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Recipe collection

non-sandwich lunchbox recipes
kids actually eat

12 recipes for the days sandwiches aren’t landing: pasta, fritters, pinwheels and more.

01

why skip the sandwich

Sandwiches are easy, but lots of kids get bored of them fast. When the same bread comes home untouched day after day, it’s often not the food itself, just the sameness.

The fix isn’t more effort. Repeat the structure. Rotate the food. Every recipe here works cold, travels well and fits the main compartment of a lunchbox, so you can swap the sandwich out without needing a school microwave.

02

how to build a lunchbox around them

Most of these recipes already bring protein and complex carbs in one go. Pack one as the main, then add some fruit or veg and a small source of healthy fats like cheese, seeds or hummus.

That covers all four pillars of The Lunchbox Formula™: protein, complex carbs, healthy fats and colour. Many of them also freeze well, so a weekend batch can cover several school days.

non-sandwich lunchbox recipes kids actually eat

A black bowl of bright pink fusilli pasta coated in a creamy beetroot and tofu sauce, held in one hand with a fork.
15 min

pink beetroot & tofu pasta

A bright pink blender pasta sauce that takes minutes, is full of good stuff, and makes lunch feel instantly more fun.

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A hand lifting a soft, rolled-up green spinach wrap from a stack of freshly cooked wraps on a metal plate, with fresh baby spinach leaves scattered around.
35 min

soft spinach wraps

Soft green wraps that avoid shady ingredients and can be used as a proper base for lunchbox mains.

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Three bright pink beetroot spelt wraps rolled and packed in a stainless steel lunchbox with half an avocado and blackberries, with a stack of cooked pink wraps on a plate beside it.
30 min

beetroot spelt wraps

Soft, flexible wholegrain wraps in a naturally brilliant pink. An easy complex-carb base for whatever fillings your kid already likes.

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pizza scrolls
25 min

pizza scrolls

Crispy, cheesy pizza scrolls made from leftovers - ready in under 30 minutes.

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A hand holding a green-lidded lunchbox tin packed with golden, sesame-topped puff pastry mushroom rolls over a black-and-white checkered background.
55 min

golden mushroom rolls

Crispy, golden mushroom rolls that are easy for kids to hold, satisfying to eat, and packed with ingredients that help keep them full and focused.

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sweet potato rolls
45 min

sweet potato rolls

Crunchy, delicious, protein-rich veggie rolls that hold up beautifully in the lunchbox.

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A plate of golden carrot and Parmesan fritters with crisp edges, next to a black bowl of finely grated carrot on a rustic white wooden table.
30 min

carrot & parmesan fritters

Golden carrot and Parmesan fritters, soft in the middle and crisp at the edges, freezer-friendly and lunchbox-ready.

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crunchy sardine fritters
25 min

crunchy sardine fritters

Crispy, high-protein fritters for steady energy and focus.

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crispy tofu nuggets
50 min

crispy tofu nuggets

Crispy, protein-rich nuggets made from real ingredients kids actually enjoy.

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protein chickpea pancakes
15 min

protein chickpea pancakes

Fluffy pancakes that actually keep kids full - not hungry again 20 minutes later.

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dinosaur eggs
10 min

dinosaur eggs

Fluffy green egg rolls that keep kids steady and satisfied on school days.

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A hand holding a golden-brown zucchini pizza muffin over a stainless steel lunchbox with more muffins and slices of watermelon.
35 min

zucchini pizza muffins

Savoury, cheesy pizza-style muffins with hidden zucchini, made for lunchboxes and freezer stashes.

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The Lunchbox Formula™

there's a reason these recipes work so hard for kids

They're all built around The Lunchbox Formula™: the simple framework for packing food that helps kids get through the school day in one piece.

Free downloadDietitian approved11,000+ parents

By downloading, you’ll also receive our bi-weekly newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy

The Lunchbox Formula shown on a tablet

We love partnering with like-minded brands that share our values.
Interested in a partnership or collaboration?

LET’S TALK →
OUT NOW THE LUNCHBOX MANUALThe complete system for better lunches.
Back to recipes
Recipe collection

non-sandwich lunchbox recipes
kids actually eat

12 recipes for the days sandwiches aren’t landing: pasta, fritters, pinwheels and more.

01

why skip the sandwich

Sandwiches are easy, but lots of kids get bored of them fast. When the same bread comes home untouched day after day, it’s often not the food itself, just the sameness.

The fix isn’t more effort. Repeat the structure. Rotate the food. Every recipe here works cold, travels well and fits the main compartment of a lunchbox, so you can swap the sandwich out without needing a school microwave.

02

how to build a lunchbox around them

Most of these recipes already bring protein and complex carbs in one go. Pack one as the main, then add some fruit or veg and a small source of healthy fats like cheese, seeds or hummus.

That covers all four pillars of The Lunchbox Formula™: protein, complex carbs, healthy fats and colour. Many of them also freeze well, so a weekend batch can cover several school days.

Nothing here yet — try another category.

THE LUNCHBOX FORMULA™
The Lunchbox Formula on a tablet

there's a reason these recipes work so hard for kids

They're all built around The Lunchbox Formula™ — the simple framework for packing food that helps kids get through the school day in one piece.

Free downloadDietitian approved11,000+ parents

By downloading, you’ll also receive our bi-weekly newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy

We love partnering with like-minded brands that share our values. Interested in a partnership or collaboration?

LET'S TALK