Healthy School Lunches

Packing lunches for school every day can feel like a never-ending task—but it doesn’t have to be boring or stressful. With a little planning, you can create healthy school lunches that your kids actually want to eat. Whether you’re aiming to cut back on processed snacks or simply add more variety to your child’s lunchbox, this guide is packed with helpful ideas and tips.

Our goal at Ecococoon is to help make lunch prep easier, healthier, and more enjoyable for both kids and parents. From simple food swaps to colourful lunchbox combos, we’ve got you covered.

40 Kids’ School Lunch Ideas

Want to take the guesswork out of what to pack each day? Use this formula to build easy and nutritious packed lunches:

1 protein + 1–2 fruits + 1 veggie + 1 dairy/plant-based option + 1 crunchy snack + 1 small sweet.

Mix and match from the ideas below to keep lunches interesting and balanced.

Protein

Protein keeps kids fuller for longer and helps fuel their learning and play.

• Ham or turkey wraps

• Tuna salad with crackers

• Egg salad sandwich

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Chicken strips or nuggets

• Pasta salad with beans

• Hummus and pita

• Edamame pods

• Baked tofu bites

• Chia pudding

• Sunbutter and jelly sandwiches

• Roasted chickpeas

• Dumplings or mini meatballs

Fruit

Fruits are naturally sweet, hydrating, and loaded with vitamins.

• Apple slices (add lemon juice to stop browning)

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• Bananas

• Grapes (cut in half for safety)

• Watermelon or melon cubes

• Mango or pineapple

• Kiwi slices

• Pears or peaches

• Dried fruit like apricots, raisins, or cranberries

Veggies

Raw or cooked, veggies add crunch and nutrients. Try pairing them with a dip to encourage eating.

• Cucumber rounds

• Baby carrots

• Cherry tomatoes

• Capsicum strips

• Celery sticks

• Snow peas

• Avocado slices with seasoning

Dairy or Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives

These are great for calcium, protein, and energy.

• Yoghurt (dairy or coconut-based)

• Cheese sticks or cubes

• Cream cheese on mini bagels

• Cottage cheese with fruit

• Non-dairy cheese or yoghurt for dairy-free diets

Crunchies

These snacks add fun and texture to any lunchbox.

• Pretzels

• Crackers

• Corn chips

• Nori seaweed snacks

• Popcorn

• Goldfish or animal crackers

• Dry cereal or rice cakes

Sweets

Because all foods can have a place in a balanced lunch—even treats.

• Mini cookies

• Chocolate-covered raisins

• Fruit leather or gummies

• Granola bars

• A small piece of dark chocolate

• Yogurt-covered pretzels

Shop My Favourite Lunchbox

Packing healthy lunches for school is even easier with the right container. At Ecococoon, we love our leakproof stainless steel bento boxes. They’re durable, easy to clean, and designed with kids in mind—plus, they help reduce food waste and keep everything fresh and separate.

We Believe in Creating a World in Which All Mothers Are Thriving

Ecococoon isn’t just about lunchboxes—it’s about making life easier for families. Whether you're navigating food allergies, picky eating, or just want your child to eat more greens, we’re here to support you.

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About Us

Ecococoon a female-founded Australian business making eco-friendly lunchware that parents trust and kids love. Our mission is to simplify mealtimes while caring for the planet—one lunchbox at a time.

Healthy Lunches Kids Can Make

Let your kids get involved in packing their own school lunches! It builds independence and helps them learn to make nutritious choices. Lay out a few options from each food group and let them mix and match. Start with simple tasks like spreading sandwiches, picking fruit, or portioning snacks into containers.

Tip: A visual checklist can help younger children build their lunch step-by-step.

Healthy Kids Lunches for School

Looking for realistic ideas that aren’t overly complicated? Focus on balance: include carbs for energy, protein for fullness, and fruits/veggies for vitamins.

Try combos like:

• Turkey and cheese wrap + apple slices + carrot sticks + popcorn + mini muffin

• Pasta with chickpeas + grapes + capsicum strips + yogurt pouch + pretzels

Remember, variety is key. Rotate options to keep lunches exciting and reduce the chances of food coming back untouched.

Healthy Kids Lunches for Picky Eaters

Picky eating is totally normal! The trick is to offer a mix of their favourites and gently introduce new foods alongside. Keep portions small and low-pressure.

Some ideas:

• Ham sandwich (crusts cut off) + strawberries + cucumber sticks + cheese cubes + crackers + small treat

• Banana pancake bites + yoghurt + blueberries + veggie straws + chocolate chip cookie

Stick with foods you know they’ll eat, while slowly expanding their comfort zone.

Healthy Kids Lunches to Pack

Whether you're prepping the night before or rushing in the morning, these quick ideas make packed lunches simple and stress-free:

• Leftover pasta + diced fruit + baby carrots + granola bar

• DIY snack box: boiled egg, cheese cubes, apple slices, pretzels, dip

• Roll-ups (wraps sliced into pinwheels) + snap peas + watermelon + yoghurt

Using a bento-style lunchbox makes it easy to separate foods and keep things fresh.

Need more inspiration? Explore Ecococoon’s full range of Stainless steel lunch boxes to support your family’s healthy habits—with fun, functional, and eco-friendly designs.