School Lunch Box Ideas: Snacks (Free Printable)

We often all find ourselves in the same boat at the beginning of term – desperate for new ideas and ways to feel more organised in the new school year. I know for myself, it can be hard to come up with fresh and exciting items for school lunches, so I put a call out to the Mummy Smiles Facebook community. You provided some fantastic suggestions for snacks that are perfect for the lunch box! I have also included some of our favourites too!

Initially I was also looking for sandwich filling ideas, but I really can’t go past this list here. Or this one for wrap ideas! Thanks to Katie for sending through these links!

If you are keen to bake some homemade goodies, check out Taste.com.au for their lunch box inspirations. I often try to cook one or two of these on the weekend, and then freeze (for up to one month). This way you have plenty of variety and there is always something on hand.

Where possible choose snacks that are made from whole-grains, are low in sugar, with few preservatives. Fruit is full of fibre which helps little ones avoid tummy pains, and proteins gives long lasting energy to see kids through the day. Too much sugar will lead to short bursts of high energy activity, followed by a “downer” which can lead to lethargy and crankiness. So a nice balanced lunch box will leave your child feeling energised, happy and ready for play and learning.

Thanks to everyone who contributed by putting forward their ideas – feel free to add any more suggestions in the comments section!

• pretzels
• rice crackers
• mini cupcakes
• squeezie yoghurts (or buy yoghurt in bulk and divide into smaller containers to save some $$$)
• cut up cheese-sticks (you will save LOTS of money by doing this yourself instead of buying pre-cut cheese)
• popcorn (so easy to pop in the microwave in the morning – no need to add anything!)
• rice cakes (plain or spread with jam/honey/vegemite)
• scrolls (vegemite & cheese, ham & cheese etc)
• vegie sticks & home-made dip, yoghurt or hommus
• mini pizzas (great on plain English muffins)
• mini quiches (so many different fillings!)
• baked beans
• yoghurt covered raisins/sultanas
• raisins/sultana (about 1/10th of the price if you buy in bulk and pack yourself)
• dates
• dried fruit
• cranberries/craisins
• craisin and oat cookies
• mini muffins
• fruit cut up (fruit salad – yummy yummy)
• creamed rice
• biscuits – there are so many recipes for biscuits – double the recipe, wrap in pairs and freeze.
• spaghetti – tinned or leftover
• banana crisps
• pasta and sauce in small batches (pre-made and frozen)
• burrito bread with cream cheese.
• yoghurt covered apricots,
• cheese/Kabana/Jatz
• last night’s leftovers
• pikelets
• small container of breakfast cereal (dry)
• English breakfast muffin
• cold pasta spirals mixed with ham, corn, cheese and cherry tomatoes
• muesli bars (home made if possible)
• fruit loaf
• banana bread
• hard boiled egg
• scones
• mini chicken balls (or chickpea balls)
• cheerios
• rissoles
• dry 2 Minute Noodles
• fried Rice
• sushi
• stewed fruit
• frittata

Some of these are better healthy choices than others, so it’s all about finding the perfect balancing act for your own children – food that they will eat and is good for their little bodies. Check out Fresh For Kids for your free download of a healthy lunch box meal plan – this will give you an idea of how to combine foods to get a good balance.

Just remember – don’t stress about it. By the end of Term 4, I am really struggling to put together a lunch box that is inspiring to either myself or the children. Some days I just cannot face making lunches, and the children are lucky enough to enjoy an occasional tuckshop lunch. So have a little fun with it, mix it up when you want, or stick with the old favourites – either way, you will find a routine that works well for you, and that is all that matters!

I have published this list in a printable version. You may like to attach it to your fridge, inside your cupboard, or pop one in your school paperwork file so you can get some fresh ideas when you need them! Just click on the link below for your copy.

Lunch Box Snack Ideas – FREE PRINTABLE

 

Don’t forget to add your ideas or favourites in the comments – I’d love to hear your suggestions!