40 Bento Box Lunch Ideas for Hungry Toddlers and Picky Eaters

Even if you've never heard the term "bento box," there's a good chance you've seen these cute meal containers before — either on Instagram or at your child's school or day care. The Japanese-style lunch boxes feature multiple compartments designed to store a main dish plus sides.

Many parents choose bentos because they can inspire selective eaters to taste-test more. 

"For kids, they're fun, organized and visually appealing, which makes a difference in whether they'll try a new food or even eat at all," says Jenny Friedman, M.S., R.D., a registered dietitian and a member of the What To Expect Medical Review Board. "They're also great for picky eaters who prefer their foods not to touch."

The key to packing a wholesome, satisfying bento box is including a variety of foods. It'll look colorful and exciting for your little one, and you can rest assured that you've offered both nutritious and filling options. Keep this list handy for when you're stumped on lunches, and get inspired to mix and match your own bento box combos.

Main ideas for bento boxes

Kids bento box entrees don't have to be complicated. A simple sandwich or leftovers from last night's dinner can keep your cutie fueled without a lot of fuss. The main thing to remember for toddler lunches is to include some protein and fiber-rich carbohydrates, which will fill your little one up and keep her energized throughout the afternoon. Trusted SourceAmerican Academy of PediatricsKids Need Fiber: Here's Why and HowSee All Sources ^[1]

Some ideas:

• PB and banana sandwich: Peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter), sliced banana and a dash of cinnamon on whole grain bread
• Cheesy beans: Canned beans topped with shredded cheese, plus whole wheat tortilla strips
• Pasta and meatballs: Leftover whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce and turkey meatballs
• Veggie "sushi" with hummus: Hummus, avocado and shredded carrots on a whole grain tortilla, rolled and sliced into sushi-style rounds
• Waffle sandwich: Toasted whole grain waffles with cream cheese and smashed berries
• Tuna and cracker snack plate: Plain tuna salad (tuna and mayo), whole grain crackers, cheddar cheese cubes and halved grapes
• Frittata cubes: Cheese and veggie frittata cut into strips or cubes, plus whole grain crackers or toast
• Veggie pasta salad: Whole wheat pasta tossed with sauteed zucchini coins and Parmesan cheese

Veggie ideas for bento boxes

A veggie side can round out your little one's bento while offering fiber and antioxidants like vitamin C. If vegetables tend to be a tough sell for your toddler, go for colorful, milder options cut into kid-friendly shapes or sizes. (And don't sweat it if your offering goes untouched. The more often your sweetie sees veggies in her meal, the more likely she is to eventually take a nibble.)

Consider including:

• Cucumber rounds
• Zucchini or summer squash spears
• Shredded carrot
• Sweet bell pepper strips
• Roasted sweet potato wedges or rounds
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Cauliflower florets
• Lightly steamed peas 

Fruit ideas for bento boxes

Fruit's a wholesome way to satisfy your sweetie's sweet tooth and inject her bento with more color and nutrition. 

Some toddler-friendly options to try:

• Apple slices with cinnamon
• Orange wedges
• Halved grapes
• Halved or quartered strawberries
• Melon cubes or balls
• Peeled kiwi rounds or spears
• Raspberries
• Pear slices

Other side ideas for bento boxes

A main dish, a veggie and a fruit can certainly complete a toddler meal. 

"Sometimes parents feel pressure to fill every single compartment and that's certainly not a requirement. There's nothing wrong with an empty space," says Friedman, who sometimes fills an empty compartment in her son's lunchbox with a sticker.

That said, it's also fine to add an extra toddler-friendly snack if it's easy and your little one likes it. How about:

• Mini rice cakes
• Whole grain crackers
• Plain yogurt with a swirl of jam
• Diced avocado with a squeeze of lime juice
• Cheese cubes
• Whole grain pretzels
• Whole grain, low-sugar cereal
• Hard-boiled egg slices

Healthy dessert ideas for bento boxes

Like extra sides, desserts aren't a must in your toddler's bento, Friedman says. If you choose to add a sweet treat, opt for one that's relatively low in added sugar. Trusted SourceAmerican Academy of PediatricsHow To Reduce Added Sugar In Your Child's Diet: AAP TipsSee All Sources ^[2]

Some good ideas:

• Graham crackers
• Chopped dates or dried apricots
• Dark chocolate chips
• Animal crackers
• Yogurt-covered pretzels
• Mini granola bar or granola bites
• Cinnamon applesauce
• Dried fruit and nut butter energy ball

Combinations for bento boxes

It's time to get packing! To build a toddler-approved bento box, just pick an entree, a veggie and a fruit, along with an extra side and/or dessert if you choose. 

"I made a master list at the beginning of the year with all of the possibilities," Friedman says. "That helped me feel like I had a lot of options."

Keep in mind, too, that you don't have to reinvent the wheel every day. While variety is important, it's fine to include some repeat foods throughout the week if your toddler loves them or they're convenient for you, she adds. 

Some satisfying combos to try:

• PB and banana sandwich + shredded carrots + hard-boiled egg slices + animal crackers
• Cheesy beans + zucchini spears + halved or quartered strawberries + diced avocado
• Pasta and meatballs + steamed peas + halved grapes + chocolate chips
• Hummus "sushi" + sweet pepper strips + pear slices + yogurt with jam
• Waffle sandwich + orange wedges + hard-boiled egg slices
• Tuna and cracker snack plate + halved cherry tomatoes + apple slices with cinnamon + chopped date
• Frittata cubes + cauliflower florets + melon cubes + whole grain crackers + yogurt-covered pretzels
• Veggie pasta salad + roasted sweet potato rounds + raspberries + cheese cubes

A bento box can be fun for you to pack and exciting for your toddler to eat. Just don't stress too much over making it perfect. 

"Parents feel a lot of pressure to have these 'Instagram-ready' lunches," Friedman says. "You don't have to go crazy!"