Lunchbox Sandwiches & Wraps

It’s that time of year again. The kids are heading back to school, and that means parents everywhere are going to have to start packing lunches again. Thankfully, this list of healthy lunchbox sandwiches & wraps should help keep things interesting for the kiddos.

Packing a nutritious, balanced lunch every day is an ongoing struggle for parents everywhere. With this list of healthy lunch ideas, you’ll keep frustration at bay, both for you and for the kids.

How Do You Make A Lunchbox Sandwich So The Bread Doesn’t Get Soggy?

While some sogginess will depend on how you pack your sandwich (or wrap), there are some tricks to keep your sandwich from getting soggy in your lunchbox or bag.

1. Make sure any lettuce or greens you use are completely dry before adding them to your sandwich.
2. Spread your condiments (mayo, mustard, ketchup, etc) in between layers instead of on the bread. So for example, spread it between the meat and tomatoes or between the meat and lettuce to keep it away from the bread.
3. De-seed your tomatoes. Take out the wet parts so that only the flesh remains, and pat that with a paper towel.
4. Toast your bread. You don’t have to toast it heavily, just enough to help keep it dry.
5. You also have the option to pack condiments separately in small containers and then spread them on just as you are ready to eat.

How To Pack Sandwiches For Lunch?

How do you pack sandwiches for lunch boxes? The best way is to keep it separate from everything else in your lunchbox. This can be done in one of several ways.

• A sandwich bag or environmentally-friendly beeswax wrap.
• A sandwich container (see below).
• Or simply pack everything else in small, separate containers so that your unwrapped sandwich doesn’t come in contact with other items in your lunchbox.

Note that a sandwich doesn’t have to be the main course. You can make a small sandwich to accompany a thermos of soup, stew, or chowder. Instead of using 2 slices of bread, use 1 slice and cut it in half.

Sandwich Containers

There are many sandwich containers that will help keep your sandwich dry and fresh. Here are just a few. Clicking on an image will take you to that product on Amazon. (Affiliate links).

How Long Does A Sandwich Last In A Lunchbox?

This will depend heavily on how you pack it. I have a guide for packing hot and cold lunches you can read here.

In general, anything with meat or dairy must be kept cold. If properly packed, it will last for up to 6 hours in a lunchbox.

What Do You Put In A School Lunch Sandwich?

There are so many options for sandwich fillers! You don’t have to use deli meat every day. And in fact, it’s actually not very healthy if you do. Processed meats are not very good for us, no matter how much we like them. So here are some ideas you can try that avoid processed meats.

There are so many options for sandwich fillers! You don’t have to use deli meat every day. And in fact, it’s actually not very healthy if you do. Processed meats like ham or salami are not very good for us, no matter how much we like them. So here are some ideas you can try that avoid processed meats.

Sandwich Ideas

• PB&J sandwich
• Peanut butter and honey sandwich
• Tuna sandwich
• Bacon sandwich – choose good quality bacon.
• Salmon sandwich
• Grilled cheese sandwich – or just a plain cheese sandwich. Try cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, American, Monterey jack, or even a soft brie.
• Chicken salad sandwich
• Cream cheese sandwich – add fresh fruit or meat.
• Jelly sandwich
• Turkey Sandwich

Plant-Based Sandwich Ideas

• Vegan cream cheese or vegan mayonnaise with some vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, onion, or celery.
• Hummus, avocado, and veggies
• Vegan pesto with veggies
• Nut butter and banana or apple

The Best Bread For Lunchbox Sandwiches

While most folks tend to use regular white bread for their sandwiches, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind if you want to pack a cleaner, healthier sandwich.

1. Test the bread first if you are new to it. Try making sandwiches at home to see how the bread holds up and see if it holds up better used as is, or toasted. There are some wholegrain breads out there that will completely fall apart on you.  So if you are trying a new bread, test it!
2. Rye is often a great choice, depending on what you put on your sandwiches. It’s a healthy and hearty bread that will fill you up. It works great for hot sandwiches too.

Side Dish Ideas For Lunchbox Sandwiches Or Wraps

If you’ve ever packed lunch for a toddler in preschool or daycare (or even snacks for them to eat at home!), you know they love and eat anything tiny because their little hands can hold them better. Amazingly, that doesn’t really change as we get older. Our hands may get bigger, but we still love those little easy-to-eat side dishes that round out the meal. Here are some ideas

• Peas
• Corn – kernels or on small cobs
• Carrot sticks
• Celery sticks 
• Cucumber sticks
• Grape tomatoes
• Dill pickle
• Crackers
• Homemade chips
• Popcorn
• Protein bars
• A bakery treat for dessert

Lunchbox Sandwiches & Wraps

Sandwich Recipes

Wrap Recipes