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19 Feb 2026 16:02
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  •   Home > News > International

    Tasty lunch-box recipes to make the back-to-school weeks easier

    As kids head back into classrooms, we've put together some recipes to help their school lunch boxes come home empty.

    1 February 2026

    As kids head back into their classrooms for term one, the problem of how to fill lunch boxes re-emerges.

    We've put together some recipes that could help that lunch box come home empty.

    A classic for a reason, Hetty Lui Mckinnonn's iteration of the cheese and Vegemite scroll is likely to be a lunch-box hit.

    You can also use the dough and customise the filling to better suit your child's preferences or go with what you have to hand. Sweet fillings (such as cinnamon sugar or jam) or savoury alternatives (such as pesto, tomato and mozzarella or spinach and feta) can also work here.

    These muesli bars are a mighty satisfying snack that are "big batch" friendly.

    Perfect for a weekend bake, the recipe relies on ingredients (including seeds, oats and honey) that you might already have in the pantry. Just remember to wait for them to cool completely (1-2 hours) before slicing.

    These bars do contain almond butter, so please consider consulting your school's allergy risk minimisation strategy to determine if they are suitable to pack.

    This spanakopita rolls and chickpea salad recipe can become a delicious dinner, but any leftover rolls make for a just as delicious lunch box addition.

    The rolls can be eaten alone with tomato sauce (as you would a traditional sausage roll) and are equally satisfying at room temperature.

    You could have Sunday dinner and Monday's lunch box sorted almost at once.

    Another savoury option for the sandwich averse, these fritters can also help you cook your way out of a zucchini glut.

    Frozen peas or corn can be added, as well as a teaspoon of curry powder, za'atar, or some smoky paprika for extra flavour.

    This recipe is also gluten free, dairy free and egg free, so can be useful if you have specific dietary requirements to consider.


    ABC




    © 2026 ABC, NZCity


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