5 of the easiest lunchbox snacks to have on rotation for when you just... can't.

Thanks to our brand partner, Yoplait

Let's face it, some days, packing the daily lunchbox feels like a marathon. We've all been there, staring blankly into the fridge, hoping something nutritious and lunchbox-worthy magically appears (and that the kids will actually eat it).

To save you from those panicked mornings, I recently asked my Instagram audience what their easiest and favourite go-to lunchbox snack options are that help make their (lunchbox) life run smoothly. It turns out there are plenty of simple and stress-free ideas that still keep kids' tummies happy while ticking off those nutritional boxes.

This is what they said (plus a few of my own favourites)...

1. Yoghurt is the ultimate grab-and-go snack.

If you're in a hurry (and let's be real, most of us are), you need snacks that are quick and easy to throw in the lunchbox. That's when I turn to Yoplait YOP and Petit Miam pouches. These little wonders are made with real fruit, have no artificial colours or preservatives, and are packed with calcium and essential nutrients like vitamin B2, B12 and iodine — key for growing kids.

The best part? You can pick them up at your local Woolies.

Image: Supplied.

The flavours are a big hit too — think strawberry, mango and fruit salad. So, whether your kid loves a fruity punch or just wants a classic yoghurt snack, you can mix it up throughout the week to keep things fresh.

One of my favourite mum-hacks is to freeze the yoghurt pouches overnight to double as an ice pack in the lunchbox during the summer months. Plus, the kids love it.

Lunchbox tip:

For younger children, open the yoghurt seal (and then reseal it) at home prior to packing it in the lunchbox, so it's easier for them to open at lunchtime.

2. Jam roll-ups.

Who doesn't love a good jam roll-up? These jam roll-ups are a simple, fun way to use up bread and they're surprisingly satisfying.

Here's how I make them: roll out a slice of bread (I usually opt for wholegrain for that extra fibre), spread a thin layer of jam and roll it up tightly. You can either serve them as is or slice them into bite-sized pinwheels. These little rolls are not only a hit with kids but are also a great way to get creative with an old-school favourite.

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Extra protein tip:

Dip the rolls in whisked egg, then cook in butter to boost the protein of these jam rolls. They're undeniably delicious!

3. Veggies and dip.

If your child looks at carrot sticks like they're the enemy, try pairing them with a fun dip. Hummus, tzatziki or even a simple yoghurt-based dip can suddenly make raw veggies like cucumber, cherry tomatoes or capsicum sticks a lot more appealing.

Switching up the dips throughout the week is a great way to keep things exciting for your little ones. It's all about offering variety and keeping it interesting. Who knew a little dip could turn around a kid's relationship with veggies?

Expert tip:

Cut veggies into thin strips or bite-sized pieces to make it easier for kids to chew and eat. Or use fruit cutters to make cute little veggie shapes.

4. Cheese and crackers.

When in doubt, you can't go wrong with cheese and crackers. Wholegrain crackers paired with some sliced cheese offer a great combo of fibre and protein to keep kids satisfied. Throw in a few veggie sticks on the side (because balance) and you've got yourself a simple, nutritious snack. If you're a night-before lunchbox packer, avoid the crackers going soft by packing them in the morning.

Lunchbox tip:

Prevent crackers from going soggy next to the cheese by smearing a little butter on each cracker before packing them in the lunchbox.

5. Leftover bread crust hacks.

Let's talk about the unsung hero of the kitchen: leftover bread crusts.

If your kids are anything like mine, they prefer their sandwiches "crust-free", and it feels like such a waste to throw away those crusts. But I've found a game-changing way to give those crusts a second life.

Simply chop the crusts into small pieces, toss them in a bit of olive oil or butter, season with a pinch of salt and pop them in the air fryer to crisp up into croutons. Or quickly fry them on the stove to make one of my kids' favourites; we call them butter sticks, and they never leave any behind.

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These homemade croutons can be added to lunchboxes as a crunchy snack or sprinkled over a salad or soup for an extra texture boost.

Lunchbox tip:

Sprinkle the butter sticks with cinnamon sugar for a fun, sweet lunchbox treat. Or pack the cinnamon butter sticks with a pouch of Yoplait yoghurt and encourage your kids to pair them together to create a delicious flavour combination.

Shop Yoplait YOP and Yoplait Petit Miam Pouches from your local Woolworths.

Alison is a Melbourne based mum of two kids, lunchbox content creator and founder of popular Australian lunchbox brand, Mum Made Yum. Alison loves to share her lunchbox ideas on Instagram and TikTok @mum_made_yum.

Feature Image: Supplied.

A range of kids yoghurt pouches with real fruit, probiotics and 6 essential nutrients. A great lunchbox filler, or on-the-go snack, available in 4 delicious flavours including a range with no sugar added!