The new school term has begun, which means it’s time to start thinking about lunchboxes again. If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly into the fridge in the morning rush, you’re not alone. It can be tricky to come up with lunches that are nutritious, tasty, and quick to prepare especially when you want to keep things varied so the kids don’t get bored.
The good news is you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. With a few fresh staples like sliced bread, fruit, vegetables, dairy, and juices, you can mix and match to keep things interesting all week long. Here are some ideas to help make back-to-school lunches easy, balanced, and appealing.
1. Sandwiches with a Twist
Sandwiches are a lunchbox classic for a reason: they’re quick to make, easy to eat, and endlessly versatile. Using Plumbs’ sliced bread as a base, you can change the fillings day to day.
- Monday: Ham, cheese, and cucumber slices
- Tuesday: Chicken with lettuce and a little mayo
- Wednesday: Egg and cress
- Thursday: Tuna with sweetcorn
- Friday: Cream cheese with grated carrot and raisins
Tip: Cut sandwiches into fun shapes with a cookie cutter to make them more appealing for younger children.
2. Wraps and Pitta Pockets
If your children are getting tired of sandwiches, swap in wraps or pittas. They’re just as quick, and you can fill them with colourful veg and protein.
- Chicken, grated cheese from Coombe Castle, and lettuce wraps
- Houmous, cucumber, and red pepper in pitta pockets
- Leftover roast beef with rocket and mustard in a wrap
- Falafel with salad and yoghurt dressing
Wraps and pittas also pack neatly in a lunchbox and don’t go soggy as quickly as bread.
3. Fresh Fruit Boxes
No lunchbox is complete without some fruit. Plumbs’ fruit boxes make it easy to mix things up through the week.
- Apple slices with a pot of peanut butter for dipping
- A handful of grapes with a cube of cheese
- A small fruit salad with strawberries, kiwi, and melon
- A whole banana or satsuma (nature’s ready-made packaging)
Tip: To stop apple slices from browning, brush them lightly with lemon juice before packing.
4. Veggie Sticks and Dips
Raw veg is a brilliant way to add crunch and colour to lunchboxes. They’re also a good finger food for younger children and we have a great range of veg and salad boxes for the whole family.
Chop carrots, cucumber, peppers, or celery into sticks and pair them with small pots of dip:
- Houmous
- Cream cheese
- Salsa
- Yoghurt and herb dip
Not only is this a healthy snack, but it also helps children get one of their five a day without too much fuss.
5. Dairy Boosters
Dairy is important for calcium and protein, and there are plenty of easy lunchbox-friendly options.
- Small pots of flavoured yoghurt from Longley Farm
- Cheese cubes or string cheese
- A slice of quiche or mini cheese and veg muffins (can be baked in batches ahead of time)
These little extras add variety and help keep kids full until home time.
6. Homemade Snacks
It’s tempting to reach for crisps and chocolate bars, but a few homemade snacks can be just as appealing while being more wholesome.
- Granola bars made with oats, honey, and dried fruit using Glebe Farm’s gluten-free oats
- Mini fruit muffins with blueberries or grated apple
- Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved, with a pinch of salt
- Trail mix of nuts, raisins, and a few chocolate chips (check school allergy policies)
7. Drinks Sorted
Staying hydrated during the school day is just as important as the food. Alongside water, you can mix things up with Plumbs’ organic fruit and veg juices or even homemade smoothies.
- Apple juice or orange juice
- Carrot and apple juice blend from James White
- A smoothie made with yoghurt, berries, and banana
These provide a natural boost without the added sugars of fizzy drinks.
8. Mix and Match for Variety
The secret to stress-free lunchboxes is to plan a few staples you can rotate without it getting too repetitive. For example:
- Main: sandwich, wrap, or pitta
- Fruit: apple slices, grapes, or banana
- Veg: carrot sticks, cucumber, or pepper
- Dairy: yoghurt pot or cheese cubes
- Snack: granola bar or muffin
- Drink: water or fruit juice
With this simple formula, you can keep lunchboxes balanced while mixing up the details so the kids don’t get bored.
Making Lunchboxes Fun
Children are more likely to eat their lunch if it looks fun and inviting. Try:
- Using colourful containers or bento-style boxes
- Cutting sandwiches into triangles or shapes
- Adding a little note or sticker for younger children
- Packing a variety of textures soft fruit, crunchy veg, smooth dips
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean stressful mornings. With a little planning and fresh ingredients from Plumbs’ Dairy including sliced bread and fruit boxes, yoghurts, cheese, and juices, you can put together quick, healthy, and tasty lunchboxes that children will actually look forward to eating.
Free delivery with no minimum spend means stocking up is easy – leaving you more time to get everyone out the door on time.