Grape and Yogurt Granola Parfait

In this post, you’ll learn my top tips to pack this grape and yogurt parfait so it stays perfectly chilled and tastes great until it’s time to eat it at school!

Yogurt and Grape Parfait Lunchbox Side

My youngest is notoriously picky, but I can always count on him to eat yogurt and grapes. And hey, that’s a start I can work with! Enter: yogurt and grape parfait! A healthy and delicious school snack or lunchbox side that kids can’t resist.

Parfaits are the perfect balance of healthy ingredients, layered into a delicious snack. Like my ham and cheese apple wraps and fruit & cheese bento, this parfait is fresh, protein-packed, and complements any lunch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this simple parfait. For exact measurements, check out the recipe card below:

• Grapes: I like using a mix of green and red grapes for fun color variety. And of course, you can switch out the fruit if grapes aren’t a favorite. Think strawberries, blueberries, etc.
• Yogurt: you can use any flavor yogurt, but for this recipe I’m going with vanilla because it’s my son’s favorite. Greek yogurt is an excellent option if you’re aiming for a protein boost, and if you need a dairy-free alternative, I’ve got you covered with this homemade dairy free yogurt.
• Granola: adds a crunchy texture. Opt for low-sugar granola if possible since the fruit is already adding plenty of natural sweetness.

How to Pack Yogurt & Grapes for School Lunches

You might be wondering how to pack yogurt in a lunchbox without it going bad. So I thought I’d share with you how you can pack yogurt inside a lunch bag–whether you buy individual yogurts or a tub.

1. Assemble toppings
   Place fruit and granola toppings into a hard lunch container with compartments and close the lid tightly. When it’s time to eat at school, your child can sprinkle toppings over the yogurt for the perfect crunchy and fresh texture.
2. Prepare yogurt
   If you are 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 you are using bulk yogurt, spoon the amount of yogurt you want into a pre-chilled lunch thermos. Chilling the thermos in the freezer beforehand will keep the yogurt cool longer.
3. Pack for School
   Keep everything refrigerated until time to head out and then pack the yogurt, toppings, and a spoon into an insulated lunch bag.

Ever since I shared my original parfait recipe, I’ve been asked several times. I finally made a video laying out how to keep yogurt and parfaits good until lunch, even if you are packing hot and cold lunch items in one lunchbox.

School Lunch Packing Tips

Use the right container
Did you know a lunch thermos is not just for keeping food hot? The right one can keep food chilled up to 16 hours! If you pop it in the freezer before filling it, the walls of the thermos will already be cold keeping food fresh longer.

Pack toppings separately
Pack toppings like fruit and granola separately in a hard lunch container with compartments. This will keep everything at peak crunch and freshness until it’s time to eat!

Keep it safe
It’s a good idea to add an additional ice pack to the lunch bag to ensure the rest of the lunch being packed with this yogurt stays cool and fresh for hours.

Test it first
If you’re packing food in a thermos for the first time, let your child try it at home first so they can open and close the container independently.

More School Lunch Sides

Healthy sides are a great way to balance out sandwiches or wraps and boost energy. My picky son loves crunchy! So zucchini chips and homemade wheat thins are always a win. Broccoli tater tots and No-bake oatmeal raisin balls are also bite-sized hits!