Pantry-Packed Lunches

Back-to-school mornings are about to hit hard — and if you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge at 7:12 a.m. wondering what on earth to pack, this one’s for you.

We’ve pulled together a short, budget-friendly grocery list filled with staples you’ll actually use—and reuse. One haul = five lunches, no lunchbox leftovers, no extra stress.

The Pantry Shortlist (Grocery Staples)

Shelf-Stable & Pantry:

• Canned chickpeas → mash into wraps or toss into pasta salad
• Tuna packets or cans → use for rice cakes or mixed with pasta (Vegetarian swap: white beans, smashed edamame, or marinated tofu cubes)
• Nut or seed butter → spread on rice cakes, make pinwheel “sushi,” or add to snack boxes
• Crackers or pita chips → side snack or protein pairing
• Whole wheat tortillas → roll-ups, wraps, or PB&J sushi
• Rice cakes → base for tuna, nut butter, or snack stackers
• Trail mix or Granola → snack box filler or sweet treat

Fridge/Fresh:

• Baby carrots → easy side or dipper
• Sliced cucumbers → snack box staple or fresh crunch in wraps
• Shredded cheese → pasta salad, snack cubes, or wraps
• Deli turkey or rotisserie chicken → build your own Lunchables, wraps, or salads (Vegetarian swap: baked tofu, veggie slices, or extra hard-boiled eggs)
• Hard-boiled eggs → protein snack or sliced in a bento
• Greek yogurt → main, side, or quick breakfast backup
• Berries or grapes → side fruit that holds up all week

Optional extras:

• Jam or honey → pair with nut butter or drizzle on yogurt
• Avocado → creamy base for wraps or sliced in a snack box
• Cooked pasta or rice → batch once, remix all week

🥪 5 Easy Lunch Combos (No Recipe Required)

Build from the same base ingredients to keep things easy, not boring.

1. Chickpea Smash Wrap

Mash chickpeas with a little mayo or Greek yogurt, layer with carrots or cucumber, and roll it in a tortilla.

Use again: leftover chickpeas in pasta salad

Sides: Crackers + Cheese

2. DIY Snack Box

Cheese cubes, chicken slices (or swap with tofu cubes or egg), crackers, sliced cucumbers, and a mini treat.

Use again: same ingredients work in wraps or sandwiches

Sides: Grapes + Trail Mix

2. DIY Pita Pockets

Mini pitas or wraps with hummus, rotisserie chicken, cucumber, and tomato

Side: apple slices + nut/seed butter for dipping

Use again: Rotisserie chicken, cucumbers

Vegetarian tip: Use smashed halloumi, smashed white beans or seasoned tofu.

4. PB&J Sushi Rolls

Spread nut butter and jam on a tortilla, roll it up, slice into pinwheels.

Use again: nut butter on rice cakes or in snack packs

Sides: Carrots + Hard Boiled Egg (for extra protein!)

5. Pasta Salad Remix

Toss leftover pasta with shredded cheese, diced chicken (or swap with chickpeas, tofu, or more veggies), and a little olive oil or dressing.

Use again: protein and cheese from snack box day

Sides: Berries + rice cake with nut butter