We see lots of families instore searching for lunchbox ideas that strike the right balance - nourishing foods to support a busy day of learning, movement and play and options the kids will actually eat - because we all know that sinking feeling when the lunchbox comes home barely touched!
When it comes to packing a healthier lunchbox, we recommend limiting highly processed snacks and foods high in refined sugar. Instead, choosing wholefoods and natural sweeteners can help avoid sugar spikes and the inevitable energy and mood crashes that often follow. Artificial colours and additives have also been linked to increased hyperactivity, making simple real food a great place to start.
Our in-house naturopath, Helen, encourages including sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support focus, behaviour and brain health. Hemp seeds or flax seeds stirred into muffins or cookies are an easy lunchbox win, while oily fish such as salmon or tuna with crackers are also wonderful wholefood sources.
Protein plays an important role to support growing bodies - helping to keep little (and not so little) tummies fuller for longer. Foods like cheese, yoghurt, nuts or a boost of protein powder added to homemade bliss balls can make a big difference to energy levels throughout the day.
And of course fresh organic fruit and vegetables are a lunchbox staple. Each week we receive a deliveries of fresh seasonal organic produce from lunchbox-sized apples to summer favourites like blueberries and plums. Crunchy veggies such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes and capsicums add colour, texture and a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals.
Below is our guide to packing a well-balanced lunchbox, along with some of our favourite go-to products to make school mornings simple and stress-free.
1. Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Dried Fruit & Nuts
A non-negotiable lunchbox staple. Fresh, seasonal fruit and veggies provide essential vitamins, minerals and fibre to support growing bodies. Think lunchbox-sized apples, blueberries, plums, cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes and capsicum. Add a small portion of dried fruit or nuts for extra energy, dried apricots and bananas are always a fav.
2. Tiny Tummy Pikelet Mix
A versatile lunchbox favourite that works just as well for breakfast, snacks or on-the-go. Every serve contains hidden fruits and vegetables with a taste kids love (and won’t even notice the difference!) just add milk and eggs, mix and cook in the frypan.
3. Odi
Designed for busy families, Odi’s nutrient-dense boosters make it easy to add wholefood goodness to everyday meals and lunchbox baking. Simply stir boosters into yoghurt, smoothies, savoury muffins or baking - an easy way to support fussy eaters and boost family nutrition with 10+ vegetables and superfoods.
4. Lunch Box Fillers
For days when convenience is key, options like oat bars, popcorn, seaweed and fruit crisps are great alternatives to highly processed snacks, ill lunchbox friendly, but made with more thoughtful ingredients.
5. Stainless Steel Lunchbox
A durable, easy-to-clean option that’s built to last. Stainless steel lunchboxes are BPA-free and completely free from harmful toxins like bisphenol-A and phthalates, making them a safe and sustainable choice for everyday use.
6. Nutra Organics Gutsy Gummies
A fun addition to the lunchbox and adds some gut nourishment to their diet - Find a Gutsy Gummies recipe here.
Hero image - by Tamara West from Chelsea Winter Nourish