December 5, 2012
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If your kids are fans of the pre-packaged lunches from the grocery store, why not make your own healthy lunchables at home?
These homemade lunchable ideas, like the Turkey & Cheese Box, are filled with more delicious and nutrient-dense foods, and they’re just as fun to assemble.
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How to Make a DIY Lunchable
Using a compartmentalized lunch container is the easiest way to build a diy lunchable quickly. All you need is a container and the following kid-friendly elements:
- Protein
Try to incorporate a generous serving of protein to help kids stay full through the afternoon. - Carbohydrates
Kids need carbohydrates to help them stay focused and alert and have the energy needed to finish the day strong at school. Complex carbohydrates from whole grains are a terrific source. - Fruit
Rich in vitamins and fiber, fruit is both delicious and nutritious. - Veggies
Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, veggies are a great addition to any lunchbox, especially when dipped. - Treat
Whether you send a sandwich cookie or a fruit dip, including something delicious to round out, the lunch always makes kids feel special.
Homemade DIY Lunchable Ingredients
It’s not hard to recreate lunchables that your kids will be excited to eat. You can build one using a combination of fresh ingredients like the ones below or choose a popular lunchable recipe, like the pizza and tacos options I recreated.
Below you’ll find a list of ingredients to mix and match to make homemade lunchables at home the easy way!
Proteins:
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Rolled deli meat
- Sliced pepperoni
- Peanut butter
- Chicken nuggets
Carbohydrates:
- Crackers
- English Muffins
- Breads
- Granola
- Pretzels
Fruits:
- Apple slices
- Peaches
- Banana chips
- Grapes
- Orange slices
Veggies:
- Baby carrots
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber Slices
- Grape tomatoes
- Edamame
Free Lunchbox Builder PDF
Mix & match healthy ingredients into an epic homemade lunchable with the free Lunchbox Builder download. You’ll get TONS of ideas for each category to help you build balanced lunchboxes with the ingredients your child loves.
Best Containers for Homemade Lunchables
I recommend using a compartmentalized lunch container like these to keep any wet and dry items separate. Lidded sauce containers also make a perfect vessel for dips and sauces.
Healthy DIY Lunchable Ideas
Need a visual to build delicious and healthy lunchables at home? Check out these ideas below.
- Leftover grilled chicken
- Sliced fruit & veggies
- Homemade cheese dip
- Corn chips
- Black olives
Pizza Lunchable
- pita rounds
- marinara sauce
- cheese
- toppings
Taco Lunchable
- tortillas or baked wonton wrappers
- cooked taco meat or black beans
- shredded cheese
- salsa
- sour cream
- guacamole
Chicken Nuggets Lunchable
- chicken nuggets
- carrot & celery sticks
- strawberries
- dipping sauce
Turkey & Cheese Bento Box
- rolled deli turkey
- sliced cheese
- crackers
- fruit
Tex Mex Bento Box
- chips
- guacamole
- grape tomatoes
- pepper jack cheese
- pitted black olives
- bell pepper strips
Pizza Bento Box
- pita chips
- hummus
- sliced pepperoni
- cubed cheese
- roasted red bell pepper
Bell Pepper Nachos
- bell peppers
- taco meat
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- guacamole
- black olives
Lunchables Sub Sandwich
- hoagie roll
- mayo
- deli ham
- sliced cheese
Want something a smidge more mature? Try one of these adult lunchables! So many delicious options to choose from, which lunchable will you create first?
Healthy Homemade Lunchables | Turkey & Cheese Lunchable
Ingredients
- 4-6 slices deli turkey rolled
- 1- ounce cheese sliced
- 1 cup berries your choice
- Whole-grain crackers
Instructions
- Evenly dived the ingredients into a compartmentalized lunch container. Pack the crackers in a separate compartment or container to prevent them from getting soggy.
Leah
Love your channel :) from Canada
MOMables-Laura
Thank you, Leah!!
Sarah James
I would have never thought about the pizza and the taco homemade lunchable ideas. I really appreciate these because I can see now that it is better to make my own -not to mention the store bought ones are not enough food!
MOMables-Laura
Thank you, Sarah! I’m so glad these ideas are helpful, and yes, you are correct, these include a lot more food.
Julie
What type of container are you showing?
Thanks,
Julie
MOMables
Julie, that’s a lunchbots trio. You can find it here.
Jamie
This site is so fabulous!! I have two grown boys that I dreaded making lunches for, so this past year I allowed them to buy school lunch. Big mistake!! My oldest sarted jr. high and ate nachos almost everday. Even though they are 13 and 10 and will need more than what you have here, I can really use your ideas and beef it up a bit for them. I also have a two year old daughter so this is fantastic!
I have a health coaching business that works to create haelthier families. I will be recommending your site all the time. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you :)
April
I agree – I have two teenagers and a five year old…these ideas work great for the two youngest (girls) but my 16 year old son balks at the meals with no meat and small portions. It would be super if you could add an idea to each lunch on how to tweak it for teenage boys aka bottomless pits…
MOMables
April, our meal plans are loaded with ideas. Bigger kids = bigger portions and additional fruits and veggies as well.
Jade
I made this for my lunch and thank you it is so quick to make
Love Jade
Janie
Fun lunch ideas here! What age should kids start packing more independently?
MOMables
My kids are already helping me pack their lunches now, and I plan to keep it that way through their teens with them helping more and more.