Stuck in a lunch box rut? Making your child’s lunch interesting doesn’t have to be a challenge. These tried-and-tested lunch box recipes are family favourites and definitely worth a try.
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As a mum of 5, I know how time-consuming it can be trying to find the perfect lunch box recipe — some days it feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. Parents shouldn’t have to struggle to find something delicious and nutritious that the kids will actually eat, day after day.
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Delicious Lunch Box Recipes to Try
Sugar-Free Blueberry and Oat Lunchbox Bars
Fancy a sugar-free lunchbox slice? This recipe from Baby Led Feeding is one of the simplest lunch box recipes here, and it works with pretty much any fruit filling. It makes 24 slices and is packed with whole grains and omega-3-rich chia seeds — and it’s sugar-free.
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The Perfect Banana Muffin
Image: Family Budgeting
You can never go wrong with banana pancakes, banana bread or banana muffins. This recipe from Family Budgeting is simple, and the muffins take just minutes to prep. Try silicone moulds to cut down on disposable paper, and hold back a little on the sugar if you like. A handful of chocolate chips turns them into a nice weekend treat.
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Raspberry Chia Seed Jam
Image: Baby Led Feeding
This Raspberry Chia Seed Jam recipe from Baby Led Feeding is a genuinely delicious jam packed with natural goodness — no preservatives, and refined sugar-free too. It’s lovely on crackers or homemade brown bread, or stirred through natural yogurt.
Bite-Sized Mexican Pinwheels
Image: Super Healthy Kids
Wraps are a firm favourite in our house, and mixing up the fillings keeps lunch box recipes interesting — some days it’s peanut butter, others tuna, raspberry jam (see above), or plain old ham.
These Mexican Pinwheels from Super Healthy Kids are great for the lunch box, and they’d work just as well as party appetisers. They’re not too spicy and take minutes to put together.
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Healthy Pot Noodle
Image from Basement Bakehouse
Not exactly what you’d expect from “lunch box recipes” — but this Healthy Pot Noodle from Basement Bakehouse is a lovely alternative to the store-bought version. It stores and travels well in a flask alongside the rest of the lunch.
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Raspberry Buckwheat Pancakes
Image: Baby Led Weaning
A nutritious lunch box recipe — if it makes it as far as the lunch box! We make these Raspberry Buckwheat Pancakes from Baby Led Weaning regularly. Swap in different berries if they become a regular feature, so the kids don’t get bored. The recipe is egg and dairy free.
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Apple Slice Cookies
Image: Mummy Cooks
Any food can get boring if it’s on repeat too often, and apples are no exception. These Apple Slice Cookies from Mummy Cooks make a nice change from a plain apple in the lunchbox. They also work well for breakfast, as a snack, or as a healthy dessert — swap the toppings to suit your kids’ tastes.
Lunch Box Finger Food
Image: Modern Honey
A reliable standby: Lunch Box Finger Food from Modern Honey, built from small bites like kiwi slices, carrot sticks and boiled eggs. Hummus, salsa and peanut butter make great dips. Few kids turn down cheese and crackers, grapes or orange slices — keep it simple if you’re short on time.
Easy Brown Soda Bread Rolls
A recipe the kids can help with — mixing and scooping out the dough is half the fun. These Brown Soda Bread Rolls from Lili Forberg are easy to bake, and the recipe makes twelve, so depending on your family size you may get a few lunches out of one batch. Otherwise, double it and save yourself the disappointment when they’re gone too fast.
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Pop Tarts
Image: Kidspot
Imagine your child opening their lunch box to find a pop tart. Made with the raspberry jam recipe above, these would also make a great Friday treat. These Pop Tarts from Kidspot are one of the easiest recipes here — around 15 minutes total for prep and baking. A weekend version with a little Nutella makes an extra-special treat.
Sandwich Kebabs
Image: Eat Drink Love
Basic sandwiches are a lunch box mainstay, but kids can tire of the same old thing. Changing how you present them helps — these Sandwich Kebabs from Eat Drink Love are a fun way to dress up an everyday sandwich.
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Save These Ideas for Later
If you’re not ready to try all eleven recipes this week, save this article and come back to it whenever you need lunch box inspiration. Browse more of our family food ideas for extra recipes worth adding to the rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my child’s lunch box getting boring?
Rotate a small pool of recipes rather than trying to be different every day — swapping fillings, fruits or toppings within the same base recipe (like the wraps or pancakes above) keeps things interesting without adding extra work.
Can I make these lunch box recipes ahead of time?
Several of these recipes, such as the muffins, bars and bread rolls, are well suited to batch-making. Doubling a recipe and freezing portions is an easy way to save time during the week.
Are any of these recipes suitable for kids with allergies?
Some recipes, like the Raspberry Buckwheat Pancakes, are noted as egg and dairy free, but always check the original recipe source directly for a full ingredient list before making anything for a child with allergies or intolerances.
What if my child still won’t eat what I pack?
It’s common for kids to reject a food a few times before accepting it. Offering small, familiar elements alongside one new recipe — rather than a completely new lunch box every day — tends to work better than an overhaul all at once.
Have your say! What are your favourite lunch box recipes? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
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