Vegan Kids Lunchbox Ideas

 

Ahhhh the good ol' vegan kids lunchbox. Lunchboxes in general can be daunting, tiring and hard to keep different and exciting. Mimi and Bella change their minds and tastes constantly so we are always changing up their lunchbox. The yum yums seem to become more mature and more interesting the older they get but the easiest thing to do is just ASK what they want in their lunchbox. If they want store-bought items which you don't really approve of then figure out how to make a healthier version of it. Every child is different so it is always best just to include what is best for YOU and your family. In our experience, it is soooo much easier just to agree and work with your child to compromise on a lunchbox which is healthy AND delicious. Just imagine if you had a packed lunch at work and you weren't thrilled about anything inside it... it wouldn't improve your day. I really believe that a child-approved lunchbox is key to setting up a positive day, happy tummy and great mindset! So, get talking with your child and plan some yumminess! 

Have a look below for some vegan kids lunchbox ideas. If you have something to add, some advice for other parents OR just want to talk about your experience then please comment on this post! 

SANDWICHES/WRAPS

The most common and easiest lunchbox item. If you child wants a sandwich or a wrap then there are loads of options and ways to do it! Chop the sandwiches up in different shapes or use cookie cutters to make it more interesting.

Types of breads/wraps:

• White, wholemeal, multigrain, rye bread
• Wraps 
• Gluten-free bread
• Rice cakes
• Bread rolls
• Pita breads 

Alternatives:

• Nori/Sushi rolls filled with rice or quinoa and/or salad and avocado
• Rice paper rolls filled with yum yums
• Coconut wraps for a grain-free option

Spreads/Toppings:

• Vegemite (you can also add vegan cheese or lettuce)
• Avocado and tomato/lettuce
• Nut butters (if the school/venue allows nuts)
• Jams
• Salads
• Vegan cream cheese

FRUIT

Fruit is a perfect component as it is uplifting, nourishing and full of natural sugars to help your child's brain. 

Fruit ideas:

• A banana - the best snack EVER
• Fruit salads - your child's favourite chopped fruit
• Frozen fruit - my girls love frozen organic mango which starts to soften in time for recess. They eat it with a fork!
• Guacamole! Yes avocado is a fruit. Pair with veggie sticks or crackers.

SALADS AND VEGGIES

A little salad and a side dressing is amazing but a lot of kids don't want this. Here are some alternatives!

• Cherry tomatoes
• Carrot sticks with hommus, guacamole or dips
• Celery sticks filled with nut butter (if the venue allows) or vegan cream cheese
• Pasta salads
• Sushi rolls
• Steamed edamame 

SNACKS

Delicious snack ideas which can be made prior!

Healthier snacks:

• Balls! Energy balls (AKA bliss balls) are an awesome component as they are filling, healthy and filled with lots of amazing ingredients. Check out our recipe page for all different types of balls and truffles. 
• Slices - Just like balls, but pushed into a slice. You can make this the "chocolate" treat but use healthier ingredients. See our recipe page.
• Crackers with guacamole, hommus or dips.
• Popcorn
• Chia puddings - my girls LOVE these! So easy to have in the fridge ready to go and you can make heaps of different flavours including fruit, vanilla and chocolate. Check out our recipe page!
• Homemade dairy-free yoghurts
• Sushi/Nori rolls - fill with salads, avocado etc...
• Handful of nuts (if the venue allows it)
• Roasted chickpeas - season any way you like!

Other:

• Vegan cheese and crackers - can add tomato and cucumber

Baked goods:

• Homemade muffins - you can use ingredients which suit your family. Use any types of flours you like, any sweeteners or sugars and any types of fruit. It is super versatile and meets any needs!
• Cookies - just like above
• Use pastry to make vegemite scrolls!
• Baked tofu - serve with tomato sauce (aka ketchup)
• Oven roasted chips - roasted slices of potato and sweet potato

STORE-BOUGHT

Nothing wrong with adding some store-bought items! See some ideas below:

• Up and Go's - there is now a dairy-free vegan version
• Fruit leathers or fruit straps
• Dried fruit
• Nori to munch on
• Vegan chocolate
• Vegan sausages
• Dairy-free yoghurts
• Packets of rice crackers
• Pretzels
• Popcorn

LEFTOVERS

If you have a thermos and/or ice packs then leftovers are great and can be kept stored/packed safely in a lunchbox. See some leftover ideas below:

• Pasta
• Vegan sausage rolls
• Leftover roast veggies
• Leftover roast potato - serve with tomato sauce (AKA ketchup)
• Tofu from the night before. So good with dipping sauces.
• Curries
• Soups
• Fried rice

DRINKS

Ideas:

• Hot chocolates on cold days
• Iced chocolates on hot days
• Smoothies
• Juices