Grocery staples that make lunchbox packing for kids and adults so much easier

Let’s be real. Packing a lunchbox every single day, whether it’s for your kids or yourself, can be a pain. Between the chopping and the prepping, coming up with easy lunch ideas can feel like “one more thing” that we all need to do every day, but with a little pre-planning and the right supplies, both kids and grown-ups can have a nourishing meal that is ready to eat in the middle of a busy day.

As a busy working mom and dietitian, there are some grocery staples that I always have on hand that are lifesavers when it comes to simple grab-and-go lunches. In just about 5 minutes, I can put together nutrient-dense, delicious, and convenient meals that my whole family can take with them when they are off to school or work.

Here are my top five items that I always have on hand:

Milton’s Craft Bakers Gluten Free Crackers

Crackers are a staple for any lunchbox meal. From being a perfect vessel for chicken or egg salad to being a crunchy accompaniment to salads or cheese, these satisfying crisps are totally versatile.

I love Milton’s Craft Bakers Gluten Free Crackers for a variety of reasons: they’re Certified Gluten Free and Non-GMO Project Verified. They are also free of xanthan gum, rBST, peanuts, tree nuts (safe to take to school!), trans fat and cholesterol. But, perhaps most importantly, they are totally delicious. My kids love them too. And since they contain 4 – 7 grains in every bite, it’s a choice I feel great including in their lunch. Whether I’m making an elevated snack plate with my favorite cheese, a classic salad, or a lunch that needs a little carb and crunch, these crackers always fit the bill.

Multi Grain Bread

Sandwiches are a lunchtime staple and are incredibly easy to whip up the night before. But instead of using refined white bread for our sandwiches, I lean on Multi Grain Bread. 

I stick with this kind of bread because it’s hearty and delicious, packed with protein and fiber, and a major boost of whole grains per serving. My favorites are breads that contain a mix of wheat, corn, oats, and a hint of honey.

I use Multi Grain Bread to make a nut or seed butter and sliced banana sandwich for my daughter (cut into the shape of a heart, of course). And for me? I love a veggie and hummus sandwich to help keep me going for the rest of the day.  

Kiwis

If my daughter could eat candy at lunchtime every day, she would do so in a heartbeat. But I prefer that she eats more nutrient-dense food during the day instead of sugar-packed snacks. 

Kiwis are a perfect solution for a mid-day lunchtime addition or even a snack. These fruits are bursting with natural sweetness, but with no added sugar. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, offering more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs in one fruit.

This refreshing and sweet option provides the complete package of feel-good nutrition, with more than 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin E and antioxidants.

Kiwis are easy to include in a bento box. For my daughter, I remove the skin and slice them for her future enjoyment. And I simply toss whole kiwis in my lunchbag for my own snack or meal addition, knowing I can just cut, scoop, and enjoy! 

Farfalle and Jarred pesto

Pasta is a staple in my home because it provides important nutrients like protein and B vitamins. And unlike many other “white carbs,” pasta has a lower glycemic index, meaning that it digests slowly and offers a bit more satiety than white bread or cookies. The Barilla Rustic Pesto has a fresh-tasting essence that allows for easy meals in a snap. Made with quality ingredients, leaning on this jarred pesto saves me a ton of time in the kitchen by allowing me to skip making the sauce from scratch.  

I make a chilled pesto pasta salad for both my daughter and myself using the Barilla cooked farfalle and pesto. For my daughter’s version, I add some cheese, sliced chicken breast, and peas. And for myself, I include some Bella Sun Luci sun dried tomatoes, cooked broccoli, and the same chicken for a grown-up version of this dish. 

Cucumbers

Yes, the classic cucumber helps elevate both grown up and kid-friendly lunchboxes in both the nutrition and enjoyment department. As a hydrating and fiber-packed veggie, cucumbers are a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, and even on their own. 

I love them as a crunchy addition to my hummus and veggie sandwiches. My daughter seems to enjoy them the most when I peel some of the skin off and use a small cookie cutter to make slices into a flower shape. I put some in her lunchbox with some hummus for dipping or as a standalone side.