A snack box is just a smaller, carefully designed meal in container form. That’s the trick. I started packing meals for myself once I started noticing the only things I was eating in between meals were wrappers. And I was still hungry an hour later. All the boxes below do the same thing. They combine a protein or healthy fat with something crispy or refreshing and provide a little burst of flavor so the box doesn’t come off as “diet food.” They are not overly complicated. They are the ones that make it at 3 p.m. feel handled. All of the boxes below do the same thing: they pair a protein or healthy fat with something crispy or refreshing, plus a burst of flavor so the box never feels like diet food. That is the trick for feeling nourished and satisfied: protein, fat, carb, and fiber.
I have developed a few general guidelines. Center the design around a protein base (eggs, yogurt, hummus, leftover chicken, beans) to ensure the box keeps you satiated. Throw in some crunchy components that won’t go limp after sitting in a lunchbox for four hours (e.g. carrots, snap peas, crackers separated by a divider, nuts), as soggy snacks are the death of a snack box. For extra pizzaz, try to include a “taste hook” like a sauce, sprinkle, or a good piece of cheese, so it feels less like a punishment. Below are the 31 boxes I rotate. Each one has a why-pack-this hook for scanning, an assembly note for texture and lunchbox survival, and a suggestion to swap if you don’t have the headline ingredient.
Contents
- 1) Apple Peanut Butter Box
- 2) Yogurt Berry Box
- 3) Hummus Veggie Box
- 4) Egg And Veggie Box
- 5) Cottage Cheese Fruit Box
- 6) Turkey Roll-Up Box
- 7) Tuna Salad Box
- 8) Edamame Citrus Box
- 9) Avocado Cracker Box
- 10) Chia Pudding Box
- 11) Chickpea And Cheese Box
- 12) Smoked Salmon Box
- 13) Caprese Skewers Box
- 14) Chicken And Veggies Box
- 15) Overnight Oats Box
- 16) Fruit And Nut Box
- 17) Veggie Sushi Box
- 18) Pita And Dip Box
- 19) Pear And Cheese Box
- 20) Shrimp Cocktail Box
- 21) Berry Smoothie Box
- 22) Quinoa Salad Box
- 23) Peanut Butter Banana Box
- 24) Ants On A Log
- 25) Frittata Muffins Box
- 26) Lentil Dip Box
- 27) Adult Lunchable Box
- 28) Sweet Potato And Beans
- 29) Kimchi Rice Box
- 30) Ricotta And Fruit Box
- 31) Trail Mix Box
1) Apple Peanut Butter Box
The pitch for Apple Peanut Butter Box: Sweet and salty. The peanut butter makes it more filling. This is the one I pack when I want my afternoon snack to fill me up until dinner. No need for a second snack three hours later.
I prepare a Honeycrisp apple and then put lemon juice on the apple slices to reduce the rate of apple browning. I pack about 2 to 3 tablespoons of all-natural peanut butter into a spill-proof container to keep it separate from everything else in my lunch box and then pack some whole grain crackers and chia seeds for some added crunch. Also note, in my opinion, peanut butter that is labeled natural and requires stirring is better than no-stir peanut butter because it has no added sugar to compete with the apple.
Swap: Sunflower butter can be used in nut-free schools. Almond butter is also an option. Pack this and eat this within four hours so the pear slices don’t become too soft. Be sure to eat it within four hours, as the pear slices will become soft faster than the apple slices.
2) Yogurt Berry Box
Why Yogurt Berry Box pulls its weight: Greek yogurt is the most efficient protein anchor in a snack box, 15-20 grams of protein in a half-cup container with no cooking required. To use a plain yogurt cup to show the yogurt and berries combo would disparage the actual work the berries do to make it an enticing dessert.
Use yogurt that is plain and full-fat or 2%, since the other yogurts are desserts. Add some fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. You can also add a tablespoon of granola or a small amount of chopped nuts to add some crunch. If possible, pack the crunch item on its own, since if the yogurt and granola are packed together for four hours, the granola will get soggy. If the berries are out of season and sad, you can drizzle some honey or add a teaspoon of jam.
Swap: Skyr (Icelandic-style) has an even thicker consistency and is higher in protein. If you’re getting bored of yogurt, cottage cheese is an alternative. Check the dairy callout below.
3) Hummus Veggie Box
Hummus Veggie Box offers: Hummus also makes raw vegetables more appealing, and in fact, it’s one of the only ways I can get my kids to eat a red bell pepper without bartering with them.
Some nearly homemade alternatives can be purchased from good supermarket brands. Packing 1/3 cups of hummus is acceptable in a small lidded container. For lunch packing circle dip with sturdy cut veggies like carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and whole (not halved to avoid leakage) cherry tomatoes. Avoid the week-old slimy baby carrots in their bag. To finish the snack, add a handful of whole-grain pita chips or crackers.
You can choose tzatziki, baba ghanoush, or white-bean dip instead of hummus for a different flavor profile. If you want more protein, choose edamame hummus.
4) Egg And Veggie Box
Why Egg And Veggie Box is my top choice: Two hard-boiled eggs provide 12 grams of protein and will cost almost nothing. Plus, there’s no cooking involved on the day I assembled my lunch. I have a ton of eggs in my fridge and can make any box feel real.
To prepare hard-boiled eggs, first place them in boiling water. This should be done for a period of 9-10 minutes in order to have a completely set yolk with no gray ring. For best results, it is important to put them into ice water immediately after boiling for five minutes. The eggs will be easier to peel when they have completely cooled in the water. The shells slide off and the pieces wash away with the running water. Make sure to add the proper accompaniments to your egg as the eggs alone are not tasteful. Take two of the hard boiling eggs, some cucumbers cut into spears, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and a few olives along with a small container of flaky salt and pepper. The salt is necessary for the purpose of seasoning the eggs.
If you plan to eat the box within two hours and do not mind a runny yolk, soft boil the egg for 6-7 minutes. Otherwise, boil it for a longer time. If the egg is in the refrigerator, its texture may become rubbery. For prep that extends five days into the future, pickled eggs are a better option.
5) Cottage Cheese Fruit Box
The case for Cottage Cheese Fruit Box: Cottage cheese is the protein-anchor that nobody talks about anymore. A half cup serving of cottage cheese provides 12-14 grams of protein. You can mix it with fruit the same way you would with Greek yogurt; you’ll just have to adjust to a different texture.
Do not take the non-fat variety, it is probably the most disappointing option here. Choose full fat or 4%. Cover it with pineapple chunks (the classic), peaches, or berries. You’re correct, and yes it sounds funny to add ground black pepper to the pineapple. Put in a small spoon. This is not a box for finger foods. You can also add some whole-grain crackers if you want something to spread it on.
Swap: Ricotta cheese would pair better with the stone fruits due to its creamier and sweeter profile. Yogurt is a good alternative if you don’t like the texture of cottage cheese.
6) Turkey Roll-Up Box
**Where Turkey Roll-Up Box earns its spot:** I pack this when I want a lunch but don’t want to get bread weird in my bag. Turkey and cheese roll-ups travel better than a sandwich.
Take slices of deli turkey and lay them flat. Spread a little cream cheese or a bit of hummus on each slice. Add a slice of cheese (Havarti, cheddar, or provolone) and a thin piece of cucumber or red pepper. For a crunch, you can use red pepper. Then you can either roll them tightly and cut some fancy pin wheels, or just pack them as logs. Get lower sodium deli turkey, regular turkey is one of the saltiest items you can buy in the grocery store. As a side you can also pack some grapes or apple slices.
Swap: Instead of using turkey, you can use roast beef or ham. In the vegetarian variation, the meat slice can be substituted with large lettuce leaves or low carb wraps and use hummus as the binder.
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7) Tuna Salad Box
What makes Tuna Salad Box work: A small tuna salad keeps you full longer than almost any other quick protein, and the tuna I’m buying now (oil-packed, in jars) is honestly one of the best pantry upgrades I’ve made in years.
Combine a 5 oz can of tuna (drained) with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon yogurt (this is the move, it lightens it up), a squeeze of lemon, salt, pepper, and diced celery or capers for crunch. In a small container, pack 1/2 cup of whole grain crackers, cucumber slices, and a few cornichons or olives. If you can find it, tuna packed in olive oil is a clear step up from the water-packed varieties. Tuna packed in water is smoother in texture, while the flavor is more robust.
You can substitute the protein in the salad with canned salmon, which will make it even more delicious! Be sure to drain the salmon and remove the soft bones, which are calcium (the bones are mashable). The vegetarian option is chickpea “tuna” salad.
8) Edamame Citrus Box
**Why Edamame Citrus Box belongs here:** Edamame is one of the few truly satiating plant-based proteins. Salted shelled edamame with citrus brings to mind the kind of treats you might find at a rest stop in Japan. In a good way.
If you want, you can take frozen shelled edamame, and defrost them by running cold water over them for about 30 seconds. Then drain, and mix them with some flaky salt, and a squeeze of lemon or lime (and a small amount of red pepper flakes, if desired). You can also add some citrus to the mix. Use 3/4 cup packed with either oranges or mandarins as the citrus will help cut the bean-y flavor and keep the box from being one-note. A couple of sesame seeds on top give it an Asian snack touch.
Swap: Use roasted or canned (and rinsed) chickpeas as another option for protein. Also, frozen lima beans may be used, but only the small Fordhook variety. Large ones are starchy.
Nathaniel’s Pantry Notes: Nuts and Seed Butters
Nut and seed butters are in 7 of the 31 boxes. There is a reason for that; they are one of the most powerful ways to add staying power to a snack without any cooking!
The truth about peanut butter is that it is usually sold at both low and high prices, and these products are not of the same quality. Surprisingly, what you want is the ‘natural’ version which has just one ingredient (peanuts) and an oil layer on top. Mix it and store it in the refrigerator and that jar will last me for two months. The no-stir jars use palm oil and sugars that are antinutritional to whatever fruit you pair it with.
• Buy nuts from a store with high turnover. Nuts go rancid in 6-12 months at room temp. The bulk bin at a busy co-op is fresher than a sealed bag that’s been on a shelf for a year. Smell them before you commit, fresh nuts smell sweet and a little fatty. Rancid ones smell like old paint.
• Roast your own. Raw almonds at 325°F for 12-15 minutes (until they smell toasty and the insides are pale gold when you cut one open) taste like a different food than the pre-roasted ones. Same for walnuts (8-10 minutes), pecans (10-12), and cashews (10-12). Watch closely after minute 8, they go from toasty to burnt in 30 seconds.
• Walnuts go rancid fastest. Of all the common nuts, walnuts have the most polyunsaturated fat, which is what oxidizes. If you’re keeping nuts more than a month, refrigerate or freeze them. This goes triple for walnuts.
I buy Crazy Richard’s or Smucker’s everyday peanut butter (approximately $5 a jar). When I feel fancy I like almond butter from Maranatha. For nuts, I prefer the Kirkland brand at Costco when I can’t get them fresh. Otherwise, I buy mixed nuts from the Whole Foods bulk bins.
9) Avocado Cracker Box
Avocado Cracker Box Pitch: Snacking is made healthier and more enjoyable with the Avocado Cracker Box! The satisfying effect of the healthy fats in avocado is what makes the snack so enjoyable.
The only problem is figuring out how to prevent the avocado from browning on top of the cracker. Keep the packaged crackers separate from the packed half avocado (with pit, plus lemon juice sprinkled on). At snack time, scoop and mash on to your cracker, then finish with flaky salt, red pepper flakes, and, if you have, halved cherry tomatoes or microgreens. If you absolutely have to pre-assemble, have a thicker cracker (Wasa, Ryvita) and eat within two hours; any thinner ones go soggy fast.
Swap: Although hummus on the cracker has the same texture profile, smashed white beans with olive oil, lemon, and salt have a creamy texture and won’t oxidize.
10) Chia Pudding Box
Why Chia Pudding Box pulls its weight: Out of all snacks, chia pudding is the one I most often forget is make-ahead friendly. A five-minute prep the night before gives you a snack that is high in both protein and fiber, and requires zero thought the next day.
In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of chia seeds and 1 cup of milk (for a thicker consistency, use full-fat coconut or whole dairy), 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey, and a splash of vanilla. Whisk and let it sit for 10 minutes. Whisk again to break clumps and place in the fridge overnight to finish. You want to be able to drag a spoon through the pudding and have the trail remain for a second. Prepare 3/4 cup of fresh berries and a small handful of granola or nuts on top, and include a spoon.
Swap: See #15 for the same logic. If you sprinkle some chia seeds, you get a no-wait version.
11) Chickpea And Cheese Box
**Why pack this:** One of the most gratifying examples of snack boxes I’ve put together is roasted chickpeas paired with a small amount of genuine cheese, and it costs next to nothing.
Draining and drying a can of chickpeas (yes, paper towels work best for this, and yes, they make the difference between chewy and crispy) Combine with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway to ensure they rattle and become golden brown. If everything is still warm when you pack them, the pack will steam and things will go soft. Pack 1/2 cup with a 1-inch cube of cheddar or apple slices, plus grapes for sweetness.
Swap: Roasted edamame, fava beans, or crispy lentils have similar textures. Store-bought roasted chickpeas work in a pinch, but are less flavorful.
12) Smoked Salmon Box
What Smoked Salmon Box gets you: Smoked Salmon Box is a snack box that provides some Sunday brunch vibes as well as a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids in smoked salmon.
Include 2-3 ounces of cold-smoked salmon along with whole grain crackers or a slice of pumpernickel bread, a small tub of whipped cream cheese or labneh, capers, and thinly sliced red onion (you can skip this if you want, raw red onion can be pretty loud in a lunchbox), and a quarter lemon to squeeze. Cut cucumbers can be added. When selecting from the cold case, choose the smallest packs; the gigantic pack from Costco is only worth it if you intend to finish it all in a week (otherwise, freeze in portions).
Swap: Smoked trout tends to be cheaper and tastes better. Canned smoked oysters or sardines are cheaper still and have a stronger flavor.
13) Caprese Skewers Box
Why Caprese Skewers Box makes the cut: Caprese skewers turn three ingredients into something that looks intentional, and the combination of cheese fat and tomato acid actually keeps you full.
Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil leaves are threaded onto small skewers or toothpicks (3 to 4 items per skewer). Pack 4 to 5 skewers and drizzle a small amount of olive oil and **balsamic glaze** in a separate container **to keep** the basil **fresh**. Salt and pepper are at the table. The pre-grated stuff is rubbery, totally different food. Use the freshest mozzarella you can find. A dash of flaky salt separates fine from good.
\nCubed feta or aged mozzarella with olives fits the same Mediterranean profile and travels better. In summer, nothing else hits quite like watermelon and feta skewers.
14) Chicken And Veggies Box
Chicken And Veggies Box, why it’s here: A few ounces of cooked chicken turns a snack box into something that could honestly be lunch, and roasting a couple of breasts on Sunday gets me through three weekday boxes.
For the chicken, pat dry the boneless, skinless thighs, or the breasts. Rub them each with olive oil, then with salt and pepper, and then with Italian herbs, or with garlic powder. For breasts, the internal temperature should be 165°F, but more importantly the juices run clear and the meat is firm, so roast at 425°F for 18-22 minutes. For thighs (if you used skin-on, the skin should be deeply golden), roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes. After the thighs rest for 5 minutes, then slice them across the grain. Pack 3 ounces of sliced dipping veggies (hummus or tzatziki), some cherry tomatoes, some snap peas, and some olives or pickles.
Switch: Store bought rotisserie chicken is an option that requires no cooking and is pretty decent. The most brilliant variation is leftover grilled chicken from the previous night’s dinner.
15) Overnight Oats Box
Where Overnight Oats Box earns its spot: Overnight oats are the snack box I make four at a time on Sunday and don’t think about again until Friday. There is high fiber content, lots of potential energy, and very low active effort.
Take a jar or a small container and layer the following ingredients: 1/2 cup of rolled oats (make sure they are not instant oats, or they will turn to paste), 1/2 cup of your choice of yogurt (dairy, nut, soy), or milk, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (or honey), a pinch of salt, and add some vanilla (if desired). Stir the contents to mix well, then refrigerate for a minimum of 6-8 hours. The longer it sits, the better it will be. You can add fresh fruit and a little nut butter or some chopped nuts on top before eating. They will last for 4 to 5 days in the fridge. If you keep them longer, they’ll start tasting tired.
Steel cut oats have to be made in advance because they need to be cooked and cooled prior to being used. A protein packed alternative is the quinoa variation in the same layered dessert (quinoa needs to be cooked and cooled as well).
Nathaniel’s Pantry Notes: Greek Yogurt and Cottage Cheese
Greek yogurt and cottage cheese appear in six of these boxes. Most people only take one and overlook the other.
The key takeaway is that no cooking is needed, and a half-cup serving yields 12-20 grams of protein. That’s also more protein than what you’d get from a hard-boiled egg and comes in a handy container that you can customize with fruit, nuts, or even savory toppings depending on your mood.
• Buy plain, full-fat, or 2%. The flavored cups are dessert dressed up as a snack. Plain whole-milk Greek yogurt with fresh fruit beats vanilla Chobani every time, and you control the sugar. Same logic for cottage cheese, the nonfat is watery and disappointing, full-fat or 4% holds its texture.
• Greek vs. regular vs. skyr. Greek yogurt is strained, regular is not, skyr is strained even longer. More straining means thicker texture and more protein per spoonful. For snack boxes I default to Greek or skyr, regular yogurt is too loose and pools at the bottom.
• Cottage cheese with pepper. Most cottage cheese recipes default to pineapple or peaches. They work. But cottage cheese with a grind of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil on top is the savory move that nobody talks about, and it’s excellent on toast.
I purchase Fage Total 5% and Stonyfield whole-milk Greek yogurts. For higher protein content, I choose Siggi’s skyr. Good Culture has slightly better ingredients.
16) Fruit And Nut Box
What makes the Fruit And Nut Box effective: The combination of dried fruit and nuts is the original classic snack. It works because the sugar in dried fruit is counterbalanced by the fat in the nuts, providing sustained energy without the typical sugar crash. When I’m traveling, and I know I won’t have access to a fridge, this is my go-to option.
Combine 1/4 cup of assorted unsalted nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans — any combination is fine, but since walnuts go rancid most quickly, try them first), and 1/3 cup of fresh fruit (grapes, cubed melon, apple slices, or dried apricots), and add a small dark chocolate piece or a few dark chocolate chips. The chocolate contrasts all the healthy food, and makes the box feel less filled with rabbit food. Sugared or honey-roasted nuts are a no-go; the purpose of the sugar defeats what they should be providing.
Swap: For an alternative that’s even more satisfying, consider adding a few cheese cubes (in other words, a French ploughman’s plate). At a nut-free school, pumpkin and sunflower seeds are good substitutes for nuts.
17) Veggie Sushi Box
Why Veggie Sushi Box belongs here: The veggie sushi box is easy to transport for several hours and is mostly made of plants and rice, which means it could be considered takeout, and there is just one detail you need to attend to (see below).
Use sushi rice that has been cooked and cooled to room temperature after seasoning with rice vinegar, salt, and a bit of sugar. For the roll, use toasted nori sheets, cucumber, and avocado, with julienned carrots, and any combination of the following: red pepper, mango, or sweet potato (cooked). The only rule with the lunchbox is to roll the food firmly and then cut it with a knife that has been dipped in water, and do this just before putting it in the lunchbox. Remember to add the soy sauce (low-sodium) in the separate container, along with the pickled ginger and edamame. Do not store the rolls in the refrigerator for more than six hours, as this will cause the rice to harden.
As an alternative, a sushi bowl with rice, vegetables, strips of nori, and dressing is quicker to make and can be transported more easily. The protein-forward variant are hand rolls made with smoked salmon.
18) Pita And Dip Box
Proposition for Pita And Dip Box: This box is a mini mezze platter and pairs with nearly any dip.
You can prepare homemade whole-wheat pita chips by first preheating the oven to 400°F. Then, slice a pita into wedges and bake them for 5-7 minutes, watching for the 4-minute mark, as they go from lightly toasted to burnt in seconds. Let them cool completely before sealing them in a bag, as moisture will cause them to soften. As for the dips, use hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, or even muhammara, which are all great. Don’t forget the olives, cucumbers, and feta! And for some extra flavor, a bit of za’atar on the dip will do the trick!
Crackers or seedy crispbreads (Wasa, Ryvita) are replaced by pitas and will last longer in a lunchbox without going stale. Sturdier veggies like snap peas and carrots are used instead of bread to decrease the carbs in the meal.
19) Pear And Cheese Box
Why Pear and Cheese Box is worth it: People might think that the combination of pear and cheese is more complicated than it really is. With just 20 seconds of preparation, you can make a snack that looks like you spent a lot of time on it.
Select a boxable firm and ripe pear (Bosc and Anjou are more ideal for this; Bartlet pears will get too mushy too quickly), cut into wedges, and drizzle lemon juice on the exposed cut sides. Toss with 1-2 oz of a strongly flavored cheese (aged cheddar, manchego, blue, gorgonzola) as the mix of sweet pear and sharp cheese is most intriguing aspect of the box. For a fancier touch, throw in a few walnuts or almonds with a dab of honey in a small ramekin.
Swap: Apple or fig can be replaced with pear, fresh figs are an upgrade in late summer. If you prefer creamy to sharp, go for brie or camembert.
20) Shrimp Cocktail Box
What Shrimp Cocktail Box gets you: Cooked shrimp from the seafood counter is the highest protein option you can pack in 30 seconds. Plus you can add a little celebration with cocktail sauce.
Purchase shrimp that has been peeled, deveined, and fully cooked from the seafood counter (frozen cooked shrimp works too and is usually cheaper, you just have to thaw it under cold water). For dipping sauce, you can pack a small container of cocktail sauce. Or alternatively, you can leave the container off and use ketchup with a hard squeeze of lemon and a few drops of hot sauce. Take 5-6 medium sized shrimp. Feel free to use ice pack most as it’s likely the box is the coldest to start. Include lemon wedges, slices of cucumber, and several olives or cherry tomatoes.
Swap: Cooked crab claws or lump crab chunks would be even better with a squeeze of lemon. For a non-seafood version, cold poached chicken serves the same purpose.
21) Berry Smoothie Box
What Berry Smoothie Box offers: A mini thermos with a smoothie and a real-food side turns drinking-your-snack into a real meal that will fill you up. That is what I do some mornings when I am not hungry yet but I know I will be by 10am.
I combine 3/4 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 cup of frozen mixed berries, 1/2 a frozen banana, 1 tablespoon of nut butter or chia seeds, and a small handful of spinach (trust me, you won’t taste it) and pour it into a little insulated thermos. For your protein and crunch box, you can also add a hard boiled egg, some cheese and cracker pairs, or a small handful of nuts. Just having the smoothie won’t fill you up. It’s the sides that transform it into a snack box.
For a tropical option, substitute frozen mango with coconut milk. For a chocolate-cherry option, substitute frozen cherries and cacao. If you’d like it to anchor the box by itself, add unflavored protein powder.
22) Quinoa Salad Box
The case for Quinoa Salad Box: Quinoa as a snack-box base is the move when I want something more substantial than yogurt but lighter than a sandwich. It is one of the only grains, that is still appetizing when placed in a cold lunchbox.
To prepare quinoa, combine 1 cup quinoa with 1.75 cups of salted water or broth. Cook on low for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and pack only after it is completely cooled. For the salad, mix 3/4 cup diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, crumbled feta, and a dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The dressing will be on the side and at snack time please re-dress with the provided lemon wedge. This will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Substitutions for the quinoa slot could include farro, barley, or couscous which offer different textures. Brown rice is more economical but, unlike the other grains, it hardens when cooled.
23) Peanut Butter Banana Box
Strengths of the Peanut Butter Banana Box: There is a reason the combination of bananas and peanut butter has been a go-to snack for over a hundred years. It’s simple. The sugar from the banana and the fat from the peanut butter makes for a great pairing.
Peel the banana and slice it into rounds. You could use the slices to make a sandwich with a thin layer of peanut butter, or you could keep the banana whole and pack a plastic container of peanut butter for dipping. You can use some whole-grain crackers or a rice cake to spread the leftover peanut butter on. Putting a little granola or some chopped nuts on the banana slices will make it a lot better. Choose a banana with a bit of green if it’s going in a lunchbox because fully brown bananas get bruised and brown by lunchtime.
Swap: To reduce sugar, replace the banana with apple or pear slices. If there is a nut-free school policy, use almond or sunflower butter in place of PB.
24) Ants On A Log
What makes Ants On A Log work: This is the snack I packed for my kids’ lunches for two years straight, and the little joke is that adults like it too. The peanut butter provides staying power, the celery adds some crunch and moisture, and the raisins give flavor.
First grab some celery stalks and cut them into four inch sections. Next, fill the channel of each piece with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Then, stick in 5-6 raisins, as if they are ants on a log. Three logs per box is a snack. Also add a fresh piece of fruit. The fresher the celery, the better. Limp celery is what differentiates a fun snack from a sad one. If your celery has been in the fridge longer than a week, try soaking it in ice water for 20 mins to bring it back to life.
For an elevated experience, consider swapping in almond butter and dried cherries. Another option is cream cheese with chopped chives in the canal.
Nathaniel’s Pantry Notes: The Box Itself
The container is the part of the snack box that people don’t really care about, but it determines whether your snack box will be good at 3 p.m. or a sad mush.
Key idea: Snack box dividers save space. After four hours, a bag with crackers, cheese, and grapes will be a sad, wet mess. With sectioned containers, the same components will stay crispy, dry, and separated.
• Compartmented over single-cavity. A bento box with 3-5 sections, even a cheap plastic one, separates wet from dry. Crackers don’t go soft from cheese. Hummus doesn’t bleed into apple slices. This is the single biggest upgrade you can make.
• Glass beats plastic for anything wet. Yogurt, cottage cheese, dips, and anything tomato-based hold their flavor better in glass, plastic can pick up flavors and odors over time. For dry-only boxes, plastic is fine and lighter.
• Match container size to actual snack size. A 5-cup container with a half-cup of snack rolling around feels depressing and the food slides into a corner. A right-sized container makes the same snack feel intentional. I have three sizes: a tiny one for nuts or dips, a medium two-section for most boxes, and a larger 3-4 section for a heartier lunchbox-style snack.
• Ice pack matters for protein. Anything with cooked meat, fish, or eggs needs an ice pack if it’ll sit more than two hours at room temp. The skinny flat ones that lay flat against the box work better than the chunky lunch-cooler kind.
**What I buy:** For compartmented use, I get PackIt or Bentgo bento boxes (cost between $15-$25). For yogurt-based products, I use glass containers with snap lids, either from Weck or Pyrex. I use ice packs from the thin Kontainer brand.
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25) Frittata Muffins Box
Why Frittata Muffins Box belongs here: Frittata muffins are the most efficient meal-prep snack I make. Six eggs make 12 muffins. Because they provide a source of protein, 12 muffins can fill 2 week’s worth of snack boxes.
In a large bowl, combine six eggs with a quarter cup of milk, salt and pepper to taste, and a handful of cheese. Add any combination of cooked meats (crumbled bacon, ham, sausage) and veggies (sautéed spinach, diced peppers, and scallions). Pour 3/4 full into a greased muffin tin (12 cups) and bake for 18 to 22 minutes at 350 degrees fahrenheit. You can tell they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are puffy and golden brown. Let cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then run a butter knife along the edges to help loosen, and remove from the tin. Pack 2-3 muffins along with some cherry tomatoes, fresh fruit, and a small container of olives or pickles. They’ll stay in the fridge for 5 days.
\em\ Crustless quiche can also be made and then cut into squares. Using hard-boiled eggs for a no-bake variety fulfills the protein requirement, but you sacrifice the all-in-one handiness. \em\
26) Lentil Dip Box
The pitch for Lentil Dip Box: Lentil-based dip is a protein-rich alternative to hummus. Unlike other dips, red lentil dip is unexpectedly creamy on the first taste.
In 1.5 cups of water, cook 1/2 cup of red lentils with a pinch of salt for 15-18 minutes. Once they become a coarse puree, drain off excess water. Blend until smooth: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and a bit of tahini. Cool. Stuff a toasted pita with raw veggies (carrots, cucumbers, snap peas), some olives, and a bit of feta. Drizzling some olive oil with sumac or za’atar over the dip is a good idea.
Swap: White bean dip, hummus, or muhammara all fit the same slot with different flavors. Roasted carrot dip is the most underrated dip.
27) Adult Lunchable Box
Reason why Adult Lunchable Box is worth it: This is the box I pack when I want to experience some throwback vibes of the classic kid lunchables, but want to reminisce with something more substantial. It includes cheese, meat, and crackers, as well as some fruit and something pickled to awaken the senses.
Add 1-2 ounces of quality cheese (such as gouda, manchego, sharp cheddar, or brie); 1-1.5 ounces of cured meat (such as prosciutto, salami, and/or capicola); a handful of seed-filled crackers or a small piece of bread; a few grapes or some apple slices; and 5-6 pieces of olives, cornichons, or pickled pepperoncini for that vinegar kick. A true charcuterie-style box is differentiated from a sad cheese plate by the vinegar element. There is a compartmented juice container. The juice spilling onto the crackers is the stereotypical ruined lunch scenario.
Baked pistachio mortadella is an underappreciated cured meat. Smoked turkey serves as a substitute for the pork element. For a vegetarian Italian profile, bocconcini and basil can be used.
28) Sweet Potato And Beans
Sweet potato and beans: the roasted sweet potato and black bean box comes close to being a full meal, and this is the box I pack when I am packing dinner-as-snack.
For the oven, wash and peel 1 sweet potato and cut it into 1/2 inch cubes and season it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika and and a little bit of cumin. Let it bake for 22-28 minutes at 425°F and make sure to flip the potatoes halfway. Once the potatoes are done, it will have a lot of caramelization on the edges of the potatoes and should be soft enough for a fork to slide through them. No one wants undercooked sweet potato, that would just be sad and starchy. Once the sweet potatoes cool, mix them with 1/2 cup of the black beans from the tin (make sure to rinse and drain them) with some lime juice and chopped cilantro to your liking. If you have some, you can pack some salsa or pico into a small separate container to put it on top. If you have a ripe avocado, you can cube it and put it on the side.
You can swap for roasted butternut squash instead. It is sweeter and works the same way. Any of the following types of beans can go in the bean slot: pinto, kidney, or white beans.
29) Kimchi Rice Box
Why is this packed? Cold kimchi rice is a box of surprises. The interesting flavor of kimchi makes it enjoyable to eat cold, while the rice is just there for some comfort.
Prepare 1 cup of short-grain rice (either jasmine or sushi-style) and allow it to cool completely (rice that is still warm will steam itself). Combine 1 cup of cooled rice, 1/2 cup of chopped kimchi (you may include some of the kimchi juice), and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and mix. Add some sesame seeds and stir in. Place half of a soft-boiled egg on your bowl (for this purpose a 6-minute egg with a jammy yolk is ideal), and top with a bit of sliced scallions. Add a soy or gochujang drizzle for spiciness, and include cucumber spears on the side.
Swap: to add more protein, substitute rice with cooked farro or quinoa. If you don’t have kimchi, sauerkraut can be used as an alternative fermented veggie.
30) Ricotta And Fruit Box
Why Ricotta And Fruit Box makes the cut: We think ricotta is an unappreciated addition for an American snack box. A half cup of whole milk ricotta is also very creamy and feels like dessert. It even has more protein than yogurt.
Use whole-milk ricotta (don’t waste your money on part-skim, it’s grainy in the box). Add a 1/2 cup packed with sliced strawberries, peaches, or figs, and a drizzle of honey or a teaspoon of fruit preserves. Crushed pistachios or almonds on top increase the crunch factor. A slice of seedy crackers or some toasted whole-grain bread along with it makes it a more filling snack. it might seem strange (and is strange) to add a little flaky salt to the fruit.
Mascarpone is more rich and creamy than the others, and approaches more of a dessert texture. Cottage cheese occupies the same space in the fridge, but has a totally different texture. The lower fat alternative is Greek yogurt.
31) Trail Mix Box
The case for Trail Mix Box: I like having my own choice in how much sugar and salt goes into my trail mix. Also, just a small amount of effort on Sunday gives me trail mix for five weekday afternoons.
Mix together 1 cup of raw or roasted unsalted nuts (such as almonds, pecans, and cashews), 1/2 cup of both pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, 1/3 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes, 1/3 cup of freeze-dried strawberries or blueberries, and 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips. Flaky salt can enhance the flavor of the entire mix. Portion the trail mix into individual boxes or containers that can hold about 1/3 of a cup. Be careful not to eat the trail mix directly from the bag, as you may end up consuming 800 calories in one go!
Swap: For a more chocolatey flavor, go for cacao nibs! Adding cashews and dried mango with a sprinkle of chili powder will give you a sweet-heat tropical twist.
I often find myself reflecting on the chickpeas and cheese and cottage cheese and pineapple snack options. They really don’t sound appetizing, but they have been some of the most pleasant surprises of my snacking experience. Learning the trick of drying roasted chickpeas before their summer roasting solved my problem of what afternoon snack to pack. Pineapple with pepper is an experience in itself. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, go with these two. A snack box should be straightforward, not a complicated undertaking. Choose some options for the week, pack it, and be done. Grab a veggie box and enjoy the rest of your day.
