4 Easy Non-Processed Lunchbox Ideas For Kids From Jenna Hope

At Kit & Kin, we believe nourishing your little one goes beyond the food in their lunchbox, it’s also about making sure the products you use to prepare and store their meals are safe and gentle. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our expert partner, nutritionist Jenna Hope, to share 4 simple, delicious healthy lunch ideas, as well as advice on avoiding toxic chemicals in the kitchen.

Feeling confused about what to put in your kids’ lunchbox?

Feeding children can be challenging - especially when their likes and dislikes change daily. Add in the conversations around ultra-processed foods and toxic chemicals in the kitchen, and it’s no wonder school lunchbox prep can feel overwhelming.

We’re also up against the marketing power of big food and cleaning companies, making it even harder to know exactly what’s best for our children’s health. From what we feed them to how we clean their lunchboxes, every choice matters.

That’s why I’m here to make life a little simpler. In this blog, I’m sharing four quick, easy, and nutritious lunchbox recipes you can rotate throughout the week. These meals are healthy, tasty, and fun. And even better - they’re more likely to be eaten if you get your children involved in the preparation.

Why non-toxic cleaning products matter too

The products you use to wash your hands, clean lunchboxes, and wipe down kitchen surfaces should be carefully considered. Cleaning products containing toxic chemicals can leave residues on your children’s food containers, and even on the food itself.

For peace of mind, Kit & Kin’s all purpose spray is food-grade, meaning it’s approved for use around food preparation areas. It’s also made with non-toxic, naturally derived ingredients, so you can feel confident you’re protecting your child from unnecessary chemical exposure.

Using chemical-free cleaning products alongside a diet of whole, minimally processed foods is a powerful way to support your child’s health from the inside out.

4 nutritious lunchbox recipes

1. Baked vegetable frittata

Perfect for lunchboxes or even breakfast on busy mornings, this vegetable-packed frittata is one you’ll want to keep stocked in the fridge.

Ingredients:

8 eggs
1 pepper
1 handful spinach
1 courgette
Pinch of salt and pepper
Handful of mixed herbs

Method:

Dice the pepper and courgette. Roughly chop the spinach.
Whisk the eggs in a bowl, season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Add the vegetables and mix well.
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Bake for 25 minutes, leave to cool, slice, and enjoy.

2. Falafel wrap with hummus and vegetables

You can also make this as a sandwich using wholegrain bread.

Ingredients:

1 wholegrain wrap
2 tbsp hummus
2 falafels
¼ cucumber
¼ can sweetcorn

Method:

Spread hummus evenly over the wrap.
Crumble the falafel into the hummus.
Slice cucumber into sticks and add with the sweetcorn.
Roll, slice in half, and pack into the lunchbox.

3. Pasta salad with peas and sweetcorn

Kids love pasta, and this is a great way to sneak in extra veg - plus it’s perfect for using up leftovers.

Ingredients:

80g wholewheat pasta
100g no-added-sugar tomato sauce
40g peas
40g sweetcorn

Method:

Cook pasta according to packet instructions.
Stir through the tomato sauce, peas, and sweetcorn.
Allow to cool before adding to the lunchbox.

4. Rainbow bento snack box

This colourful mix is great for variety and ensures your child is exposed to a wide range of foods.

Ingredients:

2 oatcakes
2 tbsp hummus or 30g cheese
1 carrot
¼ cucumber
5 cherry tomatoes
6 pitted olives
4 strawberries

Method:

Cut vegetables and fruit into age-appropriate portions.
Arrange in a bento-style lunchbox with separate compartments.

Final thought from Jenna

Healthy eating isn’t just about what’s on the plate - it’s also about creating a safe, chemical-free food environment. By pairing nutritious, wholefood recipes with non-toxic cleaning supplies, you can nourish your little one from the inside out.

Follow Jenna Hope on Instagram for more top tips, healthy swaps, and gut-boosting recipes.

FAQs

1. What are some healthy lunchbox ideas for kids?
Healthy lunchbox ideas for kids include simple, non-processed meals such as vegetable frittata, falafel wraps, wholewheat pasta salad, and rainbow bento boxes. These are easy lunch ideas that are nutritious, filling, and made from whole foods.

2. What are the best non-processed foods for lunch?
Some of the best non-processed foods for lunch include fresh vegetables, wholegrains, eggs, pulses, and fresh fruit. Avoid ultra-processed foods and opt for simple, healthy non-processed meals to nourish your family.

3. Can these lunch ideas work for adults too?
Yes! These easy lunch ideas are perfect for work lunches as well as kids’ lunchboxes. Recipes like falafel wraps, pasta salad, and bento snack boxes are healthy lunches for work, low-calorie lunch ideas, and great for anyone following a non-processed diet.

4. How do I make healthy lunches that kids will actually eat?
Involve children in the lunch-making process and offer a variety of colourful, tasty foods. Try recipes like a rainbow bento box or pasta salad with peas and sweetcorn. When kids help prepare their food, they’re more likely to eat and enjoy it.

5. What’s an easy way to avoid toxic chemicals in food prep?
Use food-grade, non-toxic cleaning products for lunchboxes, surfaces, and utensils. Kit & Kin’s all purpose spray is safe to use around food, giving you peace of mind when preparing healthy lunches for your family.