5 Affordable and Healthy School Lunch Box Ideas
The kids are back in school, which means it’s time to get creative with healthy lunch ideas. We understand that parents often struggle to come up with new and exciting lunch ideas that are both healthy and affordable, so we’ve come up with 5 back-to-school lunch ideas under $5.
Note: Costs were calculated on August 29, 2023 utilizing prices from popular discount grocery stores in the Greater Toronto Area.
Egg Salad Sandwich
An egg salad sandwich is a delicious, budget-friendly way to provide your kids with the carbs and protein they need to stay energized and satisfied throughout the day.
When making an egg salad sandwich for your kids, consider swapping mayo for Greek yogurt to up the protein (learn about the benefits of protein here). Add whole-grain bread for extra fibre to help with digestion, and add vegetables like chopped celery to the egg salad to introduce additional nutrients and a satisfying crunch.
In the Lunchbox
- Egg salad sandwich
- Cucumber slices
- Apple
- Yogurt cup
Cost Breakdown
Bento Box
If your kids are picky, packing hard-boiled eggs with veggies and whole-grain crackers on the side is a great way to let them control how they eat their lunch while still getting the healthy foods they need throughout the day. It’s also quick and easy to put together when you’re in a rush.
In the Lunchbox
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- Sliced carrots, cucumbers and grape tomatoes
- Whole-grain crackers
- Hummus
- Tangerine
Cost Breakdown
Mini Frittatas (Muffin Tin Eggs)
Treat your kids to a healthy meal by packing mini frittatas in their lunchbox. These egg bites taste great and offer a healthy balance of nutrients to keep kids energized throughout the school day. These can be baked in advance and are perfect for reheating, making your morning routine fast and easy.
To make these mini frittatas even more nutritious, consider using ingredients like spinach, cheese, and any other veggies your child enjoys (check out this blog for a variety of mini frittata options). Add a side of mixed berries and whole-grain crackers for extra antioxidants and fibre, and you’ve got a complete lunch!
In the Lunchbox
- 2 Mini frittatas
- A side salad (lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber)
- A small container of salad dressing
- Strawberries and blueberries
- Whole-grain crackers
Cost Breakdown
Egg and Veggie Wrap
Fill a whole-grain tortilla with scrambled eggs and sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese for additional calcium and flavour.
In the Lunchbox
- Egg and veggie wrap
- Sliced bell peppers or carrots
- A small container of salsa
- Sliced melon
- Granola bar
Cost Breakdown
Egg and Rice Bowl
An egg and rice bowl is an energizing and filling meal, perfect for lunch in a thermos. To make a simple rice bowl, add cooked rice and sliced hard-boiled eggs on top. Add some steamed or sautéed vegetables and a drizzle of soy sauce. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try making this Veggie & Eggs Fried Rice recipe for dinner and saving some leftovers for lunch!
In the Lunchbox
- Egg and rice bowl (hard-boiled eggs sliced on rice, steamed or sautéed vegetables)
- A small container of soy sauce
- Diced fruit (e.g., diced mango)
- Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
Cost Breakdown