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Making healthy Lunchables at home is one of the easiest ways to pack a fun, balanced lunch with ingredients your kids already love. Here, you’ll find copycat ideas, learn how to pack them for school, and keep them fresh for hours.
What Makes a Lunchable Healthy
When my kids were little, they wanted the same Lunchables their friends were eating, so instead of buying them, I started making my own at home. By using real cheese, better deli meat, fresh fruits and veggies, and a crunchy side, I could pack a lunch that was just as fun but made with ingredients I felt good about serving. They’re also less expensive, easy to customize, more filling, and just as convenient once you know how to prep them ahead.
Build a Better Homemade Lunchable
A great homemade Lunchable is built with four simple components:
- Protein: Turkey, ham, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or another favorite protein.
- Cheese: Real cheese cubes, slices, or sticks instead of processed cheese products.
- Fresh produce: Fruit, vegetables, or both to add color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Something crunchy: Crackers are classic, but pretzels, banana chips, pita chips, or another favorite crunchy snack all work well.
How to Make a Healthy Lunchable
- Assemble.
Add each ingredient inside a compartment of a lunchbox. Keeping everything bite-size makes the lunch easy to eat. - Pack it for school.
Refrigerate until you’re ready to place the lunch inside an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack. If you’re packing crackers or another crunchy snack, add them the morning of for the best texture.
Laura’s School Lunch Packing Tips
Aim for a protein, cheese, fruit or vegetables, and something crunchy. Once you have those four components, you can mix and match with whatever your family enjoys.
Most can be assembled up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Wait to add crunchy snacks if you want them to stay extra crisp.
For a classic lunchable, a divided snackbox container keeps everything separate so fruits, veggies, crackers, and cheese all stay fresh until lunch.
Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to leave, then place them inside an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.
More Healthy Lunchable Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the classic lunchable, consider these other copycat:
Download Your FREE Lunchbox Builder
Stop wondering what to pack for school every morning.
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DIY Healthy Lunchable
Ingredients
- 4-6 slices deli ham or turkey, rolled up or cut into circles
- 1 ounce cheese, sliced
- ½ cup baby carrots
- ¼ cup crackers, or banana chips
Instructions
- Inside a snack box or lunch container with compartments, pack the carrots, cheese, and ham or turkey.
- Place the crackers inside a separate compartment or container to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Cover with the lid and keep refrigerated until you pack it inside the lunch bag, with an ice pack if necessary.
Karen says
Super easy to make. Thanks for the other lunchable ideas
Sandy says
I tried your banana chips many months ago and I never told you how great they are! Adding them to the lunchbox is a big yes!
Florence says
My son loves the texture of this healthy lunchable. He especially likes the banana chips. Thank you!!
Alex says
I LOVE you school lunch ideas. This one was a hit with my kids!
Gianna says
This healthy lunchable is such a great back to school or summer camp lunch idea!! Love the addition of banana chips as well!
Gina B. says
Been making Laura’s banana chips forever, so definitely will try this idea. Ladies, these are super budget friendly!!!
Kaylee says
The last few days of school here, and my daughter wanted to try something new. She loved this healthier lunchable option, even the banana chips. I feel like I’ll be packing this on repeat during the back to school season.