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Stick with me, and you’ll learn how to pack a simple DIY lunchbox yogurt parfait so it stays cool and fresh until your kids have fun assembling and digging in!
DIY Yogurt Parfait for the Lunchbox
I always try to hit that sweet spot between healthy and fun whenever I pack a school lunch, and these DIY yogurt parfaits nail it as the perfect lunchbox side. My teens love the toppings and my youngest is convinced it's dessert-everyone wins!
Worried about keeping it cold? I've got you covered with tips to keep it chilled for hours! And if fruit and yogurt is a favorite combo in your house, try these frozen yogurt bites and healthy fruit & yogurt pizza to use up that extra fruit!
Ingredients
Three healthy ingredients are all you need to make these yummy yogurt treats! It doesn’t get easier than that! You can find the exact amounts in the recipe card below:
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt is my go-to for packing in extra protein, but plain or vanilla work just as well. You can also try my dairy-free yogurt for an easy alternative!
- Fruit: perfect for getting in those antioxidants! Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are ideal. Slice larger fruits, like strawberries, to make them more bite-sized.
- Granola: adds crunchy texture and protein. Homemade granola can easily be customized or made nut-free by swapping nuts with seeds.
How to Pack a Yogurt Parfait for Lunch
Packing yogurt parfaits so they stay amazing until lunch is all about keeping ingredients separate to preserve freshness.
- Prep fruit
Rinse and dry fruit completely to prevent excess moisture. Place the fruit in one compartment of a bento-style lunchbox so it doesn’t mix with the granola and make it soggy. - Add the crunch
Granola (and any other toppings) goes in a separate compartment to stay crisp. - Pack yogurt
If you are using a large container of yogurt, portion the amount you want into parfait cups or a small thermos and pack separately. This will prevent it from spilling into the toppings. Or pack store-bought individual yogurt cups for an easy grab-and-go option. - Don't forget the spoon!
Include a spoon to make assembling the parfait easy at school. - Pack it for school
Refrigerate the yogurt cups and lunch container if prepping ahead, and pack any extra lunch sides separately. When it's time to go, pop everything into an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack to keep it fresh.
Keeping it Cool
Dairy-based lunches need to stay cold for freshness. Pack them in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack or a pre-chilled lunch thermos. My favorite hack is to freeze the yogurt cup overnight-it'll thaw perfectly by lunch and keep everything else nice and cool too!
School Lunch Packing Tips for Yogurt Parfaits
Keep this lunchbox parfait just as creamy and delicious as when you make it in the morning with these additional tips:
Add extras
Add additional fun toppings like shredded coconut and mini chocolate chips into small dip containers to add more variety.
Prep ahead
To make yogurt parfaits even easier, slice fruit and portion granola into small containers at the start of the week so everything's ready to pack in the morning.
Keep fruit fresh
If you find yourself tossing out fresh berries only after a few days, then try this trick I discovered to keep berries fresh.
More Easy School Lunch Sides
Easy sides are my favorite sides, like these crispy zucchini chips or homemade wheat thins. Toss together ham & cheese apple wraps or a handful of trail mix for a quick, satisfying lunchbox addition that takes just minutes!
DIY Lunchbox Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients
- ½ cup blueberries, raspberries, diced strawberries
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons granola
Instructions
Prepare toppings
- Place fruit and granola toppings and a spoon into a lunchbox container with compartments and close the lid tightly.
Pack yogurt
- If using individual yogurt cups, wrap a flexible ice pack around the cup and secure it with a rubber band before placing it in a lunch bag. If using bulk yogurt, spoon the amount of yogurt you want into a pre-chilled lunch thermos or parfait cup.
Pack for school
- Keep everything refrigerated until time for school and then pack the yogurt, toppings, and a spoon into an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.
Elle says
My kids loved having this parfait as a side in their lunches this week.
Lexie says
My middle daughter packed this lunch parfait today with her other snacks and she loved it!