Lunchbox-Friendly Snack Ideas for Vegetarians

Packing your own lunch properly can be tough enough as is, but packing both a meal and snacks while also making sure everything is vegetarian-friendly is even harder.

After all, it's not quite as simple as throwing in a stick of jerky, some crackers with ham and cheese or even a mini pepperoni pizza pocket. It isn't impossible to find some meatless lunchbox-worthy snacks that are still just as fast and simple (not to mention delicious) to pack, and we've made things even easier for you by collecting a few of our favorite ideas here for you. So, before you get ready to pack your next lunch, make sure you pick up some:

Easy-Peasy Protein Bars

Looking for a snack that takes almost zero effort to pack? Protein bars are the perfect vegetarian-friendly snack that fits extremely well into even the tightest of lunchboxes, especially considering that people on plant-based diets tend to need additional protein sources to supplement the lack of meat in terms of what they eat.

 

Also read about: The Best Protein Bar Brands You Can Buy at the Grocery Store

 

DIY Fruit & Nut Mix

Forget the sugar-packed trail mix of school lunches past—it's time to DIY your own healthy mixed snack packs. If you don't have any restrictions due to nut allergies, we suggest pairing some dates with brazil nuts or even adding some walnuts in with a handful of dried berries and cherries for an extra brain-boosting punch of protein. You could also toss in some dark chocolate chips if you really crave some extra sweetness, but the right mix likely won't need it anyway.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Better-Than-Boba Protein Shakes

Vegetarians can struggle with getting the right amount of daily protein from food alone, which is where specialty items like protein powders come into play. Most often used to make shakes, these powders are one of the most efficient (not to mention lunchbox-friendly) ways to get a serious dose of protein even when you're on the go. Some of them can be a bit…chalky, though, which isn't exactly appetizing when you're searching for a snack to keep yourself from getting hangry before you've even reached third period. Thankfully, FitBites has come through with a line of milk tea-inspired protein powders that are as tasty as they are easy to use. Available in all your favorite flavors that you'd expect to see on the menu at your favorite boba shop (including brown sugar milk tea, matcha and taro), these powders are a tasty yet portable way to get your protein in whenever, wherever.

 

Plant-Based Jerky

In 2023, there's a vegetarian-friendly version of almost any meat-based food out there. This includes a longtime snack-time favorite: jerky. You'll find vegan jerky in a few different flavors, and it's a great way to hold yourself over until it's actually time for your next meal if you're craving something salty or savory. You can find some options at your nearest grocery store in the snack aisle, but you'll also find some more creative options like this smoky barbecue flavor from Thrive Market, or even these veggie-based options from Theo's Plant-Based.

(via Theo's Beet Jerky)

 

Caffeinated Energy Bars

That's right, a high-calorie coffee drink or chemical-filled soda isn't the only way to get the caffeine boost you crave to get you through classes. Companies like Verb make energy bars that aren't just lunchbox-friendly; they're also vegan-friendly and come with the same amount of caffeine as a shot of espresso. Plus, you'll find crave-worthy flavors that range from dessert favorites (like red velvet and cookie dough) to coffee shop delights (like caramel macchiato and vanilla latte) and virtually everything in between. And at only 110 calories, these petite bars still manage to pack a satisfying dose of energy and flavor that'll keep you going all throughout your school or work day.

(via Verb)

 

Also read about: The Best Vegan-Friendly Snack Ideas

 

Carrots + Dip

Whether you prefer sweet or savory, you can't go wrong with a healthy snack like carrots and dip. Carrots are the ideal vessel for everything from hummus to peanut butter, and they're a perfect way to add in some extra fiber and vitamins to help hold you over until lunch or dinner. To make them extra lunchbox-friendly, pick up a simple container (like the chic ones you'll find from Modern Picnic) that fits easily in your bag and protects the rest of your lunch from getting soggy next to the carrots.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Embrace the Cottage Cheese Trend

If you've scrolled TikTok or Instagram at all in 2023, you've no doubt noticed that cottage cheese is having a serious moment in terms of food trends. Thankfully, this one is actually super vegetarian-friendly and easy to make into a packable snack that hits the spot when you need it most. Toss some in a small container with fruit for a sweet dose of protein and fiber, or add some onto an easy sandwich instead of a heavier cream cheese base for a tasty snack that doesn't weigh you down before your actual meal.

 

Whether you're fully vegetarian or just trying to cut down on meat and searching for reliable alternatives, these lunchbox-loving snack ideas are a perfect place to start. For additional ideas that won't break the bank or bust your backpack, click HERE for our favorite vegetarian snack ideas for 2023.