These toddler lunch ideas are perfect for when you’re looking to pack a nutritious meal for your one-year-old, whether it’s for home, daycare, or preschool. Whether your baby is just starting to eat solids or is already an experienced little eater, these lunch box ideas will inspire you to create healthy, fun meals!
LUNCH IDEAS FOR 1-YEAR-OLDS
Coming up with lunch ideas for 1-year-olds can be tricky! It’s tough to predict how hungry they’ll be, which foods they’ll enjoy, how they’ll handle different textures, and simply what to serve. To make it easier, this list provides simple yet nutritious lunch ideas that are perfect for home or daycare.
FOOD FOR 1-YEAR-OLDS
At one year old, toddlers are in a transition phase: they’re able to eat more than babies, but still can’t handle all the foods that older toddlers and kids can. Their appetite can vary greatly from day to day, so these ideas are designed with flexibility in mind. They offer a mix of easy-to-pack meals, plus a variety of textures and flavors to keep things interesting and balanced.
LUNCHBOX IDEAS FOR 1-YEAR-OLDS AT DAYCARE
Any of these lunch ideas can be packed for daycare or preschool, or even for a meal on the go. If you’re looking for a lunchbox or thermos that works for your needs, I’ve got a few recommendations to help you find the best fit.
Tip: Always adjust these lunch ideas to suit your toddler’s chewing abilities, preferences, and any allergies. If you see something that isn’t cut or served the way your toddler needs it, feel free to adapt it. I’ve provided visuals to help guide you, but you may need to make changes based on what works best for your child.
EASY SNACK BOX
Muffin lunches are a favorite of mine because they allow me to prepare the main component in advance and simply add a few easy sides. This one includes fresh blackberries, freeze-dried strawberries, O cereal, and Vegan Banana Muffins. Remember, not every lunch needs to have every food group—just do your best with what you have!
PESTO PASTA AND PEAS WITH GRAPES AND FRUIT LEATHER
Store-bought or homemade pesto is a quick and nutritious pasta sauce, especially when paired with peas, making it both flavorful and kid-friendly. Add halved grapes and fruit leather for an easy and fun lunch.
CARROT CAKE MUFFINS WITH COTTAGE CHEESE
Muffins like my Carrot Cake Muffins and Roasted Carrot Fries make for a great lunch option. Both are tasty cold or slightly warm, making them perfect for home or packed lunches. If you’re sending cottage cheese to daycare, don’t forget a spoon!
EASY BREAKFAST FOR LUNCH
Pair Veggie Muffins with hard-cooked eggs and berries for a super simple, make-ahead lunch that’s perfect for toddlers.
CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO BOWLS
This easy lunch pairs quickly cooked chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and zucchini. It’s simple to prepare and can easily be adjusted for an adult’s meal too!
VEGGIE GRILLED CHEESE, CORN, AND APPLESAUCE
Sneak some spinach into a grilled cheese for a nutritional boost. You can use the filling from my Spinach Quesadillas on bread, preparing it like a regular grilled cheese. Serve with warm frozen corn and an applesauce pouch.
BROCCOLI PESTO PASTA WITH EASY SIDES
Blend broccoli right into pasta sauce for an easy way to serve this veggie to toddlers. Pair with fun pasta shapes, like stars, and simple sides like puffs, berries, and thawed frozen veggies.
EASY FINGER FOODS LUNCH
A combination of eggs, roasted butternut squash, fruit, and avocado makes for a simple and healthy lunch. I often prep the squash and eggs ahead of time and just warm them briefly before serving or packing. You can also rub a little lime or lemon juice on the avocado to prevent browning.
MEATBALLS, PASTA, AND FRUIT
My Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Potato are a soft and easy-to-chew option for a toddler. Pair them with pasta or another grain and fruit for a complete meal.
SOFT ROASTED CHICKPEA LUNCH
Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas paired with diced cheese, kiwi, and crackers make for a super simple, finger-friendly lunch for your one-year-old.
PIZZA QUESADILLAS
Create an easy pizza-inspired lunch by using tortillas, which are soft and easy for toddlers to chew. Add pizza sauce for flavor and veggies for a healthy twist. Cut into strips or cubes for easier chewing. Pair with berries for a delicious meal.
EASY HUMMUS LUNCH BOX
Dips are a great way to get kids interested in new foods. For this lunch, pair hummus with bread strips, thinly sliced pepperoni, sautéed green beans, mini animal crackers, and fruit.
FREEZABLE PB&J
Freezable PB&J sandwiches are a lifesaver when you’re in need of a quick and easy lunch. They thaw in the lunchbox and streamline packing. You can substitute sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly option.
ZUCCHINI FRITTERS AND TOMATOES
Zucchini fritters are a great make-ahead lunch, especially when zucchini is in season. Serve them diced with a dipping sauce like ranch, ketchup, salsa, or BBQ sauce for a fun and nutritious meal.
PESTO PIZZA
Make a quick pesto pizza using store-bought dough or homemade. Top it with pesto, cut into strips or cubes for easy chewing, and pair with matchstick apples and cucumber slices for a well-rounded lunch.
CONCLUSION
Variety is key when it comes to feeding toddlers. These 15 ideas are just a starting point. By introducing a wide range of flavors, textures, and colors, you’ll help your child develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy mealtimes together!
