If anyone knows a thing or two about picky eaters it’s me!
When Archie first started school he was fussy. Different foods could not touch one another & his school also had a no plastic policy. I really struggled to find a plastic-free lunchbox that worked for him & his school's requirements so I decided to make my own.
A couple of years later the CrunchBox was born!
The OG CrunchBox has four different compartments so food can be easily separated & gives you the opportunity to fill each compartment with something delicious & make lunches more inviting!
We were so excited to add a new addition to our product range last year, the Bento Box - the next evolution to our CrunchBox design. We designed this so you & your kids can mix & match! It's now completely leak proof meaning you can pack liquid lunches with confidence that they won’t leak.
This year, we've also got a brand new Insulated Lunch Box Set that's perfect for adults & kids alike. It includes an Insulated Flask and our brand new Nesting Pots and Sustainable Cutlery Set. Choose between Honey or Ocean.
I know that as a parent, it can be challenging to come up with healthy & tasty lunch ideas for fussy kids. It can be especially frustrating when you put time & effort into preparing a lunch only for it to come back uneaten. But fear not, there are ways to make lunchtime a success for everyone!
Here’s some of my tips for making lunches for picky eaters:
1. Involve your kids in the lunch-making process
This can help them feel more invested in the food they are eating & make them more likely to try new things. You can ask them to help you brainstorm ideas for lunch or let them choose from a selection of healthy options you have prepared.
2. Make it fun and visually appealing
Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches & cutting fruit into fun shapes, & include a variety of colors in your lunchbox. Displaying food in an appealing way & keeping it all separate works well for picky eaters. Our OG CrunchBox & Bento CrunchBox are perfect for this for their compartments and storage solutions!
3. Include a variety of food groups
This ensures they are getting all the nutrients they need! Include whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. Don't be afraid to get creative & think outside the box - a wrap filled with scrambled eggs & veggies, or a quinoa & black bean salad, can be just as tasty & satisfying as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
4. Hide veggies
Many kids will shudder at the sight of a spinach or an avocado, but won’t even notice they’re there if you blend them into a smoothie, add to muffins or include it in a pasta sauce! Being creative at ‘hiding’ vegetables is a great way to add more of them into their diet. We also love adding them into soups & curries!
5. Use leftovers
Another tip is to pack leftovers from dinner the night before. This can save time & ensure that you are using up food that might otherwise go to waste (& that you know they already like!). Our Bento CrunchBox is ideal for packing leftovers in. With two compartments & a silicone seal this CrunchBox is leakproof so you don’t have to worry about sauces leaking.
Our last word of advice? Don't be discouraged! It can take some trial & error to find lunch options that your picky kids will enjoy. Check out some of our recipes to get ideas and pop in a surprise occasionally. Keep offering a variety of healthy options & eventually you will find what works for your family. With a little bit of effort & creativity, you can make lunchtime a success for everyone. Happy packing!
