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This Protein lunch box idea is quick and easy to pack for school.

Looking for a quick, protein-packed lunch idea that kids love? Look no further than this post, where you’ll learn all my tips for keeping it fresh for hours.

bento box with lara bars, turkey, cheese, grapes and crackers

High Protein School Lunch for Kids

If you're on the hunt for a nutritious, balanced lunch that's quick to throw together and will actually get eaten, this Protein lunch idea with a Lara bar fits the bill.

I often make this for my kids because it’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients; and the lunchable lunch-like feel has the ultimate appeal. It's a well-rounded meal that's as tasty as it is healthy.

What You Need

This healthy lunch idea is nutritious and as simple as it gets. Here is the breakdown of ingredients and some swaps you can make:

Deli Turkey: A lean source of protein that's easy to roll up and cut. You can substitute with chicken or ham and buy lower sodium and nitrate-free if you can.
Cheddar Cheese: provides calcium and protein. Feel free to swap with any cheese your kids like or go for a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Whole-Grain Crackers: they add a nice crunch and are full of fiber. Gluten-free crackers work just as well here.
Hard-Boiled Egg: an excellent source of protein in this lunch. Slice it up for easier eating or pack a yogurt or a handful of nuts instead.
Veggies: fresh veggies like baby carrots, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes are perfect. If you need additional ideas, check out these school lunch ideas with vegetables.
Fruit: a serving of fresh fruit at lunch helps the daily intake. Some favorites are apple slices, grapes, or berries.
Lara Bar: store-bought or homemade Lara bars are a great choice to add fiber and bulk up this lunch with wholesome ingredients.

closeup of lara bar cut into bite sized pieces

How to Make this Protein Lunch

This recipe is quick and easy and can be packed in under 10 minutes, making your mornings a breeze. Some helpful tips when making this lunch include:

Prep
Save time in the morning by following my easy peel hard-boiled egg method and having them ready to go in the fridge.
Assemble the lunch
Cutting the ingredients into smaller, bite-sized pieces makes it easy for younger kids to eat their lunch while they’re busy chatting with their friends. I love using lunchboxes with compartments to separate the ingredients. Check my tips below.
Pack it for school
This lunch can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the fridge until it’s time to go to school.

School Lunch Packing Tips

Some helpful tips for keeping this protein lunch fresh for hours inside a lunch bag include:

Add an ice pack
Ice packs regulate the temperature inside a lunch bag and help keep the food fresh until lunch.

Choose the right container
A lunch container with compartments is key to separating wet from dry ingredients and avoiding soggy crackers.

Cook the eggs in advance
Hard-boiled eggs are a great lunch-building ingredient. They’re easy and convenient to have in the fridge when you need a protein-rich lunch packed real fast.

More High-Protein School Lunch Ideas

As a mom of active kids, I often pack lunches that contain substantial protein. Other go-to’s include this Chicken Salad Bento, this Meatball Skewers Lunch, a healthy High-Protein Lunchable, and this Egg Salad Bento.

Protein Lunch Box with Lara Bar

bento container with several protein ingredients and a small container of lara bars cut into cubes

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 3

This Protein lunch box idea is quick and easy to pack for school.

5 from 6 votes

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Ingredients

2 ounces deli turkey
1 ounce cheddar cheese, sliced
6 whole-grain crackers
1 hard boiled egg
1 serving of veggies
1 serving of fruit
1 Lara Bar

Instructions

On a flat surface, roll up the deli turkey slices and cut them into a few pieces. Place them inside the lunch container. Slice 1 to 2 slices of cheddar cheese and place them in the lunch container.
Peel and slice the hard-boiled egg in half or, into smaller pieces for younger kids. Place the hard boiled egg inside the compartment of the lunch container.
Pack the crackers inside a separate compartment or zip bag so they stay fresh until lunchtime. Add fruit, veggies, and a Lara bar in separate compartments or containers.
Refrigerate until you're ready to pack it inside an insulated lunch bag and include an ice pack if necessary.