Kids Lunch Ideas for School for Picky Eaters
It can be tough to come up with ideas for kids’ lunches that are both healthy and appealing to picky eaters. But with a little creativity, it’s definitely possible! And it doesn’t have to be as hard as you think to find great kid’s lunch ideas for school for picky eaters either. We’ll talk all about some great ideas to help lunch go much more smoothly for yourself and your picky eater too.
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Are All Kid Picky Eaters the Same?
No two kids are alike in what they do and don’t like. Some picky eaters may not have a problem with certain foods, while others will refuse to even try them. Some don’t want their foods to touch, while others avoid certain textures.
It is important to assess each child’s individual eating habits so that you can find the best lunch ideas for school for picky eaters. Though each picky eater is frustratingly unique, there are some tips I have that can help to make packing their lunches easier and more enjoyable for the both of you.
Tips That Can Really Help Your Picky Eater Eat More of Their Lunch for School.
Try Separating Foods
Some kids may be picky eaters, but they don’t necessarily have a problem with all foods.
For example, one child might love carrots and tomatoes but refuse to have them on the same plate. (For mine it was chicken and tomatoes. They absolutely couldn’t be served together.)
To avoid this, try separating foods and packaging them in individual containers. This way, they can choose which items they want to eat and avoid those they don’t.
Using cute mini tupperware or their own special kids bento box can really help to keep the different foods separated in their school lunch, giving them the power of what to place together.
Incorporate Favorite Foods
Find out what your child’s favorite foods are and make sure to pack them for lunch. That is not to say that if their favorite is mac n’ cheese you should succumb to feeding it to them every single day.
However, if their favorite food is macaroni and cheese, put some in a thermos and pair it with a salt and peppered chicken breast and a side of vegetables or fruit instead of sending it as the main dish. By incorporating their favorite foods, you can help make lunchtime more enjoyable and they might even begin to try the new foods you add along with their favorites too.
Presentation Is Key
Kids are often drawn to the presentation of their food and may be more likely to eat it if everything is arranged nicely in a bento box or divided up on a plate. Try adding colorful fruits, vegetables, and other snack items in an attractive design to make the meal more appealing.
Try these 15 bento box lunch ideas for kids for school that are picky eater approved!
Get Creative
Making lunchtime fun can be a great way to get your picky eater to enjoy their food more. Cut sandwiches into shapes and include decorations such as mini flags or animals made out of vegetables. This will give them something exciting to look forward to each day and help make sure they eat their lunch.
Simple sandwich cutters like these take only an extra couple seconds to make sandwiches way more fun and picky eater pleasing.
Try Different Foods
It’s a good idea to introduce your picky eater to different foods every once in a while, even if it means packing something they may not like. If you find that they won’t eat the same food twice, try packing similar items with slight variations each time.
If this is the case I would check out my ultimate roundup of school lunch ideas. It literally contains enough ideas to serve a different lunch each day of the school year!
With a little creativity, you can easily find great kids’ lunch ideas for school for picky eaters! Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to make lunchtime enjoyable for your child and yourself.
RELATED: Unique Healthy School Lunch Ideas part 1 and also see part 2
7 Great Kids Lunch Ideas for School for Picky Eaters
Your lunch ideas for picky eaters don’t have to be as complicated as you think. Sometimes trying a good old standby, an all-star crowd-pleaser, or something that is one of their normal favorites alongside one of these other ideas can be surprisingly effective at pleasing your picky eater for lunch.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Uncrustable Sandwiches
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a classic American lunchtime staple. Though their popularity has waxed and waned over the years, there is no doubt that this simple sandwich holds a special place in the hearts of many.
After all, a PB&J can be enjoyed at any time of day, and it can be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer your PB&J on white bread or whole wheat, with grape jelly or strawberry jam, there is no wrong way to enjoy this delicious sandwich.
Using simple sandwich cutters and sealers you can make your own “uncrustables” which might just please your picky eater.
Ham and Cheese Wraps
Ham and cheese are a classic combination that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One popular option is the ham and cheese wrap. Ham and cheese wraps can be made using either deli meat or cooked ham, and they can be served cold or grilled.
Wraps are typically made with flour tortillas, but other types of bread or even lettuce or cabbage leaves can also be used. To make a ham and cheese wrap, simply spread your desired condiments on a tortilla (or another choice), add ham and cheese, and then roll up the outer layer.
For added flavor, you can also include other ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, or onions.
Turkey and Cheese Roll-ups
Turkey and cheese roll-ups are the perfect snack for on-the-go. Packed with protein and flavor, they are sure to satisfy your kids’ hunger and keep them focused at school.
Simply take a slice of cheese and a slice of turkey, roll them up, and enjoy. For an extra bit of flavor, you can add some mustard or mayonnaise to the inside of the roll-up.
Yogurt with Low Sugar Granola and Fruit
A bowl of yogurt with granola and fruit is a delicious and healthy school lunchbox option. (Just be sure to check the sugar content of the yogurt, most are as bad as ice cream. Or better yet buy plain yogurt and sweeten it yourself with fruit and stevia or monk fruit.)
Yogurt is high in protein and calcium, both of which are essential for your child’s bone health. Granola is a good source of fiber, which helps to regulate digestion. (Once again, this is a great place to watch out for added sugars. Some is ok, but not a huge amount.) Fruit is a natural source of sugar, providing the body with energy to last through the rest of the school day.
Homemade parfaits can also make it easy to customize your bowl to include your favorite fruits and flavors of yogurt.
Veggie Bento Boxes
When it comes to packing a healthy and tasty lunch for kids who are also picky eaters, veggie bento boxes are hard to beat. These versatile containers can be filled with an endless variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
And because they’re typically divided into small compartments, it’s easy to control portion sizes and prevent your food from getting soggy pr heaven forbid from food items touching each other.
Plus, bento boxes are often leakproof and microwave-safe, making them a convenient option for kBids at school or on the go.
RELATED: Better School Lunch Ideas
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
A grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect comfort food. Cheesy and gooey, with a crispy exterior, it just might hit the spot for your picky eater. And while it may be tempting to simply slap some cheese between two slices of bread and call it a day, there are a few things you can do to take your grilled cheese to the next level too.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with other ingredients. Try adding a layer of ham or bacon or even tossing some veggies in there. The possibilities are endless – and delicious and really worth giving a try to please your picky eater.
Wrapping Up School Lunch Ideas for Kids Who Are Picky Eater
If you have a picky eater at home, you know that packing their lunch can be a seemingly never-ending challenge. But it doesn’t have to be!
We’ve put together a list of our favorite school lunch ideas for picky eaters that are both healthy and delicious. From peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to grilled cheese sandwiches, we’ve got you covered.
What’s your child’s favorite school lunch idea? Let me know in the comments below!
