If you’re looking for practical school lunch box ideas, you’re in the right place. We firmly believe in keeping things simple. Most parents don’t want to spend extra time making lunches, and kids don’t have long to eat anyway — they’d much rather be playing than tackling an elaborate meal.
Once you find your child’s favourites, chances are they’ll happily eat the same things on repeat. And if it’s working, there’s no need to overthink it. With that in mind, here are some easy, kid-approved lunch box ideas that are quick to prepare and actually get eaten.
Leftovers
Leftovers are one of the simplest lunch box wins and help reduce food waste at the same time.
- Pizza
- Corn
- Boiled eggs
- Chicken schnitzel
- Meatballs
Batch cook & freeze
Batch cooking saves time during busy school mornings. Simply grab an item from the freezer — it will also help keep the rest of the lunch box cool.
Nut-Free Bliss Balls
Thermos Ideas
Ideal for colder days or children who prefer a warm lunch.
- Pasta
- Noodles
- Fried rice
- Soup
- Smoothies
Simple Snacks
- Cheese cubes
- Popcorn
- Nut-free muesli bars
- Corn crackers or rice cakes
- Yoghurt (reusable pouches are a great option to save money and reduce waste)
- Packaged snacks such as Messy Monkeys
Sandwich Fillings
Classic combinations that are easy, familiar and reliable.
- Vegemite
- Ham and cheese
- Chicken and mayonnaise
Whole Fruit & Vegetables (No Cutting Required)
These are quick to pack and easy for kids to eat.
- Whole carrots
- Whole cucumbers
- Bananas
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Cherry tomatoes
We hope this provided some inspiration. What are your kids favourite lunches? Let us know!