Pack a Nutritious Lunch

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Pack a Nutritious Lunch

Ever get stuck in rut with packed lunches? Back-to-school time is a great time to revamp! Everyone can pack nutritious, natural, whole foods that are budget-friendly - kids and adults alike. We've linked a bunch of these to budget-friendly options.

The items below will stay at safe temperatures until lunchtime with simple, inexpensive ice packs or thermoses.

Whole Grains (1 or 2 servings per lunch)

• Whole-grain crackers

• Whole-grain bagel, pita, or slice of bread

• Toasted whole-grain English muffin

• Granola or cereal in a 1/2 cup container

• Bran or other whole-grain muffin

• Rice, wheatberry, quinoa, or other whole-grain salad

Vegetables (at least 2 servings)

• Hummus or other bean dip

• Salsa

• Avocado slices/dip

• Baby carrots

• Celery sticks

• Broccoli or cauliflower florets

• Cherry/grape tomatoes

• Sugar snap peas

• Cooked okra pods, green beans, corn on the cob

• Sweet pepper strips or whole mini peppers

• Greens salad with 1TB dressing

• Lettuce as a sandwich wrap

• Beans

• Vegetable soup

Fruit (1 serving per lunch)

• Apple, pear, orange, or other whole fruit

• Pineapple chunks

• Dried fruit packed in a 1/4 cup container

• Berries packed in a 1/2 cup container (try frozen; they defrost by lunchtime!)

• 1 cup 100% juice

• 6 oz. fruit smoothie

Protein (1 to 2 servings per lunch, depending on your protein needs)

• Turkey or turkey bacon, chicken, beef, pork, sausage, pepperoni

• Canned tuna, salmon, or other fish

• Bone broth

• Bean and/or lentil salad (also counts as a veggie)

• Baked tofu or tempeh

• Peanut or other nut butter

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Greek yogurt

• String cheese, cheese squares

• Chia pudding

• Protein shake/smoothie (can be a mix of several categories)

Watch for Co+op Deals and Co+op Basics Everyday Low Price (EDLP) signs to save on these and many other whole foods options around the store!

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