Here are easy lunchbox ideas that work for busy school mornings:
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Egg muffins
Whisk eggs with grated cheese and leftover veggies, bake in a muffin tin and store in the fridge. These are perfect for lunchboxes and after-school snacks.
Easy wraps and rolls
Wraps and rolls are quick to assemble and easy to eat. Try these options: cheese and cucumber wraps; chicken strips with mayo; and leftover mince or boerewors in a roll. Slice into smaller pieces for little hands.
Peanut butter basics
Peanut butter sandwiches, crackers or rice cakes are filling and budget-friendly. You can add banana slices for natural sweetness.
Fruit that survives a school bag
Choose fruit that doesn’t bruise easily: apples, naartjies, pears, bananas or grapes (cut for younger children). Cut fruit the night before to save time in the morning.
Leftovers that work
Not all leftovers travel well, but these are lunchbox-friendly: pasta salad; fried rice; roast chicken and rice; and potato bake slices. Pack in a good container to keep food fresh.
Make-ahead options
Prepping ahead makes weekdays easier: egg muffins; homemade muffins or flapjacks; mini quiches or pancakes (freeze and defrost as needed). A little prep on Sunday saves a lot of stress during the week.
Simple snacks to add in
Snacks don’t need to be expensive: yoghurt, cheese cubes, crackers, carrot or cucumber sticks or homemade popcorn. These are affordable and easy to prep in bulk.
Quick and easy lunchboxes don’t have to be boring. With a mix of reliable staples, simple prep and flexible ideas, back-to-school lunches can be stress-free, affordable and filling.
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