Feeding your child can be a struggle sometimes, especially if they are a picky eater. As parents, we want our kids to enjoy and appreciate all types of food, but it can be challenging to get them to try new things.
One of the biggest challenges for parents is packing school lunches that are both healthy and appealing to their picky eaters.
Fear not; I am here to help! I’ve compiled a list of 35 easy picky-eater lunch box ideas to make your life easier.
35 Easy Picky Eater Lunch Box Ideas
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly
Peanut butter and jelly is a classic and beloved combination! Its simplicity and deliciousness have made it a lunchbox staple for generations.
But it’s not just for kids – this versatile duo can be enjoyed by people of all ages in various ways.
2. Turkey and Cheese Roll-ups
Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, add sliced turkey, lettuce, and tomato, and roll up. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
3. English Muffin Pizzas
English Muffin Pizzas are a fantastic addition to the list of lunchbox ideas for picky eaters, especially those who love pizza and finger foods.
Toast an English muffin, top with marinara sauce and cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted.
4. Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt, fruit, and granola for a protein-packed lunchtime snack.
5. Club Wrap
Wrap turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese in a tortilla for a fun and easy lunch.
6. Chicken Quesadillas
Fill a tortilla with cheese, chicken, and veggies, and cook on a skillet until the cheese is melted.
7. Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets is the lunchbox MVP for many a picky eater. They’re familiar, finger-friendly, and go down easy (sometimes a little too easy!).
Remember, happy lunchbox, happy kid (and maybe a slightly less stressed parent)!
8. Pasta Salad
Mix cooked pasta with veggies, cheese, and dressing for a filling and nutritious lunch.
9. Apple Slices with Almond Butter
Spread almond butter on apple slices and serve with a side of cheese and crackers.
10. Veggie Sushi
Roll cooked rice, avocado, cucumber, and carrot sticks in a seaweed wrap for a fun and healthy lunchtime snack.
11. Bento Box
Fill a bento box with a variety of fruits, veggies, and proteins for a balanced and colorful lunch.
12. Bagel and Cream Cheese
Toast a bagel and spread cream cheese on top, served with a side of fruit and veggies.
13. Bread and Hummus Plate
Serve hummus with a variety of bread, veggies, and crackers for a tasty and healthy lunch option.
14. Rice Cakes with Nut Butter
Rice cakes with nut butter are a great addition to the picky eater lunchbox ideas list.
Let your picky eater get creative! Offer a variety of toppings and nut butter flavors to mix and match, creating their own customized rice cake snacks.
15. Cheese and Veggie Kebabs
Layer cubed cheese and veggies on wooden skewers for a fun and tasty lunch.
16. Snack Plate
Serve a variety of fruits, veggies, cheese, and crackers for a colorful and nutritious lunchtime snack.
17. Tuna Salad Sandwich
Mix canned tuna with mayo, celery, and onions, and serve on whole wheat bread.
18. Cucumber & Cream Cheese Wraps
Cool, refreshing, and perfect for picky eaters! Swap bread for crunchy cucumber slices, spread with creamy cheese, and roll up.
Fun finger food, light on the tummy, and packed with veggie goodness. Bonus points for dipping in hummus or ranch!
19. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a versatile and nutritious option for picky eaters, providing an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins.
Their simple preparation and portable nature make them an easy addition to lunchboxes, offering a satisfying and familiar option that appeals to a wide range of tastes while delivering essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
20. Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Warm up tomato soup and serve with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and tasty lunch.
21. Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
Fun, bite-sized bites for picky eater wins! Roll up deli ham and melty cheese in soft bread, cut into pinwheels.
Customize with cream cheese spread, lettuce, or veggie sticks for added fun and nutrients. Easy to make, easy to eat, happy lunchbox guarantee!
22. Mini Turkey and Cheese Wraps
Roll up turkey and cheese in a whole-grain tortilla, and cut into smaller, lunch-friendly pieces.
23. Hummus and Veggie Wraps
Fill a tortilla with hummus and your picky eater’s favorite veggies, roll it up, and slice into bite-sized pieces for a nutritious lunch.
24. Fruit Kabobs
Create colorful fruit skewers with a variety of fruits, making it visually appealing and fun to eat.
25. Bagel and Cream Cheese with Berries
Toast a bagel, spread cream cheese, and serve it with a side of fresh berries for a balanced and delicious lunch.
26. Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bowl
Combine bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken, steamed vegetables, and rice in a lunch box, adding a tasty sauce or dressing.
27. Mini Corn on the Cob
Include mini corn on the cob with a side of butter for a fun and nutritious addition to the lunch box.
28. Egg Salad Sandwich
Make an egg salad with boiled eggs, mayo, and your picky eater’s preferred seasonings, and serve it on whole wheat bread.
29. Pepperoni and Cheese Skewers
Thread pepperoni slices and cubes of cheese on skewers for a kid-friendly and protein-packed lunch option.
30. Greek Yogurt with Honey and Berries
Layer Greek yogurt, drizzle with honey, and top with fresh berries for a protein-rich and sweet treat.
31. Mac and Cheese Muffins
Bake mini mac and cheese muffins, using whole-grain pasta and cheese, for a fun and tasty lunchbox addition.
32. Cucumber Slices with Cream Cheese
Provide cucumber slices with a side of cream cheese for dipping, making it a refreshing and crunchy snack.
33. Mini Chicken Pot Pies
Make mini chicken pot pies with a whole-grain crust and a tasty chicken and vegetable filling.
34. Creamy Tomato Soup with Breadsticks
Include a thermos of creamy tomato soup and some whole-grain breadsticks for a comforting and warm lunch.
35. Peanut Butter and Banana Sushi Rolls
Roll peanut butter and banana slices in a tortilla, then slice into sushi-style rolls for a fun and delicious lunchtime snack.
Tips:
- Involve your picky eater in the lunch-packing process. Let them choose some of the foods they want to include in their lunch.
- Use fun food cutters and Bento boxes to make lunch more appealing.
- Pack a small ice pack to keep food cold, especially in hot weather.
- Include a note or a small treat to make your picky eater smile.
This list offers a variety of options to cater to different preferences and nutritional needs.
Remember to choose age-appropriate foods and cut them into bite-sized pieces for safety. Enjoy packing fun and healthy lunches for your picky eater!sta
Final Thoughts,
Packing a lunch for your picky eater can be a daunting task, but with these easy and tasty lunch ideas, you can give your child a variety of nutritious and delicious options.
Remember, eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless; it can be fun and appealing with a little creativity and imagination. So, try these easy lunch box ideas and see your picky eater enjoy their lunchtime.
