Inside: If you need lunch packing inspiration, here are 10 healthy, affordable ALDI lunch box ideas that kids will love.
Has lunch box boredom set in?
Telltale signs include kids who dramatically announce “There’s nothing to paaaack!” (when there are definitely things to pack) and half-eaten (or worse, uneaten) lunches coming home from school.
If you need some inspiration and want to save a bunch of money by getting everything at ALDI, here are 10 ideas to get you started. A few things to keep in mind:
- I bought these ingredients at ALDI, but you can obviously buy them at other stores as well.
- These are merely ideas to get you started. Pack the foods and portions that are best for your kid.
- If you want details on the lunch boxes and gear shown here, I provide lunch box and gear details below.
10 ALDI Lunch Box Ideas
Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
- Crescent Rolls
- Deli ham lunch meat & Swiss cheese
- Snap peas
- Blueberries
Hummus Box
- Hummus
- Pita crackers
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Grapes
- Chocolate chips in the middle for dessert
Meatballs
- Frozen meatballs with toothpicks (vegetarian or otherwise; add a leakproof container of BBQ sauce or other favorite dip)
- Bread (spread with butter, nut or seed butter, or cream cheese)
- Cucumber
- Pineapple & strawberries
Yogurt With Toppings
- Vanilla yogurt (Greek yogurt has more protein than regular)
- Granola
- Strawberries
- Hard-boiled egg
- Protein Waffle
PBJ “Sushi”
Cut crusts off a slice of bread. Roll it flat with a rolling pin. Spread with peanut butter and jelly. Roll up, then cut into pieces.
- Bread
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly or jam
- Mini bell peppers
- Freeze dried apples
Snacky Lunch
- Woven Whole Wheat Crackers
- Deli meat
- Spreadable cheese wedges
- Broccoli (pack dip in a leakproof container)
- Clementines
Brioche Sandwich
Oatmeal With Toppings
- Quick oats (pack in a thermos)
- Walnuts
- Strawberries & blueberries
- Hard-boiled egg
Homemade Pizza Rolls
I used my Pepperoni Rolls recipe and swapped in refrigerated pizza dough, dividing it into 8 equal pieces.
- Refrigerated pizza dough
- Pepperoni
- Mozzarella cheese slices
- Pizza sauce for dipping
- Snap peas & carrots
- Strawberries
Pesto Tortellini
- Tortellini
- Jarred pesto sauce
- Baby carrots (with dip)
- Apple
Lunch Boxes & Packing Gear
EasyLunchboxes Bento Box
Our favorite everyday lunch box. Comes in a set of four with colorful lids.
EasyLunchboxes Snack Box
Great for packing smaller portions. Comes in a set of four.
LunchBots Trio
Stainless steel, simple, and durable. Available in different sizes.
PlanetBox Rover
A splurge lunchbox. Comes with two leakproof containers.
PlanetBox Shuttle
Great for snacks or smaller lunches. Comes with one leakproof container.
Silicone Baking Cups
Perfect for divided lunchboxes and bento boxes.
Thermos Brand Thermos
Holds 10 ounces of food and keeps it hot for five hours.
Questions About ALDI Lunch Box Ideas
What if this isn’t enough food for my kid?
By all means, pack the portions that are right for your kid. These photos are just for ideas and inspiration, not portion guidelines. Every kid is different, and you know your kid best.
What if I don’t have an ALDI?
You can find similar items at other grocery stores too.
How can I get my kids to pack their own lunch?
I’ve got a free email series that helps you do that! It’s a 5-day plan to teach kids to be independent packers and give YOU some free time! Tap here to get the free email series: How to Teach Your Kids to Pack Their Own Lunches.
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