12 Toddler Lunch Ideas that Aren't Sandwiches

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Whether your child is pb&j and grilled cheese obsessed, or they don’t care too much for sandwiches, these 12 toddler lunch ideas that aren’t sandwiches will help with meal time inspiration.

My toddlers eat sandwiches quite often – they are quick, easy, cheap, and they enjoy them. Once I realized how often they eat sandwiches, I decided to challenge myself to make them more lunches that didn’t include a sandwich.

There’s nothing wrong with sandwiches for lunch, I just decided to mix things up. If you too are looking for toddler lunch ideas that aren’t sandwiches, you’ve come to the right place! Below are 12 non-sandwich lunch ideas for toddlers.

Favorite Frozen Lunch Food

To make lunch quick and easy we often use frozen convenience foods. These aren’t your grandma’s TV dinners, though! Freezer food can be a healthy and nutritious option for your toddler if you read the labels and choose the right foods. Here are some of our favorite non-sandwich lunch options:

Toddler Lunch Supplies

Plates: We love the pillowfort plates and use them at just about every meal these days. They are a great affordable and durable option for toddlers! If your toddler still throws their plate we also love the EZPZ mini mat because it suctions to the high chair or table. Both of my boys used them for 6-8 months.

Silverware: my toddlers use the Munchkin 6 Piece Silverware Set. They are very affordable and have held up great after two years of use and through two toddlers.

Cups: my boys are loving the Metal Contigo straw cups and the Munckin 360 cups these days (always a favorite!). Traditional sippy cups can be bad for oral development so I always try to stick with straw or open training cups.

Non-Sandwich Toddler Meal Ideas

Below are 12 easy toddler meal ideas that aren’t sandwiches with ideas for main course and sides. Mix and match the sides and use these meal ideas for inspiration based on what foods your toddler likes.

Toddler Lunch Idea #1

Cauliflower Tots – a healthier version of tater tots, Cauliflower tots from Green Giant brand. My toddlers love to dip these in a little ketchup! Side of whole milk string cheese for healthy fat and kiwi. If kiwi is a little too sour for your toddler, try golden kiwi.

Toddler Lunch #2

Veggie Corn Dog – we really like the veggie corn dogs from MorningStar Farms (regular corndogs work too!). If your toddler wont eat the corn dog whole on the stick, try slicing it up. Side of cucumber with cream cheese for dipping and kiwi.

Non-Sandwich Toddler Lunch #3

Turkey & Boiled Egg – turkey lunch meat or left over shredded chicken can be a great protein source for lunch and doesn’t need to be served on a sandwich. Try serving with hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs, grapes, and cheese (try cutting cheese, fruit, and veggies with these fun food cutters)

Toddler Meal Idea #4

Avocado Chicken Salad – simple chicken salad made with avocado, shredded chicken, and peas. To mix it up, instead of peas try cucumber, grapes, or carrots! Side of apples with peanut butter for dipping and cheese.

Toddler Lunch #5

Soft Pretzel Bites – toddler-sized soft pretzel bites with melted cheddar cheese. Side of mixed veggies (peas and carrots), whole milk string cheese, and grapes.

Toddler Meal Idea #6

Egg Frittata Muffins – make homemade egg muffins with all your toddler’s favorites or try these store-bought ones from Veggies Made Great. Side of a little ketchup for dipping, whole milk string cheese, apples and peanut butter.

Toddler Lunch Idea #7

Veggie Pasta – pasta made or flavored with veggies for fun colors. Whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta is another great option for toddlers for extra protein. Served with butter and veggies stirred in with a side of string cheese and avocado.

Easy Toddler Lunch #8

Chicken Meatballs – make your own meatballs or use these store-bought chicken and veggie meatballs from KidFresh brand. Served with a side of cooked carrots and babybell cheese.

Non-sandwich Toddler Lunch #9

Baked Beans w/ fruit and veggies – baked beans are a great source of protein for lunch and most toddlers love them! Served with a side of broccoli, tomatoes, and peaches (I used canned peaches and drained and rinsed them to remove excess sugar from the juice).

Toddler Lunch Idea #10

Potato Veggie Nuggets – we love these broccoli littles from Dr. Praeger’s brand. They come in fun shapes and are soft enough for babies and young toddlers. Side of whole milk string cheese and strawberries.

Toddler Meal #11

Macaroni & Cheese – A toddler favorite and its great because its easy and can be made a wholesome meal with some extra nutrition sides. Side of peas and carrots and mandarin oranges.

Toddler Meal Idea #12

Black Beans + Corn – This easy toddler lunch is black beans with corn stirred in. Side of turkey lunch meat and sliced bananas. Adding peanut butter to the bananas would be a great addition for some extra healthy fat.

What other foods are your toddlers loving for lunch that aren’t a sandwich? Let me know in the comments below.

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