100+ Real Food Lunchbox Ideas! Eating on-the-go doesn't have to be complicated! Just stick to nourishing, unprocessed, real food! Need some inspiration? Here's over 100 gluten-free real food lunchbox ideas to get you started!
Packing lunches doesn't have to be dull and boring.
Whether you're on-the-go, needing to come up with ideas for school lunches, or wanting to find some inspiration to get out of a food rut, I've got you covered with over 100 gluten-free, real food lunch ideas.
Packing a lunch is actually pretty simple. Just keep it real, unprocessed and make it fun.
Leftovers are always great and make excellent additions for lunches. Fresh veggies and fruits are super simple - just eat with the season and choose what sounds best to you. And keep it full of flavor so you make your taste buds happy!
Go ahead and live a little too, I am all for having some yummy treats. Remember ... keep it simple and don't make yourself crazy making an elaborate lunch. Just have fun with it!
Here's a peak at one of my recent real food lunchbox ideas for on-the-go lunches.
I packed a bunch of goodies that I shared with my Tiny Love. For the main protein, I made organic ham rollups with raw organic cheddar cheese and fermented pickles {I always like to include at least one fermented food with our meals}.
I filled up the larger round container with grass-fed organic whole plain yogurt, with a little bit of my favorite grass-fed collagen mixed in for extra protein and drizzled with raw honey {we added blueberries to it too}.
For organic veggies, I packed some carrots, cucumber and Sungold cherry tomatoes. The little round container has organic cultured sour cream {Nancy's brand} with a little bit of Celtic sea salt and some spices mixed into it for a homemade french onion veggie dip.
For the organic fruit, I packed some white nectarines, plums and blueberries {eat with the season}. I added a few delicious organic Medjool dates, removed the pits and put some sea salted macadamia nuts in them for a little extra healthy fat.
And of course, I always need a little bit of sweet with my meals ... chocolate always has a special place in my heart. There's a few squares of my favorite fair-trade, organic chocolate caramel crunch with sea salt bar in the center.
Not shown in the photo is kombucha. We almost always have a fermented drink like kombucha, water kefir or Switchel with our meals. One of my favorite brands is GT's Kombucha. My family's favorite flavors are Trilogy, Guava Goddess, Gingerade and Passionberry Bliss.
My kids and I love this eco-friendly lunchbox container from PlanetBox that I packed this lunch in. It's come in handy several times this summer on day trips and outings.
My girls also love to sit together and use it as a tray at home for lunch, each of them using one side of the tray ... they think it's pretty cool. It also comes with an insulated fabric carry bag that has compartments for utensils, napkins, and a small drink bottle.
My little one, Tiny Love calls it her purse ... too cute. Ours came with some fun ocean-themed magnets that the girls like to stick on the container. It adds a little fun flair. Like the lunchbox? Get it here.
100+ Real Food Lunchbox Ideas
Main Course Real Food Lunchbox Ideas
AIP Breakfast Pork Sausage from What Great Grandma Ate
Homemade Maple Apple Chicken Breakfast Sausages by yours truly {pictured above}
Ham Cream Cheese Pickle Roll Ups from Wholesome Yum
Easy Baked Paleo Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce from Allergy Free Alaska
Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets from Whole New Mom
Low Carb Cajun Cauliflower Mini Dogs from Beauty and the Foodie
Healthy Tuna Salad & Cucumber Bites without Mayo from The Rising Spoon
Chelo Kebabs and Cucumber Yogurt Salad from And Here We Are
Spring Rolls with Rice and Eggs from Prepare & Nourish
Yes You Can: Cure and Smoke Your Own Ham from And Here We Are
Classic Deviled Eggs and Guacamole Devils from Common Sense Homesteading
Ground Beef Jerky from Common Sense Homesteading
Cheap & Easy Beef Jerky Strips from Allergy Free Alaska
"Roadkill" Sandwich Spread or Dip from Common Sense Homesteading
Humble Salmon Patties from Eat Beautiful
Zucchini Salmon Cakes from Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Paleo Salmon Cakes from A Girl Worth Saving
Summer Veggie Pasta Salad from Strength & Sunshine
Cheezy Roasted Vegetable Quinoa from Strength & Sunshine
Lemon, Garlic Quinoa Salad from Peace, Love & Kale with Carly Shankman
Homemade Potato Salad by yours truly
Gluten Free Broccoli Fritters with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce by yours truly
Meat & Potato Muffins from Next Breakfast
Bacon Egg Cheddar & Kale Breakfast Muffins from The Rising Spoon
Smoked Salmon and Cabbage Frittata from Next Breakfast
Healthy Instant Pot Bacon Broccoli Frittata by yours truly
Kale and Bacon Quiches with Hash Brown Crust from A Calculated Whisk
Crustless Spring Quiche by yours truly
Grain Free Pizza Quiche by yours truly
Spicy Zuppa Toscana {Potato & Sausage} Soup from The Rising Spoon
Snacks, Crackers & Dips Real Food Lunchbox Ideas
Almond Butter Stuffed Dates from Holistic Health Herbalist
Salted Crispy Almonds from Raising Generation Nourished
No Bake Energy Bites from Eat Pray Love ... More
Chocolate Coconut Almond Spread from This Is So Good
Coconut Macadamia Paleo Protein Balls from The Paleo Fix
Cranberry-Walnut Powerballs from Common Sense Homesteading
Strawberry Coconut Bites from This Is So Good
Cinnamon Apple Chips from This Is So Good
Homemade Gluten Free Cheddar Cheese Crackers by yours truly
Simple & Quick Homemade Crackers from Raising Generation Nourished
Simple 5 Ingredient Blender Batter Crackers from Raising Generation Nourished
Homemade "Cheez It" Crackers from Whole New Mom
Vegan Homemade Crackers from Lentils from Whole New Mom
Gluten Free Buttermilk Rice Crackers from Raia's Recipes
Gluten-Free Garlic & Herb Sourdough Crackers from Raia's Recipes {pictured above}
Nut Free Paleo Crackers from What Great Grandma Ate
Almond Crackers - Rosemary and Cinnamon Honey from This Is So Good
Simple Soaked Gluten Free Crackers from Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Pumpkin Spice Graham Crackers from Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Healthy Rice Cake Topping Ideas by yours truly
Zucchini Chips from Wholesome Yum
Cajun-Seasoned Sweet Potato Fries from Prepare & Nourish
Paleo Blueberry Granola from Raising Generation Nourished
Simple Cinnamon Granola from Raising Generation Nourished
Strawberry Granola from This Is So Good
Banana Granola from This Is So Good
Goji Berry Paleo Granola from What Great Grandma Ate
Paleo Chia Honey Power Bars from Raising Generation Nourished
Healthy Homemade Granola Bars from Red and Honey
Instant Pot Applesauce in 3 Minutes by yours truly
3 Minute Sugar Free Instant Pot Pear Applesauce by yours truly
Popcorn - Sweet, Savory, Spicy and Covered in Chocolate from The Organic Kitchen
Surprisingly Good Seasoned Popcorn from Whole New Mom
"Dorito" Flavored Popcorn from Whole New Mom
Can't Stop Eating 'Em Crispy Green Bean Chips from Whole New Mom
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Chips from Happy Mothering
Crunchy Maple Cinnamon Chickpeas from Eat Pray Love ... More
Roasted Smoked Paprika Cinnamon Chickpeas from Strength & Sunshine
Honey Chipotle Snack Mix from A Girl Worth Saving
Southwest Roasted Sweet Potato Dip from Studio Botanica
Real Food Pimento Cheese by yours truly
Healthy Beet Cashew Dip by yours truly
Babaganoush from And Here We Are
Sardines Dip from Grass Fed Girl
Paleo 7 Layer Bean Free Dip from Eat Beautiful
Garlic Kale Hummus from Strength & Sunshine
Balsamic Roasted Red Pepper Basil Hummus from Strength & Sunshine
Easy Kosher Dills from Raia's Recipes
Homemade Refrigerator Pickles by yours truly
Ginger-Lime Salsa with Kiwi, Jicama and Tomatillos from Eat Beautiful
Fresh Summer Salsa with Cucumber by yours truly
Tomato Basil Cauliflower Rice from Strength & Sunshine
Onion Bhajis from Next Breakfast
Potato Puffs from Our Small Hours
Muffins & Bars Real Food Lunchbox Ideas
Grain Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins by yours truly
Mini Eggnog Donut Muffins from Hybrid Rasta Mama
Grain Free Protein-Packed Blueberry Muffins by yours truly {pictured above}
Protein-Packed Paleo Blueberry Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins by yours truly
Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins from Hybrid Rasta Mama & The Herbal Spoon
Blueberry Muffins from Raising Generation Nourished
Protein-Packed Grain Free Chocolate Banana Muffins by yours truly
Pizza Muffins from Raising Generation Nourished
Soaked Granola Muffins from Raia's Recipes
Zucchini Banana Muffins from This Is So Good
Chunky Monkey Muffins from This Is So Good
Power Breakfast Muffins from Strength & Sunshine
Sour Cream Cherry Coffee Cake Muffins by yours truly
Energy Bars from Raising Generation Nourished
Simple Soaked Granola Bars from Raising Generation Nourished
Molasses Protein Snack Bars from Raising Generation Nourished
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bars from Confessions of an Overworked Mom
Simple Soaked Quinoa Bars from Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
No Bake Nut-Free Chocolate Date Bars from A Girl Worth Saving
Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread from Raia's Recipes
Gluten Free Honey Butter Glazed Cornbread by yours truly
Breads & Wraps Real Food Lunchbox Ideas
Focaccia Flax Bread from Whole New Mom
Honey Flax Bread from Raia's Recipes
Gluten Free Flat Bread from Prepare & Nourish
Gluten Free "White" Bread from Allergy Free Alaska
Gluten-Free Pita Bread from Raising Generation Nourished {pictured above}
Low Carb Paleo Tortillas with Coconut Flour from Wholesome Yum
4 Ingredient Paleo Crepes from Prepare & Nourish
Zucchini Lemon Waffles {Grain Free} by yours truly
Healthy Paleo Protein Packed Orange Vanilla Waffles by yours truly
Instant Pot Paleo Chocolate Chip Banana Bread by yours truly
Gummies & Fruit Leather Real Food Lunchbox Ideas
Winter Squash Fruit Leather from Eat Beautiful
Strawberry Fruit Roll-Up from Life Currants
Homemade Fruit Snacks from Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Honey Orange Fruit Snacks from Raia's Recipes
Homemade Healthy Kombucha Fruit Snacks from Homemade Mommy
Probiotic Raspberry Fruit Chews from Happy Healthnut
Homemade Chocolate Gummies by yours truly
Concord Grape Gummies by yours truly
Kombucha Lemon Gummies from Raia's Recipes
Grapefruit Gummies from Raia's Recipes
Pumpkin Pie Gummies from Raia's Recipes
Ginger Honey Gummy Snacks from It's a love/love thing
Fruit and Veggie Gummy Snacks from Live Simply
Antioxidant Rich Berry Gummies from Raising Generation Nourished
Melon Gummies from Delicious Obsessions and Raising Generation Nourished
Ice Cream Flavored Yogurt Gummies from Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Zucchini Gummy Candy from Common Sense Homesteading
Strawberry-Banana Gummy Candy from Common Sense Homesteading {pictured above}
Immune System Supporting Elderberry & Kombucha Gummies from Food Your Body Will Thank You For
Sweet Treat Real Food Lunchbox Ideas
Fudgy Grain Free Brownies {Paleo + Nut Free} by yours truly {pictured above}
Vitamin C Hibiscus Rose Hip Marshmallows by yours truly
Healthy Brownie Bites from Primally Inspired
Raw Chocolate Macaroons from Eat Pray Love ... More
Raw Cacao Surprise Bites from Loveurbelly
Chocolate Covered Almonds from A Calculated Whisk
Caramel Glazed Macadamia Nuts from Delicious Obsessions
Protein & Veggie Packed Cassava Flour Breakfast Chocolate Chip Cookies by yours truly
Grain Free Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies by yours truly
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cookies from Raia's Recipes
2 Ingredient Banana Coconut Cookies from Grok Grub
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies from Raia's Recipes
Grain-Free Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies from Tasty Yummies
Gluten Free Inside Out Oreos from Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Grain Free Chocolate Crinkles by yours truly
Grain Free Ginger Molasses Cookies by yours truly
Cherry Chocolate Bars from A Girl Worth Saving
Sweet Potato Pecan Bars from A Girl Worth Saving
Fudgy Pecan Pie Bars from A Girl Worth Saving
Paleo Lemon Bars from A Girl Worth Saving
Homemade Smores Bars {Grain Free} by yours truly
Smooth Chocolate Chia Pudding by yours truly
5 Minute Healthy Instant Pot Chocolate Pudding by yours truly
Easy Real Food Strawberry Panna Cotta by yours truly
Golden Milk Custard with Cookie Crumb by yours truly
Chocolate Cinnamon Gelatin Jigglers from Food Your Body Will Thank You For
Cherry Rhubarb Jello from Homemade Dutch Apple Pie
Homemade Orange Jello by yours truly
Homemade Herbal Tea Jello by yours truly
Sunshine Jello from Clean Eating Kitchen
Homemade Lemon Curd or Lime Curd by yours truly
Are you on Pinterest? I pin lots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just for School Lunches & Snack ideas too. Come follow along.
MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
School Season Natural Wellness Tips
Paleo Maple Apple Chicken Breakfast Sausages
Grain Free Chocolate Banana Muffins
Protein Packed Paleo Blueberry Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
Antioxidant Blueberry Orange Smoothie
Disclosure: I received a Rover Lunchbox from Planetbox to use and review, all opinions are my own.
Raia
What a great list! Thanks so much for sharing some of my recipes, Emily! 🙂
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Raia! Love your recipes xo
Renee Kohley
This list is so helpful! Thank you!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Renee! 🙂
Jessica
Awesome ideas. Thanks for sharing my fruit and nut cups!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Jess 🙂
linda spiker
Wow! Great resource for those mornings when you are thinking..."what can I pack".
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Linda! 🙂
Marjorie
This is a fantastic round up and recipes. We always pack a lunch when we will be out for a few hours. Cheaper and healthier than buying lunch! So many more ideas for me to try here. Thanks for including some of my recipes 🙂
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
That's so true Marjorie, it's so much healthier and cheaper too. 🙂
Megan Stevens
I love all of the pink Yours Truly indications!! <3 What a helpful and inspiring round-up!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Pink and blue ... my Little Love's favorites 😉 Thanks Megan xo
amber
Hey Emily!! Thank you, thank you for this amazing list of recipes! WOW! That's a lot of work and research girl. Amazing. I am dedicated lunch maker for my kiddos and always looking for new lunch and snack ideas. Love.
xoxo
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
That's so sweet Amber, thanks so much for acknowledging the time it took to put it together 🙂 I hope you find some fun ideas for lunch inspiration. Lots of love to you! xo
Mindy Benkert
I love all of these ideas! And just in time for back to school. 🙂 Thanks for putting together such a great list!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Mindy! 🙂
Nadine
Wow this is awesome! I'm guilty of sending my kids to day care with the same lunch every time so now I can't wait to try these different ideas. Thank you for putting all this together!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks! So happy this is helpful to you 🙂 Take care.
Loriel
I love all of these ideas! I have to admit, we're a pretty simple PB&J with a few sides type of people but I'm looking forward to spicing it up and getting out of our sandwich funk. Thank you!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
lol we can be too, it's easy to get into a funk with food ~ we end up doing that often with dinners too.
The Food Hunter
This is an awesome round-up...so many i want to try
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks! So glad you liked it 🙂
Stephanie
Where can I get that cool metal lunchbox kit?
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Hi Stephanie 🙂 Here's my affiliate link to where you can get them ~> you can buy them here.
amber
Hey Emily. On Monday I am sharing a blog pot about how to create waste free lunches and this post was in my head all day as such a great addition to my content. Thanks again for putting this list together!! So awesome.
xo
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Hi Amber! Looking forward to your post xo