22 Healthy Versions of Your Kids' Favorite Junk Food Perfect For Their School Lunches

Delightful Mom Food

As a parent, you want your kids to eat healthy, well-balanced meals that will give them the nutrients they need as they grow. But we also all remember the temptations of junk food at school, whether it's vending machines, the school cafeteria, or a friend's less-than-healthy lunch. While you want to pack your children nutritious meals, you also want them to actually eat their food, so sometimes slipping a healthier version of their favorite junk foods into their lunchbox is the best option! From pizza to burgers to chocolaty snacks, these healthier versions of your kids' favorite junk foods will keep them satisfied and healthy and make them feel like they're not missing out.

01
Ham and Mozzarella Sticks
The Cookie Rookie

Ham and Mozzarella Sticks

Everyone's favorite cheesy appetizer gets a healthy makeover with these ham and cheese mozzarella sticks. They're baked, so you skip lots of the added calories!

02
Stovetop Popcorn
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Stovetop Popcorn

You don't need to head to the movie theater for delicious popcorn. This stovetop popcorn is perfect because you can control how much salt goes into it.

03
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
My Baking Addiction

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Your kids will never know there's zucchini in this chocolate zucchini cake if you don't tell them. It's super moist and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

04
Healthier Brownies
Cooking Classy

Healthier Brownies

For a great snack your kids can take to school, try this healthier version of classic chocolate brownies. They contain dates and almond flour!

05
Healthy Mac and Cheese
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Healthy Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food gets a healthy update with this healthy mac and cheese recipe. It's way better than the boxed stuff, and uses yogurt for extra creaminess.

06
Low-Carb Chicken Nuggets
Food Faith Fitness

Low-Carb Chicken Nuggets

Parents and kids alike will go nuts for these delicious low-carb baked chicken nuggets. Pair them with veggie sticks, and you've got an easy lunch your kids will look forward to.

07
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
Delightful Mom Food

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

Not only are these chocolate chip cookie bites free of butter, dairy, and gluten, but they're also packed with goodness to give your kids energy. Plus, they're perfect for those warmer days — no oven required!

08
Chicken Taco Wraps
Spiced

Chicken Taco Wraps

Tacos are the perfect lunch, but they're not always the healthiest option. These chicken taco wraps use all of those delicious taco ingredients with some healthy additions like multi-grain wraps and lots of veggies.

09
Protein Pudding
The Curious Coconut

Protein Pudding

Skip the prepackaged pudding cups with who-knows-what in them, and opt instead for this mint chocolate blueberry avocado pudding. It's such a delicious combination, your kids will probably prefer it!

10
Potato Wedges
Cookie And Kate

Potato Wedges

These crispy potato wedges are baked with olive oil rather than fried, and with the addition of herbs, they're a delicious alternative to fries. They'll be gone in seconds!

11
Air Fryer Potato Chips
Food Faith Fitness

Air Fryer Potato Chips

We all get those food cravings from time to time, and it's important not to deprive your kids of some of their favorites. These air-fryer potato chips will please both you and your kids.

12
Pork Fried Rice
Self-Proclaimed Foodie

Pork Fried Rice

Takeout Chinese food is always a special treat, but you can opt for healthier versions at home that your kids will love. Just try this pork fried rice, which is packed with veggies!

13
Gluten-Free Pizza
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Gluten-Free Pizza

Making pizza at home is so much healthier than delivery, without having to make too many adjustments. This gluten-free pizza crust is great with all of your kids' favorite toppings.

14
DIY Pizza Lunchables
Damn Delicious

DIY Pizza Lunchables

Packaged foods are packed with preservatives, but you can make your kids fun lunches without lots of effort on your part. These DIY pizza lunchables are the perfect compromise.

15
Quinoa Cheese Doughnuts
The Gunny Sack

Quinoa Cheese Doughnuts

Cheesy doughnuts sound like a dream, and these Crispy Cheese Donuts are healthy to boot! Your kids won't even notice the quinoa.

16
Cauliflower Rice Burritos
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Cauliflower Rice Burritos

Skip the fast-food burritos and try these cauliflower rice burritos that the whole family will love! They're also perfect for family dinners on weeknights.

17
Protein Peanut Butter Cups
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Protein Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate and peanut butter are a delicious combination that's hard to resist, and with these protein peanut butter cups, your kids won't have to! They're low in sugar and absolutely delicious.

18
California Hot Dog
Joy of Kosher

California Hot Dog

Hot dogs and burgers are the ultimate junk foods for kids, but sometimes the way you dress them can make all the difference. Try these California hot dogs, which are loaded with vegetables.

19
Turkey Burgers
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Turkey Burgers

Speaking of burgers, these turkey burgers are super light and can be served on whole wheat buns. Whether they opt for veggie toppings or not, it makes a healthy lunch.

20
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
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Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Kids love the sweet and salty goodness of orange chicken, and you'll feel good about serving up this healthier slow-cooker version. Just serve it with white rice and steamed veggies!

21
Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Sweet Peas And Saffron

Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Sweet potatoes are always a healthier option than regular potatoes, but you can use them pretty much in all the same ways! Try these sweet potato tater tots that your kids will love to find in their lunchboxes.

22
Black Bean Tacos
Cooking Classy

Black Bean Tacos

Black bean tacos make a delicious, filling lunch — even for meat-loving kids! Let them build their own or choose their toppings so you know they'll eat them.