Lunch Prep Ideas Made Easy

Today I am thrilled to share my tried-and-true process for lunch prep ideas made easy. I have been packing my kids’ school lunches for 6 years now. For last two, I have really found an organized process that works great for us!

Meal prep and packing lunches can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to pack healthy items each day. With a little planning, I promise it is doable and will become a normal part of your routine!

Watch this video for lunch prep ideas made easy

If you don’t have a child in school who needs a packed lunch, these same ideas can apply for anyone! If you usually spend between $5-6 a day on fast food for lunch, packing your own could save a lot.

I love getting creative with what I pack so the kids don’t have to eat the same thing every day. There are so many ideas for meal prep on Pinterest. I started a folder HERE if you’re interested in following for some more ideas.

Lunch Prep necessities

I made a change with the way I pack my kids’ lunches by switching to these amazing glass bento containers. Over on Instagram when I shared, had a lot of people ask if we have had any issues with them breaking. These containers are high-quality and very thick so we haven’t had a single problem with the set! I love that there are 3 separated areas for all of the items I want to pack for my kids. It gives me a chance to really add a good variety. When I prep ahead, I can place them in the fridge and see everything that is inside.

I’m loving these small containers for yogurt, peanut butter, ranch, applesauce etc. I started using these silicone cups as well, just so I can add an additional snack in!

Last of all, I found these darling fact cards to add to their lunch boxes every day. It’s a great way to encourage fun conversation and learning at lunch with their friends!

Shop supplies used in this post!

Ideas for food to pack in lunch prep containers

Packing doesn’t have to be stressful! Don’t overthink it. In each lunch box I try to pack a protein, a fruit, a veggie, a carb (like crackers or chips or a granola bar) and sometimes a snack/dessert. I also always try to remember to pack their daily vitamins!

Here is a list for some quick ideas:

Tortilla Roll Up’s (Use spinach and herb tortillas and spread cream cheese on it. Then layer thin smoked turkey lunch meat and roll up tightly. Slice into 1″ slices and stack your roll ups in your lunch box! Keep them chilled.
Pre-made quesadillas are so tasty! You can make them and slice them and pack a side of salsa for a quick and different lunch.
Apples, grapes, kiwis, mandarin oranges, cutie oranges, Rockit apples, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are all favorite fruits we pack. I also love fruit leathers and dried craisens or mangos!
Carrots, broccoli, peas, green beans, olives, cucumber slices and peppers are all favorite veggies we pack.
I love using the 4oz containers with lids for sides like peanut butter, ranch dressing, canned fruit, kiwis, applesauce and salsa.
For carb/snacks we like veggie straws, wheat thins with cheese, goldfish crackers, popcorn, granola bars, pretzels, yogurt raisins and cookies.
For proteins or main meals, our favorites include tuna in a container, boiled eggs, Built Bars, lunch meat, peanut butter sandwiches, quesadillas, and small salads.

Most of the lunches I prep are designed not to have to be heated up. There is a lot you could pack that could be for a hot meal too, such as Mexican food, hot sandwiches or breakfast food! This is especially a great way you could use up leftovers from dinners. I love using ice packs in the kids’ lunch boxes to keep things chilled until they eat.