Here’s yet another “round up” of my kids’ school lunches that I routinely share on Facebook. In case you are new here these links might help set the stage for you:
Our full recipe index where you can find most (but not necessarily all) recipes pictured below.
Sponsor Shoutout: The Fresh 20 Meal Planning Service
Before we dive into the pictures though I want to make sure you know about our meal planning sponsor…The Fresh 20! Through their service you’ll receive 5 unprocessed dinner recipes each week that can be made from only 20 fresh ingredients (organized shopping list included). The cost is $5/month and you can choose from their Classic, Vegetarian, or Gluten-Free plan. If you are struggling to get a wholesome dinner on the table every night why not let someone else do all the planning for you?
Egg salad, whole-grain crackers (Multi-Seed variety), zucchini muffin (made with whole spelt flour instead of wheat), berry/yogurt/spinach smoothie pop, and frozen peasChicken noodle soup, whole spelt zucchini muffin, cantaloupe, and waterSandwich bread pizza (tomato sauce and cheese on top of regular sandwich bread and toasted), melon/blueberries, applesauce, and carrotsCarrots, frozen berry/banana/spinach/yogurt smoothie pop, whole spelt pumpkin muffin, stove-top (homemade) organic popcorn, and store bought applesauceHomemade tomato bisque, fruit mix (kiwi/apple/cantaloupe), a cold grilled cheese sandwich, and some waterLeftover egg salad, whole-wheat (ak-mak crackers), cheese cubes, strawberries, and leftover cooked broccoliRed bell pepper slices, hard-boiled egg, 3 mini whole-grain pumpkin muffins, frozen smoothie pop (made with berries/bananas/plain yogurt/swiss chard leaves), and some whole-wheat pretzels (from Trader Joe’s)Whole-wheat waffle and cream cheese sandwich, an organic ham/cheese roll up (once in a blue moon I buy Applegate organic sandwich meat just to switch things up), some apple slices, and a homemade trail mix (nuts/seeds/raisins)Sunflower seed butter and honey sandwich, whole-grain pretzels, organic cheese stick, cucumbers, red bell peppers, and hummus (for dipping)Whole-wheat “pita pizza” (toasted in the toaster oven and served cold), raw carrots, leftover steamed broccoli, and hummusLeftover veggie corn chowder (warm in thermos), whole-wheat cinnamon raisin bread, and cucumbers/carrotsHummus & cheese sandwich (topped with a few spinach leaves), carrots, cheese slices, honeydew melon, strawberries, and applesaucePopcorn, applesauce, carrots, berry/yogurt/spinach/banana smoothie pop, and a whole-grain zucchini muffinSpaghetti and meatballs (made with carrot bits and defrosted from freezer), an apple/PB sandwich, and waterWhole-wheat waffle/cream cheese/cinnamon sandwich, carrots, plain yogurt mixed with homemade berry sauce, and a hard-boiled eggA “make your own pizza” lunch with whole-wheat pita triangles (from Trader Joe’s), store bought organic pasta sauce, a little grated cheese, and some “ants on a log” made with sunflower seed butter and raisinsWhole-wheat cinnamon raisin bread/cream cheese sandwich, grapefruit slices, pineapple bits, and plain yogurt mixed with a little vanilla extract, pure maple syrup and frozen blueberriesRefried bean/cheese tostada (cut into 4 triangles and served cold), peanuts, honeydew melon, and an apple/sunflower butter sandwichBlueberry/spinach/yogurt smoothie pop, carrot, whole spelt pumpkin muffin, popcorn & roasted pumpkin seed mix, and clementines with grapesHomemade tomato bisque (with whole-wheat noodles floating in it), melon/raspberries, a zucchini muffin, and water.Leftover Crock-Pot chicken, berry/yogurt/spinach frozen smoothie pop, cheese stick, apple slices, and a whole-wheat banana nut muffin
Please share your school lunch ideas in the comments below!
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How do you keep shredded cheese, died cheese from melting in a school lunch bag. Every time I send a salad to school with my grandchildren, they bring the cheese back because it has melted.
My daughter eats a peanut butter or almond butter (organic from Trader Joe’s) several times a week. I don’t often see peanut butter in her school lunch postings and wondering her thoughts about both. I’ve looked and was unable to find any information on the website in regards to almond and peanut butter. Thanks:)
Hello I am a nutritionist and have had difficulty in finding healthy foods for my son’s lunch…that he will actually eat. I have tried everything I can think of but he is very picky. I also think he is overly self conscious about what is in his lunch. Meaning he is in first grade and kids in his class (small group of 16) make comments on what each other had packed in their lunch. So even if he likes something he will not want it any more if someone has made him feel weird about it. I love the idea of the waffle sandwich. Can you tell me what kind/flavor of cream cheese you use and also how do you pack this so it does not end up soggy. My son’s grade does not eat until 1245 so even with ice pack I’m not sure how that would be. Thanks for all the great lunch ideas. Wonderful!
Thank you for these wonderful ideas! I look forward to trying the waffle sandwiches especially… I am also using the Ziploc Bento section box for my two kids. They asked for daily notes in there because they were fun, but I did not like using all that paper. So I go a whiteboard marker and now I write them each a message on the lid of the Ziploc box each morning and just wipe it off each night before washing. Today’s note was: “Hoppy Spring!” and I drew a bunny with a tulip. They especially get a kick out of the days when I say”Hi Ben, Ross and Connor!” to their lunch buddies :)
Wow!! You are so amazing – thank you so much for sharing!! This is seriously such a gift when I have no clue where to start about food. Beyond amazing – thank you, thank you, thank you!! Also, I think we are going to try out the Lunchbots :)
Hi,
Love this website… gives a lot of ideas for healthy home-made and interesting school-box lunches for kids.
Can you please let me know a very healthy recipe for spaghetti with meatballs in tomato sauce? Please… As my daughter has recently started to love this dish, i want to make it healthy. She also recently has started to ‘not-like’ veggies! Hence want to sneak in..
Any ideas on how to change up these lunch ideas for high school kids who want to take their lunch because the school food is gross, but don’t have anywhere to keep the lunch cold, and also don’t want to look weird (and not cool) for bringing their lunches?
Hi Marybeth. Ask for your kids input on what might be considered more or less cool. It may be as simple as increasing the portion sizes, finding the right lunch carrier, and perhaps, no toothpicks with pinwheels or hearts. :) Also, the ice packs really do keep lunch items adequately cool (as in temp not “hipness”). Best of luck. ~Amy
This site inspired me to create a blog! I’m eleven years old and I decided to write a blog about school lunches from a kid’s perspective. It’s called “Lunch Bunch”! There isn’t too much yet, but I’d really like it if some people saw it. I have one question for the people at 100 days of real food: What is the kids favorite food? Thank you!
Every time I get in a lunch rut (or any other real food-related rut), I peek at your site and I always find inspiration. It’s obvious that cooking delicious, nourishing meals for your family is a labor of love for you. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy to have found these round ups! They are great inspiration for my lunches for work because I work out of someone’s home and even though she lets me use a stove to heat things up I always feel a little awkward about it. Lots of great options for cold lunches on here so thanks!
Hello There (:
I am a stay at home of two children 4 1/2, 1 1/2 years of age and am currently 31 weeks pregnant I am overly tired these days and was wondering if you lunchbox recipe or any of you recipes can be pre made and stored for quick lunch or frozen for go to lunch or dinners for these last weeks and to help out when baby arrives?
These lunches are fresh, healthy, and look delicious! Our daycare Academy has been incorporating real, organic food into our routine and I am glad to have found your blog! Thanks for sharing this great info!
Thanks! Ironically since posting my question and after all the searching I did on the internet I went to the Grocery Outlet and found a kids sized Contigo stainless steel thermos that works perfect. Its crazy that I posted the question after searching for over a month and then I find one! Thank you though in case I buy another I will get one of the Thermos ones!!
Hello! Do you have any suggestions for thermoses for warm drinks? I’ve searched everywhere however all the new thermos have the straws built in and I’m not so sure they would work for warm drinks for cold days at school. Trying for less messy too. I would attempt the hot/cold food containers but I think she’d spill it. Any suggestions appreciated! BTW, I LOVE your site!
Hi Amy. The Thermos brand with the straw is what we use. It works great for warm drinks, too and is not messy at all. My 10 year old has one that has no design on it. It is a little larger than those picture above. We found it at Target. ~Amy
vinni
I buy cruchmaster multigrain crackers from costco.
Are these healthy?
Hi Vinni. Crackers are tough. We do use Crunchmaster sometimes but they do not technically fall within the rules due to their ingredient list. They are better than most, however. Mary’s Gone Crackers is another choice for a clean gluten free crackers. For whole wheat, Lisa usually used Ak Mak or whole wheat matzo. ~Amy
Curious about the link for Ziploc. I will have to order these since we live in a tiny rural community, but I kinda loathe Walmart. However, if y’all get an affiliate deal I will use the link.
If not I will source elsewhere. They’re such an awesome idea, and I also loathe plastic, but it sounds like these will work great to finally pack lunches me and the kids can be happy about.
These are awesome ideas, I will copy what I can. We live abroad at the moment (Kosovo) and we can’t get many things that you use – spelt is unknown, many fruits not available, I can’t get carrots reliably. Next year, I’ll start a vegetable garden so we can have a better supply situation. We can’t buy anything organic here but we try our best to eat as little processed food as possible. Not easy! Thanks for the great suggestions and I’m looking forward to your book!!
How do you pack a lunch for a 16 year old athlete? Is there a lunch box big enough? He is needing to eat lunch, a snack before practice and something after football practice.
Hi, I love those silicone pop containers. Where can I get them? I love your idea’s for lunches. I homeschool and these lunches look like something my daughter will eat. Thanks, oh and do you have recipes for the smoothie’s?
Hi Christy. On the occasion that Lisa buys deli meat, and that is not very often, it is organic and without added nitrates like Applegate Farms brand. Those are the criteria that I would first look for when choosing. ~Amy
Hi! I love this blog! Y’all have inspired me and my husband to eat a real food diet, which we do at least 80% of the time. I have a question about deli meat: I read your post a while back about why you don’t eat deli meat, and then recently I’ve seen you posting Applegate ham in school lunches. Have you changed your mind or is this one special? I’m curious because it’s such a convenient meat. And I don’t think our grocery stores around here carry that brand. Any other brands you suggest? What about Boars Head? Thanks!
Jocelyn
Hi Jocelyn. Lisa only occasionally gives the Applegate Farm deli meat to the girls. It is usually available in mainstream grocery stores, too. If not, you should be able to request that they stock it. ~Amy
I am so happy to find your blog/website. I am excited to try out your recipes and get my family eating healthy. Thank You for taking the time to do this for others. :)
What ideas do you have for lunches that aren’t refrigerated at school?? Her lunch box is insulated but I still worry about dairy and some meat products. What do you recommend?
These are amazing ideas, thank you so much for taking the time to share! I just have one question – I have two boys who are very big for their ages and eat A LOT. As it is now, I don’t feed them unhealthy food and they eat lots of fruits and veggies. I look at these lunches and although fabulous, they would be more of a snack for my kids. Do you have any suggestions for meals a little heartier? To keep their bellies full longer? Thank you so much in advance!
How do you keep shredded cheese, died cheese from melting in a school lunch bag. Every time I send a salad to school with my grandchildren, they bring the cheese back because it has melted.
Thank you: Susan J. Jarvais
Hi. Using mulitple ice packs should do the trick.
I am not much of a cook, but I love your website and easy to follow instructions. By far one of the best healthy recipe websites I have stumbled upon.
Thank you.
Do you make the frozen smoothie pops , or buy those? Thanks!
Hi Sherrie. Lisa makes them. This covers how: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/. ~Amy
My daughter eats a peanut butter or almond butter (organic from Trader Joe’s) several times a week. I don’t often see peanut butter in her school lunch postings and wondering her thoughts about both. I’ve looked and was unable to find any information on the website in regards to almond and peanut butter. Thanks:)
Hello I am a nutritionist and have had difficulty in finding healthy foods for my son’s lunch…that he will actually eat. I have tried everything I can think of but he is very picky. I also think he is overly self conscious about what is in his lunch. Meaning he is in first grade and kids in his class (small group of 16) make comments on what each other had packed in their lunch. So even if he likes something he will not want it any more if someone has made him feel weird about it. I love the idea of the waffle sandwich. Can you tell me what kind/flavor of cream cheese you use and also how do you pack this so it does not end up soggy. My son’s grade does not eat until 1245 so even with ice pack I’m not sure how that would be. Thanks for all the great lunch ideas. Wonderful!
I love your lunch ideas! I’m curious how you prevent your apples from oxidizing?
Hello Stephanie. Lisa usually doesn’t use anything. Her girls don’t mind a little browning. My boys do mind. :) I use lemon juice. ~Amy
Do you guys have a lunch meal plan for sale? I would dearly love to have a set plan for what I will do for her lunch everyday
Hi Kay. We currently do not but you can certainly use all the roundup posts to tailor a plan that will work for you. :) ~Amy
Thank you for these wonderful ideas! I look forward to trying the waffle sandwiches especially… I am also using the Ziploc Bento section box for my two kids. They asked for daily notes in there because they were fun, but I did not like using all that paper. So I go a whiteboard marker and now I write them each a message on the lid of the Ziploc box each morning and just wipe it off each night before washing. Today’s note was: “Hoppy Spring!” and I drew a bunny with a tulip. They especially get a kick out of the days when I say”Hi Ben, Ross and Connor!” to their lunch buddies :)
Wow!! You are so amazing – thank you so much for sharing!! This is seriously such a gift when I have no clue where to start about food. Beyond amazing – thank you, thank you, thank you!! Also, I think we are going to try out the Lunchbots :)
Hi,
Love this website… gives a lot of ideas for healthy home-made and interesting school-box lunches for kids.
Can you please let me know a very healthy recipe for spaghetti with meatballs in tomato sauce? Please… As my daughter has recently started to love this dish, i want to make it healthy. She also recently has started to ‘not-like’ veggies! Hence want to sneak in..
Thank you very much… keep up the effort!
Hi. Here you go: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/10/19/recipe-whole-wheat-spaghetti-and-meatballs/. ~Amy
Where do you find the large silicone cupcake holders. I purchased some, but they are too short and their contents spills out.
Thanks
Hello Amy. You can find the jumbo muffin cups here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy
How do you keep the smoothie pops frozen?
Hello Hannah. Lisa uses plenty of ice packs. However, the smoothies are just cold and maybe a little slushy by lunch time, not frozen. Packing them correctly is key in not having a mess in the container: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/. ~Amy
Any ideas on how to change up these lunch ideas for high school kids who want to take their lunch because the school food is gross, but don’t have anywhere to keep the lunch cold, and also don’t want to look weird (and not cool) for bringing their lunches?
Hi Marybeth. Ask for your kids input on what might be considered more or less cool. It may be as simple as increasing the portion sizes, finding the right lunch carrier, and perhaps, no toothpicks with pinwheels or hearts. :) Also, the ice packs really do keep lunch items adequately cool (as in temp not “hipness”). Best of luck. ~Amy
When you pack waffles in the kids lunch do you just let them thaw and pack them cold or do you heat them in the morning?
Thanks! Love this website!
Hello Sarah. You can do it either way. My kids like them a little more crispy, so I throw them in the toaster before packing them up. :) ~Amy
Hi Amy!
This is Ally. That question is for everyone! I haven’t put it on my blog yet, but I probably will. Thank you!
Did you cut your pita bread or did it come in triangles?
Hello Veronica. We cut our own triangles. :) ~Amy
P.S. the address is http://www.lunchbunches.wordpress.com! :)
This site inspired me to create a blog! I’m eleven years old and I decided to write a blog about school lunches from a kid’s perspective. It’s called “Lunch Bunch”! There isn’t too much yet, but I’d really like it if some people saw it. I have one question for the people at 100 days of real food: What is the kids favorite food? Thank you!
Wow, Ally!, pretty impressive. Good luck with your blog. Are you posing your “favorites” question to the readers? ~Amy
love the lunch ideas. where can I find the recipe for the veggie chowder? thanks
Hi there. That is not a recipe Lisa has shared yet. It might be reserved for her upcoming cookbook. :) ~Amy
Every time I get in a lunch rut (or any other real food-related rut), I peek at your site and I always find inspiration. It’s obvious that cooking delicious, nourishing meals for your family is a labor of love for you. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy to have found these round ups! They are great inspiration for my lunches for work because I work out of someone’s home and even though she lets me use a stove to heat things up I always feel a little awkward about it. Lots of great options for cold lunches on here so thanks!
Hello There (:
I am a stay at home of two children 4 1/2, 1 1/2 years of age and am currently 31 weeks pregnant I am overly tired these days and was wondering if you lunchbox recipe or any of you recipes can be pre made and stored for quick lunch or frozen for go to lunch or dinners for these last weeks and to help out when baby arrives?
Hi there Cynthia. Congratulations! These posts will help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/08/14/real-food-tips-10-recipes-to-freeze-for-school-lunches-which-makes-packing-a-breeze/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/19/real-food-tips-21-ways-to-plan-ahead-for-school-lunches/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/10/real-food-tips-4-super-quick-wholesome-dinners/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/08/28/recipe-easy-jambalaya/, and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/03/28/fried-rice-recipe-quick-and-easy/. Best of luck with that soon to be new baby! ~Amy
These lunches are fresh, healthy, and look delicious! Our daycare Academy has been incorporating real, organic food into our routine and I am glad to have found your blog! Thanks for sharing this great info!
Thanks! Ironically since posting my question and after all the searching I did on the internet I went to the Grocery Outlet and found a kids sized Contigo stainless steel thermos that works perfect. Its crazy that I posted the question after searching for over a month and then I find one! Thank you though in case I buy another I will get one of the Thermos ones!!
Hello! Do you have any suggestions for thermoses for warm drinks? I’ve searched everywhere however all the new thermos have the straws built in and I’m not so sure they would work for warm drinks for cold days at school. Trying for less messy too. I would attempt the hot/cold food containers but I think she’d spill it. Any suggestions appreciated! BTW, I LOVE your site!
I forgot to add my daughter is 6 and don’t want a babyish bottle for her! THanks!
Hi Amy. The Thermos brand with the straw is what we use. It works great for warm drinks, too and is not messy at all. My 10 year old has one that has no design on it. It is a little larger than those picture above. We found it at Target. ~Amy
I buy cruchmaster multigrain crackers from costco.
Are these healthy?
Hi Vinni. Crackers are tough. We do use Crunchmaster sometimes but they do not technically fall within the rules due to their ingredient list. They are better than most, however. Mary’s Gone Crackers is another choice for a clean gluten free crackers. For whole wheat, Lisa usually used Ak Mak or whole wheat matzo. ~Amy
Curious about the link for Ziploc. I will have to order these since we live in a tiny rural community, but I kinda loathe Walmart. However, if y’all get an affiliate deal I will use the link.
If not I will source elsewhere. They’re such an awesome idea, and I also loathe plastic, but it sounds like these will work great to finally pack lunches me and the kids can be happy about.
Loving the whole blog!
Hi Tasi. Walmart is an affiliate link here but you have to do what you feel comfortable with. :) ~Amy
These are awesome ideas, I will copy what I can. We live abroad at the moment (Kosovo) and we can’t get many things that you use – spelt is unknown, many fruits not available, I can’t get carrots reliably. Next year, I’ll start a vegetable garden so we can have a better supply situation. We can’t buy anything organic here but we try our best to eat as little processed food as possible. Not easy! Thanks for the great suggestions and I’m looking forward to your book!!
How do you pack a lunch for a 16 year old athlete? Is there a lunch box big enough? He is needing to eat lunch, a snack before practice and something after football practice.
I think he is sick of sandwiches.
Hi Amy. Pack foods you know that he will eat and will sustain him through his day. There are so many ways to vary the kinds of sandwiches you pack and a hearty soup can go a long, long way. Trail mix is a great pre-practice snack with protein, fat, and carbs that will give him the energy to power through. An adult size insulated lunch bag or small insulated cooler should do the trick to keep it all in one place. These posts might help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/27/sandwich-inspiration-and-my-view-on-lunch-meat/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/11/08/recipe-broccoli-cheese-soup/. :) ~Amy
Hi there. You can find many of Lisa’s favorite lunch supplies here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy
I love these lunch ideas, great pictures! Where can I buy the Santa/ bee / butterfly toppers, they look so cute.Thanks.
Hi, I love those silicone pop containers. Where can I get them? I love your idea’s for lunches. I homeschool and these lunches look like something my daughter will eat. Thanks, oh and do you have recipes for the smoothie’s?
Hi Deborah. Here you go: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/09/09/recipe-make-ahead-smoothie-2-ways/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/05/17/recipe-tasty-smoothies/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/18/recipe-peanut-butter-banana-smoothie/. Enjoy. ~Amy
Do you know if boars head deli meat from the deli is a good choice of sandwich meat to buy?
Hi Christy. On the occasion that Lisa buys deli meat, and that is not very often, it is organic and without added nitrates like Applegate Farms brand. Those are the criteria that I would first look for when choosing. ~Amy
is it possible to get the recipe for the veggie corn chowder? I did not see it on the recipe index.
Thank you…and I am so glad my friend told me about this site, it is wonderful :-)
Hi Clare. That may be one of the recipes Lisa has reserved for her book which will be out in January. :) ~Amy
Hi! I love this blog! Y’all have inspired me and my husband to eat a real food diet, which we do at least 80% of the time. I have a question about deli meat: I read your post a while back about why you don’t eat deli meat, and then recently I’ve seen you posting Applegate ham in school lunches. Have you changed your mind or is this one special? I’m curious because it’s such a convenient meat. And I don’t think our grocery stores around here carry that brand. Any other brands you suggest? What about Boars Head? Thanks!
Jocelyn
Hi Jocelyn. Lisa only occasionally gives the Applegate Farm deli meat to the girls. It is usually available in mainstream grocery stores, too. If not, you should be able to request that they stock it. ~Amy
I am so happy to find your blog/website. I am excited to try out your recipes and get my family eating healthy. Thank You for taking the time to do this for others. :)
What ideas do you have for lunches that aren’t refrigerated at school?? Her lunch box is insulated but I still worry about dairy and some meat products. What do you recommend?
Hello India. We are not able to refrigerate our school lunches, either. Lisa just uses ample ice packs as do I. They can be found here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy
These are amazing ideas, thank you so much for taking the time to share! I just have one question – I have two boys who are very big for their ages and eat A LOT. As it is now, I don’t feed them unhealthy food and they eat lots of fruits and veggies. I look at these lunches and although fabulous, they would be more of a snack for my kids. Do you have any suggestions for meals a little heartier? To keep their bellies full longer? Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Natalie. I don’t think you need to change the contents so much but maybe up the portion sizes. :) ~Amy
I love your healthy food and I want my Mom to make me lunches like that. Ethan-age 9
Where can I get the smoothie pop thing? :-)
Hi Julie. You can find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy