Some things we put in the lunchbox we do for convenience, some things we put them in because we think our kids won't try something new. The best way to find out what we can swap? Start with simple things like these 10 lunch time swaps that are easy and healthier (and often cheaper)! Give one a go!
- Jam sandwich….
Replace with a cream cheese and fresh strawberries wrap. This way the kids are getting much less processed sugar. An alternative to cream cheese is smushed banana.
- Jelly….
Replace with cloud jellies! Not only do they contain all the good things that we eat gelatine for they also contain all the goodness of yoghurt too. This recipe has been one of the most popular recipes on my blog…and for good reason. They freeze well, hold up well in the lunchbox, and are super duper yummy! - Kids yoghurt pouch…
Replace with flavoured greek yoghurt. Here’s 6 recipes for you that are lower in sugar, and contain no nasties. They might be just the thing to convince the kids. Not only is this a healthier switch, but it will save you money as a large tub of greek yoghurt is much more cost effective. Get some of your own pouches and they won’t even know the difference! - Chicken from the deli...
Replace with shredded chicken, either steam, poach or roast chicken and shred it for a much more natural, tasty alternative. It’s the perfect reason to double batch a roast dinner so that you’ve got chicken on hand. - Flavoured popcorn...
Replace with plain popcorn, it’s got no nasties! Here’s 6 recipes for you that are lower in sugar, and contain no nasties. - Fruit juice poppers...
Replace with water! The only drink that kids need to get them through the day, water is the best thing for keeping kids hydrated and also is easy to refill if they run out! - White bread...
Replace with a seeded variety, wholemeal, or at least a hi fibre lo-gi style loaf. - Crackers and cheese packs…
Replace with crackers of your choice and slices of cheese. Wholemeal and healthy seeds Lavosh These cheese crackers are a hit with my kids and are really yummy with some cheese! Otherwise you can go super easy and make these lavosh which work really well in the lunchbox with cheese. - Instant noodles…Replace with a noodle salad like this one. Use some of the leftover chicken from your roast or go veggie, the choice is yours!
- Fruit snack packs…
Replace with fresh fruit chopped up and add a cute bento fork! Or make mini fruit skewers. The ways of presenting fruit are endless, so have fun with it. Another option is to do fun things with veggies like these carrot and cucumber heart rounds!
What would you like to change about the lunches you make? Join us in the Kidgredients Lunches group!
Hannah says
What are cloud jellys? The links wont work for me ?
Kylie says
Here you go Hannah: http://kidgredients.com.au/cloud-jellies/
Nae - creative educational play Au says
Love number 1
Miss t is jam obsessed at the moment and I am hating it. Definitely need some variety and fun in there. Great ideas ??
Kylie says
Don't hate it Nae, shake it up! Give her some other options, that give the same satisfying sweetness, but without being jam!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption says
I would love to just get my kid to eat a normal sandwich instead of just butter... but your tips are great to get me thinking about what to use to get there.
Kylie says
Just butter? Sandwiches are overrated anyway, maybe a total change would work better?
Shari from GoodFoodWeek says
So many great alternative - we definitely love to flavour our own Greek yoghurt.
Kylie says
It just keeps everything simple and yummy!