Whether you’re working full-time in the office these days or are just going in now and then, what to eat for lunch has again become a “thing.” But Lunchables for Adults has also become a thing. So when in Rome, right?
Sometimes you need just a little spice in your day around lunchtime. So say goodbye to that sorry tuna sandwich you packed, or the same salad from the place on the corner. You know, the one you’ve been eating for three years?
Lunchables for adults will make lunch your new favorite meal of the day! And if not your favorite, at least will add some pizzazz to your zoom calls.
Lunchables are a great way to ensure you eat a healthy but satisfying midday meal. They are also great for letting your creativity run wild in the kitchen.
Looking for inspiration? Keep reading for some new recipes of healthy lunchables for adults you can make at home. Or maybe even in the office kitchen.
What we love the most about homemade lunchables is that they are a very healthy lunch option. You can add all your favorite snacks along with fruits, veggies, and protein for a more balanced meal. And if you like to meal prep, adult lunchables are easy lunch ideas for work or school.
What are adult lunchables?
Like the original lunchables from when you were a kid, adult lunchables consist of a bento box filled with food for a midday snack or full meal. They’re filled with things such as cheese, veggies, fruit, protein, crackers, and dips. But unlike kids’ lunchables, lunchables for adults have bigger food portions, fresher ingredients, and no limit on ingredients.
If you think about it, adult lunchables are kind of like mini or on-the-go charcuterie or cheese boards. Both have similar ingredients such as cured meats, cheese, crackers, fruits, and vegetables. So if you are looking for some healthy lunch ideas for adults, you can try making this cheese board on the go.
What we love the most about homemade lunchables is that they are a very healthy lunch option. You can add all your favorite snacks along with fruits, veggies, and protein for a more balanced meal. And if you like to meal prep, adult lunchables are easy lunch ideas for work or school.
What to Put in Adult Lunchables
You can put anything you like in adult lunchables. And let’s be honest, if you want a healthy meal, go for it by adding some protein, fruits, veggies, and a healthy-ish dessert. Looking to splurge a bit?
The great thing about lunchables for adults is that they are customizable! You can create as many combinations as you can think of, and you’ll never get tired of them. Keep reading to learn what you can put in your DIY lunchables!
Protein
Adding protein to your lunch is essential. This macronutrient keeps your blood sugar and energy levels steady throughout the day. Some protein options you can include in your homemade lunchables are:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Grilled chicken
- Cured meats such as prosciutto and salami
- Cheese such as cheddar, gouda, manchego, and feta cheese
- Deli meat, such as ham slices or deli turkey
- Roasted turkey slices
- Tofu, tempeh, or other plant-based meat substitutes
- Homemade egg bites
Fruit And Veggies
Adding fruit and vegetables to your homemade lunchables is essential for a balanced meal. Below you’ll find a list of foolproof veggies and fruits you can add to your adult lunchables. And if you want to take them to another level, you can incorporate seasonal fruits and veggies.
- Baby carrots
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced bell pepper
- Olives
- Cucumber slices
- Apple slices
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Pomelo
Carbs
Carbohydrates are a must in adult lunchables. They’ll provide you with the energy you need for your day. There are many delicious options to choose from, such as crackers, tortilla chips, and sliced bread.
Opting for whole-grain carbs is the healthiest option. Whole grains have more fiber, which is better for your diet. You can also opt for gluten-free or vegan options if you have any dietary restrictions.
A few of my favorite carbs to put in my own adult lunchables include:
- Homemade crackers
- Energy bites
- Cubes of focaccia
Dips
Dips, sauces, and spread are a great addition to lunchables for adults! If you’re not a big fan of veggies, adding dips or sauces will make it easier for you to enjoy a healthy lunch. Some dips you can add to take your homemade lunchables to the next level are:
- Salad dressing, such as this copycat outback ranch dressing
- Guacamole
- Basil pesto
- Hummus
- Jam or jelly
- Homemade dips, like this kickin’ BLT dip
- Nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter
- Boom boom sauce
These five bento box lunch ideas are a great example of how to incorporate all these ingredients together. By making these adult lunchables, you’ll have a variety of tasty work or school lunch options for the whole week. And if you want some more inspiration, you can try any of the homemade lunchable ideas below!
Vegetarian and vegan lunchable for adults
Dietary restrictions shouldn’t stop you from trying to make homemade lunchables. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, there are plenty of plant-based foods you can add to your adult lunchables. Here are some of them:
Veggie and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Lunchable
These vegetables and cream cheese tortilla roll-ups are a great addition to your adult lunchables. They can be made in under 10 minutes and don’t require too many ingredients. You’ll only need spices, mayo, flour tortillas, cheese, and the vegetables of your choice.
These tasty roll-ups will keep you full and satisfied for hours. And they go great with most fruit, crackers, and dips.
Hard Boiled Eggs and Cinnamon Toast Sticks Bento Box
This hard boiled eggs and cinnamon toast sticks bento box is excellent for vegetarians. The eggs and yogurt are great sources of protein. And the cinnamon sticks and fresh fruit will give you the energy you need to go on with your day.
Baked Beet Falafel Lunchbox
If you’re on a busy schedule, you should try making this baked beet falafel meal prep! These falafels are very easy to make. And they go well with many different foods.
For example, you can have them with pita bread and tomato and cucumber salad. But you can also add other foods such as hummus, sliced veggies, or hard-boiled eggs.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Bento Box
If you are looking for healthy lunchables, you should try this Mediterranean cucumber salad. This refreshing salad can be made with very few ingredients. You’ll only need:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Persian cucumbers
- Fresh mint
- Feta cheese
- Rice wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Olives
Alongside this salad, you can have whole-grain crackers, hard-boiled eggs, and fruit. When you’re ready to eat, just grab a fork and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying lunch.
Seitan Tenders Lunchable
If you are looking for protein-packed adult lunchables, these vegan seitan tenders are perfect for you. This plant-based meat is flavorful and juicy. It is the perfect addition to homemade lunchables because it goes well with most foods.
You can serve them with salad, hummus, fruits, veggies, and bread. You can also add rice, beans, or the vegan cheese of your choice. There are innumerable combinations you can make with these seitan tenders!
Chickpea and Tahini Bento Box
This tahini goddess bento box is simple to make but will keep you full for most of the day. You’ll need very few ingredients, including:
- Chickpeas
- Tahini dressing
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes.
And the best part is that you can customize it to your liking! This will allow you to create many different lunch combinations. Trust us, you won’t get tired of this bento box.
Gluten-Free Adult Lunchable
Even with dietary restrictions, you can enjoy a delicious homemade lunchable. Whether you’re on a gluten-free diet or are trying to cut on the carbs, there are plenty of delicious options you can try. Here are some of the best gluten-free lunchables for adults you can make at home:
Pizza Lunchable
Just because you’re gluten free doesn’t mean you can’t have pizza in your lunch box. If you’re craving pizza, you should make this DIY pizza lunchable. It is a healthier version of the original lunchables, but it is just as tasty. All you need to make this healthy lunch is:
- Gluten-free pizza crust
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Store-bought or homemade pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni
This lunchable is very simple to make. You can make it in as little as 15 minutes. And the great part is that you can customize it and create many new recipes for some variety.
BTLA Lettuce Wraps Lunchable
This simple BLTA lettuce wraps meal prep is delicious and simple to make. It has all the elements of a BTLA sandwich sans the bread. Because of this, this adult lunchable is a delicious and healthy midday meal.
All you’ll need to prepare it are bacon, tomatoes, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and lettuce leaves. You can make it ahead of time and put it in the fridge. Then, you’ll be able to enjoy this healthy lunch at any time you want.
High Protein Lunchable for Adults
If you’re trying to incorporate more protein into your diet, you should make this protein-packed snack box. It’s simple to make, delicious, and customizable. Some items you can add to this lunchable include:
- Cheese
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Deli meat
- Grilled chicken
- Beef jerky
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sugar snap peas
- Nuts
- Fruit
- Yogurt
- Hummus
Sandwich Sushi Lunchable
If you want a light and healthy lunch, this sandwich sushi bento box is perfect for you. This recipe is very customizable, so you can adjust it to your dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, or nut-free lunch.
You’ll need only five simple ingredients: bread, deli meat, mustard, avocado, and cucumber. Besides these, you can add a delicious salad and cinnamon-covered apples. This is great for a simple but nutritious lunch.
Grilled Cheese Kabobs Bento Box
If you love grilled cheese, you should make this gluten-free grilled cheese kabobs lunchbox. To make it you’ll need gluten-free bread, cheese, butter, deli turkey slices, and some fruit or veggies. You can take it up a notch by also adding your favorite snacks and sweet treats!
DIY adult lunchables are a fun and healthy option for lunch. They’ll make you feel like a kid again. Not only will you enjoy eating them, but making them is a great way to explore and have fun in the kitchen.
What we love most about homemade lunchables is how easy they are to make. You can prepare them with very few ingredients and customize them to your likes and needs. So if you don’t know what to do for lunch, why not try making some lunchables for adults?
Lunchables for Adults FAQs
What are Lunchables for Adults?
Lunchables for adults are a grown-up version of the popular kids’ snack packs, offering a convenient and balanced meal option tailored to adult tastes and nutritional needs. They typically include a mix of proteins, cheeses, whole-grain crackers or bread, fruits, vegetables, and fun treats for a satisfying, portable lunch experience.
Are Lunchables for Adults healthy?
While the nutritional value can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes, Lunchables for adults generally aim to provide a balanced meal option. By using whole-grain crackers, lean proteins, a variety of fruits and veggies, and healthier treats, these adult-friendly lunch packs can be a nutritious addition to your meal rotation. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging or recipe to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs and goals.
Can I make my own Lunchables for Adults?
Absolutely! Creating your own lunchables is a great way to customize your meal, save money, and reduce packaging waste. Simply select your preferred ingredients, such as lean deli meats, cheeses, whole-grain crackers, fresh fruits and veggies, and a treat or dip of your choice. Arrange the components in a reusable, divided container, and you’ve got a homemade, adult-friendly Lunchable that’s perfect for work, picnics, or on-the-go snacking.
What are some popular Lunchables combinations?
The options are virtually endless, but here are a few popular combinations to get you started:
- Turkey, Swiss cheese, whole-grain crackers, baby carrots, hummus, and dark chocolate squares
- Salami, provolone cheese, multigrain pita chips, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a small piece of baklava
- Grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, whole-wheat pita, cucumber slices, tzatziki sauce, and a small granola bar
Where can I purchase Lunchables for Adults?
Some grocery stores and specialty food retailers may offer pre-packaged lunchables. Alternatively, you can easily create your own by purchasing your desired ingredients and assembling them in a divided container. Keep an eye out for meal prep containers or bento boxes, which make organizing your homemade lunchables a breeze.
Can I prepare Lunchables for Adults in advance?
Yes! Preparing your lunchables in advance is a great way to save time during the week. Assemble several containers with your chosen ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. Just be mindful of ingredient freshness – items like crackers may become less crisp over time, so consider packing them separately if you’re preparing more than a couple of days in advance.
