5 Super Easy Kids Lunch Ideas: Dairy-Free & School-Safe

This week, you might be pinning that cute idea for Hello Kitty sushi rolls and practical diagrams for weekly lunch prep. But one week into the back-to-school rush, and those monkey face sandwiches with pre-portioned snack baggies may not seem like a barrel of fun. Which is why I’ve put together these easy kids lunch ideas! None require any advanced preparation. And I’ve included options for most dietary needs, from top allergen free to plant-based and vegan.

The Dairy-Free Milk & Cereal Lunch Box

There’s no shame in this one. Some kids just love cereal, and it can be a healthy meal that they will actually eat! Fill a container with whole-grain, high-protein, low-sugar, dairy-free cereal or granola that fits their other dietary needs. Add a bunch of fresh berries (and chopped nuts if they are safe for school). Pack along a single-serve, shelf-stable dairy-free milk beverage. Ripple Foods has a Vanilla Kids Pack that’s top allergen free, and adds delicious sweetness to hearty cereals. It’s also high in protein (8 grams), calcium (45% of the RDA), and vitamin D (30% of the RDA).

The Hummus Lunch Box

There are so many delicious, inexpensive, and dairy-free hummus flavors to choose from! If soy or other severe food allergies are a concern, use extra caution when checking the ingredient labels. Many brands are made with soy oil or are made in a facility where milk or nuts may be present on the lines. Nonetheless, there are several allergy-friendly options available. For dipping, pack mini bell peppers, whole olives, snap peas, baby tomatoes, and baby carrots. None of these require any cutting! You can also buy pre-cut vegetables, like celery sticks. Whole grain pita or pretzels are also fun additions. And for a special treat, toss in a high-protein vanilla milk beverage.

The Southwestern Salsa Box

As a teen, this was actually one of my go-to lunches. Simply toss a can of drained and rinsed black beans in a bowl with organic corn kernels (canned or frozen), and a favorite salsa. Stir to combine everything. If desired, add in diced avocado, sliced olives, fresh diced tomatoes, or a little hot sauce. Serve with tortilla chips and baby carrots for a surprisingly filling, plant-based meal that travels well. If adding a milk beverage, I usually pair Vanilla with Southwestern-style meals.

The Roll-Up Box

It’s like a sushi box, but not really. Spread one or two whole grain tortillas (gluten free, if needed) with almond butter or seed butter. Sprinkle on ground cinnamon and raisins. Grate on some carrot for a carrot cake vibe! Roll them up and slice. Serve with a small apple, baby carrots, and a Ripple Chocolate pea milk single for some extra protein and a special treat! Like the Vanilla, the Chocolate flavor is also high in calcium (45% of the RDA), and vitamin D (30% of the RDA). Plus, it’s lower in sugar than dairy-based chocolate milk.

The Asian Kabob Box

Thread bites of vegetables and a protein onto toothpicks, or use uncooked spaghetti noodles or cake pop sticks if you are concerned about sharp points. For the produce, you can pick cucumber slices, chopped bell pepper, or leftover roasted vegetable chunks. I use pre-baked tofu cubes, leftover cut chicken (regular or vegan), or turkey slices (regular or vegan) for the protein. And for dipping, pack along a Thai seed butter sauce, tahini dressing, or a safe Asian-inspired dressing. I also like to include orange wedges, chocolate milk beverage, and edamame pods on the side. The latter can be purchased frozen to defrost in the lunchbox.

This post for easy kids lunch ideas is sponsored by Ripple Foods, but the concepts and photos are my own. Not to mention, they are my top recommendation for school-safe milk beverage! New Original Ripple Milk Kids Pack Singles (with just 6 grams of sugar) are also landing in stores this year.

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