Let’s be honest: being a mom means life can get pretty hectic. Between school runs, work, and all the little things in between, finding time to prepare fun, healthy meals can feel like a challenge. But what if meal prep could actually be enjoyable? That’s where bento boxes come in.
These cute, compartmentalized containers are a lifesaver for busy moms and a source of excitement for little ones at lunchtime. In this article, we’ll explore how you can simplify your meal prepping routine with bento boxes—keeping your kids happy, and your schedule just a little bit easier to manage.
Why Bento Boxes?
Bento boxes aren’t just adorable—they’re super practical too! With their individual compartments, you can easily pack a balanced meal that looks fun and appetizing. It’s like giving your kids a mini picnic at school every day, and who doesn’t love that? Plus, it’s a great way to mix and match different foods without everything getting squished together. Fruits, veggies, proteins, and snacks all have their own little space.
No more soggy sandwiches or mushed-up snacks! It also makes it easier to get creative with colors and shapes, which can be a real game-changer for picky eaters. And the best part? You can prep these meals ahead of time, meaning more relaxed mornings and less scrambling to put together a lunch as you’re getting everyone out the door.
Top Tips For Bento Box Success
1. Make It Colourful
When it comes to bento boxes, the more colorful, the better! Not only does this make meals more visually appealing, but it also helps ensure you’re including a variety of nutrients. Brightly colored fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and oranges can easily sit alongside green veggies like cucumbers and edamame.
According to food blogger and bento enthusiast @JustBento on Instagram, “A colorful bento is a happy bento. It’s an easy way to get kids excited about eating healthy!” Plus, it’s a sneaky way to introduce new foods without making them feel like they’re eating the same old lunch every day.
2. Use Fun Shapes
Kids love fun shapes, and bento boxes make it easy to get creative. Using cookie cutters to turn sandwiches, cheeses, or even fruits into hearts, stars, or animals can instantly make a meal more appealing to little ones. As @LunchboxDad, a dad who’s gained a following on TikTok for his bento-style lunches, shares, “It’s all about the presentation.
Even the simplest ingredients can look fun when they’re shaped into something cool.” And don’t worry—you don’t need a ton of time. A quick sandwich cutout can make all the difference without adding stress to your prep routine.
3. Prep In Batches
One of the biggest time-saving strategies is to prep ingredients in bulk. Cook a batch of rice or pasta at the beginning of the week, chop up veggies, and store everything in the fridge so you can quickly assemble the bento boxes.
Meal prep guru @MealPrepMoms on Instagram swears by batch prepping, saying, “Spending an hour on Sunday to prep your ingredients can save you so much time during the week.” Plus, you can mix and match throughout the week to keep things interesting for your kids.
4. Incorporate Protein
To keep your little ones full and energized, make sure to include a good source of protein. Hard-boiled eggs, cheese, deli meats, or even leftover chicken can work perfectly in a bento box.
Dr. Jessica Levinson, a nutrition expert and author, explains, “Protein is key for growing kids, and bento boxes give parents the flexibility to offer a variety of protein options in small, manageable portions.” It’s all about balance—pairing proteins with carbs and veggies will give your kids a well-rounded meal.
5. Keep It Simple
It’s easy to get caught up in making your bento box lunches picture-perfect, but remember—simple is often best. Sometimes, a classic combo of cheese, crackers, fruit, and veggies is all you need.
As @TheFamilyLunchBox says on Instagram, “Don’t stress about perfection. Bento boxes are supposed to make your life easier, not harder!” Focus on variety and balance, and let the fun shapes and colors do the rest.
Top 3 Bento Box Ideas
1. The Classic Lunch Combo
For a balanced and crowd-pleasing bento box, you can’t go wrong with the classics. This one is great for picky eaters and easy to prepare.
Main: Turkey or ham sandwich, cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
Veggies: Sliced cucumber and baby carrots for a crunchy, fresh side.
Fruit: A mix of strawberries and blueberries for a pop of color and vitamins.
Snack: Cheese cubes or string cheese for protein.
Treat: A small handful of animal crackers or a granola bar for a sweet finish.
The classic lunch combo is great for kids who love familiar foods, and by cutting the sandwich into fun shapes, you make the meal more exciting. This bento can be prepped the night before, making your mornings a breeze.
2. Sushi-Inspired Bento
For a slightly more adventurous lunch that still appeals to kids, try this sushi-inspired bento. Don’t worry—it’s simple, and you don’t need to be a sushi chef!
Main: Cucumber or avocado sushi rolls (store-bought or homemade with simple ingredients).
Veggies: Edamame beans, which are a hit with most kids and packed with protein.
Fruit: Orange slices or apple chunks to balance the flavors.
Snack: A handful of seaweed crisps for a salty crunch.
Treat: A small piece of dark chocolate or a couple of yogurt-covered raisins.
This sushi-inspired bento adds some variety to your child’s lunch, introducing them to new textures and tastes while staying familiar with kid-friendly ingredients. You can prep the sushi rolls ahead of time or use pre-packaged ones from the grocery store.
3. Breakfast-for-Lunch Bento
Who says breakfast has to be eaten in the morning? A breakfast-themed bento box is fun and delicious for lunchtime too!
Main: Mini pancakes or waffles (store-bought or homemade), with a small container of syrup for dipping.
Protein: A hard-boiled egg or slices of turkey sausage.
Fruit: Sliced bananas and a few raspberries for a sweet touch.
Veggies: Cherry tomatoes or bell pepper slices for a refreshing bite.
Snack: A mini yogurt cup or a small handful of granola.
This breakfast bento is perfect for kids who love starting their day with breakfast foods. Mini pancakes and waffles are easy to batch-prep and freeze, so you can pull them out and pack them in no time. Add a protein source to keep the meal filling, and you’ve got a lunch that’s both fun and nutritious.
Incorporating bento boxes into your meal prep routine is a game-changer for busy moms. Not only do they make packing lunches easier and more organized, but they also add a bit of fun and creativity to your child’s day. With a mix of colorful ingredients, fun shapes, and balanced nutrition, bento boxes keep things interesting for your little ones while saving you time and stress. So, whether you’re prepping for the week ahead or just looking for new ideas, these bento tips and ideas are sure to bring smiles to the table—both yours and your kids’.