If you’re like most parents, you want your toddler to have a healthy and nutritious meal during the day. But sometimes, it can be hard to come up with new ideas for lunch that are both tasty and good for them.
Never fear – we’ve got you covered! This article will share some of our favorite toddler lunch ideas that are both healthy and delicious. So get ready to get inspired – your little one is going to love these meals!
These toddler lunch ideas will surely make lunch more exciting and fun for toddlers!
What Should To Include In A Healthy Lunch For Toddlers?
When thinking of healthy toddler lunch ideas, there are a few key things to remember. First, it’s important to include a variety of food groups in their meal. Toddlers need protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruit in their diet.
You can easily include all of these food groups by packing a PB&J sandwich, some carrot sticks, and a small piece of fruit. Therefore, don’t forget these things when thinking about toddler lunch ideas.
Toddlers also need fat in their diet for energy and to help absorb vitamins. However, you should avoid giving them foods that are high in saturated fats, such as chips or cookies. Instead, opt for healthier fats like avocado or nuts. This is because saturated fats can lead to weight gain and other health problems. You can also include cream cheese and bread to help balance out their meals.
Finally, it’s important to make sure that your toddler drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Toddlers can get dehydrated easily, so it’s important to pack a water bottle in their lunchbox. This will help them stay hydrated and avoid any potential health problems. You can also pack milk or 100% fruit juice for your toddler, but water is the best option.
Now that you know what to include in a healthy lunch for toddlers, let’s take a look at some specific ideas!
35 Healthy Toddler Lunch Ideas to Guarantee a Healthy and Delicious Meal for Your Toddler
1. Turkey Pinwheels
This Turkey Pinwheels recipe will surely be a hit for toddlers. Simply take a whole wheat tortilla and spread some cream cheese on it.
Then, add some thinly sliced turkey and chopped vegetables. We love to use lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Roll up the tortilla into a pinwheel shape and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Toddlers will love eating these fun pinwheels – and you’ll love knowing that they’re getting their veggies!
2. Fruit Kabobs
For a healthy and refreshing snack, try making fruit kabobs! This is a great toddler lunch idea that your toddler will adore! Simply thread some of your toddler’s favorite fruits onto a skewer. We love using grapes, strawberries, and melons. You can also add a small piece of yogurt or cheese for a bit of protein.
Toddlers will love eating these kabobs – they make a great snack or even a light lunch. Fruit kabobs are a fun and easy way to get your toddler to eat their fruits! This is especially good for those picky eaters.
3. Yogurt and Granola
Yogurt and granola is a healthy and yummy snack or light lunch for toddlers. Simply put some yogurt into a cup and top it with granola. You can also add some fresh fruit or honey for sweetness.
Toddlers will love eating this tasty snack – and you’ll love knowing that they’re getting their calcium and probiotics! You can also add cream cheese and throw in whole wheat bread to make this toddler lunch idea more appealing.
4. PB&J Sandwich
A PB&J sandwich is a classic lunchtime favorite – and for a good reason! It’s an easy way to get your toddler to eat their bread, peanut butter, and jelly. Plus, it’s a filling meal that will keep them full until dinner.
To make this sandwich more fun, try using different shaped cookie cutters to cut the bread. Toddlers will love eating their PB&J sandwiches in fun shapes! This makes this toddler lunch idea one of the best out there!
5. Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-ups Snack Box
Peanut butter and banana rollups are healthy and delectable snacks or light lunches for toddlers. Simply spread some peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla. Then, add a sliced banana and roll it up.
Toddlers will enjoy these tasty roll-ups while getting their protein, carbs, and fruit all in one! Lunch ideas should be fun and creative to encourage toddlers to eat!
6. Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Cook some pasta and mix it with broccoli pesto. You can also add some shredded chicken or cheese for protein.
7. Soft and Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
Toddlers will love these soft and cheesy pepperoni pizza puffs! Get some shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Bisquick mix and mix them. Then, drop the dough by the spoonful onto a baking sheet. This easy pizza puffs recipe make a great snack or light lunch for kids.
8. Tic Tac Toe Sandwiches
Another fun way to enjoy a classic PB&J sandwich is by turning it into a game of tic tac toe! Simply make a PB&J sandwich and then use a knife to cut it into nine squares. Toddlers will love eating their sandwiches in this fun and interactive way! Whole grain crackers will also work if you don’t have bread to use.
9. Sweet Potato Noodle Ham and Cheese Cups
This is a great way to get your toddler to eat their veggies! Simply mix some shredded sweet potatoes, ham, and cheese. Then, drop the mixture by the spoonful into a muffin tin.
Kids will surely enjoy munching on these tasty cups! After all, nothing beats the combination of sweet potatoes, ham, and cheese! You can also add almond butter to make one of the best lunch ideas for toddlers more interesting.
10. 4-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
Toddlers will love these yummy and healthy banana pancakes! Blend together some ripe bananas, eggs, oats, and milk. Then, cook the pancakes on a griddle or in a frying pan. Toddlers will love eating these tasty pancakes!
You will also teach your child to love eating healthily! Toddlers will love eating these healthy and delicious banana pancakes! You can add apple slices to these pancakes to make an easy toddler lunch.
11. Toddler-Friendly Chicken Teriyaki
Mix some shredded chicken, teriyaki sauce, and rice. Then, cook the mixture in a frying pan. Toddlers will love eating this tasty dish!
Plus, it’s a great way to get them to eat their chicken and rice. You can serve this with sweet potato, pita bread, wheat bread, or apple slices to make it an easy toddler lunch idea you can always go back to.
12. Toddler-Friendly Veggie Quesadillas
This is an easy way to get your toddler to eat their veggies! Simply mix some shredded veggies, cheese, and tortillas. Then, cook the quesadillas in a frying pan.
It’s a great way for kids to their veggies and cheese. You can add pizza sauce to this recipe to make a good easy toddler lunch idea your kid will love!
13. Sweet Potato, Bacon, and Broccoli Egg Muffins
If your toddler does not like eating sweet potatoes, this is a great way to get them to eat their veggies! Shred some sweet potatoes and mix them with bacon and broccoli. Then, cook the mixture in a muffin tin.
14. Homemade Spaghettios
Toddlers will love these healthy homemade Spaghettios! Put together some tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese. Then, cook the mixture in a pot.
Spaghettios will surely make meal times more fun for your toddler! Toddlers will love eating these healthy and delicious homemade Spaghettios! You can pair Spaghettios with wheat bread or pita bread for added nutrition!
15. Toddler-Friendly Sushi
This is a sure way to get your toddler to eat their healthy sushi! Simply mix some shredded veggies, rice, and nori sheets. Then, roll the mixture into sushi rolls. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to sushi! Healthy lunch ideas will always be hard to beat!
16. Veggie-Packed Tostadas
This is an excellent way to get your toddler to eat their veggies! Shred some veggies and cheese and add them on top of the tortillas. Then, cook the tostadas in a frying pan. Tostadas are a great way to get your toddler to eat their veggies and cheese!
17. Toddler-Friendly Pizza
Pizza is something that kids enjoy eating. However, how can you make pizza healthier? Simply mix some shredded cheese, tomato sauce, and dough. Then, cook the pizza in a frying pan or oven. You can also add some shredded veggies to the pizza.
Toddlers will love eating this scrumptious pizza, and parents will love that their kids are eating healthily! You can also add cheese sauce to make this healthy toddler lunch more appealing to your toddler.
18. Homemade Crispy Baked Fish Sticks
Getting kids to eat fish is usually harder than pork or chicken. Most kids do not like the taste or smell of fish. If you are having a hard time getting your toddler to eat fish, this is a great way to get them to eat their seafood!
Simply blend some shredded fish, bread crumbs, and egg. Then, bake the mixture in an oven. Yummy food is always a good lunch idea that will appeal to young kids!
19. Toddler-Friendly Fruit Popsicles
Fruit popsicles are a healthy and yummy way to get your toddler to eat fruit! Get some fruits, yogurt, and juice and blend them. Then, freeze the mixture in popsicle molds, like this one from Amazon. Kids will have fun eating these tasty fruit popsicles!
Plus, it’s a great way to get them to eat fruit and yogurt. Healthy foods should always be a priority. Not to mention yummy toddler food that will always make meals more exciting!
20. Easy Enchilada Cups
If your toddler loves Mexican food, they will love these enchilada cups! Simply mix some shredded chicken, cheese, and tortillas. Then, cook the mixture in a muffin tin. This lunch idea will surely add some fun to your toddler’s meal times!
21. Baked Quinoa Chicken Nuggets
Toddlers will love these healthy and delicious quinoa chicken nuggets! Mix some shredded chicken, quinoa, and bread crumbs. Then, bake the mixture in an oven. Toddlers will love the taste of these quinoa chicken nuggets! Plus, it’s a great way to guarantee that your toddler consumes their protein intake.
22. Toddler-Friendly Fried Rice
This is a sure way to get your kids to eat their veggies! Shred vegetables and mix them with rice and soy sauce. Then, cook the mixture in a frying pan. You can serve this Toddler-Friendly Fried Rice with some chicken or shrimp.
23. Curried Chickpeas and Rice
Simply mix some chickpeas, rice, and curry powder. Then, cook the mixture in a frying pan or oven. You can season the Curried Chickpeas and Rice with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Children will surely look forward to eating this yummy food!
24. Baked Mac-and-Cheese Bites
Is your toddler getting tired of mac-and-cheese? If yes, then this is a great way to change things up! Mix some macaroni, cheese, and bread crumbs. Then, bake the mixture in an oven. Toddlers will feel excited eating these savory mac-and-cheese bites!
25. Meal-prep Creamy Pasta Salad With Broccoli and Raisins
Mix some broccoli, raisins, and pasta. Then, cook the mixture in a pot. You can add some shredded cheese and diced chicken to this Meal-prep Creamy Pasta Salad to make it even more yummy and healthy!
26. Turkey Spinach Pinwheels Meal Prep
The Turkey Spinach Pinwheels is a quick and easy way to get kids to eat their veggies! Mix some shredded turkey, spinach, and tortillas. Then, roll up the mixture and cook in a frying pan. Toddlers will indeed feel excited as they eat these healthy and delicious pinwheels!
27. Toddler-Friendly Vegetable Soup
Get some veggies, broth, and pasta and mix them. Then, cook the mixture in a pot. You can add some shredded cheese and diced chicken to this Toddler-Friendly Vegetable Soup to make it even more delicious and nutritious.
28. Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats
Toddlers will love these healthy and yummy peanut butter and jelly overnight oats! Mix some rolled oats, milk, peanut butter, and jelly. Then, refrigerate the mixture overnight. Once it’s ready, you can serve them for lunch to make lunchtime more exciting for your toddler!
29. Toddler-Friendly Fruit Salad
Sometimes, getting your toddler to eat their fruits can be tricky. If this is the case, then this toddler-friendly fruit salad is a great way to ensure that they consume their daily intake of fruits!
Get some chopped fruits, yogurt, and honey and mix them. The taste of this toddler-friendly fruit salad is guaranteed to make your toddler ask for more!
30. Mini Corn Dog Muffins
Toddlers will love these healthy and enjoyable mini corn dog muffins! You’ll need to mix cornbread mix, hot dogs, and cheese. Then, bake the mixture in a muffin tin. You can pair these mini corn dog muffins with some ketchup or mustard.
31. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Toddlers will surely enjoy these crispy baked chicken tenders! Simply season some chicken strips with salt, pepper, and flour. Then, bake the chicken in an oven. These chicken tenders are healthy and delicious, and they are sure to be a hit with your toddler!
32. Peanut Butter Apple Cinnamon Sushi Rolls
These peanut butter apple cinnamon sushi rolls will be a sure hit for kids because they are delicious! Chop some apples, and mix them with peanut butter, and cinnamon. Then, roll up the mixture in some sushi rice.
33. Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese
You can never go wrong with roasted broccoli grilled cheese! Toddlers will love this nutritious meal because it is cheesy and yummy. Chop or shred some broccoli and cheese, and place them on top of sliced bread. Then, roast the mixture in an oven. Your children will gobble up these delightful grilled cheese sandwiches in no time!
34. Cauliflower Tots
Cauliflower is a vegetable that is not usually popular with toddlers. However, this healthy and yummy recipe is sure to change their minds! Simply mix some cauliflower, potatoes, and breadcrumbs. Then, bake the mixture in an oven. Toddlers will surely love the taste of cauliflower tots and ask for more!
35. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta
Toddlers will love this healthy and appetizing avocado and black bean pasta! Cook some pasta, and mix with avocado, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Toddlers will surely love the creamy taste of this pasta dish! After all, avocado is a toddler superfood!
How To Pack Your Toddler’s Lunch Properly
When packing your toddler’s lunch, it is important to consider the following:
- Toddlers have small stomachs, so it is important to pack smaller portions.
- Toddlers need a variety of food groups in their diet, so try to include a protein, carbohydrate, fruit or vegetable, and dairy product in their lunch. Toddlers need to stay hydrated, so pack a water bottle or sippy cup with their lunch.
- If you are packing a hot lunch for your toddler, be sure to use an insulated lunch box to keep the food warm.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your toddler’s lunch is healthy and delicious. Your toddler will eat more and stay fuller longer. Toddlers need nutritious food to grow and develop properly, so be sure to pack a healthy and delicious lunch for your little one!
Conclusion
Toddler lunch ideas are important because toddlers need nutritious food to grow and develop properly. By packing a healthy and delicious lunch for your toddler, you can be sure that they will eat more and stay fuller longer.
Toddlers need a variety of food groups in their diet, so try to include as many healthy foods in their lunch as possible. This will guarantee that your toddler stays healthy and happy!
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