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Back to school – it’s that time again! We constantly get requests for school lunch ideas and I’ll admit that packing lunches is a challenge – balancing nutritious choices with what your child will actually eat. We’re sharing creative school lunch ideas your children will love, and you will feel good about what’s in their lunch box!
It’s the best feeling to open that lunch box at the end of the day and realize your child loved what you packed. I hope these school lunch ideas make your life a whole lot easier!
Don’t miss the kid-friendly parfait which is perfect for breakfast or an after school snack. It comes together in 5 minutes and you will be surprised by the simple wholesome ingredients. P.S. Also check out the hot lunch ideas at the end of the post – no microwave required!
(Kid-Friendly) SCHOOL LUNCH IDEAS:
We love lists! I print and hang these lunch ideas in the pantry for quick reference and inspiration. Here is the lunchbox that we love.
Fruit for School Lunch:
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Grapes
Banana
Pineapple
Dried fruit
Clementine
Mango
Pear
Apple
Vegetables for School Lunch:
Cucumber
Baby tomatoes
Carrot Sticks
Snap Peas
Black Olives (not really a vegetable)
Corn on the cob
Sides and School Lunch Snacks:
Cottage Cheese
String Cheese
Granola Bar
Fruit Snacks
Annie’s Crackers (we love Annie’s White Cheddar Bunnies)
Main Course School Lunches:
Ham and Crackers (DIY lunchables)
Hummus with multi-grain chips
Lettuce Wraps with ranch
Chicken Avocado Salad
Thermos School Lunch Ideas:
1. Annie’s Mac and Cheese (any variety)
2. Chicken nuggets
3. Try one of Annie’s Soups (Ready-made and perfect for busy weekdays!)
4. Buttered noodles
We LOVE Annie’s mac and cheese. It’s so creamy and hearty – such a treat! I can imagine the smile on my son’s face as he opens his thermos at school filled with creamy, warm mac and cheese!
Tips for using a thermos:
- Pack hot thermos in the morning (5 hours before it’s eaten)
- Heat the thermos first: add boiling water, cover and let sit 5 min then drain (pat dry if adding chicken nuggets). Heat food until it’s hot. Place into heated thermos and close tightly with lid. Food will be warm at lunchtime. Here is the Thermos we use.
Kid-Friendly Yogurt Parfaits Recipe
These yogurt parfaits are perfect for breakfast or an after school snack. They are packed with protein, grains and fruit which provide lasting feel good energy. Kids can assemble their own parfaits, choosing their favorite berries. This is the easiest recipe with no cooking required.
Ingredients for 2 Parfaits:
2 (4 oz each) yogurt cups
1/4 cup Annie’s Frosted Oat Flakes Cereal, coarsely crushed
1 cup fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
How to Make Yogurt Parfaits:
1. In a small glass cup, add 1/2 package of Annie’s Vanilla yogurt. Sprinkle the top generously with crushed cereal then top with 1/4 cup of berries. Repeat with a second layer of yogurt, cereal and berries. Serve right away.
Kid Friendly Yogurt Parfait Recipe
These yogurt parfaits are perfect for breakfast or an after school snack – packed with protein, grains and fruit for lasting feel good energy.
Prevent your screen from going dark
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In a small glass cup, add 1/2 package of Annie’s Vanilla yogurt. Sprinkle the top generously with crushed cereal then top with 1/4 cup of berries. Repeat with a second layer of yogurt, cereal and berries. Serve right away.
52kcal Calories12g Carbs
Nutrition Facts
Kid Friendly Yogurt Parfait Recipe
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
I am always on the lookout for new school lunch ideas. Please share yours in a comment below and thank you in advance (from one parent to another ;).
P.S. Have you tried packing warm lunch in a thermos?? I’d love to hear about your children’s favorites!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Target & Annie’s. The opinions and text are all mine. We love partnering with brands we love and trust. Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.
