Bento Box Brainstorm! 37 Ideas for Kids’ Lunches If you’re not familiar with bento boxes, they’re akin to reusable plastic to-go containers with multiple compartments to keep a variety of foods separated. In Japanese culture, they’re traditionally filled with home-packed meals of cold rice or noodles, pickled or cooked vegetables, condiments, etc. Now that the trend has picked up steam in the United States, manufacturers have capitalized on the interest, creating durable, compartmentalized meal boxes in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes and style. We recommend looking for versions that are: • leakproof • dishwasher-safe • microwavable (or have one removable piece that can be microwaved) • able to fit an ice pack • customizable inside (e.g., designed to fit a wide variety of foods) As for what to include, focus on nutrition, variety and food safety (e.g., keeping perishable items cold). Here are 37 ideas to get you started! 1. bite-sized fruits (or small fruits, such as Cuties) 2. chopped vegetables (or small vegetables, such as baby carrots or cherry tomatoes) 3. cheese sticks or cubes 4. crackers or Goldfish 5. dumplings/potstickers 6. cold cuts (e.g., rolled ham, turkey, salami) 7. tofu 8. cold sticky rice 9. cold Asian noodles 10. guacamole 11. sushi (without raw fish) 12. hard-boiled eggs 13. pickled items 14. pre-cooked cold chicken 15. quinoa 16. smoked salmon 17. wontons 18. croquettes/potato cakes 19. edamame 20. sandwich roll-ups/pinwheels 21. olives 22. nuts (if the school allows) 23. raisins and other dried fruits 24. tortilla chips 25. bean dips 26. hummus 27. cold salads (e.g., pasta salads) 28. pretzels 29. veggie chips or sticks 30. pita or Naan bread (sliced or quartered) 31. shrimp (if allowed by the school) 32. seeds 33. tempeh 34. cous cous 35. chick peas 36. peanut butter (if allowed) 37. tabouli BONUS: Don’t forget condiments (with lids!), such as soy sauce, Italian dressing or pickled ginger!