Lunchbox Inspiration Snack Edition!

Lunchbox Inspiration Round 2!

We gave you some great protein ideas, and this week we’re giving you some snack options! Too often, the lunches we’re packing rely on cheese and yogurt for snacks, and while we happen to be raising omnivorous, we try to get a well rounded diet into our tots. Fruit and dairy are our default for grab-and-go, but we decided to challenge ourselves to come up with some other alternatives.

Here are a few general ideas, but you can always head over to Pinterest for more specific recipes!

  Polenta Fries

This recipe is easy to add veggies to – simply stir in some pumpkin or carrot puree for crispy fingers that will keep your tot going all afternoon.

 Corn Salad

Corn off-the-cob with some olive oil and basil or veggies makes for an easy dinner-to-lunch snack that’s great hot or cold.

Chickpea Nuggets

Also known as panisse, cooking up a big batch of chickpea flour and cooling it means you can cut it into an array of toddler-friendly shapes and bake them. Not to mention its another recipe into which veggies can be easily added.

 Carrot and Pepper Dippers

Sliced red pepper sticks or coins make carrot sticks a little more exciting, and add a bevy of nutrients.

Zucchini or Cucumber roll-ups

Sliced thin the long way into wide ribbons, spread with anything from hummus to pureed black beans, and roll them into pinwheels. Toothpick them in place if they get unruly.

Carrot Coins

Roasting carrot coins, either in with a little honey or a more savory olive oil version make this super healthy vegetable easier to eat for tots with fewer fully developed teeth, and provide a kick of sweetness in the afternoon.

 Mini Veggie Frittatas

It’s easy to skip the cheese in these, and cubes of sweet potato make them a little heartier so that the drive home isn’t a meltdown.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

There are a million recipes for these using everything from quinoa to banana, so use what you’ve got, make batch and freeze them for a grab-and-go snack that will defrost by the time they’re ready for a snack.

Crunchy Cauliflower

Dredge your florets in any kind of batter or panko or chopped up nut, roast ‘til crunchy, and pack them in a lunch with some tasty dip for kids who have mastered the dunk. 

Taquito Rollups

Fill a few small tortillas with some smashed beans and avocado and corn, roll ‘em tight, and bake.

No-Bake Carrot Balls

Figs or dates hold these together, loaded with shredded carrot (or parsnip or beet) and tossed in some unsweetened coconut for a tasty afternoon snack.

Veggie Skewers

Cubed up veggies like cucumber or naturally small ones like cherry tomatoes make vegetables fun! 

Roasted Veggie Chips

Zucchini, sweet potato, and beets all work well for crispy yummy veggie chips.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip 

Blend this up with a little avocado and real egg mayo instead of cream cheese for a savory spread on whole-wheat English muffins or cucumber slices.

Bumps on a Log

A classic for a reason!

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Most recipes for this are little more than some mashed avocado, cocoa powder, and a little sweetener! A great alternative to pudding for the tiny choco-feinds!

Roasted Tomato

Cherry or grape tomatoes go under the broiler for a few minutes to get them extra sweet and concentrated, then straight into a lunchbox.