DIY Protein Boxes are perfect for meal-prep. Learn how to make your own healthy Protein Box at home to save money & time.
When I’m running short on time, and it’s time to eat, I normally find myself popping into the local Starbucks to grab a bite that I can eat while I’m at my desk… And more often than not, I’ll either grab some of their sous vide egg bites or one of their protein boxes.
But I’m trying to be better about planning ahead in order to save both time and money.
So, that’s where my Starbucks copycats come into play.
First, I worked on perfecting my recipe for making sous vide egg bites in the Instant Pot. And then, came these DIY protein boxes – which I’m actually totally stoked about.
I love making these protein boxes at home for a few reasons:
- I can control the ingredients, and choose organic.
- I can pick what I want to add to my protein box. Not a fan of carrots? Swap them out for red peppers. Dairy free? Get your protein by swapping out the cheese for hummus.
- It’s much more affordable.
I’ve recently discovered just how many USDA certified organic products are available from the O Organics® line, and I love how easy they make assembling these boxes. They’re available in my area exclusively at my local Safeway, and you can also find them exclusively at all of the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, and Carrs/Safeway.
One of their standout items for me is their O Organics cage free boiled eggs… I mean, you don’t even have to hard boil the eggs yourself. Just pop open the pouch and add one or two of the eggs to your bistro box. The 2-egg pouch even comes with mini-sized salt & pepper for sprinkling. Plus, they’ve got just the right texture that a boiled egg should have. In my book they should be extra firm with a tender yolk…
Also – there’s just something about their O Organics® traditional hummus that is extra creamy & delicious. The veggie & hummus bistro box may just be my favorite of the bunch…
As an added bonus? I love that I can order my groceries online at Safeway.com and have them delivered right to my door. Not having to battle Portland traffic and fight the lines at the grocery store is always a plus in my book.
Here’s how to build a Protein Box at home:
1. Pick a Protein
Pick one or two protein sources to add to your Protein Box. Protein will keep your energy level high and keep you feeling full throughout the day.
- Greek Yogurt
- Hard-Boiled Egg
- Hummus
- Tuna
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Sliced Deli Meat
2. Add Whole Grains
Choose one whole grain source to add to your Protein Box. Whole grains are a good source of fiber and aid in digestion.
- Whole-Wheat Pita
- Graham Crackers
- Whole-Grain Bread
3. Pile in the Fresh Fruits & Veggies
Add as many fruits & veggies as you’d like. Fruits and vegetables provide a boost of vitamins and nutrition.
- Grape Tomatoes
- Baby Carrots
- Grapes
- Celery
- Apples
- Bell Peppers
- Cucumbers
4. Pack it Up
I like to pack my items into these bistro boxes. When adding ingredients like hummus or peanut butter, I use a cupcake liner to separate them. (These silicone cupcake liners are also great – and reusable)
Here are 3 of my favorite healthy Protein Boxes that you can make at home:
Veggie & Hummus Protein Box
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Wheat Pita
- 1 String Cheese
- 6 Cucumber Slices
- 10 Baby Carrots
- 10 O Organics® Grape Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup O Organics® Traditional Hummus
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in bistro box, using cupcake liner to hold hummus.
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1/2 Apple (sliced)
- 10 Grapes
- 1 Whole Wheat Pita (halved)
- 1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter
- 1 ounce Cheese
- 1 O Organics® Cage Free Boiled Egg
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in bistro box using cupcake liner to hold peanut butter.
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1/8 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/8 cup Almonds
- 2 O Organics® Honey Graham Cracker
- 1/2 Apple (sliced)
- 1 ounce Cheese
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to bistro box.
Nutrition
Be sure to visit Albertsons.com or Safeway.com to find a store near you and discover more meal prep tips & recipe ideas.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Safeway and Albertsons. The opinions and text are all mine.
These are brilliant! I love that they are so flexible so you can add a little bit of everything depending on your preferences and then switch it up for the next day. I’m all over the mix with peanut butter and cheese!
These boxes are such a great lunch option, Erin. I appreciate your simple formula – protein+wholegrain+veggies/fruit – so easy to remember when you’re on autopilot on busy mornings.
Thanks Renee – Glad I could help!
Love bistro boxes! I’m curious as to what types of cheeses you used in the photos? And the cupcake liner is brilliant!
Thank you! I used a combination of brie (a mini wheel) and sharp cheddar. I also put string cheese in some of them. Hope that helps!
Thank you for the story. I really like your ideas for snacking at work. I’m a female mechanic and busy all day long. I start really early and stay on my feet constantly. Some days I don’t eat lunch but try to grab breakfast. I like how you submitted great ideas I can try. I’m pre diabetic so your ideas are helpful. Please let me know if you have any other ideas for lunch. Your helping me save money. Thank you so much.