Feel like jazzing up your kids’ lunchboxes without having to spend hours in the kitchen? These bento box lunches will please your picky eaters, master grazers and anti-sandwich kids (hey, we totally understand them!). Plus, many of these recipes can be prepped ahead of time and take just a few minutes to make!
Budget-friendly school lunches
To help you save even more money, we’ve put together lunch menu ideas made primarily with Compliments products—we’re talking quality ingredients at very competitive prices.
For snack fans
If the kids are firmly anti-sandwich or they simply like to snack, let them graze! Think naan dippers and hummus, little rollups of deli meats, cheese twists, and fruits and veggies sliced and served with dip.
Tip: Try making these irresistible skewers of deli meats, cheese, and fruit!
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Looking for lactose-free options? Try our new Compliments Lactose-free Pizza Mozzarella Twists, available in select stores!
For nacho fans
This dish mixes their favourite ingredients—multigrain chips, salsa, guacamole, and chicken fingers—with healthy additions, of course! It’s a winning combo! Pack the dips in individual containers for the best bento experience.
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Looking for plant-based options? Try our new Plant-Based Chicken Strips, available in select stores.
For aspiring vegetarians
Veggie-loving kids will put in requests for this plant-based take on the classic sub sandwich, which aims to please with plant-based meatballs, hummus, lettuce, and sliced tomatoes! Pack this up and serve with sides of fresh-cut veggies, Veggie Snax, and “bugs on a log”—a fun spin on celery sticks with cream cheese and dried cranberries.
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For quesadilla fans
Tacos, nachos, fajitas: If your kids can’t get enough of these Mexican-style staples, say hello to the deconstructed quesadilla: a bento meal box decked out with a classic tortilla plus assorted cheese, meat, different coloured peppers, and dips.
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For dumpling fans
Did you know that Compliments potstickers are tasty served hot or at room temperature? Dipped in a teriyaki sauce, they’re sure to put a smile on your kid’s face at lunchtime. For a well-balanced meal, round out this bento with blanched broccoli, rice crackers, and a side of peeled citrus.
Tip: Leftover steamed or fried rice also makes a great addition to this lunch!
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For sushi fans
This lunch is as fun to look at as it is to eat. Spread cream cheese on flattened slices of bread (you can use a rolling pin to flatten it), layer on smoked salmon, roll the bread up, then slice into wheels. You can also add thinly sliced cucumber and avocado to create California-roll-style sushi, too, or feel free to serve the veggies on the side. Packed with vitamins and protein, prepared edamame also makes a great green addition to this bento!
Tip: If your kids aren’t fish fans, try replacing the salmon with thinly sliced cooked chicken breast or tofu.
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