Non ultra-processed packed lunch ideas for kids
We all know that giving your kids a healthy balanced lunch can do wonders for their energy and concentration throughout the day at school. But finding non ultra-processed options that kids will actually eat can be a challenge. Many of these snacks, despite being advertised as ‘healthy’ and ‘high in vitamins,’ are often ultra-processed and packed with hidden sugars and additives.
So, what are the best natural lunchbox options out there? We’ve found the best non ultra-processed snacks to include in your child’s lunchbox.
Non Ultra-Processed Kid’s Lunch Box Snacks – At A Glance:
Non-ultra processed sweet treat: Bear Fruit Strawberry Yoyos, £0.57 per roll
Dried fruit: Whitworth Sunny Raisins, £0.13 per serve
High protein snack: Babybel Mini Original, £0.36 per serve
Healthy cereal bar: Organix Kids Organic Oaty Bars, £0.50 per serve
Natural drink: Asda Apple, Strawberry & Cherry Smoothie, £0.44 per serve
Minimally-processed crisps: Organix Kids Crunchy Waves, £0.66 per pack
BEAR Fruit Yoyos
Looking for a sweet treat that’s both tasty and healthy? BEAR Fruit Strawberry Yoyos are a fantastic option. Made with just four ingredients, BEAR Fruit Yoyos are a great natural snack. Plus, with 2g of fibre, they support the daily fibre needs of children.
Minimal ultra-processing: contains ‘extract’ of black carrot which won’t contain all the nutrients of the whole vegetable
Cost per serve: £0.57
Calories: 56
Fat: 0.0g
Sugar: 8.4g
Fibre: 2.0g
Protein: 0.4g
Whitworths Sunny Raisins
A long-time favourite for children’s lunchboxes, Whitworths Sunny Raisins are a great minimally processed snack.
Minimal ultra-processing: contains sunflower oil which is often refined and bleached
Cost per serve: £0.13
Calories: 47
Fat: 0.1g
Sugar: 9.3g
Fibre: 0.5g
Protein: 0.5g
Babybel Mini Original Cheese
Kids cheese snacks can be tricky, as most of them are ultra-processed. But the much-loved Babybel is completely non ultra-processed! Plus, it’s rich in protein which will help keep your children fuller for longer.
Non ultra-processed
Cost per serve: £0.36
Calories: 59
Fat: 4.6g
Sugar: 0.0g
Fibre: 0.0g
Protein: 4.4g
Organix Kids Organic Oaty Bars
Organix Kids produce a wide range of natural kids’ snacks. Plus, each Oaty Bar contains 3g of fibre, which is great for kid’s gut health.
Minimally processed
Contains sunflower oil which is often bleached and refined before use in food manufacturing
Apple juice from concentrate. Juice from concentrate is considered ultra-processed as it removes the fruit pulp and, as a result, many nutrients.
Cost per serve: £0.50
Calories: 94
Fat: 3.5g
Sugar: 5.1g
Fibre: 3.0g
Protein: 1.8g
Asda Apple, Strawberry & Cherry Smoothie
Finding soft drinks that aren’t ultra-processed can be tough, but this ASDA Apple, Strawberry & Cherry Smoothie is a great option. Made using only real fruit (not from concentrate), this smoothie is a refreshing drink to add to your child's packed lunch. Just be mindful of the sugar content, as it’s quite high in natural sugars (about 4 teaspoons per smoothie).
Non ultra-processed
Cost per serve: £0.44
Calories: 78
Fat: 0.2g
Sugar: 16g
Fibre: 0.5g
Protein: 0.6g
Organix Kids Crunchy Waves
Crisps are a favourite snack, but it’s hard to find natural crisps - they are usually full of additives and tend to be ultra-processed. Organix Kids Crunchy Waves are great healthier option to add to your child’s lunchbox.
Minimally ultra-processed: the contain powdered vegetables, which contain less nutritional value than the complete vegetable.
Cost per serve: £0.66
Calories: 59
Fat: 2.0g
Sugar: 0.8g
Fibre: 1.2g
Protein: 2.0g
What about sandwiches, should I make them for my child’s packed lunch?
Sandwiches are a lunchbox classic, but most soft loaves are ultra-processed, packed with additives. Instead, opt for natural bread options with fewer ingredients. Here’s a list of non ultra-processed breads you can find in your supermarket. Consider a protein-rich filling for your child’s sandwich, like eggs, cheese or chicken. Try to avoid ultra-processed cold cuts.
Quick Tips for a Healthy Packed Lunch for Your Children
Here are 3 simple tips to boost the nutritional value of your kid’s lunch box:
Boost Protein: Add natural protein sources like boiled eggs, cheese or chicken to keep your child fuller for longer.
Healthy fats: we all know vegetables are good for our kids, but pairing them with a healthy fat like avocado, extra virgin olive oil or full-fat yoghurt can actually help the body absorb more of the vitamins from the vegetables!
Complex carbs: complex carbohydrates are best for slow-release energy. Whole-grain bread for sandwiches and fruits like bananas, apple and mangoes are great lunchbox additions.
By choosing non-ultra processed lunchbox snacks, you can give your kids with nutritious, wholesome meals that fuel their bodies and minds without the hidden additives.
