10 Lunchbox Ideas for Picky Eaters
Here are 10 lunchbox ideas that are well-balanced and will please even picky eaters! Most of these lunches were packed in the OmieBox. My children (one picky eater, one not picky) prefer hot lunches, so these lunchboxes are perfect for us! I have linked some of my favorite lunchboxes and lunch supplies on my Amazon store. I have found that hot lunches are usually more accepted by children who are picky. Be sure to save these 10 lunchbox ideas for picky eaters!
When packing lunches, I usually include one food from each food group. For example, one protein, one carb, one fruit/veggie, one dairy. I also like to include a fun snack like a granola bar, popcorn, pretzels, trail mix, cookies, etc. This can help picky eaters learn to accept more foods, because they are being exposed to a wide variety of foods every day.
Offer a wide variety of foods
The key is to offer a wide variety of foods to help your child be open and willing to try both familiar and unfamiliar foods. Even if you have a picky eater on your hands, exposing them to a variety of foods is very important. Even if they reject a certain food, continued exposure will help them become more familiar with it. In time, this may eventually lead to them trying it and (hopefully!) liking it.
I experienced this with my oldest child, Ella. She was always a great eater, but only up until age 3. She started becoming a picky eater and one day decided she didn’t like tomatoes anymore. I continued offering tomatoes occasionally, even though she kept refusing to eat them. Then finally one day, (one year later) she tried some sliced tomatoes in her salad and liked them again! And asked for more!
I hope these 10 lunchbox ideas for picky eaters are helpful to you and you can come up with ideas to help your children learn to accept more foods.
Another instance, where Ella was more inclined to try tomatoes was when I used these cute little food picks that made the tomatoes look like “cherries.” Sometimes, it’s the little things that make children more willing to try a new food or a food they typically don’t want to try.
Spaghettios
Homemade spaghettios are the best! There are hidden veggies in my recipe, which make them even more nutritious. Include a side salad and some garlic bread and you’ve got a super satisfying lunch!
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are probably the most kid-friendly food of all time! This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is super easy to make! You’ll also feel so much better feeding them to your kids, knowing exactly what ingredients went into them.
Chili
Nothing warms the soul like a hot bowl of chili or taco soup. Top with cheddar cheese and include some corn bread on the side for a super satisfying meal.
Hot dogs
Hot dogs are a great meal choice for the busiest of days, when you’re running short on time. We love Applegate organic beef hot dogs. Pair this lunch with some veggies like cucumber and carrots or corn on the cob like I did in this Memorial Day inspired lunch.
Tator Tots
Tator tots are super kid-friendly and can be easily customized. Just top with your child’s favorite ingredients like sauce and mozzarella for pizza tots or chili and cheese for chili tots. Check out this loaded tots lunchbox idea!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Soup is kid-friendly and always satisfies. We love broccoli cheddar soup, because it’s both flavorful and hearty. Plus, it is full of broccoli (win/win!) Check out this broccoli cheddar soup lunchbox idea!
Arroz con Pollo
Arroz con pollo or yellow rice with chicken, is a favorite in our household. It’s simple to make for a weeknight dinner and makes for great leftovers the next day. Check out my Arroz con Pollo recipe here!
Add fruit and veggies on the side and a snack like raisins, yogurt or pretzels for a well-balanced meal.
Tuna Sandwich
Tuna is a great lunch option. It’s great in a sandwich or salad. Add some fresh fruit and veggies to the lunchbox and you’ve got a wonderful, easy to make lunch for your children.
If your kid doesn’t like tuna you could substitute for chicken salad. Check out this fun lunchbox idea!
Nut butter and Jelly Sandwich
What is better (and easier to make) than a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich?! This is a staple in most households and something that most kids enjoy. I like using my homemade raspberry chia seed jam rather than store-bought jelly. Check out my recipe, it can be made in 5 minutes or less!
If your child attends a peanut-free school you can substitute peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower butter.
Pancake bites
Breakfast for lunch is a great option because most kids love breakfast foods! My pancake bites are always a hit, paired with turkey sausage, tator tots, yogurt and granola. Round out this lunch with fruits and veggies and you’ve got a delicious meal sure to please, even the picky eaters!
To make the pancake bites, simply prepare your favorite pancake batter and bake in a mini muffin tin. Be sure to fill each cavity less than halfway full. That way they can look like mini pancakes.
Check out this fun, unicorn-themed lunch, where I made pancake bites using Rawnice natural food coloring!
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