What do you put in your child's lunch box? Healthy, tasty and feasible!

Every morning you face the same task as a parent: filling the lunch box. What do you give your child that is healthy, tasty and easy to eat during breaks? Ideally, you want lots of variety, so the lunch box doesn't come back half-full with the comment “that really wasn't tasty”.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make the lunch box fun and nutritious. In this blog you can read how to do that, what handy tips you have for fruit and lunch and how to find the right balance between healthy and “something tasty”. 

What in the lunchbox for children ages 4 and up?

In many elementary schools, children have two breaks: one in the morning for fruit and one around lunchtime. That also means two meal times, for which ideally you should bring two separate containers. Therefore, have a separate fruit bowl and a bread bin ready in the morning. That way the fruit stays fresh and separate from the sandwiches.

Tip: Fruit time is often held outside, so make sure the fruit is easy to eat. Think grapes (halved for the little ones), apple segments (possibly with lemon juice or cinnamon to prevent discoloration), strawberry slices, pear pieces or melon cubes. In summer, blueberries or cold pieces of mango are wonderfully refreshing.

The basis for the lunch box: whole grain sandwiches

What goodies to bring in the lunch box?

Some schools allow children to bring an extra treat in the lunch box: something tasty in addition to the bread. This does not have to be candy, of course, as it can also be a nutritious snack. You can think of:

• Liga or egg cake;
• Mini rice cake;
• Crackers;
• Bifi sausage or piece of dry sausage;
• Small breadsticks;
• Pieces of cucumber or peppers in a separate compartment.

Listen to what your child likes and feel free to let them have their say. That way you increase the chances that the container will come back empty instead of half-full.

Drink bottle included: water and milk are top!

Schools (and you) encourage drinking water. A reusable water bottle is very handy for that. You can also opt for a cup of milk for variety throughout the day.

Tip: Put the filled water bottle in the fridge the night before to keep it nice and fresh.
 

Let your child contribute ideas

Starting at a certain age, it is smart to involve your child in putting together the lunchbox. Suggest two types of fruit or allow them to choose the toppings. This way, your child feels involved AND often eats better.

A bento lunchbox: quick and easy food

Because breaks are short, it is important that everything is quick and easy to eat. Large pieces or complicated things are often left lying around. Therefore, choose small bites: cubes of fruit, strips of bread, loose vegetable snacks.
Tip: Use our bento lunch box with multiple compartments. This keeps everything neatly separated and also looks nice.

Find the right balance

Starting at a certain age, it is smart to involve your child in putting together the lunchbox. Suggest two types of fruit or allow them to choose the toppings. This way, your child feels involved AND often eats better.