Mumbler Maria has written possibly one of the most comprehensive picnic lunch ideas list I’ve seen!* Thanks, Maria 🙂
*Whilst every effort has been made to list as many picnic lunch foods as possible, I’m afraid no guarantees can be made as to whether your Mini Mumblers will actually eat them – Ha, sorry!! (My Teeniest One won’t eat lunch…what’s that about??)
The summer holidays are here and as always I’m trying to keep my children entertained without spending a fortune (while also desperately trying to keep screens to a healthy(ish) level).
Having lived abroad, I’m aware that the UK is a fantastic place for children to grow up. There are beautiful parks, woods, nature reserves and great outdoors activities up and down the country. And the best part is, many of these attractions are completely free!
However, I have always struggled in the past to work out the best way to feed my hungry kids while we are out and about.  It seems like I either spend an astronomical amount of money in cafes and restaurants – mostly on unhealthy options – or, in an attempt to eat a bit healthier and save some pennies, I spend hours preparing an overcomplicated lunch, only to find out that I forgot to pack a fork and we can’t eat our noodles (true story).
So I thought I’d put a list together with healthy packed lunch ideas, in the hope it’ll make my summer days easier. I hope you find it useful too.
Healthy contents ideas
Sandwiches
The most obvious choice when it comes to packed lunches. The options are endless! Here are some ideas:
Ham
Egg mayo
Tuna and sweet corn
Tuna and black olive
Salmon and salad cream
Smoked salmon and cream cheese
Chicken salad
Plain hummus
Hummus and grated carrot
Hummus and tomato
Plain cheese
2-3 different types of cheese
Cheese and pickle
Mozzarella and pesto
Apple and cheese
Jam
Turkey
Mashed avocado
Honey
Mashed banana and honey
Nut butter
Peanut butter and apple
Tahini paste and roasted veg
Coronation chicken or any curried mayo
Prawn cocktail
Or combination of the above.
Types of bread:
You could also use taco shells if you fancy a change.
Other food ideas:
Pudding ideas
Container Ideas
Bento style boxes
I discovered these when my youngest started at her child minder and I needed to send her packed lunches. You can get them in any supermarket or order one online. It’s a great space saver because the entire lunch goes in one box and kiddies love the little compartments.
Tupperware boxes
These are great for keeping leftover bits and pieces, which you can then use in your lunches. Toddlers in particular love to discover what’s in the box and are more likely to try a bit. There’s definitely a novelty element to them.
Nowadays you also find a box for every purpose. Look around your local supermarket and you’ll find boxes for dips, with a long compartment for veg or bread sticks and another one for the dip. I love the tiny tubs for salad dressing. No more soggy salad for me!
Jars
Although very trendy these days, and much more environmentally friendly, they aren’t great to carry food around, specially if you are running after little people. They work better for a packed lunch you take to work and leave in the fridge until lunchtime.
Food safety
Providing you have an insulated bag and an ice pack you can carry pretty much anything. However, I wouldn’t keep things like fish or chicken for any longer than 3-4 hours.
If you are using leftover food from the night before, cool at room temperature as quickly as possible and refrigerate immediately.
Don’t forget…
Remember to pack any cutlery and napkins you think you’ll need. I tend to chop everything before packing it so I only need a fork or spoon.
Also, remember your dressing if you are having a salad. Â A bit of cling film before you screw the top is a good way to avoid leakages.
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