Packing lunch every school morning is a challenge for UAE parents. Kids want food they'll actually eat, and parents want it healthy and safe in the heat. Here are easy ideas and tips.
Build a balanced lunch box
Aim for one from each group:
- Protein: chicken, eggs, labneh, cheese, hummus
- Carbs: wraps, pita, rice, pasta
- Fruit or veg: cucumber, carrot sticks, grapes, apple slices
- Something fun: a few dates, a homemade muffin
10 lunch box ideas kids like
- Chicken and cheese wrap
- Mini pita pockets with hummus and cucumber
- Pasta salad with sweetcorn and tuna
- Zaatar manakish slices with labneh
- Boiled eggs with cheese cubes and crackers
- Leftover rice with grilled chicken
- Pancakes with fruit
- Falafel with a small pot of tahini
- Cheese sandwich shapes (use a cookie cutter)
- Fruit skewers with yoghurt dip
Keep food safe in UAE heat
- Use an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.
- Freeze a water bottle overnight; it keeps lunch cool and melts by lunchtime.
- Check your school's rules on nuts and heating food.
Hot lunch for older kids and teens
Where schools allow it, an Electric Heating Lunch Box (89 AED) means a warm meal of yesterday's leftovers. It's also great for parents at the office.
Save time in the morning
- Prep fruit and veg the night before.
- Make a weekly lunch plan with your kids so they're excited.
- Blend a quick smoothie for breakfast. See our portable blender recipes.
More time-savers: read our meal prep guide.