5 School Lunch Ideas for Even the Pickiest Eaters

It’s that time of year again- time to stress out about packing your kids healthy lunches they’ll actually eat! Fear not- we have compiled a list of surefire nutritious meals and snacks that pack up well in a Bento box and have the seal of approval from the pickiest eaters around!

1. DIY “Lunchables”- A healthy spin on the popular but sodium- and preservative-filled pre-made snack boxes, these homespun twists on a kid favorite are sure to win lunch! Some thin-sliced deli ham, turkey or roast beef cut into small squares, thin, square-cut slices of cheddar, gouda or colby jack cheese, a small handful of baked low-salt crackers and a chewy peanut butter and chocolate granola bar will be a fun-to-eat lunch that packs a protein punch!

2. Yogurt Parfait- In a small plastic container, layer fat-free vanilla yogurt, granola, strawberries and blueberries, then repeat the pattern twice. Sprinkle with granola as a garnish, and refrigerate until it’s time to serve. Your child will love the look and taste of this healthy snack! (You can even substitute other fruits for variety. Don’t be afraid to get creative!)

3. PBJ “Sushi” Rolls- Want an exotic twist on a tried-and-true favorite? Make your kids’ peanut butter and jelly sandwich into small, sushi-inspired rolls! Simply cut crusts off of whole-grain bread, slather with peanut butter and grape jelly or strawberry preserves, roll up and cut for a next-level PBJ experience! For extra credit, pack it with disposable chopsticks so your child can have fun trying to pick up the sandwich rolls.

4. “Dippy Picnic”- There’s not much kids love more than eating with their hands. Why not let them go nuts with a “dippy picnic” snack? Pack pretzel rods, apple slices, baby carrots and celery sticks in a Bento box, along with mini containers of peanut butter and hummus. Then let the dipping madness ensue!

5. Go Bananas!- Give your little monkey a delicious, nutritious snack with these tasty, protein-rich banana roll-ups. On a small flour tortilla, spread a layer of peanut butter, then drizzle with Nutella. Roll up a peeled banana, and either cut into small finger-food rolls or give it to your child whole. For an added crunch, use chunky peanut butter for texture!

Any great suggestions for kids’ lunches? Let us know in the comments section!