Whether you are planning a family fun day out or a nourishing meal for your child to take to school, these ideas will put the love into your lunchbox. Our recommendations are plant-based, sugar-free, and oh-so-delicious because kids deserve great-tasting food that does them good. You’ll notice we don’t make any assumptions about the kinds of foods kids like. And nor do we think kids’ foods should be any different from adults’ food because studies show that children who eat the same meals as the adults in their lives have the healthiest meals of all. So, while you are packing up their lunch, go ahead and make an extra portion, just for you.
The Main Event
We often put bread at the center of our lunchbox meals because it is just so practical. Not only is it portable, it can hold a seemingly infinite variety of fillings, while filling us up so we are ready for whatever the day may bring. Wholemeal and whole grain varieties provide slow-release energy and gut-healthy fiber, and it’s never too early to create healthy-eating patterns.
The Best Vegan Wrap Fillings
Wraps are quick to assemble and allow for more filling and less bread. Anything goes with a wrap, but these are some of the recipes our little ones love the best. And if you roll them tight and cut them into pinwheels, somehow they taste even better.
- Elevate the humble hummus and falafel wrap with pomegranate seeds, pickled turnips, and this beetroot hummus. So pretty!
- This apple, pecan and chickpea wrap has all the flavor plus a bundle of crunch.
- Control your preferred spice levels with this tasty and nourishing lentil burrito wrap.
- We think this roast harissa pumpkin with tahini lime sauce is delicious; you can use tomato puree for a gentler flavor.
- Veggie sausage with ketchup or mayo and sliced fresh tomatoes is an all-time classic and needs no notes.
The Best Vegan Bagel Fillings
Bagels offer a challenge: how to keep the filling inside when there is a hole in the top. It doesn’t stop us loving them, but the savvy parent or guardian might consider providing a pack of wipes.
- Go traditional with cream cheese and cucumber slices.
- Fill a sesame bagel with avocados, alfalfa sprouts, fresh veggies, and maybe just a touch of pickled red onion.
- Tomato lovers can’t get enough of this tomato and butter bean pâté when topped with sundried tomatoes. If you can find a tomato bagel, you’re winning.
- This smoky-sweet Syrian roasted red pepper dip with salad leaves makes a fantastic combination.
- For many kids, peanut butter and banana is the dream. Plus it’s sticky enough to cling to the bagel.
The Best Vegan Sandwich Fillings
Whether you choose wholegrain, whole wheat, sourdough, rye, gluten-free or some other type of bread, there are myriad ways to make your sandwich sing.
- Homemade carrot hummus with crunchy bell peppers bring some super-sweet vitamins.
- A take on the BLT, this smoky chipotle tofu with a good dollop of vegan mayo is a real people-pleaser.
- If you’re the kind of person who likes to put an entire meal between slices of bread, then this roasted veggie sandwich with satay sauce is for you. Watch out for drips!
- Vegan pesto with grilled zucchini remains a wholesome favorite.
- This tofu “egg” salad sandwich is always a winner, and it’s high in protein too!
Salad Boxes for Kids’ Lunches
There is nothing cuter than opening up your lunchbox to find a lovingly made little pot of salad inside. Our top picks are full of flavour, very pretty, and pack a powerhouse nutrient punch.
- For a protein-rich option, this citrus lime tofu salad is the bomb.
- Kids love a rainbow rice salad and adding vegan feta cheese guarantees it.
- Pretty much anything can go into a black bean salad but try this recipe for starters.
- Win parenting points with this gorgeous vegan burrito bowl. Yes, it takes a little more time than spreading peanut butter on bread but think of the kudos.
- Pasta salad is a family favorite, stores well in the refrigerator, and can be made any which way you like it.
Lunchbox Favorites
There are so many ways to add variety and interest to your lunchbox, and these healthy options always go down well.
- Vegetable crisps, either homemade or shop-bought, make a healthier alternative to potato chips.
- Mini cucumbers, mini bell peppers, baby carrots… kids love anything mini!
- Butterbean dip with veg batons is a fun way to get the veg in.
- Fresh mango, watermelon, grapes, and strawberries bring some natural, satisfying sweetness.
- Chocolate coconut balls are super simple to make and super delicious to eat.
- Get the party started with these gooey sugar-free brownies.
- Fruit kabobs are so enticing—just make sure your skewer has a blunt end for kids.
- We guarantee these mini banana muffins will never be brought home again at the end of the day.
Store Pantry Items for Lunchboxes
Getting truly creative with your lunchboxes can be time-consuming, but there are plenty of easy-to-add, stand-by items that you can slot in when time is tight. Our go-tos include:
- Packs of raisins or other dried fruits
- Fruit or granola bars
- Vegan yogurts (with some vegan choc chips to sprinkle on top)
- Packs of nuts
- Popcorn
Ready to assemble?
