Nut Free Lunchbox Ideas for Toddlers & Kids

If your school is nut free or you have a child with a nut allergy, I’ve got you covered! Break out of the “school lunchbox” rut and try these healthy and NUT FREE kid and toddler lunch box ideas. You’ll find a collection of delicious recipes that they will actually want to eat!

Due to nut allergies being one of the most common allergies for children in Australia, most schools now have a nut-free policy.

But being nut free in the classroom doesn’t mean that kids have to miss out! I asked a group of clever food bloggers from around the world to share their favourite healthy, nut free snacks and lunch ideas to help keep you inspired.

Sometimes, finding variety and motivation to make lunch for toddlers and school age kids can be tricky. Especially when you do it EVERY DAY on repeat! But this collection of delicious snacks, lunches and sandwich alternatives is sure to keep you inspired, as well as keeping your kids happy and nourished.

Ideal for busy kids and toddlers on the go, these ideas tick all the boxes- nut free, healthy and delicious!

From savoury sausage rolls and scrolls to healthy muffin and sweet bliss ball recipes, you are sure to find something your little one will love with these easy back to school snacks. Perfect for little mouths and fingers- and packed full of flavour!

blue bento lunchbox containing different types of food

Lunch for toddlers and school aged kids

Due to the time and effort involved in providing nutritious lunches for their kids’ and toddlers lunches every day, busy parents are always asking for inspiration, easy hacks and shortcuts.

My favourite time-saving tip is to make snacks and lunches in bulk and store them in the freezer or pantry, ready to grab-and-go on busy mornings.

Check out this collection of healthy, make-ahead snacks from below that are perfect for kids of all ages. They’ll be sure to thank you!

top view of finished sausage rolls with a bowl of tomato sauce

Healthy Sausage Rolls

Kids will love these healthy sausage rolls made with pork mince and veggies! Encased in flaky puff pastry and filled with healthier ingredients, they make a classic Australian snack that can be enjoyed as a party food, in lunchboxes, or for an easy lunch or dinner. Delicious hot or cold, make them in batches to store in the freezer for busy weekdays!

pork sausage rolls with tomato sauce on a white plate.

Kid-Friendly Spinach Muffins from My Kids Lick the Bowl

A sweet style muffin but with a good dose of greens! Perfect for kids lunchboxes and healthy snacking.

Maple Glazed Trail Mix from Dairy Free for Baby

If you have a child with a nut allergy or you need to keep your snacks nut free, you’ll want to try this nut free trail mix! Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are lightly glazed with maple syrup, then tossed with chewy dried fruit and chocolate chips for the perfect healthy snack.

Healthy Chocolate Bliss Balls

Make your kids’ day by adding these rich, chocolate nut free bliss balls to their lunchboxes! Made with healthy, kid-friendly ingredients including oats, dates and chia seeds, these nut free bliss balls make the perfect snack for kids and adults alike.

Homemade Lara Bars with Sunflower Seeds from Tessa the Domestic Diva

These peanut butter flavoured Larabars don’t actually contain peanuts! By using roasted sunflower seeds, you can make a delicious energy bar perfect for lunchboxes and snacking.

Homemade Nut-Free Nutella from Momables

This recipe is so simple and makes the perfect nut-free Nutella substitute. Whether you have nut allergies or your school requires nut-free lunches, this recipe is sure to make even the fussiest eater happy!

nutella-in-jar-with-strawberries-in-lunchbox

Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding

This vanilla bean chia pudding is SO delicious and so simple to make. A classic chia pudding recipe that pairs perfectly with fruit, yogurt, granola or any other topping that you desire!

top view of chia pudding in glass jar with berries

Strawberry Banana Muffins from The Rising Spoon

With dairy and gluten free options, this easy recipe for strawberry banana muffins is tender, moist & fragrant. Bake a batches in around 30 minutes and keep them on hand for a quick breakfasts, snacking, or dessert!

Beetroot Tikkis from Caramel Tinted Life

Beetroot and potato tikkis are super crispy vegan patties packed with veggies and spices. They make a delicious Indian appetiser which can be enjoyed on their own or with chutney or ketchup.

Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Double chocolate zucchini muffins are rich, moist and loaded with flavour. Made with healthier ingredients, these muffins are free from butter and refined sugars, making them a perfect lunchbox snack or quick breakfast. This healthy chocolate zucchini muffins recipe is also a great way to use up garden zucchinis (and sneak in some hidden veggies!).

chocolate-zucchini-muffin-half-sitting-on-another-muffin

Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Cookies from This Healthy Kitchen

Chewy and incredibly delicious, these healthy vegan oatmeal cookies are perfect for breakfast, snacking and desserts. They are super simple to make and use only 5 ingredients!

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Crisps from Christina’s Cucina

Oven baked sweet potato chips are a great snack! Perfect for lunchboxes and little fingers, there’s nothing bad about reaching for these nutritious and healthy chips!

Homemade Muesli Bars

Packed full of chewy dried fruit and crunchy seeds, these delicious homemade muesli bars make a healthy snack that everyone will love! There's no baking required, they are quick and easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients and they are a guaranteed lunchbox favourite!

sliced muesli bars topped with chocolate chips on a white table

Apple Butter (No added sugar!) from Belly Rules the Mind

This delicious apple sauce recipe does not require peeling, has no added sugar and can be made in under 30 minutes! The perfect spread for waffles, muffins, pancakes. Or try adding it to some plain yoghurt! Skip the store-bought stuff and make your own sweet, tart butter in just a few easy steps.

Apple Cinnamon Scuffins from Kara Lydon Nutrition

A hybrid of a muffin and a scone, these apple and cinnamon scuffins are packed with fiber, protein, vitamins A, B and C and are a perfect on-the-go breakfast or to add to lunchboxes on busy mornings.

Easy, Healthy Banana Bread

Try this soft, moist banana bread made with healthy ingredients like oats, applesauce, chia seeds and dates. This healthy banana bread is easy to make and with no added sugar, it is perfect for a healthy snack or light breakfast!

Broccoli Cheese Bites from All Nutritious

Packed with quinoa and chickpeas, these broccoli cheese bites are full of protein. These healthy snacks are vegetarian and gluten-free, perfect for lunchboxes!

Raspberry Fruit Roll Ups from Beyond the Chicken Coop

Raspberry Fruit Roll Ups are a delicious healthy snack made with only 2 ingredients- fresh raspberries and a touch of honey! Perfect for packing into lunches on busy mornings or for a healthy snack.

Sugar Free Cupcakes | Raspberry Chocolate Chip

Sugar free cupcakes, anyone? These moist raspberry and chocolate chip cupcakes are refined sugar free and made with simple ingredients, like coconut oil and Greek yoghurt. Packed with juicy raspberries, they are perfect for lunchboxes and lower carb snacks. Keep reading for the recipe!

Tomato, Capsicum and Tortellini Skewers from It’s a Veg World After All.

These colourful skewers are great for lunchboxes! Made with peppers, tomatoes, and tortellini, they make a healthy and nutritious snack for kids.

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas from A Cedar Spoon

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas are a delicious, nutritious snack that are perfect for lunchboxes! Make them sweet or spicy, or even plain with a drizzle of olive oil. They are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and full of protein.

Apricot Chia Energy Bars

No bake apricot chia bars make a simple and healthy snack that can be made in minutes! These vegan energy bars are nut free, packed full of healthy ingredients and free from refined sugars, perfect for both kids and adults. Store them in the freezer for convenient school lunchboxes and healthy snacking, any time!

apricot-chia-bars-in-pile-with-a-broken-bar-in-front

Savoury Vegetable Muffins from Healthy Little Foodies

These savoury muffins are packed with four different vegetables. Light, fluffy they are perfect for lunchboxes and snacking.

Banana Carrot Muffins

These avocado banana carrot muffins are moist, sweet and satisfying – making them a tasty way to sneak some extra nutrition into your kids’ snacks! They are quick and easy to make, healthy enough for breakfast and make the perfect lunchbox or afternoon snack!

top view of a blue bento lunchbox containing muffins and healthy foods

Butternut Pumpkin (Squash) Muffins from Eat Beautiful

These butternut pumpkin muffins are paleo and gluten-free and take just 10 minutes to prepare! You’ll love these moist, soft muffins that are perfect for lunchboxes and handy snacks.

Veggie Packed Nuggets

Perfectly golden on the outside and packed full of healthy ingredients like chickpeas and vegetables, these crunchy vegetable nuggets are a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet! Kids will love these delicious vegetable and cheese nuggets for a fun dinner, snack or healthy school lunch.

a stack of vegetable nuggets on a grey bench

Paleo Blueberry Muffins from Sorey Fitness

Looking for a healthy lunchbox snack? These Paleo Blueberry Muffins are perfect for breakfast or snacking! These muffins are naturally sweetened and made without almond flour, and are completely dairy free as well.

Easy Onigiri from Wandercooks

For the perfect lunchbox snack or sandwich alternative, try this EASY onigiri recipe! Flavoured with delicious Japanese seasonings and wrapped in nori, this onigiri makes a quick snack or delicious lunch on the go!

Beetroot Falafel from Greedy Gourmet

Add a splash of colour to your child’s lunchbox by adding a few beetroot falafels. They are much sweeter than their traditional counterparts and make a tasty and healthy lunchbox snack when served with plain yogurt.

beetroot-felafel-in-lettuce-leaves-on-black-tray

Chocolate Avocado Mousse Vegan

Get the ultimate healthy chocolate mousse recipe right here! Fresh avocados combine with rich cacao and maple syrup to make a 4 ingredient dessert that is completely indulgent and can be made in minutes! It is vegan, refined sugar free and tastes so good, you’ll forget that it’s good for you!

top view of chocolate mousse in glass bowl with spoon

For more kid and toddler lunch box ideas, check out these recipes. Or for tips on time saving and bulk baking school lunches, see this post here.

To save time and money on healthy school and toddler lunches, see my 50 Healthy School Snacks E-BOOK! It also contains a bonus Guide to Making 2 Minute Lunches.

If you try these healthy lunchbox ideas, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know your favourite, or send me a message. For more lunchbox inspiration, tips and to share your own recipes and creations, head over to my Facebook Group; Healthy Lunchboxes Australia.

Lunch for toddlers and school aged kids

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