Instagram star, The Lunchbox Mama, has revealed a series of packed lunch ideas that will feed kids for a week – all for under a fiver.
The mum-of-two, Rachel Stirling, who has a legion of online followers, shot to fame with her super creative lunchboxes, which made her kids the talk of the playground.
She has now put healthier twists on sausage rolls and pepperoni pizzas, as well as smart snacking lunchbox staples – to help to keep lunches exciting and offer great value.
Rachel was tasked to create the low-cost lunchbox snack ideas – which include breakfast muffin sandwiches, and cheese and veggie swirls – by Aldi, as part of its campaign to offer parents simple and affordable lunchtime inspiration.
The recipes come after research, commissioned by the supermarket chain, found 45% of parents dread making their children's lunchboxes – because of the pressure to get it “right”.
The Lunchbox Mama said: “Lunchtimes can be a struggle for many parents, and coming up with new ideas to make lunchboxes both fun and great value is a real challenge – especially when families are having to tighten their belts.
“But lunchtimes don’t have to be dull. I’m determined to show there are cheap and easy ways to make lunchboxes more exciting, while still making sure they’re packed with nutritional value to see children through the school day.”
The study of 2,000 mums and dads, with children aged 5-16, found finding a balance between what is healthy versus what their kids like, and ensuring enough variety, are among the most common concerns.
But 42% describe their child as a fussy eater, with 39% worried their child won’t eat what they pack full stop.
Not having their favourite foods is the most popular reason youngsters bring their lunch back uneaten, with 21% of parents being told the contents were “too healthy” on occasion.
And overall, almost half (47%) have had their child complain about what is in their lunch.
As a result, 68% say it is a “relief” when their child comes home from school with an empty lunchbox – with nearly 27% saying they often bring back uneaten items.
More than four in ten (41%) struggle with inspiration when packing their kids’ lunches, while 22% opt to pay for them to get lunch at school for this very reason.
But due to the rising cost-of-living, 13% have had to cut down on how much they spend on their little ones’ lunchbox.
To do so, 57% have ditched branded goods, and a further 52% have cut down on the treats they pack.
Others are bulk-buying more (42%), or have switched their supermarket in search of lower prices (35%).
The poll, conducted via OnePoll, also found sandwiches reign supreme as the most popular lunchbox item among parents – with 72% typically including the staple.
And two-thirds (67%) are balancing the nutritional value out as they are also including fresh fruit, while 40% add sliced veg.
Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said: “Our new lunchbox recipes, created in partnership with The Lunchbox Mama, are designed to offer some inspiration when it comes to preparing lunchboxes, helping parents to keep kids excited while also keeping costs low.”
