30 Healthy Homemade Lunch Box Snacks Your Kid Will Actually Eat

It’s back-to-school time, and I’m always looking for new, healthy items to pack in my son’s Kai lunch box that he’ll actually eat. Last year, there were so many times that I opened up his lunch box after school and found partially eaten or never touched food. I cringed every time I had to throw it away.

So this year, I decided I’m going to try to pack irresistible snacks and sides in his lunch box. Here are thirty healthy homemade lunch box snacks that he loves—and will surely end up in his stomach, not the trash.

Get the recipes in the slideshow.

More Lunch Box Ideas:

Healthy Homemade Lunch Box Snacks

Strawberry Fruit Leather

I don’t think there is a kid out there who doesn’t love fruit leather. Sometimes they can get expensive if you buy a lot of them, so make them instead. Best part: there are only two ingredients. Get the recipe at Momtastic.com.
Applesauce Puffs

These muffin-like snacks are quick to make and are made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Get the recipe at Moritz Fine Designs.
Apple Wiches

Here’s a simple snack that uses three kid-friendly ingredients. Get the recipe at Handmade by Kelly.
Fruit Salad on a Stick

These fruit kebabs are sure to bring a smile to your kid’s face. It’s like eating a rainbow! Get the recipe at Skinny Taste.
Healthy Gummies

Sure you can buy gummies in the store for real cheap, but they are loaded with food coloring and extra unneeded sugar. Make some that are loaded with nutritional punch. I can’t wait to make them. Get the recipe at Modern Parents Messy Kids.
Pancake Poppers

Every kid loves mini food. These bit-sized pancake poppers made with blueberries, chocolate chips, or even hot dog slices will be a lunch box hit. Get the recipe at Proverbial Homemaker.
Ants on a Log 2.0

Peanut butter and celery has been a staple in my house for years. Mix it up by spreading tuna and cran-raisins on your celery stick instead. Get the recipe Make the Best of Everything.
Parmesan Popcorn

This is one of my personal favorites. It’s so easy to make and is so savory. Get the recipe at Momtastic.com.
Orange Slice Butterflies

Sure it may take a few extra moments to make these cute critters in the morning, but they will be gone by the time the kiddos get home. Get the recipe at Almost Unschoolers.
Baked Apple Cinnamon Chips

What’s great about these apple chips is that you can use a dehydrator or an oven to make these healthy snacks. Get the recipe at The Endless Meal.
Pretzel Bites

Send these tasty treats to school with a small dipping container of sweet or spicy mustard (depending on your kid). It only takes ten minutes to cook. Get the recipe at Momtastic.com.
Baked Apple Rolls

This treat is just as tasty as an apple pie and will probably be eaten before the sandwich. Get the recipe at Spoonful of Flavor.
Chocolate Chip Date Treats

You don’t have to tell your kids that these are healthy! Keep that a secret! Get the recipe at Momtastic.com.
Make Your Own Trail Mix

Here’s a snack that your kid can make on his own. Give him bowls full of his favorite mix-ins and let him fill five sandwich bags for the week. If he makes it, he’ll be sure to eat it. This particular recipe is nut free, just in case. Get the recipe at Mix It Up Cookbook.
Sandwich on a Stick

Take a cue from the sample station at your grocery store deli and serve these little ham and cheese roll-ups skewered with a pretzel. Get the recipe at A Mom’s Take.
Homemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

What kid doesn’t love a gooey granola bar? You can make your own in case your child has any particular allergies. Get the recipe at Weelicious.com.
Chocolate Popcorn Treats

Although you want to serve your kids healthy stuff all the time, once in a while it’s okay to serve a sweet treat. Get the recipe at Momtastic.com.
BBQ Sweet Potato Crisps

Eliminate a majority of the oil and fat from regular potato chips by making your own. Best yet, these are BBQ flavored! Get the recipe at Chow.com.
Homemade Gogurt

Kids love yogurt, especially when they can slurp it out of a thin plastic sleeve. Get the recipe at Passion for Savings.
Say Cheese (Crackers)

You could buy those little cheesy fishies or you can make your own with a higher content of fiber and a reduced amount of sodium. Get the recipe at Weelicous.com.
So Beary Good

Your kids will forget they are eating something healthy when they nibble on these carrot slices filled with cute little bears made from cheese. Get the recipe at EatsAmazing.
Fruitshi

Whether you’re a fan of sushi or not, you’ll love these clever “fruitshi” rolls. They are made from strawberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, or your own favorite fruit. Get the recipe at Kids Activities Blog.
Homemade Fortune Cookie

This fun treat is a great place to put in an “I love you” or encouragement note without embarrassing your kid. Get the recipe at A Baker’s House.
Mini Cheese Donuts

Who said donuts have to be sweet? These happy little donuts are a great lunch box side that your kids will devour. Get the recipe at La Receta de la Felicidad.
Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

Send a small container of this fruit dip with slices of apples and a handful of berries to school and your kids will come home happy. Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.
Pretzel Brownie Bites

These tasty brownie pretzel bites mix sweet and salty and are surprisingly low in sugar. Get the recipe at Deliciously Yum.
Butterfly Snack Bag

Fill a sandwich baggie with two types of favorite snacks. One type of snack should be on each side of the bag. Then snap a clothespin in the middle and draw a face on it or glue on googly eyes if you’re feeling crafty. Instant butterfly. Get the recipe at Lil Blue Boo.
Sugar- and Marshmallow-Free Crispy Treats

What? How is this possible? The secret is honey and peanut butter. Get the recipe at Happily Unprocessed.
Banana Cookies

With just two ingredients (bananas and whole oats) you have the base for a healthy cookie. Add pecans and chocolate chips if you like. Get the recipe at Kids Activities Blog.
Crazy for Chickpeas

Your kids will gobble roasted chickpeas by the handful. Make them sweet by adding brown sugar and cinnamon. It's great for an afternoon brain boost. Get the recipe at Cupcake Project.