This school year, I’ve been on the hunt for Easy lunch ideas kids will actually eat. My son gets tired of the same old sandwich day after day, so I wanted to do something more fun that still gives him the nutrients that he needs.
We’ve partnered with our sponsor, Van’s Foods to bring you these “out of the lunchbox” ideas. It’s so easy to swap out traditional grains — bread, taco shells, etc. — with their wholesome waffles.
Why we Love Van’s Food
The Van’s Waffles lineup includes flavors packed with whole grains, organic varieties, and gluten-free options.
We used these three of their products to create these fun recipes: Van’s Whole Grain Minis, Van’s Gluten-Free, and Van’s Power Grains <—10g of protein per serving!
Healthy Lunch Ideas Kids Will Actually Eat!
The idea here is to take meals that kids love and create a fun lunchbox version. Pack it full of fruits and veggies and add a cute lunchbox note for a meal they can’t wait to open.
We designed these adorable waffle lunch notes that you can print off and put in your child’s lunchbox.
Download and print: Waffle Lunch Notes
They’re sure to bring a smile to your child’s face!
Waffle Taco Bar Recipe
What kid doesn’t love a great taco?
We used Van’s Waffles to create yummy taco shells and added some healthy ingredients for a waffle taco bar lunch treat.
Here’s what you need to make a lunchbox Waffle Taco Bar:
- Van’s Power Grains Totally Original Waffles
- Muffin tin
- Seasoned and cooked ground turkey
- Cotija cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Thaw frozen waffles, then fold and place between the containers of an upside-down muffin tin to create a “taco shell” shape. Bake for 5 minutes until firm.
Package with ground turkey, cheese, and tomatoes. Sides include guacamole and baby carrots.
Triple-Decker Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich
A take on Elvis’ favorite meal. This giant sandwich isn’t your traditional lunchtime meal.
Here’s what you need to make this Triple-Decker Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich:
- Van‘s Gluten Free Totally Original Waffles (toasted)
- Bananas (sliced)
- Honey
- Peanut butter
Spread peanut butter onto one side of a waffle, then top with bananas. Drizzle honey over the top of the bananas. Repeat for the second layer. Serve with raw almonds and grapes.
Mini Chicken and Waffles Skewers
Yummy chicken nuggets and mini waffles create a fun lunch layered on popsicle sticks.
Here’s what you need to make Mini Chicken and Waffles Skewers:
- Van‘s Minis Totally Original Waffles (toasted)
- Your favorite chicken nuggets
- Popsicle sticks
Slide the waffles and nuggets onto popsicle sticks, alternating.
Sides include apple slices and Greek yogurt sweetened with maple syrup. Yum!
What’s your favorite way to eat waffles?
Check out Van’s website for more waffles and recipe ideas – I promise they have some you haven’t even heard of! What I love is they can so simply be incorporated into foods your kids already love.
These toddler lunch ideas are perfect for picky eaters!
Send your child’s lunch with them in style with this super cute Gameboy lunchbox.
A big thanks to Van’s for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed are our own.
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