50 Easy and Nutritious School Lunch Ideas
No school lunch rut here! Here’s 50 easy, healthy lunch box ideas for kids and toddlers that are quick to make, and full of wholesome ingredients.
Packing school lunches is a big part of parenting (perhaps not our favourite part!), and it’s important to have lots of school lunch ideas and school snack ideas ready to go to make the process simple and quick.
Something that has made packing my kids’ school lunch boxes much less of a chore, is to pack them when I’m prepping (or cleaning up after) dinner, so that it doesn’t seem like a daunting task after I get my kids to bed, when really all I feel like doing is collapsing on the couch.
The key is to have those lunch kits emptied, washed and ready to go! This has become part of the kids’ routine when they get home from school. By the way, I love these lunch kits as they’re easy to clean, separate foods for picky eaters, and are Canadian-made!
When it comes to packing school lunches, I usually start with leftovers from supper (I LOVE leftovers for lunches), and then add:
- A fruit (at least one)
- A vegetable (at least one)
- A homemade muffin, lunch box granola bar, or healthy cookie (at least one)
- A protein-rich food like Greek yogurt, cheese, roasted chickpeas or hummus (at least one)
This way, I know that my kids are getting a balanced nutritious school lunch. I’m often asked for lunch box-safe recipes and school snack suggestions by friends and clients, so I decided to compile my most-favourite lunch box ideas (that my own three kids love!), and then I asked some of my fellow registered dietitians for their top picks too!
I’ve also got you covered with a list of healthy after-school snack recipe ideas, too! And as an extra little bonus, I’m giving you free access to my lunchbox cheat sheet that you can download and put on your fridge.
In this round-up, I share my favourite recipes for:
- Leftovers
- Sandwiches
- Muffins and loaves
- Popcorn
- Nut-free granola bars and bites
- Healthier cookies
- Healthy pudding
- Dips and sides
Let’s dive in!
Great Leftovers
1
Easy Egg Bites Two Ways
These muffin-tin egg bites make for an easy, nutritious protein-packed breakfast, lunch or dinner for the whole family.
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2
albertamilk.com
Muffin-Tin Pizza Rolls
I absolutely love this muffin-tin pizza roll recipe—it makes great leftovers that I can reheat for lunches and snacks in a pinch and are easy to pack in a cooler and bring with us to the lake nearby.
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3
Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe (One-Pot)
This One-Pot Healthy Hamburger Helper Recipe has become a staple for Fall and Winter weeknights (but really, it's great all year round!). It’s easy, quick (only 4 steps) and makes a great freezer meal for even busier nights when I don’t have to cook.
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4
www.yummymummyclub.ca
Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe
These were a hit with my whole family, including my seven-month-old! These stuffed peppers were so delicious and took me no time at all to throw together. Best of all, there are only five ingredients! We paired them with baked acorn squash, and that's all we needed!
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5
jessicalevinson.com
Veggie Quinoa Bites
Gluten-free and nut-free Veggie Quinoa Bites are packed with protein and fiber, making them a perfect addition to your children’s lunchbox.
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6
Skillet Tuna Burgers
These tasty, quick and healthy skillet tuna burgers are the perfect busy weeknight supper option. They freeze well too!
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7
www.yummymummyclub.ca
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
You will enjoy this recipe all week long. We had pulled chicken sandwiches the first night and pulled chicken quesadillas the night after. And then, the following afternoon I topped a spinach salad with the chicken that was leftover. It's always great to have lean cooked meat in the fridge to add to pastas, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
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8
One-Pan Peanut Sesame Chicken
You know those recipes…the ones that you never get sick of because they’re SO good. Well my one-pan peanut sesame chicken is one of those recipes. Every time I make it (which is often), my kids scream for joy, because it’s their absolute favourite. I’m serious… even the child who tends to be a picky eater loves it! And I love it too, because it’s literally one of the easiest supper recipes that I have. You throw some staples into the food processor or blender, pour over chicken, and bake. That’s it!
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9
Easy Roasted Squash Macaroni & Cheese
Even your Kraft-Dinner-loving kids will love this recipe! Give this dietitian- and kid-approved macaroni and cheese with roasted squash recipe a try!
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10
Turkey and Lentil Meatballs
These delicious baby-friendly turkey and lentil meatballs are nutritious, filling and perfect for little bodies that are growing and developing!
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11
Homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole
This delicious (and nutritious) classic homemade tuna noodle casserole will quickly become a weeknight favourite.
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12
albertamilk.com
Turkey Tomato Pasta Bake
This delicious and nutritious pasta bake (which is a twist on classic spaghetti) seems to be one of our family’s go-to easy weeknight meals.
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Sandwiches
13
greenletes.com
Chickpea Salad Sandwich With Sweet Apple Slaw
A hearty chickpea salad sandwich is the perfect vegetarian substitute for tuna or chicken salad. Make a batch at the beginning of the week to have an easy lunch prepped for several days!
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14
www.theleangreenbean.com
Easy Egg Wraps for Breakfast…Lunch AND Dinner!
These Easy Egg Wraps are perfect for a high-protein snack. Make several ahead of time and fill with things like turkey, avocado, cheese, hummus and more.
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15
momtomomnutrition.com
Apple Tuna Salad for Sandwiches and Salads
Canned tuna is given fresh flavor with fresh apples, celery, and Greek yogurt dressing! Apple tuna salad is delicious on whole wheat bread or fresh lettuce greens.
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16
Easy Curry Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These easy, nutritious and super tasty curry chicken lettuce wraps are the perfect solution to busy weekday lunches or dinners!
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Muffins and Loaves
17
Flourless Oatmeal Apple Muffins
These apple muffins are high fibre, high protein and literally contain everything you need for a balanced meal. They are also really tasty, and definitely kid-approved! In fact, my three-year-old made them in about ten minutes with a little help from me! Check it out!
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18
momtomomnutrition.com
Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins
These delicious Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are sweetened with applesauce and spiced with cinnamon. And they make a simple breakfast or snack for those busy on-the-go mornings!
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19
Flourless Banana Pumpkin Loaf (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)
This delicious Flourless Banana Pumpkin loaf won’t last long in your house, so make a double batch!
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20
Flourless Chocolate Lentil Protein Muffins
These flourless lentil protein muffins are just as delicious as they are nutritious. They’re soft, fluffy and chocolatey, yet boast nutritional powerhouse ingredients like lentils, eggs, and bananas.
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21
plantbasedwithamy.com
Cinnamon Spice Muffins + 7 Kids Cooking Projects
Try this easy and healthy cinnamon spice muffins recipe made with Greek yogurt and whole-wheat flour! You’ll love the healthy spice muffins, and they’re one of the best cooking projects for kids.
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22
www.createkidsclub.com
Kid Friendly Bran Muffins | The Perfect After School Snack
Buttermilk Bran Muffins made with applesauce are the best bran muffins around! Using All Bran, whole wheat flour, and flax seeds, they are a delicious source of fiber for kids and adults!
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23
Easy Gluten-Free Blueberry Lemon Muffins
These easy, kid-friendly and delicious muffins are perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack! These blueberry lemon muffins are gluten-free and can be made in a blender. It’s the little things!
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24
www.snackinginsneakers.com
Whole Wheat Vegan Apple Muffins
These whole wheat vegan apple muffins are low in sugar, but rich in fiber and flavor! A perfect healthy snack for kids and adults alike.
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25
Green Monster Blender Muffins
We love muffins in my house, especially ones we can make in a blender! These green monster blender muffins are packed with GREEN spinach for added nutrition.
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26
smartnutrition.ca
High Fibre, White Flour Blueberry Muffin
Does that seem like an oxymoron–high fibre and white flour in the same sentence? It's true with the addition of a secret ingredient!
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27
One-Bowl Whole Grain Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Moist, delicious, fluffy, healthy and most importantly… easy! Who doesn’t love a good muffin?! Amiright?! These one-bowl whole grain banana chocolate chip muffins are a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
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28
Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Blender Muffins (gluten-free, school-safe)
Your whole family will love these nutrient-packed, delicious muffins! These healthy chocolate zucchini blender muffins are low sugar, gluten free and school safe.
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29
Easy Wholegrain Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These pumpkin spice muffins are perfect for cozy fall days. They’re easy, delicious, fibre-rich and filling which makes both the mom and dietitian in me happy!
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30
Healthy Banana Gingerbread Loaf Recipe
This delicious and surprisingly nutritious Banana Gingerbread Loaf will be a new holiday favourite in your house (and your kids will devour it too!). It’s soft, moist and has the perfect combo of sweet and spicy.
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Popcorn
31
www.yummymummyclub.ca
Sweet & Salty Caramelized Chia Seed Popcorn
Lately I've been making a huge batch and saving some for school lunches or for after-school snacks. The kids love it as much as I do, and because it's a fibre-rich and nutritious, I feel good about them eating it.
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32
www.foodpleasureandhealth.com
How to Make Stove-Top Popcorn? — Food, Pleasure & Health
Stove-top popcorn is exactly what you need while binge watching tv – it's a nutritious snack, naturally gluten-free, vegan and takes less than 5 minutes to pop!
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33
www.abbeyskitchen.com
Popcorn Mix with Nuts (Hunger Crushing Combo
This popcorn mix with pistachios and jerky is the perfect savoury snack that you can prep ahead of time and enjoy all week long!
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Nut-free granola bars and bites
34
vinccitsui.com
Apricot & Almond Granola Bars
These granola bars are lower in fat than the other homemade granola bars, which often use peanut butter as a binder. The skim milk powder adds protein, but you can replace it with protein powder for an extra boost. Don't like apricots and almonds? Use your favourite dried fruit and nuts, or try using another flavour extract.
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35
Chocolate Whole Grain Snack Bars (No-Bake & School-Safe!)
These no-bake chocolate whole grain snack bars are not only kid-approved, but also jam-packed full of nutrition, too!
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36
Lunchbox “On-The-Go” Granola Bars
These school-safe granola bars are perfect for lunchboxes! Filled with seeds, dried fruit and oats.
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37
Double Chocolate Chia Protein Bites
I’ve been on a mission lately to find healthy and tasty snack recipes to add some variety to my son’s lunchbox. Enter these double chocolate chia protein bites! They’re kid-approved and school safe.
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38
Sweet and Salty Chocolate Lentil Granola Bars
My kids love these sweet and salty chocolate lentil granola bars. Think of these as your store bought granola bars…but way more delicious and healthy! Plus, five surprising facts about lentils you need to know!
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39
Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
These healthy pumpkin chocolate chip energy bites are a delicious and nutritious Halloween snack to make with your kids! Definitely dietitian- and kid-approved!
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40
Gingerbread Energy Bites
These little gingerbread energy bites are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. You’ll love this holiday-inspired recipe!
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Healthier cookies
41
Best Ever Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
I’ve promised many friends that I’d share this recipe, and finally I’ve gotten around to doing it. It’s probably the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe ever!
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42
Soft and Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Cookies
These apple cinnamon cookies is not only super nutritious and delicious, but it’s also toddler-friendly and baby-led-weaning-friendly, so that your wee ones can enjoy them too! Trust me—it will soon become a go-to family favourite in your house!
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43
Healthier Soft and Fluffy Pumpkin Pie Cookies
If you’re looking for a snack-worthy Fall treat, I’ve got you! These delicious and nutritious pumpkin pie cookies are soft, fluffy and kid-approved!
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Healthy pudding
44
emilykylenutrition.com
Raspberry Avocado Chocolate Pudding
This easy-to-make, whole-foods based Raspberry Avocado Chocolate Pudding tastes so good you would never know it is plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, and still absolutely delicious!
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45
Coconut Banana Chia Pudding
This delicious and nutritious chia pudding contains 7 simple ingredients, which makes it snack-worthy, but also a perfect nutritious treat!
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Dips and sides
46
www.yummymummyclub.ca
Creamy Garlic Lentil Hummus
Since I always have lentils on hand, I decided to make lentil hummus, something I've never made before. It turned out to be one of the best recipes I've ever tried!
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47
plantbasedwithamy.com
Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip
This Greek yogurt veggie dip makes the perfect chip dip or cracker dip, too. It’s a super healthy veggie dip that your taste buds will no doubt enjoy!
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48
momtomomnutrition.com
Ranch Hummus Dip
Get your kids dipping with this protein-packed Ranch Hummus Dip. It’s creamy and delicious, and ready in less than 5 minutes!
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49
www.yummymummyclub.ca
Fresh Salsa Recipe
I was on a mission to re-create the amazingly delicious salsa that I ate by the boat-load everyday on our vacation. It was fresh, citrusy, garlicky and had just enough kick to it. After a couple of attempts, I think I've nailed it. And because of how easy it was to make, I honestly don't think I'll buy store-bought salsa again (very often anyway).
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50
greenletes.com
Crunchy Chickpeas Two Ways
These Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas are a healthy crispy snack with just a few simple ingredients. Spice up your crunchy roasted chickpeas with either salt & pepper or BBQ seasoning!
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50 Nutritious School Lunch Ideas: Chocolate Chia Protein Bites & More
These delicious little balls are a little sweet, a little salty, and a little crunchy — the perfect combination of all three. They are also extremely nutritious, packed full of protein, fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. They can be made school-safe by substituting pumpkin seed butter for the peanut butter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats I used quick-cooking steel-cut oats
- 1 cup peanut butter or pumpkin seed butter if you’re making for school
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips into a food processor and process until well-blended. Transfer to a medium-sized bowl and add chocolate chips. Mix well.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper inside an airtight container. Chill and serve!
Notes
Recipe inspired by: Living Well Mom’s Gluten-free Chocolate Protein Balls
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Original post on YMC
Sarah Remmer, RD, is a registered dietitian and mom of three, specializing in family and pediatric nutrition. She’s the founder of Centred Nutrition Collective and has nearly 20 years of experience helping families feel confident about feeding their kids.
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Learning from here i have made Oats and Pumpkin Cookies. It was fun to made and it was really healthy and tasty.
It looks very yummy.
Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe with us.