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If your kids love Lunchables but you know they need something more filling, adding protein is one of my favorite ways to make lunch more satisfying. Here, you’ll learn how to build a protein Lunchable, get more high-protein ideas, and pack it so everything stays fresh until lunchtime.
Homemade Protein Lunchable
If your kids come home hungry after eating a store-bought Lunchable, it’s probably because they need a little more protein. This homemade protein Lunchable keeps everything kids love about a snack-style lunch while adding satisfying ingredients that help keep them full longer. Once you know the formula, you can mix and match your family’s favorite proteins and make a different version any time!
Easy Ways to Add More Protein to Lunchables
Adding protein doesn’t have to mean making a completely different lunch. Start with one or two protein-rich foods and build the rest of the Lunchable around them. Then, round it out with whole-grain crackers and a favorite fruit to make it a balanced meal.
- Hard-boiled eggs: One of my favorite ways to add extra protein to any lunchbox.
- Turkey or ham: Roll it up, fold it, or cut it into bite-size pieces.
- Cheese: Cubes, slices, cheese sticks, or mini Babybel cheeses all work well.
- Nuts or roasted chickpeas: Great for older kids when allowed.
- High-protein yogurt or cottage cheese: Easy additions for kids who need an even more filling lunch.
How to Make It
- Prep the protein
Peel a hard-boiled egg and portion the turkey and cheese. Keeping hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator makes packing this lunch incredibly fast. - Build the Lunchable
Arrange the protein, crackers, and fruit in separate compartments so kids can build their own cracker stacks and everything stays fresh. - Pack it for school
Refrigerate until you’re ready to place the lunch inside an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.
Laura’s Lunchable Making Tips
Besides eggs, turkey, and cheese, you can pack cottage cheese, a yogurt in a thermos, roasted chickpeas, or nuts (when allowed) to make this Lunchable even more satisfying.
Yes. Prep several Lunchables at once and refrigerate them for up to three days. If you’re packing crackers, add them the morning of if you want them extra crisp.
Absolutely! Use your family’s favorite deli meat, cheese, fruit, or crackers. Once you understand the protein formula, it’s easy to make a different version every week.
Pack wet and dry ingredients in separate compartments and refrigerate the Lunchable until you’re ready to place it inside an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.
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More Homemade Lunchable Ideas
Protein Lunchable
Ingredients
- 1 hard-boiled egg, peeled
- 2 ounces deli turkey, rolled up
- 1 ounce cheese, cubed
- 6 whole-grain crackers
- ½ cup strawberries, washed and halved
Instructions
- To present this like a classic lunchable, place the hard-boiled egg, deli turkey, cheese, fruit, and crackers into separate compartments.
- To keep the crackers dry, place them in their own compartment.
- Close the lunchbox and refrigerate or place it in a lunch bag with an ice pack.
Susan says
So so simple high protein lunch idea. My kids loved it!
Laurie says
Great lunch box idea! My teens are not just teens but also athletes so this protein lunchable is perfect for them!
Beatrice says
I have 4 sons that range from 8-15. They are alwayssss hungry. I started packing this lunchable and have noticed they are not as hungry after school when I pack this & a snack for them.
Christine says
This lunch idea is so much better than the store bought versions, my kids love this! Thank you!
Natalia says
What a great alternative to the store bought lunchables! Thank you for inspiring me to make healthier decisions for my family and myself!