How did the back-to-school season sneak up on us so fast? For many parents, the challenge of preparing healthy, easy-to-pack lunches that will keep kids satisfied and energised throughout the day can be tough.
To make this process as simple as possible, here are six easy and nutritious lunchbox ideas that can also double as snacks for parents at work!
1. Organic Grapes
Hooray! Organic Grapes had a slow start to the season but are now available in regular supply. But don't wait too long - these sweet and hydrating fruits tend to sell out fast. With limited organic grape growers in Australia, they’re a rare treat. Stock up at your local farmers market or order them online to ensure you’re getting the freshest, healthiest grapes for the whole family.
Frozen grapes make a cool and tasty after-school treat too! Simply throw washed and dried grapes in the freezer when you're preparing lunches, to have an icy burst of sweet grapey goodness ready for hungry mouths when the school (or work!) day is over.
Pro tip: Be sure to slice the grapes in half for the young ones to prevent a choking hazard
2. Cherry Tomatoes
Kids absolutely love the sweet explosion when you bite down on a tasty cherry tomato! These bite-sized, juicy gems are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre to help keep your little one healthy. Plus, our cherry tomatoes easy to pack, mess-free, and come in a variety of colours, making them a fun and nutritious choice that'll keep the kids happy at school all day long.
Pro tip: Like grapes, you'll want to cut the cherry tomatoes in half for the younger ones' lunchboxes just to be on the safe side!
3. Watermelon Cubes
Does anything say 'summer lunchbox' more than watermelon? Simply cut up into wedges or cubes for a snack that is sweet, hydrating, and perfect for hot weather. This is a great fruit for getting kids involved in the kitchen too.....spark their imagination (and their tastebuds) by giving them some cookie cutters to press into watermelon slices, to make delicious star-and-dinosaur-shaped delights!
Pro tip: Did you know that watermelon actually freezes really well? Chuck in a few cubes of frozen watermelon into a blender with some coconut water for a satisfying way to cool down in the after-school summer heat. (And for the mums and dads, try adding a splash of lime, agave and white rum for a delicious adults-only version - but you didn't hear it from us!)
4. Organic Smoothies
We love smoothies for kids because they are the best way to hide a couple of serves of veggies into a sweet & nutritious drink that doubles as a meal. Smoothie ideas can be simple if you follow our easy recipe formula!
Always start with a base of frozen banana, frozen avocado, and a liquid of some sort such as coconut water or almond milk. Then its as simple as adding just one extra fruit and one extra vegetable before blending.
Try out these sneaky combos to pack more veggies into growing bodies:
Blueberry & Zucchini
Blackberry & Beetroot
Mango & Baby Spinach
Pineapple & Cucumber
Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for after-school popsicles!
5. Veggie sticks
Variety is the spice of life, and kids like nothing more than seeing a rainbow of snacks in their lunchbox. Sweet, crunchy, and packed with vitamins, veggie sticks are a lunchbox staple in our household. This simple snack is not only nutritious but also an easy way to get some veggies into their day.
Pro tip: Pair them with a favourite dip, like hummus or nut-free sunflower seed butter, to make a flavour explosion that is even more appealing to kids.
6. Organic Apples
There's a reason why the humble Apple is an evergreen favourite in lunchboxes across the country. Not only are they portable and easy for little hands and mouths to eat, but apples are also packed with vitamins and fibre. For the best crunch and nutrition, opt for new season organic apples that will keep kids energised all afternoon.
Pro tip: Have you seen how cute and lunchbox-friendly the size of our red apples have been lately? Add some to your next box and see how quickly they fly out of your fruit bowl!
These six lunchbox ideas are quick to prepare, healthy, and can be enjoyed by both kids and parents alike. If you're looking for ways to simplify your family's school routine, these snacks will make lunchtime a breeze!
What are your go-to simple lunchbox ideas? We'd love to hear your favourite tips for keeping things easy and nutritious during the school year!
