Here’s how to avoid the back-to-school lunch slump this year

Raise your hand if you’ve found yourself enthusiastically packing lunches on the first day of school, only to fall into a rut by the end of the first month. Mamas know school-aged kids need proper nutrition to help them stay focused and energetic throughout the day. But sometimes, staring down that lunch box feels less than inspiring.

As a dietitian (and a mama to two kiddos with very specific tastes and preferences), I’m all about making nutrition simple and tasty, so any brand that makes my life easier is a win in my book. Dave’s Killer Bread® is made with high-quality, organic and non-GMO ingredients packed with whole grains and seeds. Products like protein bars, snack bars and rolls (made with their delicious, high-fiber signature 21 Whole Grains & Seeds blend) make packing lunches even easier. Plus, Dave’s Killer Bread is dedicated to Second Chance Employment, giving those with a criminal background a fresh start through job opportunities—so you can feel good about supporting a brand with a social mission.

But before you lose that initial Pinterest-worthy lunch-box motivation, here’s how Dave’s Killer Bread products can make school lunches creative and nutritious all year long.

Say goodbye to lunchtime boredom: Creative kids’ lunch ideas

Pump up the protein

All too often, school lunches end up high in simple carbs, leaving kids without the sustained energy they need. Growing bodies and brains thrive on protein and healthy fat, which helps build muscles and supports cognitive development.

With tasty flavors like Amped-Up Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk, Amped-Up Double Chocolate Coconut, and Amped-Up Blueberry Almond Butter, Dave’s new Organic Protein Bars contain 10 grams of plant-based protein (10% Daily Value), making it a filling alternative for sandwiches when things need a little switch-up. These bars also make a fantastic and convenient breakfast for chaotic mornings to set a nutritious tone for the rest of the day. Your kids won’t even realize they’re getting a boost of protein and fiber from these delicious treats.

Pack nutrient-dense snacks

Dave’s nutrient-dense snack bars are perfect for tossing into a lunchbox or backpack, keeping your child satisfied throughout the day. They’re especially great for those kids who zoom through lunch just to get to recess! And since back-to-school schedules also often include running from school straight to extracurriculars, Dave’s bars are a handy option to keep in the car for fueling up on the way to soccer practice (for parents, too!).

With no high fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients, colors, preservatives or flavors, these bars are a healthier alternative to many pre-packaged snacks. And with flavors like Trail Mix Crumble, Oat-Rageous Honey Almond™, and Cocoa Brownie Blitz™, your kiddo may think you packed them an extra dessert.

Find inspiration from Dave’s Killer Bread recipes

If you’re feeling stuck and lacking ideas, check out the recipes section on the Dave’s Killer Bread website for delicious and creative ways to use their products in kids’ lunches. From build-your-own sliders to air fryer grilled cheese, there are plenty of options to keep your kids excited about their lunches─and breakfast too! We love this creative recipe using Dave’s Oat-Rageous Honey Almond™ Organic Snack Bar and high-protein Greek Yogurt for an easy breakfast parfait. Get the kids involved and have them pick out their own toppings like berries or dried fruit!

Mix up your sandwich game

Sure, PB&J is a classic (and most kids love it), but don’t be afraid to get inventive. Try using Dave’s Killer Bread White Bread Done Right®, topped with avocado, sliced turkey, and cheese for a protein-packed twist on the traditional lunch box sandwich. Dave’s White Bread Done Right® contains 10 grams of whole grains with no artificial ingredients, so even the pickiest eater can enjoy it without sacrificing nutrition.

For the kiddo who prefers to go meatless, try using Dave’s 21 Whole Grains and Seeds bread as a base for a fiber-rich (4 grams per slice!) hummus and veggie sandwich, or try making a snack-bar sandwich with a layer of cream cheese or seed butter in between two halves of a bar.

Make it fun with sliders

Kids love finger foods, so why not turn their favorite sandwiches into sliders with Dave’s new Rock ‘N’ Rolls® as the base for mini burgers or sandwiches? Try tucking in strips of chicken nuggets and ketchup, cucumbers and cream cheese or tuna and pickles. Made with the signature 21 Whole Grains & Seeds Blend, your kiddo gets 12 grams of whole grains with their favorite sandwich fillings. These rolls are also perfect for little hands and easy to pack for school lunches or a day at the park.

Get the kids involved

Let the kids join the fun by helping you pack their lunches! Make it a blast by using cookie cutters with Dave’s Killer Bread to make their sandwiches into fun shapes. Adding creativity to their lunch can make it more appealing and exciting for them to eat. Sure, letting little ones help with anything can take more time at first, but in the long run, it helps them develop independence so they can pack their own lunches someday.

Packing school lunches doesn’t have to become an unbearable chore. With these tips and tricks, you can make it fun, nutritious, and stress-free for you and your kids. And with Dave’s Killer Bread products, you can feel good knowing you’re sending them to school with wholesome and tasty options to fuel their growing bodies and minds.