Why does it always seem like the transition to back to school never happens in manageable stages, but instead all at once? No matter how many times I tell myself that it’s coming – that my days of letting things slide in the name of summer spontaneity are numbered — I still find myself caught off-guard. All of a sudden, there’s so much to do. There are new clothes to buy, drop-off and pick-up logistics to coordinate, after-school activities to sign up for, and about a million items of clothing to label. And then, of course, there’s food.
Summertime lunches have been a hodgepodge of leftovers from whatever we grilled last night and tomatoes picked from the garden. Snacks have often been — let’s face it — purchased from the ice cream truck. But that’s not going to cut it come fall. My son will need his lunch box thoughtfully packed with nutritious meals and snacks to keep him energized (ice cream truck, we hardly knew ye), which means it’s time for me to step up my game.
That’s where ALDI comes in. As the go-to store for quality ingredients at great prices, it’s the place to prep for back-to-school season. From fresh produce to perfectly portioned package snacks, they have absolutely everything you’ll need this season. Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the standouts.
A Protein-Packed Snack For Any Time Of Day
Protein, but make it fancy and delicious. These cute snack packs offer cheese, nuts, and dried fruit for your kids to nosh on — and they make the perfect after-school, before-practice snack.
Single Servings Of A Delicious Lunchbox Classic
Don’t have time to whip up a batch of chicken salad every morning? Weird, me neither. These cranberry almond packs are just as good (or better) and make an excellent addition to a bento box with some crackers or veggies.
Lunchbox-Ready Organic Juice
Listen carefully: now is the time to stock up on juice boxes. You’ll need them for lunches, dinners, after-school activities, and play dates — and believe me, you don’t want to be caught empty-handed.
A Convenient (& Flavorful) Mealtime Staple
Is there anything as versatile as rotisserie-style chicken? Pop this in a lunch box on its own, use it in a sandwich or wrap, or put it in a salad bowl. No matter how you serve it, it’s a delicious way to get your kids some high-quality protein.
A Familiar Favorite That Goes With Anything
We’ll hold for a round of applause for these crowd pleasers. Discerning kids and adventurous eaters alike can’t get enough dino nuggets, and it’s wise to keep them on hand.
Crunchy Chips In A Kid-Approved Flavor
Popcorn CHIPS? Yes, you read that right. These have the flavor of white cheddar popcorn but the consistency of a chip, making them safer for younger kids. As an added bonus, they’re gluten-free.
The At-Home Favorite They’ll Love To See At Lunch
Whether you send this to school in an insulated container or serve it as an easy, comforting dinner on busy weeknights, it’s sure to be a hit. It’s a warm childhood memory in a box, after all.
Healthy, Goes-With-Anything Dip
Send these with chips and you’re basically offering your kid a restaurant-quality side to go with their lunch. The fact that it’s full of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals? Even better.
The Pantry Staple You’ll Reach For Constantly
I’ve found that when it comes to making something ordinary seem exciting, nothing beats a pinwheel. Use tortillas to wrap up deli meats or cheeses and cut them into sections — they’re cuter and easier to eat.
Yummy Snack Bars In A Fun Mini Size
Adorable, delicious, and made with whole grains? We’re so in. Try these mini bars when your kid complains that they’re sick of [insert whatever you usually send for snack] as a fun way to switch things up.
A Beloved Snack At A Great Value
The OG. A ride-or-die. The tried-and-true GOAT. All of the above describe these beloved cheddar snack crackers, which continue to reign as the must-have kid snack and probably will until the end of time.
Their Most-Craved Fruit, But Make It Crunchy
Presenting: a simple, mess-free way to get some fruit into your kids’ lunch. They’re just strawberries, but they taste like a treat — and are a great way to add some sweetness to the lunchtime menu.
