Back-to-school season is the perfect time to refresh lunchbox habits. The goal is always to pack meals that are balanced, kid-approved, and easy for parents to assemble. I’m on NBC Los Angeles, Bay Area and San Diego’s California Live with three creative lunchbox ideas that sneak in nutrition while keeping mealtime fun.
Hidden Veggie Protein Pasta
This first box sneaks in extra vegetables without kids even noticing. To make it, blend cooked zucchini, onion, carrot, bell pepper, cauliflower, crushed tomatoes, milk, and olive oil into a smooth sauce. Toss it with Pasta Rummo Maxima—made with durum wheat semolina and yellow peas—packing in 21 grams of protein per serving.
To balance the meal, I like using PlanetBox stainless steel lunch boxes. They’re durable, easy to clean, and great for packing variety with less waste. For added energy, include a JAMBAR. Made with organic whole food ingredients like fruit, whole grains, nut butter, and natural sweeteners, it delivers sustained energy from complex carbs, plant protein, and good fats. You can find JAMBAR at Whole Foods and Safeway.
Elevated Nut Butter & Jelly Pockets
Next up: a modern twist on a classic. Spread nut butter and chopped nuts on one slice of whole-grain bread and fruit spread with fresh fruit on the other. I love Crofter’s Organic squeezable fruit spreads—they’re mess-free, made with organic fruit as the first ingredient, and have a velvety smooth, seedless texture.
Seal the sandwich with a sandwich cutter for fun “pocket” shapes. Round out the box with veggies and hummus for extra protein. For dairy, add a Horizon Organic shelf-stable Milk Box, which provides calcium, vitamin D, and 8g of protein, or a Horizon Organic Mozzarella String Cheese, which has 7g of protein. Both help support strong bones and muscles.
Build-A-Bite Box
Finally, we have the Build-A-Bite Box—an interactive and customizable lunch option. Start with protein: I like Applegate Lightly Breaded Chicken Tenders. They’re quick, made with simple, recognizable ingredients, and free from fillers, preservatives, and most of the top nine allergens.
Add sliced cheese, cucumber, apples, and crackers for variety. For a satisfying crunch, pack LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Snack Bags. These mini popcorn bags are perfect for school—they’re organic, non-GMO, and made with just three ingredients: popcorn, coconut oil, and salt.
