Finding healthy lunchbox items for your kids without being boring or repetitive can be a challenge.

The packaging for kid’s snacks in the supermarket can often be misleading with buzz words like ‘nutritious’, ‘fibre’ or ‘gluten-free’.

Take the time to read the ingredients.

Keep in mind that the ingredients are listed in order of quantity, so if the first ingredient is sugar you may want to reconsider.

Check out our list for 10 tasty lunchbox (or after school snack) picks:

1. Fruit

A simple sweet favourite. Often self contained with easy clean up.

How about trying something different in the lunchbox like dates? The sweet dried fruit will satisfy the sweet tooth, boost energy and has many health benefits. The fruits contain iron, calcium and potassium (among other vitamins).

They are great for muscle development especially in your active, growing kiddos.

For added protein Stick to Health organic fruit and nuts bars are made from pure fruit and nuts blended (best for after school snack due to nuts). They are the perfect portion size and come in fun flavours such as orange and cacao, berry, coconut or banana.

2. Coconut water

Substitute sugary drinks with coconut water. It is slightly sweet with a nutty taste.

It is more nutritious than water and provides the same benefits of a sports drink.

Coconut water has electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, but all of these are in their most natural and healthy form.

Our pick is Raw C Coconut Water because it is 100% Pure Coconut water with no added sugar, no preservatives or funny stuff!

3. Healthy Snack Bar

With so many snack bars on the market it’s hard to choose the best for your kids.

Read the label and stick to minimal ingredients with no added sugars – our pick is Simply Raw Bars, not only are they simply delicious, the range caters for all types of dietary restrictions, from gluten and lactose intolerance, to nut allergies.

4. Seeds and nuts (save nuts for after school as a lot of schools have a ‘no nut’ policy)

Another simple yet hardy choice to stave of hunger and satisfy the tummy. Mix it up to make things tastier by finding a healthy granola with some dried coconut flakes and a bit of muesli.

We are loving Brookfarms new Brothers Blend, a blend of macadamias, pistachios, almonds and pecans and oven baked with a hint of pure maple syrup and a light dusting of sea salt, the slightly sweet taste may just tickle their fancy!

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5. Raw chocolate

Let’s face it – it’s a rare kid that doesn’t like chocolate. So if you’re going to give them a treat try some raw chocolate by Loving Earth.

Look for chocolate with no added sugar combined with some super foods like coconut, goji berries or nuts.

6. Chips

No, we aren’t talking potato crisps here.

All the kids on the playground are eating chips – try to convert your child to kale chips – or chips made from nuts and vegetables.

You can get cool flavours like zucchini and almond or carrot and pepita from Fine Fettle Flats that come in nifty single serves. This is real veg and fruit goodness at its best, squished and dried (not fried) into snacks.

7. Quinoa

Kids need energy to keep alert for school and, of course, the playground. Give them a protein kick with quinoa to keep them running around all day. Mix with some veggies and pesto to make it colourful and healthy.

8. Greek yoghurt

Another way to pack in a shot of protein and calcium is Greek yoghurt. Add some seeds for crunch and variety or mix it up with muesli.

9. Edamame

These soy beans deserve a mention because it is a super fun snack, easy to eat on the go without lots of prep time. It’s inexpensive and delicious.

10. Raw veggies

An old standby not to be overlooked.

Sweet baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, and small pieces of broccoli or cauliflower add colour, crunch and health to every lunchbox.

Throw in your kid’s fave no sugar added dressing for a dip on the side.

What healthy snacks do your kids love to find in their lunch boxes? Share your comments below.

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