Kids Lunch Box Ideas for School: How to Pack

It can be tricky to know what mood they’ll be in when lunch time rolls around and that’s why a balanced mix of sweet and savory goodies is a great idea. It’s also good to think about the textures you’re including. Soft main like pasta? Be sure to add in a side of nuts or crackers. Crunchy tacos for main? A smooth and tasty Go-GURT tube is a perfect accompaniment.   

You also want to make sure you’re hitting as many of the essential food groups as possible, which means getting in some fruit and fiber, carbohydrates, dairy and protein. That may sound like a lot to think about when it comes to packing lunch boxes for your kids but luckily, it’s much easier than it sounds with a little bit of planning and inspiration. 

Coming up with lunch box ideas can be tricky – especially when you’re juggling lots of other chores. It can be easy to get stuck in a rut, that’s why we’ve put together a few fun combos to brighten up lunch boxes and help you keep your kids happy.  

Hummus and Dippers

Switch out the sandwich for a hummus dip and give your kids a lunch box they can pick at.  

• Pack crackers and dippable veggies (sliced bell pepper, cucumber and carrots are always a winner) and a serving of hummus.  

• Up the protein content with a hardboiled egg or some cheese sticks or slices, then add in some sweet raspberries or blueberries for after.  

Yogurt and Granola 

Give lunchtime a twist with a take on one of the best breakfast combos around.  

• Add a decent sized potion of yogurt (our Yoplait Kids Yogurt Cups are a good choice) alongside some granola and the fruit of your choice. Chopped strawberries or peaches are perfect.  

• A salty snack makes a nice pairing here, either some chips or a portion of pretzels.  

The Classic PB&J

It’s a classic for a reason. Go for the comforting taste of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and add on some smart snacks.  

• Whether it’s crunchy or smooth, go classic by pairing peanut butter and your little one’s favorite jelly. Brown bread is great for that extra bit of grain.  

• Get some dairy in with one of our tasty Strawberry Go-GURT tubes, pack them frozen and they’ll be thawed by launch. Finish it off with a portion of crunchy carrot sticks and a box of sweet raisins.  

Homemade Snack Stack

There’s something about being able to build your own snack stacks that kids find irresistible. 

• Add crackers, cheese slices, sliced meat (or plant-based alternative) and slices of cucumbers for a DIY lunchtime stack. 

• For sides, pop in some juicy strawberries and a cookie.  

Pasta Salad 

A chilled pasta salad can be a great choice for keeping kids going all afternoon.  

• A portion of pasta with pesto is a nice and simple version, but a simple marinara or even leftover mac and cheese works great.  

• Add in a few carrot sticks for crunch, a handful of chips and finish off with a yummy Berry Go-GURT tube. 

To help keep those lunch box ideas fun and fresh, it’s a great idea to write a running list of the dishes your kids enjoy and then swap them in and out of your basic plan. Variety is key when you want to keep lunch time interesting, so don’t be afraid of trying new things as well as sticking to a few firm favorites.  

If you’re looking for a few mainstays to add to your lunch box rota, here are a few more of our top picks. 

Easy mains:  

• Cheese quesadilla with dip  

• Pizza slice 

• Egg muffin 

• Grain salad 

• Rice and beans 

• Roasted veggies with seeds 

Great snacks:  

• Go-GURT tubes  

• Cheese sticks 

• Cherry tomatoes 

• Salsa and chips 

• Fig bars 

• Roasted chickpeas 

Mix and match as often as you can to stop things from getting boring and always try to get in some carbs, dairy, fruit and veg and plenty of protein for a balanced and tasty meal.  

Remember to keep a pack of Go-GURT tubes handy in the freezer for the perfect addition to your lunch box prep plans.