How To Build A Bento Box

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Last Updated on August 1, 2024 by Tracy

Discover how to build a nutritious and fun bento box for kids and adults! Our step-by-step guide offers tips on choosing the right bento box, selecting healthy ingredients, and making meal prep enjoyable. Perfect for school lunches, office meals, and snacks on the go.

This was originally written for Noble Citrus, but I wanted to share it with you all here too!

Do you have a child in school? Work in an office? Or maybe you, like me, take your lunch to your desk at home every day? Back-to-school time can be stressful for both kids and parents. The schedule change is enough to make anyone feel frazzled, not to mention meal planning for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the start of school sports again.

Are you looking for an easy way to simplify meal planning? Want to pack a nutritious meal for the kids that’s also easy to prepare? Try building a bento box lunch! They are perfect for breakfast on the go and snack time too. Yes, I’m speaking from personal experience.

Building a bento box involves assembling a well-balanced meal in a compact container. Traditional Japanese bento boxes typically consist of rice, protein, vegetables, and a variety of side dishes. However, modern bento boxes have evolved to include a variety of nutritious options featuring protein, veggies, fruit, and usually a snack.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a basic bento box:

1. Choose a Good Bento Box: Select a bento box that suits your needs. There are various sizes and styles available, including silicone, plastic, and stainless steel designs with multiple compartments.

2. Protein: Select a source of protein. Some options include PB&J, turkey sandwich, hard-boiled egg, or grilled chicken from last night’s dinner.

3. Vegetables: Add a variety of colorful vegetables for both nutrition and aesthetics. We love carrot chips—they’re perfect for dipping.

4. Fruit: We love adding navel oranges to our bento boxes. Noble Select Sweet Navel oranges are simple and delicious. You can peel them, slice them, or segment them and add them to your bento box. Oranges are rich in nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and folate, all of which help boost immunity and fend off back-to-school colds.

5. Snack: Include something like pretzels, almonds, or trail mix—whatever will make your child smile.

6. Dip: Add a small container of dip. Ranch and hummus are always popular choices for veggies.

Remember, bento boxes are highly customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and portion sizes to suit your child’s preferences and dietary needs. Have fun experimenting with different combinations to create your perfect bento box! In fact, building a bento box is a great opportunity to get your kids involved in the kitchen. If kids help pack lunch, they are more likely to eat what’s in it.

Packing a well-balanced and appealing lunch for kids is important to ensure they get the nutrition they need and actually enjoy their meals. Aim to balance healthy options with the occasional treat to keep lunchtime exciting for your child.

Here are some ideas for what to pack in kids’ lunches:

Sandwiches and Wraps:

Peanut butter and jelly or almond butter and fruit spread
Turkey and cheese
Ham and Swiss cheese
Chicken or tuna salad
Hummus and veggies in a wrap
Cream cheese and cucumber

Fruits and Vegetables:

Oranges (slices, segments, or peeled)
Carrots and cherry tomatoes with ranch dressing
Sliced cucumbers or bell peppers
Fruit kabobs

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives:

Yogurt cups (choose ones with lower sugar content or make your own)
Cheese sticks or cubes
Milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk

Proteins:

Hard-boiled eggs
Sliced deli meats (turkey, chicken, or roast beef)
Mini meatballs or chicken nuggets
Veggie nuggets (for plant-based options)

Grains and Carbohydrates:

Whole-grain bread or wraps
Mini bagels with cream cheese
Whole-grain crackers with cheese
Rice cakes or whole-grain rice
Mini muffins or granola bars (choose ones with lower sugar content)

Treats and Snacks:

Trail mix with nuts, dried fruits, and a few chocolate chips
A small piece of dark chocolate
Homemade or store-bought popcorn
Fruit leather or fruit snacks (choose ones with no added sugars)
A small portion of cookies or a granola bar

Something to Drink:

Include a bottle of water, a juice box, and/or milk

Now that your lunch is packed and ready to go, here are some more ideas for enjoying Navel Oranges:

Segment the oranges and add them to fruit salads for a burst of citrus flavor.
Squeeze navel oranges to make fresh orange juice.
Use them in smoothies or cocktails.
Grate the zest of navel oranges and add it to baked goods, salads, or marinades for a citrusy kick.
Sprinkle orange slices with a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for a delightful twist.
Layer orange segments with yogurt and granola for a refreshing and nutritious breakfast or snack.
Dice oranges and mix them with diced red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Serve as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. Or just eat it with chips 😉
Add orange slices to a pitcher of water for a refreshing and lightly flavored drink.