25 Healthy Snack Sides to Add to Lunchboxes
25 Healthy Snack Sides to Add to Lunchboxes
Stuck in a lunchbox rut? It’s easy to rotate the same crackers, applesauce, and chips on repeat. This list of 25 healthy snack sides gives you fresh ideas for crunchy, chewy, and low-sugar sides that kids will actually eat — many of them nut-free and school-safe.
Crunchy Sides (That Aren’t Just Chips)
Crunch is non-negotiable for a lot of kids. These options feel snacky but lean on whole grains and simpler ingredients.
- 1. Air-popped popcorn with a sprinkle of sea salt.
- 2. Whole-grain crackers with sunflower butter (if school allows) or hummus on the side.
- 3. Lentil or veggie puffs for extra plant-based protein.
- 4. Mini rice cakes (plain or lightly flavored, not dessert-style).
- 5. Roasted chickpeas with mild seasoning.
- 6. Baked pita chips with a small hummus cup.
Fresh & Juicy Sides
Fruit sides hit the “sweet” craving while still being naturally rich in fiber and vitamins.
- 7. Berry medley (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries).
- 8. Apple slices with a squeeze of lemon to prevent browning.
- 9. Clementine or mandarin segments in a lidded cup.
- 10. Grapes (halved for younger kids).
- 11. Melon cubes or mini melon balls.
- 12. Kiwi rounds with the skin removed for easy eating.
Veggie Sides Kids Might Actually Eat
Veggies don’t have to be a battle. Pair them with dips and fun shapes to make them feel more like a snack.
- 13. Cucumber coins with ranch or yogurt dip.
- 14. Carrot sticks or carrot “chips.”
- 15. Bell pepper strips in red, yellow, or orange.
- 16. Sugar snap peas for a sweet crunch.
- 17. Cherry tomatoes (choose mild, sweet varieties).
Chewy & Satisfying Sides
These sides feel more substantial — great for kids who come home starving or have long school days.
- 18. Mini oat bars made with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey or maple.
- 19. Fruit leather strips with simple ingredients.
- 20. Energy “bites” made from oats and seeds (nut-free, if needed).
- 21. Greek yogurt cups (pair with fruit to keep sugar in check).
- 22. Cottage cheese with pineapple or berries.
- 23. Lumi Bites star-shaped bites for a chewy, treat-feeling side.
Low-Sugar Sides for Sweet Snack Kids
If your child loves sweet snacks, you don’t have to say “no” — just choose options that keep sugar in check. For a full guide, visit our post Low-Sugar Snacks Kids Will Actually Eat .
- 24. Plain yogurt + fruit with a light sprinkle of granola.
- 25. Lumi Bites — dessert-inspired flavors made with oats, tiger nuts, and organic ingredients.
Mix and match a few of these sides with your main (sandwich, wrap, pasta, or leftovers) and you’ll have endless lunch combinations that feel fresh without starting from scratch every morning.
Lumi Bites Lunchbox Side Favorites
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Nut-free, low-sugar snack stars that double as a fun lunchbox side — proudly made in Austin, TX.
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Healthy Lunchbox Sides FAQ
Quick answers for building balanced lunchboxes without running out of ideas.
How many snack sides should I pack in a lunchbox?
Many families find that two to three sides work well — for example, one fruit, one veggie, and one crunchy or chewy side. Adjust based on your child’s age, appetite, and whether they have snack time at school.
How can I keep snack sides low in sugar?
Focus on fruit, veggies, popcorn, and oat-based snacks instead of multiple packaged sweets. Choose yogurt with less added sugar and add your own fruit, and pick snacks with short ingredient lists. For more ideas, see Low-Sugar Snacks Kids Will Actually Eat .
How do I keep cut fruit and veggies from getting soggy?
Pat produce dry before packing, use small containers so items don’t bounce around, and keep dips in a separate cup. For apples or pears, a light squeeze of lemon juice can help prevent browning.
Are Lumi Bites considered a healthy snack side?
Lumi Bites are designed as a fun lunchbox side made with organic ingredients like oats and tiger nuts. They’re nut-free and portioned to feel like a treat while keeping sugar in check compared to typical cookies or candy.
What if my child only eats the “fun” side and ignores the rest?
This is common, especially at first. Try serving smaller portions of the fun snack alongside very familiar fruits or veggies, and rotate new sides slowly. Over time, consistency plus variety usually wins out.
How can I get out of a lunchbox rut?
Keep a written list of favorite sides on the fridge and circle five to six options for the week. Using a formula like “one fruit + one veggie + one crunchy or chewy side” makes it easier to plug in new ideas without starting from zero.