By Devi Poojari
November 11, 2025
Packing lunchboxes for children that tread the fine balance between healthy and tasty can be a test for parents on an everyday basis—especially when time is a challenge. However, making small tweaks to pre-existing ingredients in the kitchen could help in conjuring up some innovative options.
Most children enjoy a sweet lunchbox option—and layering some peanut butter on multigrain bread along with bananas or a drizzle of honey is no-fuss and time-saving.
A jugaad pasta preparation for when all one can do is toss a few ingredients into the pan and call it a day—this masala pasta is savoury, tangy and full of flavour.
This preparation is a complete meal in itself—ensuring that all nutritional components, including protein are enjoyed in a quick and easy form.
Methi, aloo, laccha, gobhi or even cheese—parathas are a no-brainer, easy to eat and can be paired with a variety of condiments from ketchup, chutney, pickle and even jam.
Serve the high-protein chickpea dip with chips, crackers, crudites or toasted bread—dips are an easy way to incorporate nutritional elements and also sneak in some much-needed veggie goodness.
Make a chicken and pesto sandwich, or a roasted vegetable one layered with a bean dip; experiment with combinations like egg and avocado or mushroom and spinach to make fillings versatile.