Packed lunches are coming in for a hard time. Proposals for the new school food plan even suggest banning them completely to encourage takeup of school dinners. Sure, they can be unhealthy, all too often comprising a few sandwiches, crisps and chocolate treat, with an apple thrown in. But we all know that the daily grind of filling lunchboxes doesn't make it easy to come up with imaginative alternatives. Try some of these tasty and healthy additions.
Tuna-pepper pitta pockets. Photograph: Franck Allais and Ed Johns for the Guardian Try these tuna-pepper pitta pockets from Allegra McEvedy, stuffed with kids' favourites, tuna and cream cheese, as well as a handful of veg.
Easy peasy pitta pockets. Photograph: Franck Allais and Ed Johns for the Guardian … Or these easy-peasy pitta pockets. Carrot and cheddar mixed with spring onions and just a little mayonnaise from Thomasina Miers.
Cherry focaccia. Photograph: Claire Thomson Claire Thomson's cherry focaccia – you can easily make savoury versions with herbs, cooked pumpkin, onion, aubergine, peppers or olives.
Felicity's perfect Spanish omelette. Photograph: Felicity Cloake Tortilla is another transportable way to pack vegetables into your little one and this should please the grownups too. Get the basic recipe spot on with help from Felicity Cloake
Golden pitta chopped salad. Photograph: Franck Allais and Ed Johns for the Guardian Flatbread, baked golden and crispy, tossed in a light salad and dressing. This takes no time to throw together, but is full of flavour and crunch.
Cold noodle and tomato salad. Photograph: Jonathan Lovekin for the Observer Nigel Slater's cold noodle and tomato salad makes a nice grownup supper with leftovers for the packed lunch. Just remember to vary the spices for small people's tastes.
Super-healthy almond smoothie. Photograph: Franck Allais and Ed Johns for the Guardian Add some healthy and delicious fruit and vegetable drinks into the equation – from cloudy apple and mint juice to a creamy almond smoothie.
Strawberry fruit leather Photograph: Claire Thomson Claire Thomson's strawberry leather is a fruity treat for lunchboxes.
Spiced nuts Photograph: Franck Allais and Ed Johns for the Guardian These spiced nuts are totally addictive and can be made incredibly healthy too, providing magnesium, calcium and vitamin E and protein.
Banana bread with toasted walnuts and dark chocolate. Photograph: Franck Allais and Ed Johns for the Guardian Thomasina Miers' banana bread recipe isn't too fatty, and keeps for ages so could last for a good few lunchboxes.
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