top of page
Painting Class_edited.jpg

Blog.

6 tips for packing a plant-based lunchbox for your kids.

Writer's picture: Jack RockJack Rock

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.


 
Join us as a Guest Writer!

We’re always looking for guest writers to develop informative articles that enable families from all walks of life to reap the benefits of plant-powered living. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, health professional, childhood educator, or advocate, we’d love to hear your unique perspective and experiences on raising happy, healthy plant-powered children.


Reach out via our volunteer form to us to discuss your ideas and join us as a vital part of our team.

What the experts say.

Raising your child on a plant-based diet is one of the most beautiful gifts you can give, fostering healthy food preferences that will carry them into adulthood while supporting a sustainable and ethical world. The children of today are the future, and it all begins with what we eat. 

Bio pictures (1).png
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Untitled design (2).png

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Growing Plant-Based acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

bottom of page