Healthy Lunchbox Ideas for Children

At Busy Bees, our children benefit from meals that are designed to add healthy twists to some of children’s favourite dishes. Our nursery meals and menus are externally accredited by nutritionists at NHS Startwell, which means they’re nutritionally balanced and healthy for growing bodies and minds.  

Even though your child's lunch and dinner will be taken care of whilst they are 
at a Busy Bees nursery, there maybe occasions where you need to prepare your child a lunchbox, it can be difficult to know whether what you’re including is as healthy as it could be. These ideas are perfect for a day trip or could provide inspiration for school aged children!

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of healthy lunchbox ideas for children inspired by the Busy Bees menu, which are quick and easy to prepare as well as offering high nutritional value, satisfying flavours and a mix of texture and colours. 

5 Easy Lunchbox Ideas for Children

This list of lunchbox ideas for children is designed to give your little ones a mix of slow energy-release carbohydrates, healthy fats and substantial protein.  

These dishes can be prepared ahead of time and will keep for a day or two in a sealed container in the fridge. They’re also designed to make use of ingredients you likely already use or have at home to keep things simple on busier days.  

Here are five lunchbox ideas for children that’ll satisfy and delight your little one.  

1. Wholemeal Chicken and Veg Wraps

These wraps are a go-to for a reason: they’re packed with protein and fibre, and easy to make ahead of time. Savoury and easily customisable, just fill a wholemeal wrap with strips of pre-cooked chicken and whatever salad vegetables you have on hand.  

Grate some carrot for a satisfying crunch or add some tomatoes and sliced peppers for some healthy sweetness. Finish with salad leaves and a healthier dressing, such as hummus, natural yoghurt or a drizzle of olive oil.  

Is your little one vegan or veggie? No problem. Just swap out the chicken for Quorn, chickpeas or a soft-boiled egg.  

For preparation, wrap tightly and cut the wraps into small pinwheel pieces to make them easy for your child to hold. 

2. Mini Frittatas with Spinach and Cheese

These bite-sized frittatas are a great way to get your child to eat more veg, as you can easily add anything from mushrooms to tomatoes to courgettes alongside classic spinach.  

Simply whisk eggs and add a sprinkle of cheese, alongside your chosen vegetables. Pour the mixture into non-stick muffin tins and bake in the oven for around 20 minutes at 180°C, checking every few minutes.  

Once cooked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen and defrosted in the fridge overnight, making them ideal to make ahead of time.  

3. Egg Salad Sandwich with Extra Veg

Creamy and mild, with the occasional crunch from the vegetables, egg salad sandwiches offer a protein-packed lunchbox staple to energise your child throughout the day. 

A source of healthy fats, this lunchbox recipe can be boosted even more by making it with wholegrain bread and adding small slices of raw vegetables, such as cucumber, carrot or spring onion.  

For the egg salad, hard boil your eggs, remove the shells and chop into pieces. Add a small dollop of mayonnaise (or plant-based alternative) and mix together. For a dash of flavour, add a sprinkle of black pepper or a handful of herbs - but skip the salt to keep your little one’s lunch healthy. 

4. Mini Picnic Box

This mini version of a picnic spread allows you get creative and mix and match flavours and textures. Build their box with a healthy mix of high-protein options like a hard-boiled egg, soft-flavoured cheese slices or slices of lean meat, with fibre-rich options such as wholegrain crackers or small bread strips.  

Add in a mix of salad vegetables like mini tomatoes, cucumber slices or carrot sticks for crunch and texture and finish with a savoury dip such as hummus or mashed avocado.

FYI: Mini picnic boxes are ultra-customisable, so you can whip up different variations each week to prevent the dreaded lunch fatigue.  

5. Pasta Salad with Feta and Veg

For a hearty lunch that gives your little one energy throughout the day, mix pre-cooked pasta with quick-prep vegetables such as red pepper, tinned chickpeas, tomatoes, mixed beans or olives. For an extra nutritional boost and slow-release energy, opt for wholegrain pasta and add a sprinkle of feta cheese for a tangy, flavourful boost. 

Keep the recipe varied by changing the sauce each time. It’s delicious with a tangy tomato sauce, a herby pesto or a dollop of soft cream cheese.  

Pressed for time? Try this as an evening meal and assemble the leftovers for the next day’s lunch.  

Benefits of a building a healthy lunchbox

Taking some time to think of healthy lunchbox ideas for children can really make a difference to your child’s energy-levels and learning.  

By building a lunchbox full of all the nutrients they’ll need for a busy day, you can rest assured your child will and have the energy needed to fuel their adventures

At Busy Bees, our approach to nursery meals balances nutrition, safety and ethical considerations. Want to learn more about our approach to children’s nutrition? Visit our site or find a Busy Bees nursery near you.