School Lunch Ideas & Lunchboxes To Break the Lunch Rut
We bet you need some school lunch ideas. Right about now, you and your kids are probably stuck in a lunch rut. There are only so many variations on sandwiches that you can make—and they can eat. So we're going to shake up your routine with three new school lunch ideas—hot, cold, and room temperature—and the best lunch boxes for kids you can pack them in. And when they get home, your kids will give you all the high fives.
1. Hot Lunch: Breakfast for Lunch
Because breakfast is when you get all the sweet stuff. As far as kids school lunch ideas go, this one's a keeper.
What to pack it in
OmieBox Bento Lunch Box With Insulated Thermos For Kids ($54.99)
What to put inside:
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In the round insulated container, pre-made instant oatmeal will stay hot in its thermos-like surroundings
Try McCann's Instant Irish Oatmeal ($67.61 for a bulk pack of 12 boxes) -
Fill the side compartments with dried or fresh fruit to mix into the oatmeal
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For protein, freshly-cooked sausage or bacon will also stay warm
2. Cold Lunch: Asian Style
Saucy noodles make a nice change of pace—and one of the better healthy school lunch ideas. Just don't forget the fork.
What to pack it in
PackIt Freezable Bento Lunch Box with Gel-Lined Sleeve ($19.99)
What to put inside
- A cold noodle salad with sweet asian sauce
Try Hime Dried Buckwheat Soba Noodles ($6.99 for a 25.4-oz bag) with House of Tsang Stir-Fry Sauce ($26.35 for 6 bottles) - Sliced leftover chicken and veggies such as baby carrots and snap peas
- For a treat, a dried fruit snack
Try Stretch Island Fruit Leather ($52.25 for a box of 48)
3. Room Temperature Lunch
At our house, we call this the snack lunch: treats curated for small bites and healthfulness.
What to pack it in
Bentgo Lunch Box ($27.99 for 1; $49.99 for 2)
What to put inside
- Blended fruit pouches—these shelf-stable options stay good all morning
Try these from Happy Squeeze ($12.32 for a 4-pack) - Crackers and sliced salami or meat jerky
Try these snack sticks made from free-range meat by Nick's Sticks ($20.99 for a 16-piece sampler pack) - If kept sealed, string cheese or a cheddar cheese stick should stay good for a few hours
Also try these dried cheese snacks from Moon Cheese ($15.99 for 3 bags) - A healthy dessert—and a great alternative for nut-free classrooms—is chocolate–sunflower butter cups, like Reese's, but nut-allergy safe
Try these from Suncup ($38.26)
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