Easy & Nutritious Meat-Free Lunches for Kids

Haley Kardash

Packing a nutritious lunch without meat doesn’t have to mean boring sandwiches or plain veggies. With the right flavours and a little creativity, a meat-free lunch for kids can be just as satisfying, fun, and packed with protein as any traditional lunchbox meal!  

No matter if your kids are vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, or just cutting back on meat, Redefine Meat offers delicious and nutritious school lunches. Rich in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, these meals keep them energized and ready to take on the school day. 

Why Go Meat-Free?  

  • Better for growing bodies: A plant-forward diet can support heart health with less saturated fat and no cholesterol, improve digestion with gut-friendly fiber, and reduce the risk of obesity & diabetes. 

 

  • Packed with essential nutrients: Protein, fibre, and vitamins—a well-planned lunch without meat has everything kids need to grow, focus, and stay energized. 

 

  • Healthier habits for life: Plant-based eaters tend to have healthier weight management and better overall nutrition. 

So, what goes into a balanced new-meat lunchbox? 

The Essentials of a Nutritious Meat-Free Lunch 

Protein Power: Redefine Meat products like our Flank Steak, Beef Mince, and Pulled Beef, provide high-quality plant-based protein with the taste and texture kids love.

Energizing Carbs: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, and pasta give kids steady energy throughout the day. 

Healthy Fats: Avocados, nut butters, seeds, and olive oil support brain development and keep kids satisfied. 

Colourful Fruits & Veggies: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, they make meals more fun and nutrient-dense. 

Solutions for Mixed Families (Picky Eaters & Meat Lovers)  

One of the biggest challenges parents face? Pleasing both meat lovers and plant-based eaters at home. That’s where new-meat comes in! 

  • Same meaty taste & texture: New-Meat looks, cooks, and tastes just like traditional meat, making it an easy swap for family meals. 

 

  • No separate cooking required: Use New-Meat in burgers, tacos, pasta, and wraps—no need to cook two different meals! 

 

  • Boosts nutrition without compromise: High in protein, B12 and fibre, so kids get all the good stuff, just without the animal meat. 

 

  • Keeps kids full and satisfied: As the centerpiece of a meal alongside whole grains and vegetables, new-meat offers a balanced and nutritious choice to fuel the day.  

Kid-Approved Meat-Free Lunch Ideas 

Burritos with New-Meat Beef Mince 

Soft tortillas filled with New-Meat Beef Mince, beans, cheese, and avocado—a high-protein, fibre-rich handheld meal kids love. 

Try the recipe here! 

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce 

A kid-favourite classic, boosted with New-Meat Pulled Beef or Beef Mince. Use whole wheat or fibre-enriched pasta and enrich the sauce with carrots, leeks, and fresh tomatoes for extra vitamins, minerals, and fibre. 

Try the recipe here!  

 

Arais with Lamb Kofta  

Crispy pita pockets stuffed with New-Meat Lamb Kofta, served with fresh veggies and creamy tahini. Whole wheat pita and whole sesame tahini add extra essential vitamins and minerals

Try the recipe here!  

Making Meat-Free Lunches Fun & Nutritious  

  • Let kids build their own meals! Wraps, sandwiches, and bento boxes are great for letting them mix and match. 

 

  • Use fun shapes. Cookie cutters turn simple sandwiches or quesadillas into cool designs. 

 

  • Get kids involved! Let them pick ingredients from a balanced list—they’ll be more likely to eat it! 

A lunch without meat can be just as delicious, nutritious, and exciting as any classic school lunch. And with New-Meat, kids get all the protein, taste, and texture they love – without missing a thing! 

Now take a moment to think about your child’s lunchbox. What small change could you make today? Could it be swapping out one meal a week for a meat-free alternative? Trying a fun new recipe together? Or simply involving your kids in picking out ingredients they’d love? Mealtime is more than just fuel- it’s a chance to explore, experiment, and build lifelong healthy habits. Start small, get creative, and turn lunchtime into a moment of discovery. Because the best meals aren’t just eaten, they’re made together.