5 Back to School Lunch Box Ideas for Picky Eaters

If you’re like me, and you have a picky eater, then you will need some new ideas for the new year.

Johandre Grobler, Executive Chef, at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, has fabulous alternatives to bland sandwiches.

His five unique, no-reheating-required meals are simple to prep, budget-friendly and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of palates.

1. Sushi-inspired tortilla rolls

• What you’ll need: Tortilla wraps, cream cheese, thinly sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and smoked chicken or tuna.
• How to make it: Spread cream cheese on the tortilla, layer with veg and protein, roll it up sushi-style, and slice into bite-sized rounds.
• Why this is a great option: It is fun to eat, easy to customise, and keeps fresh in a lunchbox.

2. Build-your-own mini tacos

• What you’ll need: Hard taco shells (the mini ones), shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and cooked shredded chicken or beef (perfect if left over from your dinner the night before).
• How to make it: Keep ingredients separate in little containers, letting kids assemble their own tacos during their lunch break.
• Why this is a great option: It’s like a party in your lunchbox!

3. Savoury veggie pancakes

• What you’ll need: Grated courgettes, carrots, cheese, a bit of flour, an egg, and seasoning.
• How to make it: Mix everything into a batter, pan-fry into mini pancakes, and allow to cool before packing.
• Why this is a great option: Packed with veggies, easy to grab and munch, and they’re just as good cold as they are warm.

4. Cold pasta salad jars

• What you’ll need: Spiral pasta, cherry tomatoes, cubed cheese, diced ham, and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing.
• How to make it: Layer everything in a plastic cylinder jar, for easy transportation and mess-free eating.
• Why this is a great option: A refreshing twist on plain pasta that feels gourmet without the price tag and loaded with energy-fulling carbohydrates.

5. Sweet and savoury pinwheels

• What you’ll need: Puff pastry, Nutella, banana slices for the sweet option, or pesto, grated cheese and ham for the savoury.
• How to make it: Spread your filling of choice on the rolled-out puff pastry, roll it up, slice into pinwheels and air-fry or oven-bake until golden and crisp. 
• Why this is a great option: These freeze well, so you can make a batch and defrost as needed.
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