chopped celery and raisins.
gwen says
I just can't find a thermos that works. I always end up with cold soup at lunch. What kind do you use?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Gwen. This might help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/11/26/how-to-use-thermos-food-jars/. ~Amy
Juana Harris says
I love your ideas, my daughters are 8 and 6 years old, first time taking lunch at school, I am searching different website of nutrients and healthy meals, if you have more ideas please share with us, we are desperate for it.
gwen says
Some of these look like they would be kinda nasty. They probably are delicious warm, but I could never eat cold tomato soup.
Jenn says
That is why the thermos is a wonderful thing!
We freeze soups in pint jars and take them out of the freezer the night before. Heat them up in the morning. Throw them in the thermos and boom hot soup for my kids. :)
Nerissa says
Love the school lunch ideas. Do you know of any sites or blogs that cater to kids with dairy, eggs and peanut allergies?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Nerissa. I don't know of any that specifically cater to those allergies, but, Weelicious (www.weelicious.com) is a great blog very focused on children. Best of luck. Jill
Pierre says
Great article love the variety and the food quality!
Where can I purchase those awesome containers you feature in your photos?
Thanks
P
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Pierre. Here is the info on the lunchboxes depending on which one you would like...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/09/product-review-lunchboxes/. Jill
Cathy says
Thanks for the inspiration :) Just had to say, from a South African perpective, your portion sizes look big enough for most adult women!
Una Beaumont says
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you....!
That's an awesome blog!
My boy has just started to have lunch boxes at nursery and starting school in September.
I can't tell you how much I'm eager to find different "recipes" to keep him healthy and excited about food!
I am looking forward to more!
Thank you again,
Una
Heather says
Hi!! So excited to find your awesome site! Can you tell me where I can find the reusable yogurt tubes you pack in your daughters lunches? I'd love to add that to my lunch making arsenal!!
Thanks much!!
Happy New Year!!
HeatherB
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Heather. You can find a link to them in this post...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/#kids. Jill
Kelly says
I live in Madrid, Spain and an American friend has just put me onto your blog. I'm just about to start a 10 day group detox which involves cutting out all processes foods, so I'm happy to have you as inspiration - and I'm certain my 10 days will turn into many more.
I'm thrilled also to find your post on school lunchbox ideas. The hot school lunches here are too fried and greasy, so I try to make a healthy packed lunch for my boys each morning. It requires some forward thinking and fresh inspiration - so I'm happy you have provided that!
:)
Lisa Nighswonger says
I love all your lunch ideas. I was getting so bored packing basically the same food for my kids. Thank you for some real "fresh" ideas;) The apple sandwiches you make or even the apple wedges you send, how do you keep them from turning brown before lunch time?
Susan says
toss the apples in orange juice to keep them from getting brown.
cezanne says
or lemon juice tastes really good (: not too much though!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Lisa. Just squirt them with some lemon juice, it will keep them from browning. Jill
Becca says
Dip the apples in pineapple juice. I learned this from my mother-in-law and the apples taste delicious:)
Beth says
Can you recommend a sunflower butter - bought the organic Earthfare sunflower butter only to discover it had added sugar and salt. Also, the seeds were from China and Argentina! Love your site.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Beth. We don't actually eat it, but, I know Trader Joe's has one. Not sure if you've checked that one out. Jill
C says
Hi! I just found your website and love, love, love it! Last week was the first week that I had to start packing my 4yr old's lunch and let me tell you, I have been completely overwhelmed with not knowing what to pack that would be healthy. Your lunch ideas have started the ball rolling for me. I cannot thank you enough. Now, to just find the time to make all of these great creations. Please keep up the good work because you are an invaluable resource.
Micheelle says
Love your healthy kids lunches bt do you know of any recipes blogs or sites for Preservative & Gluten free recipes?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Micheelle. You should check out DeliciouslyOrganic.net and ElanasPantry.com - both are great for gluten free cooking. Jill
Christopher says
I have been in and out of your blog for the last month, totally addicted. I am a daddy to 2 beautiful little girls, and I am constantly trying to expose them to healthy, delicious, real foods.
This is the 10th time I have read through the lunch box page and tonight I started to tear up at the pictures:) Yep, I just admitted that, because all I am seeing is how much you love your kids to make this all happen. Thank you.
Adam W. says
I am a dad who stumbled upon this blog. Needless to say I was blown away! Having the pictures instantly helped. So much easier to see what it looks like rather than reading the ingredients and wondering... Wow! Don't tell my wife that I was here. I want to surprise her and my 2 girls with your great ideas! Thanks!
Emily says
These lunches look fabulous and very outside-the-box! I'd like to print the list of options for when I need something new, but I'm trying to conserve ink. Are the ideas listed somewhere (so I don't have to print the pics), or should I just pull them from here myself? (Just didn't want to recreate the wheel)! Thanks.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Emily. Unfortunately you'll have to print the post at this time. Jill
Sarah R says
How do the frozen vegetables end up working in the lunchbox? Wouldn't they still be pretty chilly/mushy when it came lunch time?
What are real food lunch ideas for a toddler who is still needing foods to be more mushed up?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sarah. Yes, they are still cold at lunch, I'm not sure they are mushy though. I would just suggest choosing "softer foods" for your toddler, but, no reason to think that these wouldn't work for a younger child, assuming they are comfortable with solid foods. Jill
Heather says
Is there a recipe for the whole wheat bagels pictured here? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Heather. No, sorry, we don't have a recipe for those. Jill
Erikane says
These look great nice job, love it.
Jill Broberg says
I love your lunch box ideas! Thank you so much! I have a question about the ziplock containers you use. How do the kids take them to school? It looks like if they tipped it in their backpack, things would spill like the sour cream and pico de gallo sauce for the veggie casadillas. Do they keep it level somehow??
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jill. The lid actually seals off each compartment, so, they don't leak between them. I have never had a problem with any of the food moving from compartment to compartment as long as the lid is sealed properly. Jill
Brenda says
My kids would be starving if I packed them these lunches! Good ideas, though.
Julie says
I prepare my school lunches the night before, but don't pack fresh fruits because they brown so easily. Do you have any suggestions on keeping them from browning? My kids don't like lemon juice on their fruits. Thanks for the help!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Julie. I also pack lunches at night, but, I leave the fruit out until the morning. Then I just cut that up and add it before we head out the door. For apples, though, I do use the lemon juice. Jill
aw says
@Julie
Instead of lemon juice, you can try cranberry or grape juice.
Ascorbic acid in lemon juice, lime juice and cranberry juice also have a pH below 3.0. Concord grape juice and grapefruit juice also have a low pH.
Jenni says
1st- love your site, been following for over a year now, and I still love to see what you are posting!
Main question- do you have a checklist you follow when packing? (ex: 1 grain, 2 fruits, 1 veggie, 1 dairy... etc.) I feel like I prepare good, whole food meals for my toddlers daily, but, I worry about the right amount of variety.
Thanks! :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jenni. Glad you're enjoying the blog. Thanks for reading. There is no "checklist" per se, but, I just try to provide a variety from each food group. Sorry I couldn't give a more definitive answer. Jill
Michelle K says
I have received so many helpful hints & recipe ideas. Thank you so much! I do have a quick question though- when you make the PB & Apple sandwiches. How do you keep the apples from turning brown?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Michelle. Try squirting them with a little lemon juice, it always does the trick. Jill
Terri M says
Can you please give the ingrediants for the PB&J smoothie?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
You can find it here...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/06/11/recipe-pbj-smoothie/. Jill
Cindy K says
These look great! What kind of silicone smoothie holders do you use and where did you get them? I heard that some of them smell kind of bad. My kids would love that in their lunch though.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Cindy. You can find them here...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/#kids. Jill
Melly says
These look very tasty and nutritious. However I can assure you that my daughter wouldn't touch hardly a one of them. She is extraordinarily picky. For example my dd would die before eating hummus, eggs, raw veggies etc. Great ideas though and will work on kids who aren't so picky I'm sure.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Melly. Have you checked out this post on picky eaters? https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/09/real-food-tips-12-ways-to-deal-with-a-picky-eater/. Good luck. Jill
April says
Oh my, THANK YOU!!! My twins recently started a preschool that requires us to bring lunch. I've been beside myself trying to figure out what containers (hot and cold) fit into their lunch boxes without going broke trying various ones. Plus, your photos of various meals helps me get past the PB&J, apple slices, carrot sticks and yogurt cup. Ah, I can breath now. Great blog.
Tricia says
Will you be my mom and make my lunches to take to work?!?! These are great!