Adult Lunchables are perfect for meal-prep. Learn how to make your own healthy protein boxes (like Starbucks) 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 these Adult Lunchables come into play.
Why You’ll Love Them
I think you’ll love making these protein boxes at home for a few reasons:
- You can control the ingredients, and choose organic.
- You can pick what you want to add to your 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.
How to Make Adult Lunchables
1. Pick a Protein
Pick one or two protein sources. 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 boxes from Amazon. When adding ingredients like hummus or peanut butter, I use a cupcake liner to separate them. These silicone cupcake liners are also great – and are reusable.
Here are 3 of my favorite healthy Adult Lunchables that you can make at home:
Adult Lunchables
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Wheat Pita
- 1 String Cheese
- 6 Cucumber Slices
- 10 Baby Carrots
- 10 Grape Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup 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 Hard-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 Graham Crackers
- 1/2 Apple (sliced)
- 1 ounce Cheese
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to bistro box.
Nutrition
More Copycat Recipes
- Instant Pot Egg Bites (Starbucks Copycat)
- Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)
- Din Tai Fung Green Beans
- PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Orange Julius Recipe
- Boston Market Meatloaf Copycat Recipe
- Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
- Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Watch the web story here.
This post was originally published in 2018. It was updated in 2023 to add new information.
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.