Finger foods are small, bite-sized portions of food that are designed to be eaten with the fingers rather than cutlery. Easy for children to handle and swallow, they also make it a fun and interactive way to eat. As they come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures, they help children with a sense of independence and control over their food choices. Indeed, children can choose which foods they want to eat next, and can easily feed themselves without the help of an adult.
Here is our ultimate list of 10 finger foods that are easy to pack in the lunchbox. These food ideas can be combined to create a well-rounded and nutritious lunch for kids.
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1. Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a nutritious food, a good source of proteins, and easy to prepare by boiling them for around 10-12 minutes (you can also buy them directly at your favorite grocery store). Our Teuko Friend Lunchboxbyurouge made it cute by shaping the egg as a bunny thanks to an egg mold. Kidslunchlove suggests cutting a hard-boiled egg in two and placing on each part a cute food pick. Artinlunchbox amazed us with this novel food idea: she cut hard-boiled eggs in two, and created mini burgers out of them by placing between the halves slices of cheddar cheese, cucumber, and salami!
2. Sliced Cheese or Cheese Sticks
There are many types of sliced cheese and cheese sticks that are popular among our Teuko Lunchbox Community: cheddar cheese, Colby Jack cheese, and mozzarella cheese. To make it easier for their kids to grab and eat, our Teuko Friends LunchesofFun and Jessica cut a cheese stick into cubes!
3. Baby Carrots (or Carrot Sticks) with Hummus
The combination of baby carrots, with their mild, slightly sweet flavor and crispness, and hummus, with its savory and creamy taste, is a delicious and healthy snack option that offers a balanced and satisfying taste and texture. Baby carrots and hummus are both healthy snack options because, when paired together, they create a satisfying and nourishing snack that can help curb hunger and promote satiety.
Like our Teuko Friends Momztries and Veganlunchmom, you can place baby carrots and hummus alongside soup or a sandwich… and other finger foods!
4. Ham or Turkey Roll-Ups with Cheese
Roll-ups are a quick and easy appetizer that can be prepared in just a few minutes. Lay a slice of ham or turkey flat on a tortilla wrap. Place a slice of cheese on top. Roll up the tortilla tightly, and cut in small bites…you’re done! As you can see with the lunchbox ideas from our Teuko Friends mommy_food_lifestyle, Surviving_schoollunches, and thelunchmomma, roll-ups can also be easily customized by using different types of ham and cheese or by adding additional ingredients like vegetables or herbs.
5. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a great addition to a kid’s lunchbox because they are nutritious (they contain vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for healthy eyesight, immune function, and bone health), convenient with their bite-size, and help with hydration since they contain a high amount of water. As you can see with Totos Lunchbox and Jessica, cherry tomatoes can be eaten on their own, added to salads or sandwiches, or served with hummus or other dips.
6. Crackers and Cheese
Crackers and cheese are easy to pack and do not require preparation. They are a convenient option for busy parents in a rush. We like that there are many different types of crackers and cheese to choose from, so kids can pick their favorite flavors and combinations, as you can see with our Teuko Friends’ lunches (thanks for the inspiration Lunchformytribe, MarshmallowMama, and Maitremily in Vancouver!). Also, most children enjoy the process of assembling their own cracker and cheese snacks, which can make lunchtime even more fun!
7. Cucumber Slices
Eating cucumber slices can be an enjoyable and satisfying experience due to their refreshing taste and crunchy texture. They can be eaten on their own or paired with other foods, such as hummus or cheese, for a more satisfying finger foods lunch. Like our Teuko Friend Kidslunchlove, you can simply slice a cucumber, or, like Vesperbox_und_co and The_lunchbox_diary, you can also use a mini flower-shaped food cutter to make the lunch super cute!
8. Mini Muffins / Savory Cakes
Kids often enjoy the small size and variety of flavors that mini muffins offer. We like this option because they can be made in batches and ahead of time, then stored in the freezer. Use your favorite recipe or have a look at our easy savory cake recipe. Use mini muffin molds, and like our Teuko Friends Kidslunchlove and HerYumboxPanino, you’ll guarantee a delicious and fun lunch for your kid!
9. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted garbanzo beans are a perfect nut-free, gluten-free, nutrient-packed snack for little lunch boxes! You can buy them directly at your grocery store or you make them yourself (check out our easy recipe on the blog “Toasted Garbanzo Beans Recipe” ). As you can see with our Teuko Friends’ lunches pinterest_mom_wannabe and Exhaustedmomma, they can be eaten on their own or mixed with other foods, such as trail mix or dried fruit.
10. Apple Slices
Apple slices are naturally sweet and crunchy, making them a hit with kids. They are a healthier alternative to sugary snacks and can help satisfy a sweet tooth in a healthier way! Simply wash the apples, slice them up, and pack them in the lunchbox! (psst! don’t miss our lunchbox hack, about how to keep apples fresh in the lunchbox!)
How did you like these finger food ideas for the lunchbox? Will you include some of them in your next kid’s lunch? Show us what you pack by uploading a photo on Teuko.com. You could inspire someone looking for new ideas!
Want new lunchbox ideas, recipes, and tips?
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