Back to School Snacks and Lunchbox Ideas

Feeding our kids healthy snacks can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, particularly when they’re craving sugary or salty treats. But it’s time to leave the junk food behind and explore exciting, tasty, and nutritious alternatives! In this article, we’ll introduce you to some non-junk food snack ideas that are not only good for your kids, but also incredibly enjoyable. Let’s get started!

Nutritious and Tasty Snack Ideas for Kids: Say Goodbye to Junk Food

 

Fun Fruit Kabobs

Give the classic fruit snack a creative twist by transforming it into fruit kabobs! Simply skewer an assortment of colorful, bite-sized fruit pieces onto wooden sticks. Use strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, and melon for a delicious and revitalizing treat. This snack is not just a feast for the eyes, but it’s also packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Crunchy Veggie Sticks with Hummus

Ease your little ones into the world of veggies by pairing them with a scrumptious dip like hummus. Cut carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery into thin sticks and serve them alongside homemade or store-bought hummus. This protein-rich snack is perfect for maintaining energy levels between meals.

Check out this Easy Hummus Recipe

Popcorn with a Twist

Upgrade the traditional buttery, salty popcorn with a more health-conscious alternative. Air-pop the kernels and toss them in a little olive oil, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. Nutritional yeast imparts a cheesy flavor while providing essential B vitamins. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like cinnamon or chili powder to keep things interesting.

Check out my Healthy Homemade Microwave Popcorn

Delightful Yogurt and Granola Parfaits

Create a scrumptious, fiber-rich parfait by layering your kids’ favorite yogurt with granola and fruit. Opt for Greek yogurt for added protein and a creamier texture. Drizzle some honey on top, and your kids will adore the sweet and crunchy combo.

Mini Whole Wheat Pita Pizzas

Reinvent traditional pizza by using mini whole wheat pitas as the base. Spread tomato sauce, low-fat cheese, and a variety of colorful veggies on top. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These mini pizzas are not only nutritious but also perfectly sized for little hands to hold.

Check out my Low Calorie Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Nut and Seed Clusters

Mix together nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds with a touch of honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Shape the mixture into small clusters and bake until golden brown. These nutrient-packed clusters are loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a wholesome and satisfying snack.

DIY Smoothie Popsicles

Transform your kids’ favorite smoothies into refreshing popsicles! Blend fruits like bananas, strawberries, and blueberries with yogurt or milk, then pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. These homemade smoothie popsicles are a cool and healthy alternative to store-bought ice pops.

Check out my Watermelon Lime Yogurt Popsicle Recipe

These non-junk food snack ideas will help keep your kids happy, healthy, and satisfied. Remember, the secret to winning over picky eaters is to make nutritious snacks look and taste just as enticing as their junk food counterparts. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and enjoy the process of preparing these wholesome treats!

Cheap Back to School Snacks

It’s school time once again and aside from new clothes and school supplies you definitely need to prepare lots of snacks for kids. Take advantage of these 15 Cheap Back to School Snacks and save money!

15 Cheap Back to School Snacks

1. Kind Bars Minis, 12 pk 
Save Up to 15% and Free Shipping with Subscribe & Save
Final Price: $10.74 or $.90 each

2. Annie’s Homegrown Organic Fruit Snacks, 24 pk 
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Final Price: $12.80 or $.53 each

3. Pringles Two Flavor Snack Stacks, 18 pk  
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Final Price: $6.77 or $.38 each

4. Brothers All Natural Fruit Crisps, 24 ct  
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Final Price: $22.44 or $.94 each

5. Pop Chips Potato Chips Variety Pack, 24 ct  
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Final Price: $17.13 or $.71 each

6. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers, 30 ct 
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Final Price: $12.43 or $.41 each

7. Stretch Island Fruit Leather, 30 pk  
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Final Price: $12.61 or $.42 each

8. YumEarth Organic Lollipops, 20 ct 
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Final Price: $2.97 or $.15 each

9. Larabar Gluten Free Mini Bars, 12 pk  
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Final Price: $6.79 or $.57 each

10. Terra Original Sea Salt Chips, 24 pk  
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Final Price: $12.82 or $.53 each

11. Cheez-It Baked Snack Mix, 6 pk  
Save 25% with Clipped Coupon
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Final Price: $10.63 or $1.77 each

12. Gourmet Basics Smart Fries, 24 pk 
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Final Price: $18.70 or $.78 each

13. Keebler Sandwich Crackers, 48 pk 
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Final Price: $13.30 or $.28 each

14. Pirate’s Booty White Cheddar Snacks, 60 pk  
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Final Price: $24.12 or $.40 each

15. Wonderful Pistachios, 24 pk 
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Final Price: $17.82 or $.74 each

 

Back to School Teacher’s Discounts

Back to School Tips for Kids with Food Allergy

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Fun Back-to-School Lunchboxes and Water Bottles for Kids (and Grown-Ups, Too!)

Whether you’re packing peanut butter sandwiches for your kindergartener, a picky-eater-approved bento for your tween, or a quinoa salad for your own grown-up lunch break, the right lunchbox and water bottle can seriously level up your game.

From adorable to practical to just plain cool, here’s a roundup of lunchbox and water bottle must-haves that make lunchtime the highlight of the day, no matter your age.

1. The Bento Box 

Bento boxes are like the superhero of lunch containers. With built-in compartments for fruits, snacks, main courses, and a sweet treat, they make portioning easy and keep everything in its place (no soggy crackers, thank you very much).

Kid picks:

• Bright, animal-themed bento boxes with leak-proof seals
• Bento boxes with surprise compartments or hidden notes

OmieBox Bento Box for Kids

Bento Lunch Box for Kids

Adult upgrade:

• Sleek, microwave-safe glass or stainless steel options for salads, pasta, or leftovers
• Neutral or modern designs that don’t scream “Mom packed this”

Divided Clear Snackle Box Container

Bento Box Adult Lunch Box with Compartments

2. Insulated Lunch Bags  

You can pack the cutest lunch ever—but if it’s warm and sad by noon, no one’s going to eat it. Insulated bags keep food fresh, cool, or warm, depending on what you pack. Plus, they come in all shapes, sizes, and styles.

Kid favorites:

• Unicorns, sharks, dinosaurs, and all the cartoon characters

Bentgo Kids Lunch Bag

Redshell Tactical Lunch Box

Adult faves:

• Chic tote-style lunch bags that double as a casual purse
• Insulated neoprene or waxed canvas options that fit neatly in your work bag

LOVEVOOK Insulated Lunch Bag

Rolltop Lunch Bag

3. Leak-Proof Water Bottles 

A good water bottle doesn’t spill, keeps your drink the right temp, and is easy to clean. The best ones? Kid-tested, mom-approved, and adult-office-friendly.

Kid favorites:

• Flip-top or straw spouts for easy sipping

Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle with Straw 12 oz

Ello Ellies 12oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Kids Water Bottle with Straw

Adult picks:

• Stainless steel bottles that keep drinks cold for 24+ hours
• Wide-mouth options for ice, fruit, or lemon slices

Owala Disney Princess FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

STANLEY Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler

4. Ice Packs or Lunch Warmers

Let’s be honest, no one wants a lukewarm string cheese. Ice packs are lunch MVPs, and these days they’re not just boring blue bricks. While adults have several options for portable lunch warmers to ensure their meals are heated.

Kid picks:

• Ice packs shaped like animals, emojis, or characters
• Soft, flexible packs that fit perfectly in small compartments

Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Kids Lunch Box Ice Packs

Grown-up vibe:

• Chic portable food warmers that keep your leftovers ready to heat and eat wherever lunch takes you!

Crock-Pot 20-Ounce Electric Lunch Box

Crock-Pot 28-Ounce Mini Electric Heated Lunch Box

5. Reusable Snack Bags and Cutlery 

Less waste, more style. Ditch the plastic and upgrade to reusable snack bags and travel utensils that are cute, compact, and super practical.

Kid-friendly versions:

• Silicone snack bags in fun shapes (hello, dinosaurs and rainbows)
• Colorful forks and spoons with built-in cases

10 Pack Dishwasher Safe Reusable Bags

Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Utensil Set

Adult essentials:

• Sleek bamboo or stainless steel cutlery sets
• Neutral reusable bags that wash easily and last forever

ZOKU Pocket Utensil Set

Make lunch something to look forward to, the right lunchbox and water bottle setup isn’t just about staying organized, it’s about making everyday moments a little more joyful. Whether your child is just learning how to open their snack bag or you’re meal-prepping for work meetings, having gear you love (and trust!) makes all the difference.

So go ahead, match your lunch bag to your water bottle. Add that silly note. Pack the heart-shaped sandwich. School’s back, and lunch just got an upgrade.

Surprise your kids with some lunchbox notes. Get these free printables!

Back to School Printable Lunch Box Love Notes for Girls

Back to School Printable Lunch Box Notes for Boys

Back-to-School Lunchbox Ideas Your Kids Will Actually Eat

These fun, creative, and totally doable lunchbox ideas will have your kids opening their boxes with excitement and maybe even trading their cookies back for your famous sandwich and make your mornings a little more fun (and a lot less stressful)

1. Mini Everything 

Tiny food = happy kids. Try packing:

• Mini bagel sandwiches with cream cheese & turkey
• Baby carrots + ranch cups
• Bite-sized grapes and mini cookies
• String cheese cut into fun shapes (hello, cheese stars!)

Perfect for little hands and big appetites.

2. DIY Lunchables  

Kids love to assemble their own food—it feels like a game!

Ideas:

• Crackers + deli meat + cheese squares
• Pretzel sticks + ham roll-ups + apple slices
• Pita chips + hummus + cucumbers

It’s interactive, delicious, and way healthier than the packaged stuff.

3. Rainbow Bento Box

Make lunch colorful and fun with a rainbow theme:

• Red: strawberries, cherry tomatoes
• Orange: sweet pepper strips, mandarin slices
• Yellow: corn or pineapple chunks
• Green: edamame or cucumber sticks
• Blue/Purple: blueberries or grapes

Bonus points for adding a color-coded treat!

4. Breakfast for Lunch

Because breakfast food at noon = pure joy.

Pack:

• Mini pancakes with syrup for dipping
• Hard-boiled egg or egg muffin cups
• Yogurt + granola
• Banana or fruit kabob

It’s a brunch party in a box.

5. Taco Tuesday  

Build-your-own taco kits are a lunchtime win.

Try:

• Mini tortillas or tortilla chips
• Shredded chicken or beans
• Cheese, lettuce, and mild salsa in little containers

Add a fun napkin that says, “Let’s taco ’bout how awesome you are!”

6. Pasta Salad Remix

Leftover pasta? Give it a lunchbox glow-up:

• Bowtie pasta with cheese cubes, veggies, and ranch
• Spiral noodles with pesto and cherry tomatoes
• Mac and cheese with broccoli bites

Easy to prep ahead and even better cold.

7. Sandwich Sushi Rolls

Yes, really. Flatten a slice of bread, roll it up with fillings, and slice!

Ideas:

• Turkey + cheese
• Peanut butter + banana
• Cream cheese + cucumber

Kids love the bite-sized surprise, and it looks super fancy without the effort.

8. Snack Attack Box

For kids who like a little bit of everything.

Pack a mix of:

• Popcorn or veggie straws
• Cheese cubes or Babybel
• Apple slices with cinnamon
• Trail mix or raisins

Basically a lunchable, snack-style.

9. Quesadilla Triangles

Hot or cold, they’re always a hit.

Ideas:

• Cheese + beans
• Chicken + spinach
• Ham + cheddar

Pair with salsa or guac in a tiny dip cup. Throw in some tortilla chips and it’s a fiesta!

10. Pizza Party Lunch

Because pizza never fails.

Make it:

• Mini English muffin pizzas (toasted the night before)
• Cold pizza roll-ups (tortilla + sauce + cheese + pepperoni)
• Pizza bagels with a side of marinara for dipping

They’ll be the envy of the cafeteria.

11. Sweet Ending (Because Balance)

Add a little treat they’ll look forward to.

Try:

• A homemade mini muffin
• Chocolate-covered pretzels
• A fortune cookie

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—or turn into a gourmet chef—to pack a lunch your kid will love. Mix and match these ideas, throw in a little note or surprise every now and then, and most importantly, don’t stress. Lunch is just one part of their day, but it’s one that can feel extra special with a little creativity and love.

Now go forth and conquer that lunchbox!