Easy 5-a-Day Lunchbox Ideas

Trying to get your little ones to enjoy their fruit and veg can sometimes be a bit of a puzzle. But when it comes to how to get kids to eat 5-a-day, presentation is key! We recommend clever tricks like colourful veggie wraps or delightful rainbow fruit skewers that just scream 'eat me!' Making food fun, like with our simple apple teeth, really does help encourage them.

Remember, fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that support growing children's energy, immunity, and overall health. For busy parents, pre-chopped carrots, cucumber sticks, or easy-to-grab grapes and cherry tomatoes are lifesavers. A bit of prep the night before makes those busy mornings a breeze, ensuring they get their essential goodness without the fuss.

Clever Carbs to Keep Them Full

Ever wondered how to make sure they're not asking for snacks five minutes after school? It's all about those clever carbohydrates! These lunch box filler ideas aren't just tasty; they're essential for giving kids the sustained energy they need to learn and play. Think easy-to-pack champions like wholemeal bread for sandwiches, versatile wraps, handy pasta salads, or crunchy rice cakes.

Healthy carbohydrates are especially important for growing kids because they provide that consistent fuel and help keep blood sugar levels stable, meaning fewer afternoon slumps! Including these easy-to-pack foods helps create a balanced lunch and contributes to their overall well-being. It’s all about giving them the best start and keeping them powered up until teatime. 

Protein Power: Keeping Energy Levels Up

Want to make sure they're powered up for school? When it comes to keeping little ones going strong all day, protein is your secret weapon. It's vital for sustained energy, helping them concentrate in class, and supporting that all-important growth and development. Protein plays a crucial role in helping kids feel full, which can cut down on those mid-afternoon slumps.

When it comes to lunchbox protein ideas, we've got some winners that are easy to pack and the kids will love. Think handy lean deli meats, quick hard-boiled eggs, little cheese cubes, or a pot of Greek yogurt. Hummus is always a good shout, especially with some dippy veggie sticks. The trick is variety and balance; mix protein with some tasty whole grains or vibrant veggies for a truly satisfying and nutritious lunch.

Nutritious Snack Ideas for Busy School Days

Kids need fuel to learn and play, and sometimes their lunch just doesn't quite get them through to teatime. That’s where our healthy lunch snacks for school come in handy! We've gathered some brilliant, packed lunch snack ideas that are fuss-free, delicious, and help keep them going.

Think easy-to-grab fresh fruit, colourful vegetable sticks (a bit of a crunch is always good!), or lighter bites like mini rice cakes. Try to focus on snacks that are low in added sugar and big on nutrients, to make sure they get that sustained energy to stay focused all afternoon.

Here are some great options:

Dairy Delights for Strong Bones

Helping little ones grow big and strong means making sure they get enough calcium, and dairy is a brilliant way to do just that! Calcium is undoubtedly vital for building strong bones and healthy teeth, and many dairy products also bring protein and vitamin D to the table. For those who prefer, there are also fantastic dairy alternatives for kids that are often fortified with the same goodness.

We've got plenty of convenient, lunchbox-friendly options that are tasty and nutritious. Think handy cheese sticks, easy yogurt pots, or small milk cartons. And if you're exploring dairy alternatives, almond milk, soy yogurt, or coconut-based products can be great choices too. It’s all about giving them the building blocks they need to thrive.

Make Lunchbox Prep Easy with These Simple Tips

We know mornings can be a bit of a rush, but sorting out those easy lunch ideas for kids doesn't have to be a headache. The trick is a bit of savvy prep! Here's how to make back-to-school lunches a breeze:

1 . Prep Ahead

Get a head start by chopping up fruits and veggies or portioning out snacks into containers the night before, or even over the weekend. This saves precious minutes when you're dashing out the door.

2 . Batch Cook Wonders

When you're cooking dinner, try making a bigger batch of things like pasta salad, frittatas, or egg muffins. Then, portion out the leftovers for instant, delicious lunchbox fillers – simple!

3 . Freeze for Convenience

Did you know some dishes, such as portioned pasta salad or homemade muffins, can be made ahead and frozen? Just grab one from the freezer the evening before, pop it in the fridge to defrost overnight, and it'll be perfect for a quick lunchbox filler in the morning. (It's best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the fridge as room temperature promotes bacteria growth.)

4 . Pre-Make Sandwiches

Assemble sandwiches or wraps the night before and pop them in the fridge. They'll be ready to grab and go in the morning, saving you time when every second counts.

5 . Picky Eaters? Get Creative

Add a bit of fun to their lunchbox! Try a "Rainbow Day" with colourful fruits and veggies, or slip in a little note or fun sticker. It's those small, thoughtful touches that make all the difference.  

Make Lunchtimes Easy & Fun All Year Long

We hope you've found some brilliant, easy lunch ideas for kids and handy tips to make back-to-school a piece of cake. Remember, a well-packed, nutritious lunch is key to keeping your children energised and focused throughout the day. With these ideas, you'll feel more organised and confident, and they'll get to enjoy a proper, delicious meal at school. 

Pop into Morrisons for all your lunchbox essentials, and find even more family-friendly recipes and lunch box recipe ideas on our website. Don't forget to share your masterpieces with us on social media using the #MakeitwithMorrisons – we love to see your ideas!