Back to School: Easy Bento Box Lunches for Kids

Clay Bassford 28.February.2024 0 comments

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents everywhere begin the search for lunch ideas that are not only healthy but also appealing to their kids. Bento boxes, with their origins in Japanese cuisine, have gained worldwide popularity for their versatility, nutritional balance, and the joy they bring to meal times. These compact, sectioned lunch containers are perfect for packing a variety of foods in visually appealing arrangements.

This article delves into easy bento box lunch ideas that are sure to delight your kids and simplify your meal planning.

Discover the rich history and tradition of bento boxes , a culinary art form that has evolved from its Japanese roots to fit into the lifestyle of the modern adult, with options ranging from traditional to glass and bamboo bento boxes .

Tailoring your meals to suit dietary preferences is easy with various bento box diets available. For those busy workdays, explore quick and creative bento ideas for work that ensure you enjoy a balanced meal.

Delight in a variety of flavors with specialty bentos, such as a delicious seafood bento box or explore how bento boxes are adapted for American cuisine , blending traditional techniques with local tastes. Embark on this culinary journey to make every meal an exciting and nutritious adventure for you and your kids.

The Benefits of Bento Box Lunches

A. Nutritional Balance

With compartments for different food groups, bento boxes make it easier to pack a balanced meal with fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains.

B. Portion Control

The segmented design of bento boxes helps control portion sizes, ensuring that kids receive the right amount of food without overeating.

C. Variety and Creativity

The array of sections encourages a variety of foods, making lunches more exciting and less monotonous. It also allows for creative presentation, which can be especially appealing to young eaters.

D. Eco-Friendly

Reusable bento boxes reduce the need for disposable packaging, aligning with eco-conscious practices and teaching children about sustainability.

Creative and Easy Bento Box Ideas

The Classic Combo

Protein: Chicken tenders or tofu cubes.
Grain: Mini sandwiches or rice balls.
Vegetables: Carrot sticks or cucumber slices.
Fruit: Apple wedges or seedless grapes.
Treat: A small portion of dark chocolate or homemade cookies.

Vegetarian Delight

Protein: Chickpea salad or edamame.
Grain: Quinoa salad or pita wedges.
Vegetables: Bell pepper strips or cherry tomatoes.
Fruit: Orange segments or kiwi slices.
Treat: Yogurt or a small muffin.

Allergy-Friendly Fare

Protein: Grilled chicken or sunflower seed butter spread on allergy-safe bread.
Grain: Gluten-free pasta salad or rice cakes.
Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or spinach leaves.
Fruit: Banana slices or berries.
Treat: Allergy-friendly granola bars or fruit leathers.

The Mini Breakfast for Lunch

Protein: Hard-boiled eggs or turkey bacon.
Grain: Mini pancakes or waffles.
Vegetables: Avocado slices or roasted sweet potatoes.
Fruit: Melon balls or peach slices.
Treat: Mini muffins or a small fruit smoothie.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Bento Box

Prioritize Balance: Ensure each bento box includes a good mix of proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Keep It Colorful: Bright, varied colors are not only visually appealing but often indicate a range of nutrients.
Involve Your Kids: Allowing children to have a say in their lunch choices increases the likelihood they'll eat what's packed.
Plan Ahead: Preparing components of bento boxes in advance can save time during busy mornings.
Safety First: Always consider food safety by keeping bento boxes refrigerated or using an ice pack, especially for perishable items.

Our best bento box lunches for kids by Umami

1) KIDS BENTO LUNCH BOX WITH CUTLERY BLUE

Description ( KIDS BENTO LUNCH BOX WITH CUTLERY BLUE ):

🔄 BRING IT ALONG - Guaranteed 100% spill-proof: This children's lunchbox can be flipped, tossed, and shaken without any mess leaking out. Thanks to the secure inner lid, you won't have to worry about food or drinks escaping from this kid-friendly bento box.

🍱 JUST-RIGHT PORTIONS - Nutrition, balance, and taste are key to a child's meal. With Umami's 3-compartment lunch box, you can pack your child's meal precisely how they love it, ensuring they get a well-rounded diet.

🔓 SIMPLE OPENING MECHANISM - A simple button push is all it takes for the lid to open, making it super easy for kids. Designed with tiny hands in mind, this lunch box is frustration-free for your child to access.

🌱 COMPLETELY SAFE - Constructed from 100% BPA-free materials, the Umami bento box for kids and toddlers is committed to providing your child with a safe, healthy meal every day. Trust in UMAMI to never compromise on your child's wellness.

🥪 MULTI-SCENARIO USE - Whether for school, daycare, practice, or a day out in the park, the Umami kids' lunch box with compartments is your go-to for packing a fully balanced meal with extra room for snacks and dessert.

🚿 EFFORTLESS CLEANUP - With the option for hand washing or using the dishwasher, cleaning the Umami Kids bento box is a breeze, ensuring no lingering odors or stains.

♨️ MICROWAVE FRIENDLY - Prepare their lunches ahead of time and either store them in the fridge or warm them up in the microwave. The Umami bento box caters to all your child's mealtime needs efficiently.

🍴 BUILT-IN UTENSILS - The convenience of a built-in fork and spoon means you'll never forget to pack utensils again. These accessories are perfectly sized and dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleanup.

🥗 COMPARTMENT INTEGRITY - Enjoy meals as intended with the Umami bento box's ability to keep foods separate and fresh. No more cross-contamination means perfectly preserved meals prepped ahead of time.

💪 ROBUST BUILD - Designed to withstand the daily adventures of school or travel, the Umami bento box for kids boasts a sturdy construction that promises durability and long-term use.

Available in selected countries including the USA, most of Europe, and the United Kingdom.

→ You can find this Bento Boxe Lunche for Kids on Amazon

2) KIDS BENTO LUNCH BOX WITH CUTLERY PINK

Description ( KIDS BENTO LUNCH BOX WITH CUTLERY PINK ):

🚀 READY FOR ANY ADVENTURE - Absolutely 100% spill-proof, no matter the challenge: flipped over or given a good shake, the internal seal of this children's lunchbox guarantees no spills or leaks.

🌟 IDEAL PORTION SIZES - Nourishing, balanced, and tasty meals are what we stand for. With Umami's 3-compartment lunch box, customize your child's meals to their preference!

👆 JUST A BUTTON PUSH AWAY - A simple button press opens the lunch box, specifically designed for little fingers, making it a breeze for your child to access their meal independently. It's dishwasher safe but hand washing is advised to extend its life.

🍃 COMPLETELY SAFE - Crafted with 100% BPA-free materials, the Umami bento box is committed to ensuring your child enjoys their meals safely every day.

🍲 FLEXIBLE MEAL OPTIONS - Ideal for school, daycare, outings, or picnics. Our bento box with dividers allows for a wholesome meal along with room for snacks and dessert.

🧼 EFFORTLESS CLEANING - Whether by hand or dishwasher, the Umami Kids bento box is a cinch to clean, leaving no odors or stains behind.

🔥 MICROWAVE FRIENDLY - Prepare in advance and store in the fridge, or microwave when needed. The Umami bento box is versatile for any meal plan.

🍽️ INCLUDED UTENSILS - A convenient carrying strap makes forgetting cutlery a thing of the past. The included fork and spoon are dishwasher-safe and ready for use.

🔄 NO CROSS-CONTAMINATION - Keeps meals fresh and prevents mixing of food, ensuring your meticulously prepared meals stay just as intended until it's time to eat.

🛡️ BUILT TO LAST - Designed for the rough and tumble journey in a backpack or lunch bag, the durable Umami bento box is ready to stand up to the daily demands of your child's adventures.

Available for purchase in the following countries:

USA, France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom.

→ You can find this Bento Boxe Lunche for Kids on Amazon

→ Many other products are available on our website and Amazon.

Learn more about us

As passionate food enthusiasts from France, we believe the secret to delectable meals lies in the quality of the ingredients and culinary tools. It was this belief that inspired the inception of Umami. Our mission was to design a superior lunchbox that would not only ensure our meals stayed fresh and safe but also retained their flavor, even on the go. Drawing inspiration from Japanese aesthetics, our bento lunchboxes are crafted for convenience, mastery in quality, and a touch of whimsy. Should you have any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us.

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey after a fulfilling corporate career, we aimed to enhance the workplace dining experience for our friends and former colleagues.

We acknowledged the significance of a nourishing lunch break at work. Despite a fraction of the workforce having access to extensive, sometimes complimentary, workplace dining facilities, the reality for the majority is quite different.

A notable number of employees, nearly 46% of those without access to a workplace restaurant, opt to bring homemade meals to work at least once a week, with 27% doing so daily (as per a 2012 Harris Interactive Study).

However, the experience of dining from traditional lunch containers can often feel less than satisfactory. With UMAMI, our ambition was to transform these moments of dining into occasions of calm and delight, enhancing them with premium, yet practical designs.

UMAMI, defined in Japanese cuisine as the savory "fifth taste," enhances the traditional quartet of bitter, sour, sweet, and salty flavors.

Our vision is to rejuvenate the lunchbox experience, promoting delicious and healthful eating, while simultaneously striving to minimize waste.

We fervently hope our collection of bento lunchboxes enhances your dining pleasure.

Etienne Ameil, Founder and CEO of Umami

Discover our categories:

Contact us:

→ https://umami-bento.com/pages/contact-us

FAQ:

Can bento boxes stay unrefrigerated until lunchtime?

If the bento box contains perishable items, it's best to use an ice pack or freeze part of the lunch (like yogurt or drink) to keep everything cool until lunchtime.

How can I make bento box preparation quicker?

Prepping ingredients in bulk and storing them in the fridge or using leftovers from dinner can significantly cut down on morning preparation time.

Are bento boxes suitable for picky eaters?

Yes, the separate compartments can help by ensuring foods don't touch each other, and the presentation can make the meal more appealing to picky eaters.

How do I ensure the bento box is balanced nutritionally?

Aim to include at least one food item from each major food group (protein, grain, fruit, vegetable) and vary the selections to cover a broad range of vitamins and minerals.