The whole lot that you could refill in your kitchen to make packing lunch easy.
If you start packing school or work lunches, you’ll realize that having just a few go-to ingredients in your kitchen makes packing lunch through the week possible.
This rigorously put-together shopping list will make sure that your pantry & refrigerator are stocked with ingredients that’ll enable you assemble nutritious meals with ease.
After I pack my kids’ school lunches, I make certain I cover each food group. For detailed information on the right way to do this, read the right way to pack a well-balanced lunch.
Fruits
I often buy 4-5 different fruits each week. I purchase bananas and berries each week while apples and oranges are on the list every other week.
- Apples / applesauce
- Avocados
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Grapes
- Kiwis
- Mandarin / Navel oranges
- Melons
- Peaches
- Pineapples
- Raspberries
- Strawberries (fresh/frozen)
- Watermelons
Dry fruits
I refill on these once a month since they’re great additions to trail mixes. I at all times get a giant bag of dates from Costco – they’re great for sweetening smoothies.
- Apricots
- Cranberries
- Dates
- Dried figs
- Raisins
Grains
We at all times make certain so as to add bread to our shopping list. We use it make sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and snacks as well.
- Bread / Burger buns (whole wheat)
- Popcorn
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Whole wheat flour
- Noodles
- Pasta
- Pita bread
- Rice (Brown, Basmati)
- Whole grain tortillas – great for quesadillas.
Protein
I at all times include protein in my kids’ lunch box either in the shape of meat, pulses, nuts, or dairy products.
Dairy, Milk, and Cheese
- Cheese – grated, sliced and likewise in the shape of cheesesticks, cubes etc.
- Milk
- Yogurt – great for parfaits, raitas and as an alternative choice to sour cream.
Legumes (pulses and dals)
- Dals
- Chickpeas
- Beans (kidney, black)
- Black eyed peas
Veggies
If the veggies should not a part of the fundamental course, I at all times pack them as a side. Kids will be picky about veggies – at all times pack those that they like for lunch, but when at home keep encouraging them to try latest ones.
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Celery sticks
- Cherry tomatoes
- Corn (fresh/frozen)
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Leafy greens
- Mushrooms
- Peas (frozen)
- Potatoes
- Sugar snap peas
- Stir-fry veggies (frozen)
- Sweet potato
Produce
As someone who makes Indian food so much, I at all times have these in my kitchen, as they form the bottom of most Indian curries.
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Ginger & Garlic
- Cilantro
- Green chilies
Frozen food
For days once I haven’t planned well or simply need a break, I depend on these store-bought foods to make a fast lunch.
Snacks/drinks
These are a few of our go-to snacks. I’m going over a much bigger list on this post – Healthy snacks and sides to pack with school lunch.
- Baked kettle chips
- Pita chips
- Skinny pop
- Larabars
- Coconut water
Condiments
Oils / vinegar
- Avocado, olive, coconut oil
- Butter
- Ghee
- Vinegar
Canned foods
- Pasta sauce
- Canned Tuna
- Broth
Spice, Spice mixes, Seasonings
I do have so much more spices in my pantry, but these are my go-to ones.
- Cumin seeds
- Coriander powder
- Cumin powder
- Garam masala
- Taco seasoning
- Turmeric powder
Quick recipes to make using this pantry list
Click on the image to download a replica.
Helpful resources
