Packing a school lunch every morning is one of those jobs that never ends. The right kit makes it quicker, keeps food fresh until lunchtime and gets more of it eaten. Here's our simple guide to what to pack in a kids' packed lunch, from choosing a children's lunch bag and a lunch box with compartments to easy lunch ideas, plus a checklist you can tick off as you go.
PACKING LIST
The quick packed lunch checklist
Tap to tick things off as you pack.
Choosing a children's lunch bag
An insulated lunch bag keeps food cool and fresh from the school run to lunchtime, which matters most for things like yoghurt, cheese and meat. Look for one that's easy for little hands to open, with room for a lunch box and a drink.
Our kids insulated lunch bag has a double-zipped main section with an insulated lining, a front zip pocket for snacks and a mesh side pocket that holds a water bottle. You can add their name for £5, so it's easy to spot on the school peg.
Shop lunch bags★★★★★
"Great sized lunch bag, the bottle holder is really handy too. It's great to have a zipped section that we use for a couple of after school snacks too."
ZP, verified customer
Why a lunch box with compartments helps
A lunch box with compartments (often called a bento box) keeps sandwiches, fruit and snacks apart, so nothing goes soggy. It also makes it easy to see at a glance whether you've packed a balanced lunch, and children can see everything when they open it.
Our 5-compartment bento box holds 1 litre, has a leakproof inner lid and comes with a fork and spoon. It's microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe (without the lid), and it fits perfectly inside our lunch bag.
Shop bento lunch boxes★★★★★
"Perfect for school lunches, days out and even lunchtime flights and car picnics. Means little ones can be independent - youngest is 3 and is able to access it when needed."
Gemma B., verified customer
Save with a bundle: our bento box and lunch bag bundle gets you both in a matching print for £32.99.
Easy packed lunch ideas
A balanced packed lunch doesn't need to be complicated. Aim for a mix of these, one per compartment:
- 🥪 A filling mainSandwiches, wraps, pitta pockets, pasta salad, or leftovers like pizza or quiche.
- 🍎 Fruit and vegGrapes (cut lengthways for little ones), apple slices, cucumber, carrot sticks or cherry tomatoes.
- 🧀 Some protein or dairyCheese cubes, a yoghurt, hummus, egg, or chicken in their sandwich.
- 🍪 A small treatA mini flapjack, a few crackers or a piece of homemade bake for break time.
Snacks for break time
A separate snack pot means break-time food is easy to grab without opening the whole lunch box. Our collapsible silicone snack box holds 800ml, is leakproof, and squashes flat to just 3cm when it's empty, so it takes up hardly any room in the bag on the way home.
Shop snack boxesWarm lunches for colder days
When the weather turns, a hot lunch goes down well. A food flask lets you send pasta, soup, porridge, meatballs or beans to school, still warm at lunchtime.
Our 500ml kids food flask keeps food hot for up to 6 hours, and there's a folding spoon hidden in the lid. Top tip: fill it with boiling water and put the lid on for 5 to 10 minutes before adding the food, so it stays warmer for longer.
Shop food flasksDon't forget a drink
Water is the best choice for school. A stainless steel bottle keeps it cold all day, even in a warm classroom. Our kids water bottle keeps drinks cold for around 24 hours, has a leakproof straw lid when closed and slots into the side pocket of our lunch bag.
Add a laser-engraved name band for £8, so it comes home every day.
Shop water bottles★★★★★
"We have numerous T&N bottles now. They're perfect for keeping drinks cold all day… The little ones use them for school. Amazing quality!"
Krystal, verified customer
Our top packed lunch tips
- 🌙 Prep the night beforeChop fruit and veg and fill the snack pot in the evening, then keep the lunch box in the fridge.
- ❄️ Use an ice packOn warm days, an ice pack in the insulated bag helps keep food fresh until lunchtime.
- 🧒 Let them chooseChildren are more likely to eat a lunch they've helped pack, and a lunch box in their favourite print helps too.
- 🧽 Empty it after schoolWipe out the lunch bag and wash the lunch box every day to keep everything fresh.
School lunch FAQs
How do I keep a packed lunch cold without a fridge?
Use an insulated lunch bag and add a small ice pack, especially on warm days or if lunch includes yoghurt, cheese or meat. A frozen water bottle or yoghurt can also help keep things cool.
What size lunch box does my child need?
For most nursery and primary school children, a lunch box of about 1 litre is plenty for a main, fruit, veg and a snack. Our 5-compartment bento box holds 1 litre and measures 22 x 18.2 x 6.6cm.
How do I keep food hot for a school lunch?
Use an insulated food flask. Preheat it with boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, empty it, then add the food piping hot. Our kids food flask keeps food hot for up to 6 hours.
Can I get a personalised lunch box or lunch bag?
Yes. You can add your child's name (up to 9 characters) to our insulated lunch bag for £5, and our water bottles and food flasks can have a laser-engraved name band.
READY FOR LUNCHTIME?
Everything for school lunches in one place
Lunch bags, bento boxes, snack pots and bottles in fun designs kids love.
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