Cold Lunch Box Ideas For Picky Eaters
When it comes to packing lunch boxes for picky eaters, it can be quite a challenge. Picky eaters have specific preferences and often get bored with the same old lunch options. However, with a little creativity and some out-of-the-box thinking, you can create delicious and nutritious cold lunch box ideas that your picky eater will love. In this blog post, we will explore some interesting and easy-to-make lunch box ideas that are sure to please even the most selective of eaters.
One of the key factors when it comes to packing lunch boxes for picky eaters is variety. Offering a wide range of options ensures that there is something for everyone. Instead of sticking to the same sandwich or salad every day, try incorporating different flavors, textures, and colors into the lunch box. This not only adds visual appeal but also makes the meal more interesting and enjoyable for your picky eater.
1. Wraps with a Twist
Wraps are a great alternative to sandwiches and can be customized to suit your picky eater's taste preferences. Start with a whole wheat tortilla and spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus. Then, add a variety of fillings such as sliced turkey or chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. To add a twist, you can also include some unexpected ingredients like sliced avocado, roasted red peppers, or even thinly sliced apples. Roll up the wrap tightly and cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat tortilla
- Cream cheese or hummus
- Sliced turkey or chicken
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Optional: sliced avocado, roasted red peppers, thinly sliced apples
Instructions:
- Spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus on a whole wheat tortilla.
- Add a variety of fillings such as sliced turkey or chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
- Optional: Add sliced avocado, roasted red peppers, or thinly sliced apples for extra flavor.
- Roll up the wrap tightly and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mini Quiches
Quiches are not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate vegetables into your picky eater's lunch box. Mini quiches are easy to make and can be customized with your child's favorite ingredients. Start by whisking together eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, add a variety of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can also add some cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor. Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake until set. Once cooled, these mini quiches can be easily packed into a lunch box for a protein-packed and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetables of your choice (e.g., spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions)
- Optional: cooked bacon or ham
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped vegetables and optional cooked bacon or ham to the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the greased muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set.
- Allow the mini quiches to cool before packing them into the lunch box.
3. Bento Box Bliss
Bento boxes are a popular lunch box option that allows you to pack a variety of different foods in one compact container. They are not only visually appealing but also provide a balanced and nutritious meal for your picky eater. Start by selecting a bento box with separate compartments. Fill each compartment with a different food item, such as sliced fruits, vegetables, cheese cubes, crackers, and mini sandwiches. You can also include some fun and creative elements like animal-shaped food picks or silicone cupcake liners to separate the different foods. The key is to make the bento box colorful and exciting, enticing your picky eater to try new foods.
Ingredients:
- Sliced fruits (e.g., strawberries, grapes, watermelon)
- Sliced vegetables (e.g., carrots, cucumber, bell peppers)
- Cheese cubes
- Crackers
- Mini sandwiches
- Optional: animal-shaped food picks, silicone cupcake liners
Instructions:
- Select a bento box with separate compartments.
- Fill each compartment with a different food item, such as sliced fruits, vegetables, cheese cubes, crackers, and mini sandwiches.
- Add some fun and creative elements like animal-shaped food picks or silicone cupcake liners.
- Arrange the foods in a colorful and visually appealing way.
By incorporating these creative and delicious cold lunch box ideas into your child's lunch routine, you can ensure that they are getting a variety of nutrients while also satisfying their picky taste buds. Remember, the key is to make the lunch box visually appealing, incorporate different flavors and textures, and offer a wide range of options. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can transform your picky eater's lunchtime experience into a fun and enjoyable one!
Summary:
| Lunch Box Ideas | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Wraps with a Twist | Whole wheat tortilla, cream cheese or hummus, sliced turkey or chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, optional: sliced avocado, roasted red peppers, thinly sliced apples | Spread cream cheese or hummus on a tortilla, add fillings, roll up and cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Mini Quiches | 6 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, salt and pepper, vegetables of your choice, optional: cooked bacon or ham | Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, add vegetables and optional bacon or ham, pour into greased muffin tin, bake and cool |
| Bento Box Bliss | Sliced fruits, sliced vegetables, cheese cubes, crackers, mini sandwiches, optional: animal-shaped food picks, silicone cupcake liners | Select a bento box, fill each compartment with different foods, add fun elements, arrange in a visually appealing way |



