Healthy lunch ideas for kids

Little ones need big energy – and a balanced lunchbox can be key to helping them power through the day. Whether they’re learning in the classroom or running around outside, a good mix of slow-release carbs, protein, fruit and veg can help keep their energy up. It’s also a great way to make sure they’re getting the essential nutrients they need and can be key for healthy growth and development – think calcium for strong bones, iron for brain support, and fibre for healthy digestion. 

When you’re packing lunches every day, the trick is keeping things balanced, tasty and easy to throw together – and our Taste Buds range makes it a breeze.

• Eat the rainbow: From Carrot Batons and Apple Slices to juicy Watermelon or Mango Chunks, it’s simple to add colour and crunch. Tuck salad into sandwiches, pop in a Raisin Snack Box or add a little pot of houmous with veggie sticks for dunking – hands-on and fun to eat.

• Switch up your snacks: Our Popped Chips are a lighter option than crisps.

• Add carbs to keep them going: Wholegrain wraps, pasta or pitta pockets are spot on for steady energy – and great for holding their favourite fillings.

• Include protein: Try Taste Buds Mild Cheddar Sticks, sliced roast chicken or breadsticks with a dip – perfect for keeping them full and focused all afternoon.

• A little treat: Finish with something sweet like a fruity yogurt pot, a source of protein and calcium, or a mini fruit bar made with real fruit and high in fibre. Our Taste Buds Little Pink Apples and Taste Buds Easy Peelers are naturally sweet and specially picked at just the right size for little hands.

Looking for more inspo? Check out our fun themed kids' lunchbox ideas below.

• Make bear-shaped pancakes by whipping up pancakes with our easy American-style Pancake Mix, with some smaller pancakes for the nose and ears. Decorate with bananas, peanut butter, blueberries and pomegranate rubies.

• Fill Multigrain Bagels with cream cheese and tomatoes, then use cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese slices and chives to create bear ears and 'whiskers'.

• Serve with berries and crunchy crudités.

• Cut slices of Jarlsberg cheese into circle and moon shapes – the holes will look like planets. Serve with our Seeded Oat Cakes.

• Make rocket fruit kebabs by skewering strawberries (cut into triangles to look like the top of a rocket), grapes, blueberries, melon, mango and blackberries onto a skewer.

• Cut ham sandwiches on malted brown bread into star shapes.

• Make rainbow veggie wraps by loading our Mini Tortilla Wraps with Roasted Red Pepper Houmous, grated carrot, courgette and pickled beetroot.

• Serve with a rainbow fruit salad, made with chopped strawberries, mango, melon, blueberries, raspberries and kiwi dressed with the juice of a lime.

• Serve with Mini Breadsticks and Zesty Guacamole for dipping.

Stuck for ideas on what to cook kids for lunch? Try these faff-free ideas, from air fryer pitta pizzas to picky plates made for little hands.