If you're like me, you know that the right lunch container makes all the difference when it comes to stress-free back-to-school meal prep. These kid-friendly lunch cubes are full of protein, fruits, veggies, and snacks, all with zero cooking required.
And the best part? These are super customizable, so you can work with what you already have in the fridge or pantry and still pack a lunch your kids will actually eat.
The Secret Weapon: GoodCook Lunch Cubes
I've been loving these GoodCook Lunch Cubes, and they've quickly become my go-to lunch prep containers for kids. Here's why:
- Two lower compartments for fruits, veggies, snacks, or sides
- Removable upper tray for sandwiches or entrees
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
- Great for leftovers and repacking snacks
- Reusable and easy to clean
Whether you're making meals ahead for the week or packing lunch the night before, these containers make it easy.
Let the Kids Help!
Since these lunches don't require any cooking, they're the perfect way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. I love bringing them grocery shopping and letting them pick out fruits and veggies. When they help choose their own lunch, they're more likely to eat it!
Pro Tip: Keep a basket in the fridge and pantry filled with "grab-and-pack" lunch items (like baby carrots, single-serve hummus cups, or applesauce pouches) so kids can help pack their own meals.
I will start by saying these lunch ideas are 100% customizable to what you have on hand and what your kids enjoy eating!
Since they also require no cooking, it's a great way to get the kids involved in starting to meal prep and/or help in the kitchen! I love bringing the kids to the store and letting them pick the fruits and veggies they like, so they feel like they have a say in their eating.
Related: 17 No Reheat Meal Prep Recipes
Kid Friendly Back To School Lunch Ideas Ingredients:
Cube 1
- ½ cup strawberries
- ¼ cup baby carrots
- 1 celery stalk, cut into sticks
- 2 oz. Buffalo turkey
- 2 oz. Cubed pepper jack cheese
- 1 oz. crackers of choice
Cube 2
- ½ cup grapes
- ½ cup gluten-free pretzels
- 1 gluten-free everything bagel
- 2 slices of deli ham
- 1 slice of American cheese
- ⅓ cup baby spinach
Cube 3
- 2 slices of gluten-free bread
- 2 tablespoon nut butter
- 2 tablespoon jelly
- ½ cup cubed melon
- ½ cup cheese crackers
Lunch cube one might be my favorite because it's like a mini snack box vs. a traditional lunch! You can use any fruits and veggies that you'd like, any deli meat/fresh baked chicken/plant-based deli meats and cheese, and your favorite crackers!
Nothing tastes better than a traditional lunch with a sandwich, fruit, and something crunchy like chips or a pretzel. This was what I had for lunch almost every day as a kid! This was also my favorite beach lunch!
As above, the same applies to this meal. Swap the fruit and pretzels for things your kids love! The bagel can be subbed with bread, pita, a bagel thin, etc. The deli meat and cheese can easily be switched with vegan alternatives.
Related: Back to School Meal Prep Recipes
Lunch Cube Three - The classic PBJ! I could eat this combo 365 days a year, like almost every kid out there! To accommodate allergies, peanut butter can be subbed with any other nut butter or seed butter and served with fruit that is in season and affordable and your child's favorite crunchy side (ahem - can be carrots, raw broccoli, etc., too!).
Once the lunch cubes are stacked up, this is what they will look like: the snacks on the bottom and the main part on the top!
For days when the kids are home, you can also serve these no-cook kid-friendly lunch ideas on a plate! Or, remake them for yourself because they are that good!
More Back to School Resources:
- 15 Secrets To Meal Prepping For School For Teachers, Parents & Students
- 25 Easy Teacher Lunch Ideas To Meal Prep
- 11 Meal Prep Recipes to Spring Clean Your Diet
- 19 Best Meal Prep Bowl Recipes
- Typical Day of Eating: College Football Player Edition
If your mornings feel hectic, prepping lunch the night before can be a total game-changer. These no-cook, customizable ideas are a great way to save time, reduce waste, and keep kids fueled throughout the school day.
Need more ideas for meal prepping for your family? Check out our 30+ Back-to-School Meal Prep Recipes for even more inspiration!
Ingredients
Cube 1
- ½ cup strawberries
- ¼ cup baby carrots
- 1 celery stalk cut into sticks
- 2 oz. Buffalo turkey can sub with turkey of choice
- 2 oz. Cubed pepper jack cheese can sub with cheese of choice
- 1 oz. crackers use your favorite brand
Cube 2
- ½ cup grapes
- ½ cup gluten-free pretzels can sub with regular pretzels if not GF
- 1 gluten-free everything bagel can sub with any flavor bagel or non-GF
- 2 slices deli ham
- 1 slice American cheese any cheese can be used
- ⅓ cup baby spinach
Cube 3
- 2 slices gluten-free bread sub with your favorite bread
- 2 tablespoon nut butter can swap for seed butter
- 2 tablespoon jelly
- ½ cup cubed melon
- ½ cup cheese crackers can sub with crackers of choice
Instructions
- Divide strawberries, baby carrots and celery sticks between bottom compartments of 1 lunch cube. Add turkey slices, pepper jack cheese and seed crackers to the top compartment of lunch cube.
- Divide grapes and pretzels between bottom compartments of a second lunch cube. Assemble ham, cheese and spinach on everything bagel. Slice in half and place in top compartment of lunch cube.
- Divide melon and cheese crackers between bottom compartment of a third lunch cube. Spread nut butter and jelly on bread and slice diagonally into two triangles. Place in top compartment of lunch cube.
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Nutrition
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