Why they're a great option
Over the past couple of years, bento boxes have grown in popularity, as they are appealing for several reasons:
- They are eco-friendly, since they are reusable, thereby minimizing the use of plastic baggies, disposable containers and other lunch waste.
- They are a perfect container for your kids to eat from. Simply lift the lid and your kids are ready to eat instead of having to unpack each individual item.
- It's easy to adhere to the government's MyPlate recommendations when you have such a clear visual in front of you.
- Picky eaters are more likely to try various new foods when they're presented in a fun and colorful way.
How to get started
If you're interested in packing bento boxes, you can start slowly by buying just a few items while you determine if it's a good option for your family.
As bento boxes are becoming more popular, the available options grow every day.
You can get started with just a handful of items:
- Small bento box
- Large bento box
- Silicone cupcake liners
- Small cookie cutters
- Sandwich cutters
I also used a cupcake pick to add a little extra touch for my daughter's lunch. When she opened the lid and saw the bunny, she smiled from ear to ear.
Sample bento boxes
The large bento box contains:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Banana
- Peanut butter and fig jam sandwich made with whole wheat bread
- Snow peas
- Cheddar cheese
- Black Forest ham
The small bento box contains:
- Sliced red bell peppers
- Whole grain crackers
- Cheddar cheese
- Black Forest ham
- Strawberries
What to pack
The options for what to put in your child's bento box are endless. Here are some more ideas to get you started:
Carbohydrates^
- Whole grain crackers
- Mini pretzels
- Granola bars
- Goldfish crackers or cheddar bunnies
- Mini bagels
- Pita bread
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Leftover pasta salad
- Pancake or waffle strips
- Dry cereal
- Dinner rolls
Dairy^
- Greek yogurt
- String cheese
- Cheese cubes or slices
- Cottage cheese
- Babybel cheese
Proteins^
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Leftover meat from the previous night's dinner, cut into bite-size pieces
- Chicken sausage
- Deli meats like turkey or ham
- Quesadilla wedges
Fruits and vegetables^
- Apples slices (dip them in orange juice to keep from browning)
- Bell pepper strips
- Bananas
- Sliced grapes
- Clementine wedges
- Applesauce
- Raisins
- Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries
- Carrot sticks
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sugar snap peas
- Cucumber strips or slices
- Celery
- Edamame
Kids love to graze and are delighted by fun foods. A bento box is the perfect vehicle for you to offer them a range of options from which to choose. You might just be surprised by how much they eat.
More about food
Fun sandwich ideas for kids
Going gluten-free
Eat a rainbow every day
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