How to keep the cost of the kids’ packed lunches down

The start of the new school year comes with plenty of costs, from new uniforms and sports kit to tech and stationery.

But there is one area where keeping costs low can be relatively straightforward - packed lunches.

So if you’re on a tight budget, how can you make sure your kids are eating healthy, nutritious food that they’ll actually enjoy?

Plan ahead

Spend ten minutes at the weekend planning your child’s lunches for the week.

If you know what they’re going to eat in advance, you can write a shopping list and make sure you get everything you need as part of your main shop.

That means you can avoid waste and avoid those last-minute top-up shops that can often end up costing you more.

Use leftovers

What you’re having for tea tonight could make a delicious lunch tomorrow.

So if you’re cooking up something like a pasta salad, put a bit aside for your child’s dinner.

Or take a few chunks of chicken out of the curry you’re preparing and use it as a filling for a sandwich or wrap.

In just a few moments, they’ll have a filling meal for the next day without any extra cost or effort.

Get reusable containers

Paying once for a good set of reusable tubs, bottles and snack pots can be far more cost-effective than cling film, foil and single-use packaging. 

They also help keep food fresh and reduce waste - and it’s better for the planet too.

Buy in bulk

Snack-sized packets might be convenient for a packed lunch, but you’re only paying extra for packaging you don’t really need.

There’s no reason why you can’t buy a larger packet of lunchtime staples like yoghurt or crackers and then put a single serving into the small reusable containers you’ve just bought.

Bake your own treats

The cost of lunchbox classics like cereal bars, cookies and cakes can quickly add up.

But you can make your own for a fraction of the price - and they’ll probably be healthier too.

They also freeze well, so you could make a large batch and save them for when you need them.

Avoid expensive products marketed to kids

Many lunchbox staples like snacks and cartons of juice are branded with bright colours and cartoons.

But they often cost more per gram, even though the products themselves are exactly the same as the standard versions.

So buy standard versions instead and portion them yourself - your child won’t notice the difference.

Get the kids involved in making lunch

Children are often less likely to waste food if they’ve helped to make what they’re eating.

After all, it helps them appreciate the effort that’s been put into making their lunch and where their food has come from.

It also gives you an opportunity to talk to them about making healthy food choices and how much each item or ingredient costs.