11 Vegan Recipes for Kids’ Lunchboxes They’ll Actually Eat
Packing a lunchbox your vegan kids will not only eat but also enjoy can feel like a challenge sometimes. But with the right balance of accessibility, ease, and incorporating foods they already love, it’s easier than you think!
Let’s dive into some winning vegan lunchbox ideas that are simple to prepare, nourishing, and most importantly, kid-approved.
Puff pastry pizza twists are an absolute lunchbox favourite in our house. The great thing about this recipe is how versatile it can be – you can adjust the ingredients to suit your vegan kids' preferences.
Personally, I like to keep things simple with a spread of tomato paste, vegan cheese, and vegan ham, but you could easily mix things up with olives, pineapple, or any other toppings your kids love.
The twists are easy to make, freeze well, and are perfect for a grab-and-go vegan lunchbox option.
Mini pancakes in the lunchbox? Absolutely!
This recipe takes a standard vegan pancake batter and turns it into bite-sized treats that your kids will love. These mini vegan pancakes can be enjoyed cold, which makes them perfect for school lunchboxes.
They can be eaten plain or sandwiched with some jam – either way, they’ll be a fun and tasty addition to your vegan kids' lunchboxes.
Is it even an Aussie lunchbox without some Vegemite?
Vegemite pinwheels are another versatile and easy recipe. Just roll out your puff pastry, spread with Vegemite, sprinkle on grated vegan cheese, and voilà! A quick and tasty lunchbox filler.
For an extra nutritional boost, I like to add some nutritional yeast, which is great for hitting those B12 targets. Nutritional yeast is generally fortified with vitamin B12, which helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells.
You can also switch up the fillings – pizza pinwheels are another hit in our house.
Tofu is a nutritional powerhouse, and these cheesy tofu bites are a great way to include a good source of protein in your vegan kids' lunchboxes.
Tofu is packed with calcium, protein, and iron – all essential nutrients for growing kids. This recipe is simple enough to make in the morning if you’ve got an air fryer handy.
Toss the tofu in soy sauce and nutritional yeast, pop it in the air fryer, and you’ve got a healthy, oil-free snack that’ll keep your kids satisfied through the school day.
While it’s not your typical lunchbox item, silken tofu with garlic and onion can be a refreshing option during warmer months.
It’s light, tasty, and can be served cold. I like to sometimes mix things up with a satay sauce that goes down a treat with my kids. It’s all about finding what sauces your kids enjoy, but the possibilities are endless with this one.
Free Vegan Kids Lunchbox Ebook
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my free Vegan Kids Lunchbox ebook! It’s packed with 10 easy and delicious ideas for your vegan kids' lunchboxes. There are photos and recipes to give you a bit more variety in your lunchbox routine, making vegan lunches more exciting and enjoyable for your little ones.
7 Weeks of Vegan Kids Lunchboxes Spreadsheet
For even more ideas, my 7 Weeks of Vegan Kids Lunchboxes spreadsheet has got you covered for almost an entire school term. This comprehensive guide breaks down seven weeks' worth of ideas for recess and lunch, with recipes, tips, and even shopping guides.
The stress of wondering what to pack is practically eliminated!
Weet-Bix is a classic Australian staple, and turning it into a vegan Weet-Bix slice is a no-brainer
This vegan sweet treat is perfect for a vegan kid’s lunchbox and will last up to 7 days in an airtight container. Simple, affordable, and a guaranteed hit with the kids.
There’s nothing like using up those overripe bananas by whipping up some vegan banana muffins.
I’m all for homemade treats in the lunchbox, and these muffins never fail to impress. They’re easy to make, and the best part? They’ll last up to 5 days in an airtight container, so you can prep them ahead of time.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made these vegan chocolate cupcakes. They’re that easy!
Minimal ingredients, guaranteed fluffiness every time, and you can skip the icing if you’re in a rush. They’re a hit with or without it, but you can always top them with a store-bought vegan icing for that extra treat.
Like the chocolate ones, these vegan vanilla cupcakes are super easy to whip up and perfect for vegan kids lunchboxes.
You can alternate between these and the chocolate ones to keep things fresh throughout the week. They’re great to make ahead and store for the week’s lunches.
Zucchini fritters are a great warm option for your vegan kids’ lunchboxes.
Just wrap them in some foil, and they’ll stay warm until lunchtime. They’re a filling, veggie-packed snack that my kids always look forward to.
If your kids prefer corn to zucchini, these vegan corn fritters are a fantastic alternative. They’re slightly sweeter, but just as satisfying. Either way, you can’t go wrong with fritters in the lunchbox.
Store-Bought Vegan Options
Sometimes, you need a quick fix, and there’s nothing wrong with that! There are plenty of affordable and accessible vegan options available at the supermarket. Vegetable spring rolls, vegetable dumplings, and homemade vegan sushi are all easy options that can be quickly prepared in the morning.
Final Tips for Packing Vegan Kids Lunchboxes
Prep ahead: Use the weekends to make a few snacks and treats that will last throughout the week.
Keep it simple: Don’t overcomplicate things – stick with what your kids already enjoy, and gradually introduce new items.
Mix it up: Try to alternate between different snacks and meals to keep things interesting.
Get the kids involved: Let them choose between a couple of different options so they feel more involved in what goes into their lunchbox.
With these recipes and tips, you’ll have a lunchbox packed with tasty, healthy, and satisfying vegan meals that your kids will love. Enjoy!
*This blog includes affiliates links where I may receive a commission