Easy Bento Box Lunch Ideas 2024

Back To School

When I was a kid, it was pretty exciting to get lunch in the school cafeteria instead of one packed by your mom.  

Fast forward a generation, and it seems like my kids are happier to bring their lunch from home, and I hear many other parents are saying the same thing.

I’m not complaining–I’m happy to send a little bit of love and lunch from home with them each day.  But I have to admit, sometimes it feels like we get in a rut with our home packed lunches.

This is why I love the lunch box bento box idea!  This school year, I’m gathering ideas that will help me to “think outside the lunch box” in 15 minutes or less when I’m planning lunches .  

Here are some of my favorite bento box ideas for adults for packing delicious, healthy, interesting, and fun lunches for kids and adults.

Easy Lunch Bento Ideas

Chicken and Taco Bento Box

Chicken Taco Bento at The Exhausted Mom

Chopped Salad Cup

Chopped Salad in a Cup with bell peppers and cherry tomatoes from 24/7 Low Carb Diner

Freezer Pizza Bites

Freezer Pizza Bites at Super Healthy Kids

Boxed Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

How to Pack Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup at Momables

Bento Box Lunch Ideas For Kids

What are the benefits of bento boxes for kids?

1. Portion Control: Bento boxes offer pre-portioned compartments, promoting balanced and appropriate serving sizes for kids.
2. Variety: Kids can enjoy a diverse range of food items in a single lunchbox, making meals exciting and encouraging them to try new foods.
3. Nutritious Choices: Bento boxes make it easier to include a mix of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, ensuring a well-rounded and wholesome diet.
4. Reduced Waste: The compact design of bento boxes minimizes the need for disposable packaging, contributing to a more eco-friendly lunch routine.
5. Easy Packing: Bento boxes have separate sections, simplifying the process of packing and organizing different food items.
6. Visual Appeal: The vibrant and visually appealing presentation of bento lunches makes them enticing for children, encouraging them to eat healthier foods. I found a few really cool bento boxes on Amazon with ice pack spots! I’ll share the links at the bottom of the post.
7. Time-Saving: Preparing bento lunches in advance saves time during busy mornings, ensuring kids have a wholesome meal ready to go. I’m always looking for meal prep in under 15 minutes when it comes to packing lunches.
8. Empowerment: Bento boxes allow kids to participate in choosing and packing their lunch, empowering them to make healthier food choices.
9. Creativity: Bento lunches provide an outlet for creativity, allowing parents and children to have fun creating unique and personalized meal combinations. Plus bento boxes can be cute!!

Let’s take a look at these trending bento box ideas below for back to school.

This adorable tin can filled with pizza rolls and muffin macaroni and cheese balls are certainly to be the talk of the cafeteria.

Pizza Rolls in Stainless Steel Cup

How to Send Pizza Rolls to School at Coupon Closet

Bento boxes are perfect for picky eaters too. Instead of making a boring sandwich that your child may not like or having your child stuck eating what the school makes for lunch, you have the option to pack a variety of fresh food items that you child loves!

Ham & Cheese Muffins

Ham and Cheese Lunchbox Muffins Recipe at I Should Be Mopping the Floor

Pasta Salad, Fruit And Veggie

Great for Teens–Pasta Salad Lunch at Operation: Lunch Box

Smoothies on the Go

Healthy Smoothies to Go at Mom Makes

Beef Tacos

Chicken or Beef Taco Lunch at Keeley McGuire

Pita Pocket Sandwich

Pita Pocket Sandwich (plus links to lots of other great lunch ideas) at It’s Always Autumn

Amazon has a TON of lunch idea bento boxes for adults and kids and this lunch box is my favorite. 

In conclusion, these fun and healthy bento lunch ideas will make your lunchtime exciting! You can try colorful veggie rolls, cucumber slices, snap peas, boiled eggs or tasty skewers with protein. They’re perfect for busy adults or parents packing lunches for kids. Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to yummy and nutritious meals!

I would love to hear your lunch ideas or recipes below in the comment section and how you pack a fun lunch that is worthy of looking forward too!