Snack Attack! 5 Lunchbox Treats Kids Will Love 💖

Firstly, I'd like to shout-out to all the apples that go for their daily excursion to school and return home worse for wear but are sent again the next day since "we don't shop again til Thursday so its that or nothing".

Secondly, I will be honest that every January I start out with excitement and enthusiasm to pack fun, healthy, insta-worthy food for my kids. By term 3 its often reverted back to a sandwich, the excursion-apple and something in a packet as I get tired and the kids get bored.

But since it is currently January, I have been doing some serious research (or looking at Pinterest and TikTok, whichever way you want to interpret it) and wanted to share my fave new quick-and healthy lunchbox fillers!

1. The Mini Munchable Wrap: 🌯

Let's kick off our lunchbox bonanza with a mini munchable wrap that's as easy as it is delicious. We pack these for all our day trips as well cause they are easy and yum. Start with a Mission wrap (the softest, stretchiest supermarket brand I have found) spread a thin layer of hummus , mayo or cream cheese, and pile on colourful veggies like shredded carrots, cucumber, and lettuce. Top it off with ham, turkey or leftover roast chook. Next, either wrap it in glad warp as you roll then cut in two through the middle (our day trip go-to), or roll it up without gad wrap, and cut into bite-sized pinwheels, lock closed with a toothpick. Voila! A cute and healthy delight that's a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

2. Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip: 🍓🍇

Turn snack time into a fruity fiesta with vibrant fruit kabobs paired with a luscious yogurt dip. Skewer a variety of bite-sized fruits – strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple chunks – onto toothpicks or small sticks. For the dip, mix Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a hint of vanilla. It's a refreshing and interactive treat that adds a burst of color to the lunchbox, and the dip ensures a creamy, protein-packed finish. With younger children, whole grapes are not advised so cut them up for your kindy, prep or Y1s.

3. Crunchy Veggie Sticks with Hummus: 🥕

Vegetables don't have to be the lunchbox villain! Transform them into crunchy delights with a side of hummus. Slice carrots, celery, and capsicum into sticks for easy dipping. Hummus not only adds a flavor punch but also brings in healthy fats and protein. It's a snack that packs a satisfying crunch and keeps those little fingers busy, too.

4. Quirky Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers: 🧀🍪

"Create a mini cheese and whole grain cracker platter that's both playful and nutritious."

Or as I like to call it, use up your leftover cheeseboard before it goes off.

Pick a variety of cheese shapes or cut them into fun designs with mini cookie cutters if you're a really fun mum.

Instead of wine, pair them with whole-grain crackers (or whatever you have left over from that Saturday arvo cheeseboard with the girls) for the crunch. Cheese is always a winner because kids love cheese almost as much as we do.

5. Cherry Ripe Bliss Balls for a Choc Hit 🍫

Chocolate is always a hit, and this recipe is healthy, easy and super yum!

100g pitted dates
100g dried cranberries
45g desiccated coconut
20g cocoa powder
20g butter
20g honey
20g coconut oil

Just blitz it all together then roll into balls. Keep in the fridge.

One other tip: I always add a gel ice pack in the kids insulated lunch boxes as well, our Brisbane summers are so hot and its much nicer to have a fresh, cool lunch.

I hope this is a good start to your annual lunch box journey. Maybe I will be able to keep the excitement and joy of making fun, homemade, healthy stuff until winter. Or Easter. Or week 5... time will tell.

I wish you all the best in your own lunchbox quest. May they always come home empty and intact!