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You are here: Home / Resources / Easy Vegan Lunch Box Ideas

Easy Vegan Lunch Box Ideas

August 9, 2021 by LarishaBernard Leave a Comment

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These easy vegan lunch box ideas are great for back to school! Whether you have picky eaters or not, we have recipe ideas for everyone that are quick and effortless!

You may do great the first two days, but thinking of vegan lunch box ideas after day 2, for most people, is daunting. I mean seriously, why do they need to eat every day multiple times a day! Kidding!

But truthfully, whether it’s the first week or a month in, sometimes we struggle knowing what to make on a day in and day out basis.

When you add another layer to that – whether it’s being vegan, or a food allergy, a picky eater, or a combination of the three, then it’s even harder.

Today, we’re going to be sharing with you not only main recipe ideas but snacks as well. In addition, we’ll share with you a few of our favorite lunch box products! A totally of more than 30 recipes and counting that are great for everyone.

While we frame this around great vegan lunch ideas for kids and back to school, this is a great list for anyone that needs to pack a lunch box!

Must have products to use for vegan lunch boxes

It’s one thing to know what recipes you are going to make and use; however, knowing how to package it all up together is another. Here’s some of our absolute favorite products that we use when we are packing lunches for our kids.

Thermos Funtainer – These come in 10oz or 16oz containers. They are perfect for keeping warm stuff hot. We make whatever we are adding (pasta for example) at hot as possible and then add to the container and seal. It will typically last very warm for 4-5 hours and warm enough for 6-8 hours. Depending on where you purchase, you can get fun kid patterns as well.

Stackable Containers – We absolutely love these Skip Hop stackable containers. You can use one, two or all three at the same time. They make packing snacks really easy and separated for different times.

Reusable Lunch Boxes – One of the best way to get kids to eat is to give them small amounts and a variety. The portion sizes in Bentgo boxes allow you to easily do that.

Reusable Bags – We have used a lot of these and found that Stasher has great durability, but also helps to keep food fresher longer. For example, it seems to keep sandwich bread softer for longer than other brands we have tried. They are pricier than other silicone bags, so get what you can afford, but also realize it’s an investment into your future since it is reusable for so long.

Reusable Spork – We have used these Uco sporks over and over and over again. While many times you will get a reusable utensil in your insulated food container or reusable lunch box, in case you don’t have either, then this is a great environmentally friendly option to grab for your lunchboxes.

Cold Vegan Lunch Box Ideas

Most kids will easy anything cold! It’s kind of hilarious honestly. We have wraps, sandwiches, pasta salads and more. Also, while not a real recipe, check our our vegan snack tray ideas. Kids go crazy for them!

These vegan cold lunch box ideas are easy to package up and serve for your kids. Make sure to serve sauces on the side so bread or crackers don’t get soggy.

5 Ingredient Vegan Pizza Lunchables
Just like those store bought ones you remember, these 5 Ingredient Vegan Pizza Lunchables are going to be a hit! Use your favorite ingredients to make your own pizza inspiration!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Chicken Salad
This easy vegan “chicken” salad is super easy to make, just one bowl! Less than 10 ingredients and can be Top 8 Free.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Chick-fil-A Veggie Wraps
These Copycat Chick-fil-A Veggie Wraps use the same ingredients from the restaurant to create delicious plant based wraps in just 5 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Chickpea Vegan Tuna Salad
This vegan tuna salad, made from chickpeas, will blow your mind! Easy to meal prep and perfect for on the go! Carefully selected ingredients give it a seafood taste while being meatless. Can be Top 8 Allergy Free.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats
These Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats are perfect are a hit! Perfect for kids and adults alike and great for busy mornings on the go! Just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to prep! Gluten free, Can be Top 8 Allergy Free!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This vegan bacon ranch pasta salad takes just 20 minutes to prep and is perfect for meal prepping, cookouts and more. Can be made Top 9 Allergen Free (including gluten free).
Check out this recipe
Easy Vegan Egg Salad
This super easy vegan egg salad is perfect for meal prepping ahead and only needs 10 ingredients. Great for those summer days when you don't want to cook!
Check out this recipe
Italian Vegan Pasta Salad
This vegan pasta salad with homemade zesty Italian dressing is about to be your summer go to! Quick lunches or dinners, BBQs, and more! This simple 20 minute dish will blow you and guests away. Can be made Top 8 Allergen Free (including gluten free).
Check out this recipe
Easy 5 Ingredient Chickpea Veggie Wraps
These easy 5 ingredient chickpea veggie wraps need just minutes to whip up and pair perfectly with homemade vegan bbq sauce or vegan ranch dressing. A great vegan school lunch idea!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
THESE VEGAN CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER OVERNIGHT OATS ARE A HIT! PERFECT FOR KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE AND GREAT FOR BUSY MORNINGS ON THE GO! JUST 6 INGREDIENTS AND 5 MINUTES TO PREP! GLUTEN FREE, CAN BE TOP 8 ALLERGY FREE!
Check out this recipe

Warm Vegan Lunch Box Ideas

For kids that don’t like cold food or for those cold winter days, warm vegan lunch box ideas are what you need.

One of our absolute favorite warm ideas is creamy pastas. The saucier they are, the easier it is to keep them warm. Sometimes we will double the amount of normal sauce. Heat them up as hot as you can make them and then put into an insulated food container.

We’ve also included some other warm sandwiches which may get cold pretty quickly, but at least for our kids, they still enjoy them.

15 minute easy vegan mac and cheese
This quick stovetop 15 minute easy vegan mac and cheese is so quick to make and will satisfy all your vegan mac and cheese cravings.
Vegan Corn Dogs
These easy vegan corn dogs need just 10 ingredients and they are perfect for lunch, dinner, or snack time. Can be Top 8 Allergen Free and freezable.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Cheesy Hamburger Helper Skillet
Perfect comfort food vegan dinner idea that even the kids will devour! This easy 20 minute vegan meal will even be enjoyed by your carnivore friends. 
Vegan Ham and Cheese Sliders
These easy and delicious vegan ham and cheese sliders made with our vegan Hawaiian rolls are just the meal that you've been wanting! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Buffalo Chicken Pasta
This easy vegan buffalo chicken pasta needs just 7 ingredients and can be prepped in minutes. People will be begging you for the recipe!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
These easy and delicious vegan pepperoni pizza sliders made with our vegan Hawaiian rolls are just the meal that you've been wanting! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This easy vegan butternut squash mac and cheese comes together in 30 minutes and is an absolute hit! A simple and easy way to add flavor to a savory dish.
Check out this recipe
Vegan One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This easy vegan one pot creamy garlic parmesan pasta needs less than 30 minutes to make and can be completely top 8 allergen free.
Vegan Zucchini Fritters
These easy vegan zucchini fritters need just 10 ingredients and under 30 minutes to make. Perfect for lunch, dinner or just a snack! A perfect way to use up extra zucchini.
Check out this recipe

Vegan Soup Ideas for Lunch Box

Another easy vegan lunch box idea is soup. They stay warm for a long time if heating them up very hot and putting them into an insulated food container. We’ve listed some of the absolute best ones that our kids love.

Vegan Pasta e Fagioli
This easy and amazing Vegan Pasta e Fagioli is the perfect 30 minute vegan soup that will remind you of the dish by the same name at Olive Garden. Pair with our vegan breadsticks for the full experience.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Beefless Stew
THIS VEGAN STEW RECIPE WILL BLOW YOU AWAY. SUPER HEARTY AND FILLING AND PERFECT FOR ANY COLD DAY.  EVEN THE BIGGEST CARNIVORE WILL LOVE THIS CHICKPEA VEGAN BEEF STEW RECIPE! THIS RECIPE IS TOP 8 ALLERGEN FRIENDLY, INCLUDING GLUTEN FREE. 
Check out this recipe
Vegan Lasagna Soup
This vegan lasagna soup is absolutely everything you love about lasagna, but in a soup form. It's easier to put together and just as flavorful!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Broccoli and Cheese Soup
This easy vegan broccoli and cheese soup is loaded with flavor and vegetables. You won't believe it's vegan!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Vegan Taco Soup
This delicious Instant Pot Vegan Taco Soup is full of flavor and so easy to make.  Can also be made on the stove or in a slow cooker. 
Check out this recipe
Vegan Lentil Soup
This super easy vegan lentil soup will be a hit all fall and winter long.  Warming, filling, and budget friendly.  Also, Top 8 Allergen Free. 
Check out this recipe

Vegan Snack Ideas for Lunch Box

You have the main thing in the lunch box, but you need snacks. Fruit and veggies are perfect, along with some chips or pretzels, but sometimes you need more. We’ve listed some great additions to lunch boxes here:

Homemade Vegan Granola Bars
If you are looking for a quick and easy vegan meal prep snack idea, then these homemade vegan granola bars are a winner!  Just 3 ingredients and can be Top 8 Allergen Free. 
Check out this recipe
Healthy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies
5 ingredient Healthy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies can be a dessert or even a breakfast cookie on the go! Simple and easy treat idea!
Check out this recipe
Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls
These easy Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls need just 6 ingredients and come together super quickly!  Even kids can make these themselves! Gluten free and nut free option.
Check out this recipe
vegan peanut butter chocolate energy balls
The Best Vegan Double Chocolate Muffins
These vegan double chocolate muffins are so soft and fluffy! They are great for a quick on the go breakfast and a must in your breakfast collection.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Blueberry Breakfast Bars
These easy vegan blueberry breakfast bars are perfect for on the go mornings or even as a snack! Can be Top 8 Allergen Free.
Check out this recipe
Dairy Free Cheese Crackers
Dairy free cheese crackers are the perfect dairy free snacks! Throw them the lunchbox or just a fun anytime snack!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Snickerdoodle Energy Balls
Vegan snickerdoodle energy balls need just 6 ingredients and are ready in minutes. Great leftover pulp idea if you make dairy free milk.
Check out this recipe
Easy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
This easy vegan chocolate chip cookies recipe will have you questioning if it's really vegan? Super simple, all in one bowl, and can be Top 8 Allergen Free.
Vegan Apple Muffins
These super easy vegan apple muffins are a delicious and healthy vegan breakfast on the go option. Can be Top 8 Allergen Free and they are freezable! 
Check out this recipe
Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
Vegan Rice Krispie Treats are a childhood classic reinvented. All you need is 4 ingredients and 20 minutes to have a delicious vegan dessert recipe. 
Check out this recipe

We hope you enjoyed this list of vegan lunch box ideas! Check out all our vegan recipes for even more inspiration!

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Filed Under: Resources Tagged With: dairy free guide

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