Whether you’re making them before bed during the week or trying to squeeze it in before the school run, making up your child’s lunchbox can seem like another task on your endless ‘to-do’ list when you have kids.
When you’re pressed for time you can often find yourself reaching for lots of easy items, like crisps and biscuits, to fill up your child's lunchbox, but while this may make your life a little easier these items often have no nutritional benefit when it comes to your child’s diet.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 15 healthy lunchbox ideas, including snacks, that aren’t just nutritionally good for your little one's tum, but are also quick and easy to make when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands.
Find yourself pressed for time in the morning? These veggie packed wraps can be made in just five minutes and are packed with cucumber, tomatoes and carrots to make sure your little one gets a portion of their five-a-day.
Creamy hummus dip with pitta bread and veggie sticks
Switch up your kids sandwiches with this creamy hummus dip, which is full of fibre, and serve alongside some veggie and pitta sticks.
Easy banana muffins
We all need a sweet treat now and again and these banana muffins are sure to go down well with your child, especially on Fridays. This recipe makes 12 muffins and is also a great option if time is against you in the morning and you need a brekkie on the go.
Tuna mayo pittas
Pitta pockets are a great alternative to sandwiches and can be packed with your kids favourite filling numerous times throughout the week. Load these up with tuna and sweetcorn, a great source of protein and very low in fat.
Tomato and bacon muffins
These savoury muffins are great for batch cooking, so that you have several lunches ready for the week ahead and they can also be veggie too by replacing the bacon with your little ones favourite veg.
Chicken pasta salad
This protein packed pasta salad is tossed in a healthy tomato sauce with lots of peas for some added green goodness. It only takes 25 minutes to make, so we advise to make a big batch the night before and use it for a few lunches throughout the week.
Choc-orange energy boosters
These energy boosting balls contain dates, nuts, seeds, oats, cocoa powder and at less than 100 calories each they make the perfect lunchbox snack. Simply whizz all the ingredients in a blender, roll into a ball and pop in the fridge.
Star sarnies with cream cheese and red pesto
If sandwiches are your lunchbox go-to, why not make them instantly more interesting by cutting them up into the shape of a star? This cream cheese and pesto filling makes a delicious cheesy treat, but you can always fill them with whatever your little one loves.
Chocolate drizzled popcorn
Satisfy your child’s sweet tooth without giving them lots of biscuits with this healthy popcorn alternative. Two simple ingredients guaranteed to bring big smiles.
Salmon salad bagel
This is a great way to introduce more omega-3 fish into your child’s diet and who doesn’t love a bagel? Serve alongside some of your kids favourite fruit and you’re good to go.
Sweet potato crisps
Swap your child’s crisps for these healthy homemade veggie snacks. Sweet, crunchy and prepped in just 10 minutes, these sweet potato crisps are a brilliant healthy alternative to fill up your child’s lunchbox with.
Chicken pesto wrap
This wrap is great for getting a decent portion of protein and some healthy fats into your child’s diet, not to mention chicken and pesto is a classic combo loved by many.
Tuna and bean salad
This colourful recipe takes no longer than 10 minutes to make while ensuring your child gets lots of veggies and protein for strong bones. If your child isn’t a fan of fish then swap this for chicken and serve alongside a piece of fruit.
Fruit sundae
Yummy and a great source of calcium, you can never go wrong with some good old yoghurt at lunchtime. Swirl in some fresh fruit for added sweetness and so your child gets one of their five-a-day.
Egg mayonnaise and lettuce roll
A great filling for any roll, sandwich, pitta or bagel to get more protein into your child’s diet which can be made in less than 12 minutes.