13 Healthy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids

It can be hard to find quick and easy (and above all - healthy) snacks for your children’s lunch box.

With everything from baked goods to frittatas and quiches, these lunch box recipes will keep your kids going all day long.

Nobody wants to spend all morning cooking. So we’ve hand-selected recipes that are quick and easy to make packed with all the nutrients your kids need. These recipes are great for toddlers, preschool or primary school-aged children.

With some tasty sweet treats, like our Raspberry and Almond Muffins, It’s safe to say your kid’s lunch box will soon be the envy of the playground. 

1. Lunchbox Friendly Berry Banana Crumble Muesli Bars

Who needs packaged muesli bars filled with nasties when you can make your own. These banana & berry-filled muesli bars are not only healthy but bursting with flavour that will quickly become a lunch box favourite. 

If quinoa flakes aren’t on hand, use whole rolled oats. You may need a touch more olive oil, melted butter, or an extra egg if using oats as they absorb liquid more rapidly but they’ll still taste just as delicious. Fruit filling can be swapped for whatever is seasonal just aim to keep the fruit pieces quite small so they cook more rapidly.

2.Tex-Mex Egg Tortilla Pockets 

A peanut butter sandwich might be the easiest thing to throw into your little one’s lunchbox on a Monday morning, but this quick and easy lunch Tex-Mex tortilla pockets will quickly change your tune.

Bursting with colour and packed with flavour - this easy and flavourful wrap is filled with carrots, lettuce, guacamole, tasty cheese and of course scrambled egg for a hit of protein. 

3. Roasted Pumpkin Quiche

Packed with hearty flavour and a textbook-light texture, our roast pumpkin quiche is a foolproof way to master this delicious kitchen staple classic. And with no pastry rolling required – it's extremely quick to prep and pop in the oven for kids lunches.

4. Breakfast Roll Ups

The trifecta. Kid-friendly, healthy and delicious. You’ll have kids ‘rolling up’ from across the neighbourhood to get a bite of these.

5. Mini Lunch Box Frittatas 3 Ways

Frittatas are a perfect way to use up leftover roast vegetables. Great for a light lunch or recess, they’re a healthy lunch box filler that you make with just about anything. These cute (and delicious) frittatas are packed with flavour and nutritious pumpkin, zucchini and baby spinach.

6. Zucchini Slice

Think: healthy quiche without the crust. This Zucchini slice is as versatile as it is delicious just mix, pour and bake. And for an easy and flavourful vegetarian option, just swap out the bacon for finely chopped mushrooms. Though, you can load it up with any vegetable of your choice – be bold!

7. Savoury Texan Muffins

Delicious either hot or cold, these savoury jumbo Texas muffins are versatile and nutritious. Recess, lunch or after school, believe us, there's no occasion where this chorizo muffin wouldn't be a hit!

Plus they’re freezer-friendly! Just wrap the muffins tightly in cling wrap and freeze for up to one month. Defrost in the fridge overnight and warm up in the microwave.

8. Egg, Mushroom & Pesto Tart

Delicious & oozy. Made with puff pastry, this tart combines eggs, cheese and mushrooms. It’s the perfect picnic starter for the whole family.

9. Individual Silverbeet Frittatas

These individual frittatas will be the highlight of any picnic gathering, great for sharing with family and friends and super easy to transport without a mess! Even better, you can choose your own filling - the only limit to your imagination is what's in your fridge or pantry.

10. Mini Spinach, Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Quiches

"Big things come in small packages" has never been truer. These mini quiches are so delicious and easy to make, you'll be including them in your own lunch.

Quicker than the full-size version, these spinach and ricotta filled quiches will quickly become a family favourite.

11. Wholemeal Date & Walnut Loaf

Is there anything more delicious than caramelised dates and crunchy walnuts? Yes, actually. A not-so-traditional wholemeal date and walnut loaf – drizzled with honey and ricotta. And using wholemeal self-raising flour, this better-for-you recipe makes for that delectable and dense, golden loaf that's perfect for any picnic.  Nut-free? Not a fan of walnuts? Substitute any nuts you like, or simply leave the nuts out. 

12. Gluten-Free Banana Bread with Raspberries

Talk about next level. This raspberry-filled banana bread is delicious—and just so happens to be gluten-free as well! Blend, pour and bake, and you’re well on your way to a delicious picnic sweet.

13. Raspberry Almond Muffins

We wish every morning started with these raspberry, almond and buttermilk muffins.  These muffins will have you salivating the minute they come out of the oven. 

Bonus: Some Healthy Lunch Box Tips

1. Keep the lunch box cool: As kids head back to school in the summer it’s important to take steps to keep their lunchbox cool to reduce the growth of any harmful bacteria. Choose an insulated lunch box or include a small freezer pack.
2. Pack plenty of water: Children up to 8 years of age should have a minimum of 4-5 cups of water a day, so make sure to include a bottle or two in the school lunch box each day. Even better, It can be frozen to help keep foods in the lunch box cool (see above).
3. Variety and balance: To balance the lunchbox, include foods from each of the five core food groups; fruit; vegetables, legumes & beans; dairy & alternatives; lean meats, eggs & alternatives; grains & cereals.
4. Get them involved:  Children Involved in planning and preparing their food are more likely to eat and finish their meals. To help with their decision making provide a shortlist of options that consist of healthy choices. We might be biased, but the list above is a great start!
5. No more soggy sandwiches: To avoid soggy sandwiches while still including veggies in the lunchbox, include options such as snacking cucumbers, colourful cherry tomatoes, celery sticks and crunchy snow peas.
6. Fruit, fruit, fruit: Cut up different types of fruit on the weekend and keep it in different containers.  Provide children with a different mix of fruits over the course of the week to help keep their fruit intake varied and interesting, while also being easy to eat and quick to prepare.

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Drawing from a range of research and expert knowledge, our big aim is to showcase how holistic health outcomes are positively impacted through eating eggs. 

We want all Australians to know that eating eggs is an important part of our kids living a happy and healthy lifestyle. You can learn about all the latest in our Powered By Eggs initiative here.

Looking for more recipe inspiration for your kids? Check out our favourite kid-friendly and first foods recipes today.