What will you pack for school today? A few familiar ingredients can make a lovely lunch. Here are five ideas to vary your routine. Adjust portions to your child and follow any allergy arrangements and school rules.
1. Sandwiches, apple and cucumber
Fill wholemeal sandwiches with something your child enjoys, and add pieces of apple and cucumber. A lunchbox with a removable fruit container gives the fruit its own place.
2. A wholemeal wrap with vegetables
A wrap with hummus and finely cut peppers makes a change from bread. Roll it up and cut it into pieces your child can comfortably eat. Keep moist fillings separate from foods you want to stay dry.
3. A small pasta salad
Try cooled wholemeal pasta with cucumber and peppers. Choose a leakproof model for a moist lunch. A lunchbox does not keep food chilled by itself.
4. A bread roll and a separate fruit break
Pack a roll for lunch and fruit for break time. A separate snack container means your child can take out the fruit without unpacking the whole lunch.
5. A lunch with several small parts
Combine pieces of bread, cucumber, peppers and fruit. Several compartments or a divider give each food its own place. Use a separately sealed, suitable container for anything that might leak.
Choosing the lunchbox
The children's lunchbox with compartments comes in 500 and 700 ml. For more space, you could also look at the 3-in-1 lunchbox. What actually fits depends on the portion and how it is packed. Our stainless steel lunchbox buying guide helps you compare layouts.
A few practical checks
Prepare food hygienically, let your child practise using the closure at home and keep perishable food chilled. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a small cool bag for food that spoils quickly. See its school food and drink tips for more information.