Packing a nutritious, exciting, and plant-based lunchbox that your kids will actually eat can
feel like a daily challenge! As a vegan dad, I've been navigating school lunches for over 7
years, and trust me, finding the right balance between health, taste, and simplicity is key. To
help make it easier, I’ve put together 6 essential tips for creating the ultimate plant-based
lunchbox that your kids will love, and you can feel great about!

1. Find suitable protein options.
Protein is a vital part of any balanced meal, especially for growing kids. Some great plant-based protein options include tofu cubes, chickpeas, lentils, edamame, or vegan sausages. You can even pack a peanut butter sandwich (if your school allows it) or use hummus as a dip with veggie sticks. These options not only keep your child feeling full but also provide the nutrients they need to stay energised throughout the day. Protein is crucial for muscle development and overall growth, so making it a lunchbox staple is a must.
2. Pack non-refrigerable items.
Let’s face it—packing a cold lunchbox with ice packs every day isn’t always practical. That's
why non-refrigerable items are lifesavers. Think of snacks that can last without chilling, like
nuts, seeds, energy balls, dried fruit, rice cakes, or whole grain crackers with a small tub of
hummus or guacamole. These snacks can stay fresh and tasty all day, saving you from
worrying about spoilage while ensuring your kids have wholesome, nutritious options on
hand.
3. Stick to what they love.
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every day when packing a lunchbox. One of the best
ways to ensure your kids eat what you pack is by including familiar foods they already love.
Incorporate their favourite fruits, veggies, and snacks, and try not to get too fancy with
brand-new ingredients every time. While it's always great to expand their palate, the goal is
to give them food they’re excited to eat, so stick to the tried-and-true faves.
4. Fruit snacks are a must.
Did you know that 36% of children aged 2-17 aren't meeting their recommended daily serves
of fruit? Many schools now offer free fruit as part of classroom breaks, but it’s still essential
to pack your child’s favourite fruits in their lunchbox. Think apple slices, mandarin wedges, or
grapes for easy, bite-sized snacks that are fun to eat. If you’re looking for tips to make your
apple slices last longer without browning, simply slice the apples and submerge them in tap
water - this will prevent your apple slices from browning for hours!
Fruits not only help meet daily nutritional requirements but also provide natural energy to
keep your kids active and alert during their school day.
5. Keep warm foods warm(ish).
If your kids enjoy hot meals like vegan sausage rolls, mini pizzas, or crispy tofu cubes, try
wrapping them in foil to help retain heat. While the food won’t stay piping hot, the foil can
keep it lukewarm, making it more appealing to eat by lunchtime. Thermos containers are
also great for warm soups or pasta, so don’t shy away from packing their favourite hot
meals.
6. Make it fun with creative presentation.
Let’s be real—kids eat with their eyes first! Making lunchboxes fun to look at can make all
the difference in whether or not they’re excited to dig in. Use cookie cutters to turn
sandwiches into fun shapes, create colourful veggie sticks, or pack small dipping containers
to make the meal interactive. Bento-style lunchboxes with compartments also help keep
everything organised and make it easier for kids to see all their tasty options.
Packing a plant-based lunchbox doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple tips, you
can create lunches that are nutritious, satisfying, and most importantly, kid-approved! Ready to make lunchtime stress-free and plant-based? Give these tips a try and watch your kids come home with an empty lunchbox!

Jack Rock, Guest Writer
Jack Rock is a dedicated father and husband who began his vegan journey in 2017 after discovering that eliminating dairy dramatically improved his youngest son’s severe eczema. What started as a focus on health soon grew into a commitment to animal welfare and the environment. To challenge misconceptions about veganism and masculinity, Jack launched 'That Vegan Dad' to show that a plant-based lifestyle is both easy and accessible for everyone. Through his YouTube channel and Instagram, Jack shares vegan food taste tests, family grocery hauls, and everyday life moments, while his website serves as a hub for all his content. Jack’s mission is to inspire and connect more people with the benefits of plant-based living.
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