When it comes to children’s lunches, I know how important it is to have options that are quick to prepare, tasty, and balanced too. Whether you are packing up for nursery, school, or a family day out, a few go to recipes can make things feel much easier.
I have put together five simple pack and go ideas that are designed with young children in mind. Each one is super easy to throw together but also so, so tasty. Each recipe includes a mix of the food groups to ensure they are well balanced. I have also suggested how to store them safely and how to make them feel fun and appealing for little ones.
And do not forget to always chop foods like grapes, tomatoes and berries age appropriately to reduce the risk of choking (more info on my blog).
Ad. This blog has been written as part of a paid partnership with Arla to showcase their NEW 250ml bottles of Arla Big Milk – wholesome, fresh milk now made easy to grab and go. Arla Big Milk is simply fresh whole milk enriched with vitamins D, A and Iron, suitable for children aged 1+ years.
1. Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels
Wholemeal wrap (shop bought or homemade) spread with hummus (shop bought or homemade), filled with grated carrot, finely chopped red pepper and spinach. Roll it up, slice into pinwheels, and you’ve got a colourful, bite-sized option little ones love.
On the side (and to add more balance): Satsuma segments and 250ml milk or unsweetened fortified plant-based milk alternative (kept cool in a lunch bag with an ice pack). I’ve used Arla’s Big Milk (pictured below).
Tip: Pack an ice pack to keep the Arla Big Milk chilled
2. Pesto Pasta Salad
A simple favourite – wholewheat pasta mixed with green pesto and peas. Easy to make in bulk and just as tasty the next day.
On the side (and to add more balance): Sliced melon and 250ml milk or plant-based milk alternative (chilled in a cool bag). I’ve used a bottle of Arla Big Milk here.
Tip: Pack pasta into a leak-proof container, pack a fork and also an ice pack to keep the Arla Big Milk chilled.
3. Omelette in a Bun
Whisk together 1-2 eggs, a handful of finely chopped tomatoes and onion, and a little grated cheddar. Heat a small drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan, pour in the mixture, and cook gently on both sides to make a mini omelette. Pop it inside a soft seeded wholemeal bun – a handy way to add extra veggies at lunchtime.
On the side (and to add more balance): Blueberries (squashed for younger babies) + a small pot of plain yoghurt or plain plant-based yoghurt alternative + water
Tip: Pack a spoon for the yoghurt and store in a cool bag with an ice pack to keep everything fresh
4. Mini Mezze Box
The perfect Greek inspired lunchbox picnic: small falafels (shop-bought or homemade), cherry tomatoes (quartered for younger babies) and thinly sliced pepper sticks. Add wholemeal pitta fingers and a pot of tzatziki made with Greek yoghurt, cucumber and herbs (or you can make it with tofu using my recipe here).
On the side (and to add more balance): Water
Tip: Keep the yoghurt dip in a lidded pot, packed into a cool bag with an ice pack
5. Savoury Veggie Muffins
These savoury muffins are perfect for batch cooking. I make them with a mix of vegetables such as spring onions, pepper and spinach. They freeze really well so you can grab one when needed for a pack and go lunch.
On the side (and to add more balance): Thin apple slices, grapes (quartered lengthways for younger babies) + 1-2 homemade energy balls + water
Tip: Take the muffins out of the freezer the night before and leave them in the fridge to defrost.
I hope you find inspiration from the 5 ideas above for your little one’s lunches. Lots of the options work well for both young children and adults (meaning you don’t have to prepare separate meals for the family which is always a win!!). Having a few recipes and ideas like these up your sleeve makes it much easier to throw together something balanced, even on the busiest mornings.
Please note that portion sizes will vary depending on your baby’s age, stage and appetite, so do adapt accordingly. For more information, take a look at my portion sizes factsheet.
For more lunch ideas, take a look at my blog 7 Days of Lunches for Babies & Toddlers and Healthy Packed Lunches for Children