Lunchbox Ideas for toddlers - Zucchini Mac N Cheese

• 125g of self raising flour
• 400g of grated courgette/zuchinni
• 300g of cooked macaroni pasta 
• 120g of grated cheddar cheese
• 250g of crumbed ricotta cheese 
• 160ml of olive oil 
• 4 eggs
• 20g of cheddar cheese for topping
• 1 x eco rascals lunchbox

eco rascals lunchboxes are the perfect solution for keeping kids' meals fresh, fun, and balanced. With separate compartments, each food can be neatly organised, keeping flavours and textures just right. This is especially useful for little ones who prefer foods not to mix – plus, it helps introduce them to a variety of nutrients in each meal. Made from sustainable, non-toxic materials, our lunchboxes are eco-friendly and safe for even the smallest eaters.

We've got your main covered with our Courgette Mac ‘n Cheese slice, but we can't just stop there! We have additional lunchbox ideas for toddlers and school kids as we know that the right sides will help round out essential nutrients for a well-fuelled day. Fresh, vibrant vegetables like steamed broccoli and carrot sticks add a satisfying crunch, plus plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Juicy, colourful fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries provide natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants. 

For an extra dose of fibre, consider adding whole-grain pita or a few cubes of sweet potato on the side. Including a mix of protein, complex carbs, and natural sugars can keep kids fuller for longer and help sustain their energy throughout the day.

Our goal at eco rascals is to ensure you don't run out of lunchbox ideas for toddlers and preschoolers, and we provide the tools so that you can keep each delicious side separate and perfectly portioned for a nutritious, mess-free meal!

We know the struggle – packing a lunchbox isn’t exactly every parent’s idea of a good time. But with a little planning (and a sprinkle of humour!), it doesn’t have to be the chore it seems. That’s where we come in, with some genius lunchbox ideas for toddlers that make it easier to fill those little compartments with a meal that’s nutritious, tasty, and as mess-free as possible. Let’s face it: a packed lunchbox can often be the hero that saves the day when school dinners fall short for our pickier eaters.

Sure, in the UK, school lunches are largely free for the younger kids – which is amazing. But for many, those lunches might include unfamiliar veggies or flavours that get an immediate thumbs down. Or they might not be completely allergy friendly. Packing a lunchbox means you get to control what goes in there, choosing foods they’ll actually eat. Imagine no more mystery foods coming back home untouched! By selecting a few favorite go-tos, like a Zucchini Mac ‘n Cheese slice, fresh fruits, and maybe a few sneaky veggies, you’re much more likely to avoid the post-lunch hangries. With a few good lunchbox ideas for toddlers, it can be smooth sailing (or at least, fewer food battles).

Now, for the older kids who are no longer scoring free lunches, those school dinners can add up! With the cost of living these days, saving even a few pounds here and there can make a difference. Packing a lunchbox offers big savings and lets you control exactly what they’re eating. With a bit of clever planning, you can bulk buy healthy ingredients and put together meals at a fraction of the cost – especially if you avoid the processed, packaged stuff. Think about it: for the cost of one school dinner, you could whip up a whole week’s worth of creative, balanced lunches.

Plus, when you’re making their lunches, you get a sneak peek into what they’re eating (or not eating). It’s easier to balance all the important food groups – fruits, veggies, proteins, and whole grains – when you’re in charge. And let’s be real, seeing what’s actually consumed is a better feeling than wondering what they’re leaving on the school tray.

So if you’re hunting for lunchbox ideas for toddlers, pre-schoolers or  even big kids that are fuss-free, budget-friendly, and parent-approved, give our eco rascals lunchboxes a go. With separate compartments for every food type, there’s no messy mixing, and you can easily include everything from veggie sticks to fruit slices without worry. Making lunchbox prep easier? Now that’s an idea we can get behind!