7 Healthy Lunchbox Snack Ideas Kids Will Actually Eat

The lunchbox comes home full again? You are not alone. The secret to a lunchbox kids finish is a mix of colour, crunch and something familiar. Here are seven combinations that are quick to pack and easy to love.

The simple lunchbox formula

Aim for a little of each:

• Something fresh — fruit or vegetables.
• Something filling — protein such as egg, cheese, chicken or beans.
• Something crunchy — a clean-label snack they look forward to.
• Water instead of sweet drinks.

7 combinations to try

1. Pink & green: a small handful of AVERA Beet Cheese Crackers, cucumber sticks and grapes.
2. Rainbow skewers: cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes and melon on a short stick.
3. Dip day: hummus or yoghurt dip with carrot sticks and crackers for scooping.
4. Mini sandwich: wholegrain bread with egg filling, cut into stars, plus apple slices.
5. Tropical box: banana, papaya cubes and a boiled egg.
6. Crunch & munch: edamame, corn and a few crackers.
7. Picnic plate: chicken strips, steamed broccoli and orange segments.

Portion tips

• A child's portion is roughly the size of their own palm for protein and their cupped hand for snacks.
• Pack crunchy snacks in a small separate container so they stay crisp.
• For younger children, always supervise snack time and choose shapes and sizes suitable for their age.

Let your child choose one item for the lunchbox each day. Kids are far more likely to eat what they helped pick.

Why gluten-free and clean-label helps

School lunches are eaten without a parent around to check every bite. A snack that is gluten-free, Halal and free from preservatives, synthetic colours, artificial sweeteners, flavour enhancers and texturisers means one less thing to worry about.