Social media is filled with perfectly-styled lunchboxes, and parents can feel the pressure to keep up. But between busy schedules and the morning rush, many are questioning how realistic these trends are for most families.

The good news is that kids’ lunchboxes don’t need to be time‐consuming or complicated. Ahead of Back to School, these six simple tips will help you pack a lunchbox that’s delicious, balanced, and most importantly, one your child will actually eat.

1. Follow a no-fuss formula 🥚
Avoid decision fatigue by sticking to this simple lunchbox formula:

• Quality carbohydrates, (e.g a wholegrain wrap or plain rice cakes), for energy and fibre
• Protein, (e.g. a boiled egg or greek yoghurt), to support growth and development
• Fruit and veggies, for fibre and antioxidants
• Something fun (e.g. an oat bar) to keep it appealing – bonus if it adds fibre.

2. Choose smart snacks 🌾
Wholegrain, fibre‐rich snacks help keep kids satisfied between meals, and having a trusted option on hand makes lunchbox prep faster and simpler.

Mother Earth Baked Oaty Slices takes the guesswork out of choosing a delicious yet and wholesome snack. They’re made with real butter and the goodness of wholegrain oats and have the tick of approval from kids.

3. Make it fun & colourful (without the extra prep) 🍓
Kids eat with their eyes. A mix of colourful fruit and bite‐sized finger foods makes lunchboxes feel more fun – no fancy tools or extra steps are needed.

4. Get your kids involved 🥪
Kids are more likely to eat what they choose. Let them pick their favourite fruit or veggies, sandwich/wrap filling or fun treat.

5. Change it up 🌯
Kids can get bored with the same thing. Change up the usual sandwich with a wrap, mini frittatas or last night’s leftovers.

6. Pack for freshness 🧊
Nobody wants a soggy sandwich. Keep lunches fresh and cool:

• Chilled water bottles and frozen 100% juice tetra packs make a handy chiller and a refreshing drink.
• Use insulated lunch bags with ice packs.
• Use leak-proof containers for yoghurt and dips.

Ali Baldwin leads nutrition strategy and regulatory affairs for The Arnott’s Group across Australia and New Zealand. With more than 25 years’ experience as a dietitian, she combines deep expertise in nutrition, research and food labelling to help shape the company’s approach to healthier, balanced eating.

Her career spans clinical dietetics, private practice, nutrition consulting and food industry roles in both Australia and the United States. Ali holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics, and is an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Passionate about making nutritious choices easier for all Australians, Ali works closely with experts across the sector to champion practical, evidence‑based nutrition.