Making your child's lunch doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore, although I suppose if the food keeps boomeranging back uneaten it can be disheartening. If that's you, and you’re looking to change things up by, look no further.
By adding some tasty lunch box fillers to their meals, you will not only minimise waste, but also have peace of mind that your child isn’t going hungry.
Here are nine delicious pocket-friendly lunch box fillers and snack ideas for kids, that won’t cost you the earth or too much time to prepare:
Keep it fun
Probably one you need to confirm with your child’s school first but popcorn is an economical and fun healthy lunch box filler that kids love. On Sunday pop a big batch of popcorn and store in an airtight container.
Make your own hummus
It’s not for everyone, I know, but it makes a fantastic addition to any lunch box alongside some pitta bread, breadsticks, carrot batons, bell peppers and cucumber. Chickpeas have excellent filling power, and we have the perfect recipe for you to try.
Change it up
Eating the same thing day in day out can get pretty dull after a week or two. Be creative and alternate your staples by swapping and changing between wraps, bagels, crackers, crusty rolls, brioche and even homemade brown bread.
Use leftovers
When you are making dinner during the week, make a little extra and use it as a lunch box filler the next day. Pasta with or without sauce is a great option to eat cold and meats, and roast chicken can be used on sandwiches.
Invest in a thermos flask
These flasks are game-changers during the winter months. Leftovers and other foods like soup and noodles can be added to food flasks and will stay warm for up to six hours, making it the perfect solutions for wet and windy days.
Think outside the box
The options for lunchbox fillers are endless when you really think about it. A handful of multigrain cereal, unsalted pretzels, rice cakes, croissants, oat bars, and even dried fruit are great cupboard staples.
Make all the muffins
Mini muffins are always a winner in this household, and they are the perfect food for batch cooking and freezing. These egg muffins are super filling due to the high protein content and a great way to sneak in some veggies into the fussiest of eaters.
Healthy banana bread
Shop bought banana bread is usually laced with sugar making it a no-go when it comes to lunchboxes. Instead, opt to make a batch of refined sugar banana loaves over the weekend so you can add a slice or two during the week.
Explore all the fruits
It’s bright, colourful and nutritious yet still, kids will turn their noses up at it. Seasonal fruits are more affordable and taste better, so keep that in mind when doing the weekly shop. Orange segments, melon balls, grapes halved, berries of all kinds and bananas are great options.
