Back to school means mornings get hectic fast! After a long summer break, sorting matching socks and packing lunch can feel like a mission. But don’t worry – while we can’t help with the sock situation, we’ve got some tasty, healthy lunchbox ideas your kids will love. Get them involved in the kitchen, mix things up, and discover some new ways to keep their lunch exciting!
What Makes a Healthy Kiwi Lunchbox?
Healthy kai fuels kids for a day full of learning and play. But we know picking the right snacks can be tricky – some foods might look healthy but are loaded with sugar. Here’s a checklist of great options:
- Fresh fruit and veggies
- Seeds, legumes, and beans
- Milk, cheese, and yoghurt
- Lean meats or plant-based alternatives
- Good old bread and cereals
1. Make Lunch Fun with Colour and Creativity
Ever had a little food critic say “yuck” before even tasting? Presentation is key! Try packing bento boxes with bite-sized goodies in all the colours of the rainbow – think carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and apple slices. Mini sandwich stacks also work a treat – layer bread, ham, cheese, and veggies, then cut into squares for fun-sized bites. Or try our Mexican Roll-ups: roll up bread with mince, taco sauce, and mozzarella, bake for 20 minutes, and boom – a new favourite is born!
2. Get the Kids Involved
Make your tamariki part of the process! Let them pick lunch ingredients at the supermarket or from a recipe book. Even the littlies can help with simple tasks like buttering bread or adding toppings.
Try making sandwich skewers together – let them thread their favourites onto skewers. It’s fun, builds fine motor skills, and can even be done the night before to save time in the morning.
3. Keep It Fresh with Variety
Nobody wants the same lunch every day! Switch things up by rotating staple items through the week. A fresh loaf of white bread or Mini Cheese & Bacon Rolls are always handy – load them up with leftover roast meat and salads for an easy win. Also, embrace in-season fruit to keep things interesting. Juicy strawberries or tomatoes taste best when the weather’s warm, and picking local produce supports Kiwi growers too!
4. Offer Them Options
Kids love feeling like they have a say in what they eat. Give them small choices, like “Do you want watermelon, strawberries, or grapes?” or “Which three things do you want in your sandwich?”
Even better, let them help you write the shopping list. A bit of independence can make them more excited about eating what they’ve chosen.