Moms whose kids are finicky eaters frequently struggle with it. Moreover, mothers find it challenging to choose nutritious packing for these children. In this article, we are going to discuss lunch ideas for kids that are picky eaters. We know, your kids may not be a simple sandwich or pasta eater. Every kid must be treated differently and it is important to understand what they like to eat on their lunch.
10 Best Lunch Ideas for Kids That Are Picky Eaters
It can be challenging to figure out what children genuinely enjoy eating. However, some lunch ideas are never boring! Let’s discuss the lunch ideas for picky kids and what should be packed in the lunchbox of kindergarten.
Our Quick Cheesy Lunch Ideas
- Smoked Lemon
- Peanut Butter with Jelly Rollups
- Egg Wraps with Strawberries
- Pancakes with Chips
- Cheeseburger
- Roasted cheap potatoes
- Mini Burgers
- Chicken Nuggets
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Hummus and Cucumber Toast
1. Smoked Lemon for Picky Eaters
Kids love to see fresh-cut lemons for lunch, especially when dipped in sugar and grilled afterward. The preparation of smoked lemon for lunch is not hard for moms. Cut side down, and dip the lemons into the sugar. When the sugar has dissolved and grill marks have formed, place the lemons, cut side down, straight on the grill grate, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
Take off from the grill and leave to cool down. Once lemons are cooled, now they are ready to squeeze the juice. Sugar, delicious, ice syrup, etc, and serve to your kids for lunch.
2. Peanut Butter with Jelly Rollups
Jelly rollups with peanut butter could be one of the best lunch ideas for kids who are picky eaters, however, daily consumptions are not recommended. 2 tablespoons of jelly, a few slices of bread, and one tablespoon of creamy peanut butter. Start by removing the side crust from the bread, and spread the peanut butter, and one tablespoon of sliced fruit on each slice of bread. Finally, roll each slice into the tight spiral, cut it into 4 pieces, and pack it for lunch.
3. Egg Wraps with Strawberries
Egg wraps with strawberries are not only a delicious lunch to be packed for kids but also a healthy option with multigrain. This healthy option also has a very low amount of calories – 20 kcal. Egg wraps are easy to prepare and require two eggs, two white eggs, a chopped walnut, and 2 tablespoons of low-sugar fruit. You can add vanilla extract, sweeteners, and sliced strawberries to make it more delicious and kid-friendly.
4. Pancake with Chips
Pancake with chips is a perfect lunch idea for picky eaters which is delicious as well as loved by most of the kids. Even if your kid doesn’t like it, with a little customization, it can be transformed into a better lunch option. You need 5 mini pancakes (varies based on your kids), a hard-boiled egg, ½ banana, cheese cubes, and mixed berries. Just sift the dried matter, add syrup to wet, stir properly, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Cheeseburger
A cheeseburger could be a healthy meal option for kids that are picky eaters. When prepared with healthy ingredients like fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains with essential nutrients like protein and vitamin B or C. Layer all the ingredients in a jar and start dressing with all toppings like onion, pickle, tomatoes, cheese, etc. Seal the box, keep it to freeze, and let it cool before you start enjoying.
6. Roasted cheap potatoes
Potatoes are nutritious and low calories vegetable that offers healthy meal options for kids who are picky eaters. Roasted potatoes are also full of fibers, anti-oxidants, resistant starch, etc that make it good for the kid’s appetite. The preparation steps are simple – wash potatoes, soak them in cold water, preheat the oven to a very hot temperature, and finally add olive oil or herbs to make them more healthy and delicious.
7. Mini Burger
Mini burgers are one of the best healthy lunch ideas for kids that are picky eaters and demand something new each weekend. Mini burgers are easy to prepare and require hardly 15 minutes to get ready. To prepare it, you need to pound of ground beef, 1 ounce of onion soup mix, 2 cups shredded cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, and ½ cup sliced pickle. Gather all ingredients, pre-heat for approximately 170 degrees C with aluminum foil, mix ground beef and onion soup, stir well, and finally bake it in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted to get it ready to be packed for your kids.
8. Chicken Nugget
Whatever would be loved by your kids, they cannot say no to chicken nuggets due to their amazing taste (when prepared well). You are required 3 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, 1 cup bread crumbs, ½ cheese, 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ cup butter. First, preheat the oven to 200 degrees C and mix all the ingredients, dip chicken pieces into the melted butter coated with bread crumbs, and bake the nuggets in the preheated oven until browned and the chicken is cooked through about 20 minutes.
Also read: Quick and Tasty School Lunch Ideas for Kids – Ready in Just 5 Minutes
9. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Chicken spaghetti casserole is loved by every family member not alone the kids! If you are struggling with what to pack in lunch for your kids that are picky eaters then it could be a great option. It may take a longer time to prepare, so, it is recommended to prepare it on the weekdays or holidays. You are required 8 ounces of spaghetti that is sliced properly, 3 cups cooked chicken meat, 2 cups shredded cheese, 10 ounces mushroom soup, ½ chopped onion, and salt-peeper according to the taste.
First, preheat the oven and put the spaghetti in boiled water, and later drain the water. Now, add all other ingredients including sliced chicken, onion, cheese, etc. Finally, bake it in a preheated oven for 30 minutes and your kid’s favorite lunch is ready.
10. Hummus and Cucumber Toast
Hummus and cucumber toast are not only quick to ready (in 10 minutes) but also one of the very delicious lunch ideas for kids that are picky eaters. The basic required ingredients are toasted bread, 2 tablespoons hummus, ½ sliced avocado, 1 sliced cucumber, salt, pepper, etc. To make it ready, spread hummus on toast, top with sliced cucumbers and avocado, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Now, serve this tasty meal to your kids for lunch.
Conclusion
Picky eating is a common phase for kids when they are under the age of 6. Other children are picky eaters due to texture, taste, neuro-development, medical issues, and the way a meal is prepared. In this article, we have learned the top 10 lunch ideas for kids who are picky eaters, and whom you find challenging to deal with. Pack these delicious and healthy meals for your kids.
