September 25, 2014
updated
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Do your kids have nut allergies or go to a nut-free school? In this post, you’ll find yummy nut-free lunch options that kids will love.
With food allergies on the rise, more and more non-allergic families are finding nut-free rules being implemented in schools to ensure student safety.
No need to worry, you can still pack your kid’s favorite foods while making sure everyone is safe.

I can’t tell you how often I hear “what can I pack if I can’t send PB&J?”
First of all, it’s good to know that you can stick to your PB & J routine by simply swapping the ingredients for one of these peanut butter alternatives. Watch the video below to see some yummy nut-free butter options, how they spread, and which is best for sandwiches.
Related: Top 5 Lunchboxes We’ve Tested
Want more ideas to help you pack a variety in the lunchbox? Check out the 101 Packed Lunches eBook. With that many recipes, you won’t be running out of ideas anytime soon.
Nut-free Lunch Recieps
While there’s nothing like a good PB & J, here are a few ideas to get you thinking outside the peanut butter sandwich:
Pack these lunches with one of our favorite nut-free school snack ideas!
Which of these nut-free school lunch ideas are your favorite?
10 Nut-Free School Lunch Ideas | Pizza Bento Box
Ingredients
Pizza Lovers Bento Box
- 2 single-serve hummus cups
- 2 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 2 ounces Mozzarella cheese cubes
- 12 black olives
- ½ cup roasted red bell peppers
- Pita chips
Instructions
- Divide the ingredients between 2 lunch containers with compartments. Keep the crackers separate from the rest of the ingredients to prevent them from getting soggy.
Bridget Bork
It is so hard to choose a recipe because they are all so good!
kimberly
Thanks for all these options! my daughter is in a nut-free classroom so these ideas are really helpful since PBJs won’t work anymore!
Kim
That’s a great start with a couple good ideas, but running out of options. What do you do for a kid who also doesn’t like any lunch meat or cheese and has no microwave access?
Jamie Burton
I LOVE your Lady Bug Pasta and Meatball Swords!!!! With my family I add veggies to my meatballs all the time!!!! They love it!
Food allergies and sensitivities are so prevalent and so misunderstood. As a fellow mom with children with food allergies and food sensitivities I am very passionate about nutrition and health. Like you, I have made it a mission to educate as many people as I can about food allergies and sensitivities and how easy it is to work around them in a tasty fun way.
I love what you are doing!
Rashelle
Thank you for these great nut free recipe ideas Laura. These will definitely come in handy. Our school system uses Snacksafely guidelines for parents to know what kind of snacks they can buy and send in that don’t have allergens, and together with your homemade allergen free recipes, they go hand in hand, a great match. Thank you.
MOMables
you are welcome!
Nicole
I am a 12 year old girl that just loves making new, creative and healthy lunches for myself and my sisters. I just bought your cookbook and I love it! Thanks for the inspiration!
MOMables
Thank you Nicole! I am thrilled to inspire you to make better food for you and your sisters!
Jennifer Ayres
This is totally awesome! Thanks!