Easy Packed Lunch Ideas for School
Thinking up new and exciting packed lunch ideas for school can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you're juggling a fussy eater or striving to keep things healthy. If the daily lunchbox grind has got you stumped, don't worry - Poundland has got you covered! We've rounded up 10 super easy-packed lunch ideas that’ll turn lunchtime from a chore into a breeze. Our quick and creative school lunch ideas will help you ditch the lunchbox stress, making it simpler to whip up meals that your kids will actually enjoy. So, if you're on the hunt for fresh packed lunch ideas for school, look no further - Poundland has everything you need to make packing lunches easier and more fun!
10 Super Easy Packed Lunch Ideas for School
Looking for some fresh lunch ideas for school that’ll make both you and your little ones smile? Poundland’s got you sorted with our complete round-up of 10 super easy-packed lunch ideas designed to make meal prep a breeze. We know how stressful it can be trying to come up with new and exciting meals that your kids will actually enjoy, so we’ve put together a selection of lunches that are both tasty and simple. With these ideas, you’ll say goodbye to the lunchtime scramble and hello to stress-free meal prep!
To get started on making your packed lunches a hit, check out our collection of bags and lunch boxes available online at Poundland’s Back to School range and find everything you need to make your lunch prep a snap.
1) Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a fantastic lunch idea for kids in both primary and secondary school - it’s not only super easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, too! You can mix and match any cold meats, veggies, and even cheeses to create a tasty and nutritious meal that your kids will love. Whether you’re tossing in some chicken, ham, or just a variety of colourful veggies, pasta salad offers endless possibilities. Plus, if you’re looking to round out the lunchbox with a sweet treat, consider adding some Fruit Bowl Strawberry Flakes on the side. They’re a delightful and healthy addition that perfectly complements your pasta salad, making it one of the best healthy packed lunch ideas for school.
2) Wrap Roll Ups
Wrap roll-ups are a brilliant choice for a healthy and balanced lunch idea for school. Imagine your child's favourite meat - whether it’s chicken or ham - wrapped up with fresh salad ingredients like cucumber, lettuce, and tomatoes. These roll-ups are not only delicious but incredibly easy to prepare, too. You can have them rolled up and ready to go into the lunchbox in just minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings. To add a crunchy side to the meal, consider including some Thingies Crisps (Pack of 9), too. These crisps are a great option for school-packed lunch ideas as they’re oven-baked, which makes them a healthier alternative that can last over a week of school lunches.
3) Filled Houmous Pitta
A filled houmous pitta with veggies and your child’s choice of meat is a fantastic addition to any lunchbox, making it a top pick among kids’ school lunch ideas. The creamy houmous pairs perfectly with crunchy vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots, and adding some chicken or ham makes it a well-rounded, satisfying meal. For a balanced lunch, you can pair the pitta with some fresh fruit and a sweet treat like Barny Milk Soft Baked Bears. These soft-baked bears are not only delicious but also a fun treat that kids will love, rounding off the meal with a bit of sweetness.
4) Omelette Wrap
An omelette wrap is one of the easiest and most well-balanced lunches you can whip up for your kids, making it a stellar choice among school lunch ideas for kids. The beauty of an omelette wrap lies in its versatility - you can toss in any fillings your child loves, from cheese and ham to veggies like spinach or mushrooms. For an extra flavour kick, just add a drizzle of their favourite sauce, whether it’s classic ketchup or tangy BBQ sauce. Check out the variety of sauces available at Poundland’s Sauces selection to find the perfect match for your omelette wrap. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also a great way to ensure a nutritious and tasty lunch that your kids will enjoy.
5) Ham or Cheese Salad Sandwiches
Ham and cheese salad sandwiches are a classic choice that never goes out of style, making them a fantastic and easy option for school lunches. They’re simple to make yet packed with flavour, combining the savoury goodness of ham or cheese with fresh, crisp salad ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes. To round out the lunchbox, pair these sandwiches with some snacks your child will love. Fresh fruit like grapes is perfect because it stays fresh even without refrigeration, and for an extra treat, toss in some Kellogg’s Fruit Winders. These fruity snacks are not only tasty but also a fun way to add a bit of sweetness to the meal, making your school lunch ideas even more appealing for your little ones.
6) DIY Lunchables
Creating DIY Lunchables is a fun and customisable way for parents to pack a tasty and appealing lunch for their child. Instead of buying pre-made versions, you can assemble your own using your child’s favourite ingredients. Start with some crackers as a base and add a selection of meats like ham or turkey and cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella. You can even throw in some veggies and dips for extra variety, too. It’s a great way to let your child mix and match their flavours and keep lunchtime exciting. DIY Lunchables not only give you control over the ingredients but also make for a fun, interactive lunch that kids will look forward to!
7) Left Over Pasta Tortellini from Dinner
Leftover tortellini pasta from dinner makes for a brilliant and versatile lunch idea. Whether your child enjoyed it hot the night before or cold, it’s just as tasty the next day. You can pack it up for a quick and satisfying lunch that’ll keep them full and happy. For a balanced meal, pair the tortellini with a small array of crunchy veggies like carrots or cucumber, which add a nice snack element and a bit of variety to the lunchbox. This way, you turn last night’s dinner into a delicious and nutritious lunch, making it a win-win for both you and your child.
8) Mini Egg Muffins
Mini egg muffins are a fantastic choice for a protein-packed lunch that’s perfect for light eaters. These little bites are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile - you can mix in anything from peppers and cheese to ham or even spinach, tailoring them to your child’s tastes. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare ahead of time, making them a great option for busy parents. You can find helpful tips for prepping meals with our handy blog post ‘Get Ahead with Meal Prep’. With mini egg muffins, you’ll have a nutritious and satisfying lunch that’s ready to go whenever you need it!
9) Pizza Inspired Bagels
Pizza-inspired bagels are a dream come true for pizza lovers looking to mix things up at lunchtime! This fun and easy idea lets you transform a simple bagel into a mini pizza with just a few toppings. Start with a bagel, spread on some tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and add a few slices of pepperoni if you like. Pop them under the grill or into the oven for a few minutes, and you’ve got a delicious, pizza-flavoured lunch that’s sure to satisfy. It’s a great way to enjoy that pizza craving in a quick, easy, and slightly healthier format - perfect for a tasty twist on your usual lunch that the kids will love!
10) Hearty Bean Quesadillas
Hearty bean quesadillas are a fantastic choice for a filling and nutritious lunch, packed with fibre and protein to keep your child full and energised throughout the day. These quesadillas are not only delicious but also a clever way to sneak in some hidden veggies - add finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes for a boost of nutrients without compromising on flavour. You can easily prep them the night before, so your mornings stay fuss-free and smooth. Just pop them in the fridge and give them a quick reheat before packing them into the lunchbox. With hearty bean quesadillas, you’ve got a meal that’s as nutritious as it is tasty, making lunchtime a breeze!
Kids School Lunch Ideas
There’s a whole world of tasty and easy kids’ school lunch ideas out there that can make both meal prep and lunchtime a breeze. Whether you’re whipping up mini egg muffins, packing a pizza-inspired bagel, or preparing hearty bean quesadillas, these options are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ready to make lunchbox packing even simpler? Check out Poundland’s Food and Drink section for great ingredients and the Back to School range for stylish and practical lunchboxes. With these resources, you’ll have everything you need to keep lunchtime exciting and stress-free!
