3 Easy Back-to-School Recipes Kids Will Actually Eat

Back-to-school mornings are already a circus, the last thing any parent wants is a lunchbox that comes back untouched. At Little IA, we believe food should be simple, fun and just as thoughtfully packed as our personalised lunchboxes themselves. Here are three easy, nut-free recipes that will get eaten and not forgotten.

1. Rainbow Sushi Sandwich Rolls 🌈

Think sushi, but with bread. These rolls are colourful, bite-sized, and sneak in veggies without anyone noticing.

Ingredients

• 2 slices soft wholemeal bread (crusts off)

• Cream cheese or hummus (dairy or dairy-free)

• Thinly sliced cucumber, carrots, and red peppers

• Turkey or chicken slices (optional)

Method

1. Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin.

2. Spread cream cheese/hummus.

3. Layer thin veggie strips (and protein if using).

4. Roll tightly and slice into 3–4 pieces.

Why kids love it: It looks like sushi but tastes like a sandwich. Bonus: tiny hands can help roll them.

2. Pizza Muffin Bites 🍕

Because pizza is a guaranteed win, but these mini muffins are a healthier, lunchbox-friendly take.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wholewheat flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 egg

• ½ cup milk (or oat milk)

• ½ cup grated mozzarella/cheddar

• ½ cup chopped veggies (peppers, mushrooms, or sweetcorn)

• 2 tbsp pizza sauce

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.

2. Mix dry ingredients, then stir in wet.

3. Fold in cheese, veggies, and pizza sauce.

4. Spoon into mini muffin tray, bake 12–15 mins.

Why kids love it: Bite-sized, cheesy and dippable. Serve with extra pizza sauce in a leakproof Little IA stainless steel bento.

3. Apple “Cookies” with Yogurt Drizzle 🍎

These are crisp, sweet, and look like cookies (so kids buy in instantly).

Ingredients

• 1 apple, sliced into thin rings (remove core)

• Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt)

• Sprinkle of granola or dark choc chips (nut-free)

Method

1. Spread a thin layer of yogurt over apple rings.

2. Sprinkle with granola and choc chips.

3. Chill in fridge before packing.

Why kids love it: It feels like dessert but gives them fibre, crunch, and sweetness without a sugar overload.

Packing these recipes in our personalised lunchboxes and snack boxes means fewer forgotten items, less waste, and more joy when kids open their lunch mid-day. Because food is not just about nutrition - it’s about independence, ownership and making everyday moments feel special.