Creative Bento Box Ideas

Bento boxes are the perfect lunch to bring to work or school that are easy to assemble, provide lots of variety, and of course, are fun to eat! The best part about bento boxes is you can get really creative with your ideas, meaning lunches never get boring!

Bento Box Anatomy

All of these bento box ideas are packed as a balanced meal. In general, we keep the following categories in mind when crafting bento boxes. Feel free to create your own, or grab some flavourful inspiration below!

Protein to keep you full until dinner! Try:  Eggs, hummus or bean dips, tofu, chicken, nuts/seeds, greek yogurt, cheese

Fruits or Vegetables for a source of fibre and micronutrients! Try – Carrots, cucumber, celery, peppers, grapes, apples, bananas, berries

Whole grains for stable energy levels throughout the day, fiber and to keep you full! Try: Whole grain pita, crackers, bread, or rice cakes

Healthy Fats to keep you full and satiated! Try: avocado, olives, nuts, and seeds, or nut butter

Pizza Box

Kid-Friendly

• Whole wheat pita
• Tomato sauce
• Cheese or dairy-free cheese (cream cheese also works)
• Pepperoni
• Hummus (optional)
• Vegetables or fruit of choice – fried mushrooms and peppers work great, but feel free to choose your kid’s favourite veggie!

*Tip – try using a wrap and rolling with cream cheese, tomato sauce, and spinach to make pinwheels.

Fajita Box

• Simple make-ahead bean salad
• Guacamole
• Salsa of choice
• Cheese or dairy-free cheese of choice
• Whole wheat or corn tortillas or tortilla chips

Charcuterie Bento Box

• Whole-grain crackers
• Cheese or dairy-free cheese of choice
• Grapes
• Carrots, celery, cucumber, or pepper (for dipping)
• Hummus (or dip of choice)
• Nuts (Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are great)
• Salami or plant-based alternative
• Olives (optional)

Looking for plant-based protein options? Here are some of our favourites that pack great for lunches! Note, that not everything is available at all locations.

Plant-based pepperoni,  Plant-based mushroom bites, Frozen Falafels, Smoked Tofu, BBQ Tofu

Breakfast Bento Box

Kid-Friendly

• Greek yogurt or chia pudding
• Fruit of choice (Berries, apples and banana work great)
• Granola or Almonds/Walnuts
• Hard-boiled egg (Optional)
• Leftover whole wheat pancakes are also great for kid-friendly options!

Mezze Platter Box

• Simple make-ahead tabouleh salad (sub quinoa if you don’t have bulgur)
• Hummus
• Whole-grain pita
• Olives
• Carrots, cucumber, and celery
• Babaganoush (optional)
• Frozen Falafel (optional)