Healthy Packed Lunch Box Guide for Preschoolers (Aged 2–5)

Providing a balanced packed lunch is one of the simplest ways to support your child’s growth, energy levels, and concentration throughout the day. At preschool age, children are developing rapidly, and a nutritious lunch helps fuel both their bodies and minds.

‍

Here’s a simple guide to help you pack a healthy, child-friendly lunch box your little one will enjoy!

‍

🍎 Fruit

Strawberries, blueberries, apple slices, banana, orange segments

‍

🥕 Vegetables

Cucumber slices, carrot sticks, sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes

‍

🍗 Protein

Boiled egg, hummus, chicken pieces, beans, cheese cubes

‍

🍞 Carbohydrates

Wholemeal sandwich, pasta, rice, pitta bread

‍

🧃 Don’t Forget…

• Dairy: Small yoghurt or cheese stick
• Healthy Drink: Water or milk
• Extras (occasional): Wholegrain crackers, homemade flapjack (no added sugar), fruit muffin

‍

👶 Top Lunch Tips for 2–5 Year Olds

✔️ Keep portions small and age appropriate
✔️ Cut foods into bite-sized pieces to help prevent choking
✔️ Include a variety of colourful foods – “eat the rainbow!”
✔️ Avoid sugary snacks and fizzy drinks
✔️ Combine familiar foods with one new food to encourage variety
✔️ Always check for allergies or dietary restrictions

‍

🍱 Example Lunch Box

A balanced lunch for a 3-year-old could include:

• 🥪 Mini wholegrain cheese sandwich
• 🍓 Strawberry slices
• 🥒 Cucumber & carrot sticks
• 🥚 Small boiled egg
• 🧃 Water

‍

📸 Visual Inspiration

We’ve created a simple lunch box illustration to help you build a balanced meal for your child:

‍

📄 Downloadable Version

To make lunchtime planning even easier, we’ve created a printable PDF version of the guide.

‍

👉 Download the Healthy Lunch Box Guide

Why not print it and pop it on the fridge or inside your cupboard for quick reference?

‍

💬 Want More Lunch Ideas?

We're happy to share:

• A week-long lunch box planner
• A shopping list template
• More healthy recipe suggestions

‍

Just ask a member of our preschool team or contact us via the website!

Promote healthy habits early – one little lunch at a time! 🧡