PB2 Lunchbox Wins: Easy, Nutritious Recipes Kids Actually Want to Eat

Back-to-school season is here, and parents everywhere are gearing up for another year of packed lunches, busy schedules, and the endless quest to keep kids well-nourished! For all our seasoned meal prep pros or anyone who's scrambling to figure out what to pack each morning, we've got your back with some healthy PB2 recipes and expert advice that'll make lunchtime something everyone looks forward to.

PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter is a true lunch helper for busy families. PB2 contains 90% less fat and 70% fewer calories than traditional peanut butter while delivering 6 grams of protein per serving. This makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient for creating high-protein lunch options that kids actually want to eat! Unlike regular peanut butter, PB2 can also be mixed to your preferred consistency, and can be incorporated into both hot and cold recipes. Plus, it's shelf-stable, making it a more than stellar option for meal prep and ensuring your healthy lunch ideas stay fresh all morning long!

Our favorite registered dietitian and PB2 partner, Amanda Holtzer, knows firsthand how challenging it can be to balance nutrition with convenience during the school year. Heading back to school is a fun and exciting time, but easily becomes stressful and overwhelming with new schedules, supply lists, and seemingly less time to get everything accomplished!  

Amanda's Expert Framework for Perfect School Lunches

When it comes to packing nutritious meals, Amanda has a foolproof strategy that takes the guesswork out of lunch planning. "When packing lunches, try and hit each of these categories—protein, carb, fruit, veggie, and fun food," she recommends.

Here are some kid-friendly examples of easy foods in each group:

• Protein: turkey, chicken, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, lentils, tofu, edamame, nuts, and protein powders such as PB2 Performance Protein
• Carb: bread, tortilla, rice, quinoa, crackers, pretzels, rice, and pasta.
• Fruits: apple, banana, orange, berries, kiwi, cantaloupe, and pineapple.
• Veggies: carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, and broccoli.
• Fun foods: chocolate, gummy snacks, and homemade baked goods.

So what quick recipes make it easy to create balanced, satisfying meals that check all the nutritional boxes while still keeping kids excited about what's in their lunchbag? We are so glad you asked! Creating successful lunch routines doesn't happen overnight, but with this strategic approach and these fun recipes, you can make the process much smoother for your family. 

	Classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich  Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason! Elevate the traditional PB&J by using PB2 Original mixed with just enough water to create the perfect spreadable consistency. This simple swap delivers all the nostalgic flavor kids love while providing extra protein and fewer calories than traditional peanut butter.
	Peanut Turkey Meatballs Make lunch more exciting with our Peanut Turkey Meatballs! These protein-packed bites combine ground turkey with PB2 Original for an unexpected flavor twist that kids absolutely love. Pack them with rice and a vegetable side for a complete, balanced meal.
	Fruit Tray with PB2 Cashew Create a spin on the typical fruit and dip combo by serving your child's favorite fruits along with our PB2 Cashew Powder mixed into a creamy dipping sauce. The nutty cashew flavor complements apples, strawberries, and grapes— all while providing an extra serving of plant-based protein.
	Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bars Make a batch of our homemade Banana Granola Bars for a grab-and-go option that's perfect for busy mornings. These bars combine oats, banana, and PB2 Original for a naturally sweet treat that provides sustained energy throughout the school day.
	Chocolate Rice Krispie Treat Reimagine a favored treat with this better-for-you option by incorporating PB2 with Cocoa into homemade puffed rice squares. These taste like dessert while sneaking in extra protein, and they're much more nutritious than some store-bought versions.
	Crunchy Veggie Pasta Salad with Citrusy Peanut Butter Sauce Plain pasta becomes something special with the addition of a bright, citrusy peanut butter sauce made with PB2 Pure. Load it up with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas to hit multiple food groups in one delicious dish.
	Banana Sandwich A tried and true go-to that has withstood the test of time, pack a peanut butter and banana sandwich! Spread a Crunchy PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter mixture on whole grain bread and layer with fresh banana slices. It's sweet, satisfying, and hits both the protein, carb, and fruit categories in Amanda's framework.
	Ants on a Log This snack still makes an awesome lunch side! Fill celery sticks with PB2 Original whipped to a fluffy consistency and top with raisins, sunflower seeds, grapes, or banana slices. It's a fun way to get kids excited about eating vegetables while still providing a well-balanced snack.
	Peanut Butter Chia Pudding Combine chia seeds, non-dairy milk, a scoop of PB2 Organic Powdered Peanut Butter, and a touch of maple syrup for a make-ahead pudding that even adults will want to bring for lunch. "Overnight oats last in the fridge for 3-4 days, so make a couple of batches ahead of time to set yourself up for success," Amanda advises—and the same principle applies to these protein-rich puddings!
	Brownie Energy Balls Stir up our PB2 Pantry Chocolate Brownie Mix with chunky peanut butter, chocolate chips, and rolled oats to create these decadent-tasting brownie-like energy balls. They satisfy that "fun food" category Amanda recommends while still providing quality protein and fiber. We recommend making a big batch on Sunday and portioning them out for the entire week.

Along with any well-packed lunchbox, Amanda also emphasizes the importance of proper hydration: "Always make sure your little one has a water bottle in their bag to ensure they stay hydrated throughout the school day." Getting kids involved in choosing their PB2 recipes and assisting with age-appropriate prep tasks can also make them more invested in actually eating their meals, which means less food waste and a lower grocery budget. And don't forget about the importance of after-school nourishment—these recipes are awesome options for any time of day! "A lot of kids have after-school activities. I always recommend parents pack something kids can nosh on after school to keep them satiated until dinnertime," Amanda explains.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's progress. Even incorporating one or two of these PB2 lunch ideas into your weekly rotation can make a significant difference in your family's nutrition while reducing the stress that often comes with meal planning.

Here's to a school year filled with delicious, nourishing meals that everyone can feel good about!