The first school term and summer are both behind us, and with the routine of early mornings and packed lunches back again in full force, many parents are on the lookout for lunchbox inspiration for term two. What’s the secret to packing a nutritious, quick to prepare lunchbox that the kids will actually eat? It’s easy as ABC – eggs.
Why Eggs Are the Perfect Lunchbox Staple
Eggs are one of nature’s most versatile foods, providing an array of essential nutrients for growing bodies and active minds. Eggs contain high-quality protein, vitamin D, B vitamins, and key minerals like selenium, which are crucial for maintaining immunity, energy, and concentration during long school days. Eggs also have choline, a nutrient critical for brain development and function, making eggs a must for young minds. This is why including eggs in your child’s lunchbox a few times a week is a great way to keep them fuelled throughout the day.
And eggs are not only nutritious but also one of the most affordable sources of protein, making them accessible for families across South Africa. By incorporating eggs into the family’s weekly meal plan, you can stretch your grocery budget without compromising on health.
Egg-citing Lunchbox Ideas
Looking for a fun way to get eggs into your child’s lunchbox? These simple and creative ideas will keep lunchtime exciting and nutritious:
- Egg Roll-Up: Scramble eggs with a sprinkle of cheese and some diced veggies, then wrap in a high fibre wrap. Secure with toothpicks.
- Mini Egg Muffins: Whisk eggs with your champ’s fave veggies. Add leftover chicken or diced ham and bake in a muffin tin for bite-sized egg muffins for your mini-me.
- Egg and Avocado Sandwich: Mash a boiled egg with avocado, spread on whole-grain bread, and cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
- Egg Pot: Pair boiled eggs with veggie sticks like baby carrots and cucumber, wholewheat crackers, and a dollop of hummus.
- Curried Egg Salad Pita: Mix chopped boiled eggs with a little yoghurt and curry powder. Stuff into a pita pocket for a no-mess, delicious lunch.
- Egg Sushi Rolls: Flatten a slice of wholewheat bread, spread with cream cheese, add a thin omelette, and roll up tightly before slicing into bite-sized ‘sushi’ pieces.
- Veggie and Egg Skewers: Thread boiled egg halves, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and cheese cubes onto small skewers or toothpicks for a fun, colourful lunchbox addition.
- Egg-Crusted Pizza Bites: Use whisked eggs as a base in a muffin tin, then top with tomato sauce, cheese, and diced veggies before baking.
- Rainbow Egg Bowls: Pack egg-fried rice with a variety of colourful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and purple cabbage, drizzled with a light soy dressing and finished off with avo.
Setting Kids Up for Success
School lunch boxes are the perfect opportunity to establish healthy habits that can shape a child’s future. A balanced lunchbox filled with nutritious options like eggs helps children stay focused, energised, and ready to tackle their day.
Pack smarter, eat healthier, and make this school year egg-ceptional! For more tips and recipe ideas, visit www.sapoultry.co.za, like EGGcellentFood on Facebook and follow us on Instagram eggcellentfoodsa.
BLT Egg Sliders
Makes 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cost per recipe: Serves 4 for under R100
Ingredients:
8 eggs
Salt and pepper
30 ml (2 tbsp) mayonnaise
8 small baby gem lettuce leaves
8 slices Roma tomato
8 strips of crispy streaky bacon, cut in half
Ground cumin, to sprinkle
Method:
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and gently lower the eggs into the water. Bring to a simmer, close with a lid and time 8 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the water and place into ice water for 3 minutes. Crack the eggs all around and peel the shells under running water. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise.
- Season the cut sides of the eggs with salt and pepper. Slice a thin layer off 8 of the egg halves so they don’t move around on a plate. Top each with a small dollop of mayonnaise, lettuce (trim to size of egg), tomato and 2 bacon halves.
- Close with the remaining eggs to create a sandwich. Secure with skewers. Sprinkle with cumin, salt and pepper.
