With two kids (and full work weeks), we know the reality of lunchboxes all too well. They’re relentless, repetitive, and somehow always due again tomorrow. But here’s the good news: putting together a delicious, healthy, and balanced lunchbox doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.
This guide pulls together our favourite lunchbox ideas, along with time-saving tips and tricks to make mornings easier and afternoons more satisfying — for kids and adults.
So what’s the secret?
We mix freshly prepared produce with freezer staples and leftovers to keep things interesting without reinventing the wheel every day. If you’re ready for lunchbox inspiration that actually works (and doesn’t come home untouched), this one’s for you.
FRESHLY PREPARED PRODUCE (IN A FLASH)
Sometimes a small amount of prep pays off big time. In just a few minutes, you can assemble fresh, nourishing food that kids genuinely enjoy eating.
Our go-to favourites:
Sushi
We make a small batch of one-flavour sushi that lasts for two days. Add a mini bottle of soy sauce and — magic — it rarely comes home.
Cold rolls
A dinner favourite that doubles as a lunchbox win. Cold rolls are best eaten the next day before they dry out. We love hoisin or peanut sauce at home, but for a lighter option, try ditching the noodles and filling with shredded iceberg lettuce and grated carrot instead. Fresh, crunchy, and surprisingly filling.
Wraps (the ultimate lunchbox MVP)
Wraps are endlessly versatile and a guaranteed hit. Our favourites include:
- Falafel as a wrap filling — crushed slightly so it spreads beautifully
- Hummus as a spread or paired with falafel for extra staying power
- Grated carrot, fine iceberg lettuce, cheese, and optional egg mayo
Mountain bread works brilliantly here, and cutting wraps into pinwheels makes them perfect for smaller hands and snack-style lunches.
(Note: egg or egg mayo should always be kept cool to reduce food safety risk.)
Pasta salads
Great for variety and bulk prep. We rotate between:
- Tomato-based pasta with olives
- Nut-free pesto with broccolini
- Let Them Eat favourites like risoni with preserved lemon and mint, or Middle Eastern cracked wheat salad — both excellent lunchbox fillers that hold up well.
Grazing plates
Kids love choice, and grazing plates make lunchboxes feel exciting. We mix and match:
Cheese cubes, boiled egg, cucumber, baby tomatoes, carrot sticks, hummus or pumpkin dip, crackers, falafel, olives, and deli (or other) meats. Bento-style boxes make this easy and fun.
FREEZER STAPLES YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU MADE
Some days, there’s just no energy left for creativity — and that’s where freezer staples save the day.
Savoury muffins
A lunchbox classic in our house. Our base uses pureed pumpkin, half wholemeal flour, plenty of cheese, and whatever veg we need to use up. They freeze well and are perfect grab-and-go options.
Zucchini slice
Old-school, reliable, and still a winner. Cook the onion (and bacon, if using) first for a deeper flavour that holds up beautifully once defrosted. We cut it into cubes for easy packing.
Scrolls
A little more effort, but always worth it. We make yeast dough scrolls — cheesy-mite or pizza flavoured — and freeze in batches.
‘Sausage’ rolls
Both traditional and vegan versions get a big tick. Our tip: cook them from frozen in the morning so they’re fresher at lunchtime. When making from scratch, freeze them uncooked on trays, then bag them so you can cook just what you need.
Fritters
Let Them Eat sweetcorn and feta fritters are a lunchbox favourite here. One fritter can be a full lunch for a small person, and they freeze exceptionally well.
GOTTA LOVE LUNCHBOX LEFTOVERS
At least once a week, lunch is leftovers from dinner — and we love that. Pasta, mornay, or anything saucy works especially well.
We keep bulk pasta sauce in the freezer, which means dinner and lunch are sorted on busy nights filled with school activities or sport. Quick, comforting, and one less thing to think about.
NOW FOR THE SWEET STUFF
No lunchbox is complete without something sweet — and a little treat goes a long way.
Banana bread
Let Them Eat banana bread is a lunchbox staple. Hot tip: order a whole loaf, slice it into squares, freeze, and pull out what you need. It defrosts perfectly by lunchtime.
Freezer cookies
There are loads of great, healthier cookie recipes online. Freeze and grab as needed.
Other sweet treats
Sweet muffins and upside-down fruit cakes are also great fillers that freeze well and feel like a treat.
We hope these ideas help transform lunchboxes from mundane to mouth-watering — and maybe even come home empty every day (we can dream!).
Ready to stock up on falafel, hummus, fritters, banana bread and dip for easy, delicious lunches?
Pop into a Let Them Eat store near you and let future-you say thank you.
