These easy canned food recipes are perfect for quick, simple meals that are budget-friendly, nutritious and full of flavor!

*Originally published 2/2015. Updated 1/2026*

Hi Friends!

Let’s chat about easy canned food recipes, shall we? Canned foods are often over-looked or get a reputation for not being as good as fresh or frozen food, but in reality they are nutrient-dense and budget-friendly, making them a great option for most people.

How To Use This Guide

This post is meant to be a resource for busy families looking for easy pantry meals that can be cooked on a budget. Be sure to bookmark this blog post so you can easily refer back to it.

Below you will find some general information about the nutritional benefits of a variety of canned foods, as well as lots of recipe suggestions.

The recipes are grouped by type of canned food to make it easier to find what you’re looking for!

Benefits of canned food

While the nutrients in canned fruits and vegetables are locked in at peak freshness soon after they are harvested, fresh fruits and veggies are losing nutrients as they travel across the country and while sitting in the grocery store.

A mix of canned, fresh, frozen and dried foods can help you get all the nutrients you need and canned foods are a great option if, for example, certain produce isn’t in season near you.

Stocking up on canned fruits and vegetables and canned protein sources like tuna and beans is a great way to fill your pantry to help ensure you always have these healthy staples on hand to make quick canned food recipes for healthy weeknight meals!

How To Choose Healthy Canned Foods

When choosing which canned foods to buy, here are a few tips:

• Look for low-sodium or no salt added varieties so that you can control sodium levels.
• If you can’t find low-sodium options, rinse your canned foods with water before using them in a recipe to help remove some of the added salt.
• Look for BPA-free cans so that those chemicals are getting into your food.
• Aim for variety. There are tons of canned food options out there. Challenge yourself to try different types of vegetables, beans etc that you haven’t had before as well as mixing up your intake of fresh, frozen and canned fruits, vegetables and protein.

Common Mistakes When Cooking with Canned Foods

A few things to keep in mind when cooking with canned foods:

• Consider added sodium. Either choose low-sodium, rinse before using or adjust additional added salt to take the sodium in canned foods into consideration.
• Don’t skip the seasoning! Some people complain or think they don’t like canned foods because they are lacking flavor but a lot of canned foods do not come pre-seasoned. So make sure to add your favorite spices and seasonings to help your food taste its best!
• Don’t overcook – Unlike fresh vegetables and protein, canned foods are already cooked. They don’t need long cooking times like some fresh food does. So don’t over-do it on the cooking or you’ll end up with mush. If mixing fresh and canned ingredients, consider adding canned near the end!

Easy Pantry Meals

Canned foods are great for making quick meals. Here are some of my favorite easy Pantry and Freezer Meals. You can use a variety of canned foods to make:

• Budget-Friendly Meals – Canned foods are typically fairly inexpensive and they can be a great way to make nutrient-dense meals as grocery costs continue to rise. Especially in cooked dishes like soups, casseroles etc, canned foods are hard to distinguish from fresh and often contain more nutrients.
• Last-Minute Dinners – Despite ours best planning, sometimes we find ourselves needing a quick dinner with not much left in the fridge. Keeping a well-stocked pantry with a variety of canned foods can help ensure we can still throw together a healthy dinner quickly.
• Emergency or Pantry cooking – In the event of an emergency like a hurricane, power outage, etc, canned foods can sometimes be the only source of available food. Having a stock of canned goods can help you continue to feed your family even when disaster strikes.

Easy Canned Food Recipes

The internet has an endless supply of delicious recipes using canned food. I’ve rounded up some of my favorites in a variety of different categories – everything from lean protein to delicious vegetables!

Canned Protein Recipes

Canned protein is a great option for those looking to meet protein goals and add protein to their meals in a budget-friendly way. There are a wide variety of canned protein options available including chicken, tuna, salmon, sardines and more.

Canned Chicken Recipes

Canned chicken is a fully cooked lean protein that can be packed in water, oil or broth. It’s convenient for quick meals during busy weeks.

What canned you make with canned chicken?

• Dips
• Casseroles
• Chicken salad
• Chicken patties

Here are some ideas for canned chicken recipes:

Buffalo Chicken Dip Crescent Ring

Makes an easy appetizer or a quick weeknight dinner!

Grab the recipe!

White Cheddar Mac and Chicken Bake

Creamy cheesy pasta with chicken and peas

Grab the recipe!

Mexican Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Comfort food that’s easy enough to pull together on a busy night.

Grab the recipe!

Canned Chicken Salad

An easy, high-protein option that’s great for scooping with veggies or crackers.

Grab the recipe!

Chicken Cakes with Remoulade Sauce

Like crab cakes but easier and cheaper without losing any flavor!

Grab the recipe!

Canned Salmon Recipes

Canned salmon is a convenient way to add more seafood to your diet. It’s rich in omega 3’s, high in protein and lasts for a while in your pantry.

What can you make with canned salmon?

• Salmon cakes with dipping sauce
• Soup or chowder
• Pasta
• Casseroles

Here are some canned salmon recipes:

Salmon Patties

Golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Grab the recipe!

Salmon Chowder

Easy, creamy and delicious!

Grab the recipe!

Easy Salmon Salad

Full of flavor and packed with heart-healthy fats.

Grab the recipe!

Garlic Salmon Linguine

Simple, delicious pasta recipe with added protein.

Grab the recipe!

Salmon Potato Casserole

A one pot dinner that can use leftover salmon or canned salmon.

Grab the recipe!

Canned Tuna Recipes

Canned tuna is a great source of heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids. It can be packed in oil or water and it’s a great, shelf-stable source of protein.

What can you make with canned tuna?

• Tuna cakes
• Rice bowls
• Salad
• Sandwiches
• Avocado melts

Here are some canned tuna recipes:

Easy Tuna Melts

This recipe for Easy Tuna Melts comes together quickly and is great for lunch! Try it to help add more seafood to your diet!

/5 from 0 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Tuna Quinoa Cakes

These Tuna Quinoa Cakes are a great way to add some extra protein to your day. Eat them plain, put them on a bun, or use them to top your salad for a healthy lunch or dinner!

/5 from 0 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Spicy Tuna with Crispy Rice

Spicy, crunchy and bursting with flavor!

Grab the recipe!

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Bright Mediterranean flavors topped with a creamy feta dressing.

Grab the recipe!

Avocado Tuna Melts

Perfect for a quick, easy lunch!

Grab the recipe!

Tuna Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Eat it with crackers, on bread or stuffed in a pita.

Grab the recipe!

Broccoli Avocado Tuna Bowl

Packed with lean protein, healthy fats and broccoli

Grab the recipe!

Canned Sardine Recipes

Canned sardines can be intimidating but they are nutrient dense and versatile, making them a great addition to your weekly meals. They’re full of nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium and more and they can be used in a variety of ways.

What can you make with canned sardines?

• Sandwiches
• Fish Cakes
• Tacos
• Pasta
• Salad

Here are some canned sardine recipes like:

Canned Sardine Sandwich

Similar to tuna salad and easy to customize!

Grab the recipe!

Canned Sardine Cakes

Mini fish cakes made with sardines and topped with a spicy yogurt sauce.

Grab the recipe!

Sardine Tacos

Canned sardines topped with a simple slaw and a spicy sauce.

Grab the recipe!

Green Goddess Pita with Sardines

Sardines, avocado, veggies and sardines with a green goddess dressing

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Pesto Pasta with Sardines

An easy instant pot dinner that’s ready in 15 minutes.

Grab the recipe!

Canned Vegetables Recipes

Canned vegetables are a great source of nutrition for many families. They are inexpensive and nutritious because the vegetables are picked at their peak ripeness and processed to lock in the nutrients. You can find canned versions of most all fresh vegetables and they can be prepared in a variety of ways.

Canned Green Bean Recipes

Canned green beans are a great option for adding a serving of vegetables to your meals. They contain some fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and potassium as well.

What can you make with canned green beans?

• One pot dishes
• Green bean casserole
• Side dishes
• Salad

Here are some canned green bean recipes to try:

One Pot Shrimp and Orzo

All you need is one pan and 20 minutes to make this quick and easy One Pot Shrimp and Orzo dinner recipe. Sub canned beans for frozen.

5/5 from 1 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Blistered Green Beans

Quick, easy and garlicky!

Grab the recipe!

Firehouse Green Beans

Ready in under 10 minutes!

Grab the recipe!

Canned Green Bean Salad

Perfect side dish for the hot summer months!

Grab the recipe!

Easy Green Beans for Dinner

An easy way to jazz up canned green beans

Grab the recipe!

Crack Green Beans

Mixed with bacon and full of flavor.

Grab the recipe!

Canned Corn Recipes

Canned corn contains several vitamins and minerals. It has a mild flavor and can be added to a variety of dishes.

What can you make with canned corn?

• Salsa
• Dip
• Skillet dishes
• Street corn
• Soups and chowders

Here are some canned corn recipes:

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Spicy, flavorful and easy to make it’s perfect for dipping with chips!

You can sub canned corn for fresh!

/5 from 0 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Cowboy Caviar

Learn how to make the best cowboy caviar recipe – a healthy, easy dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Tastes great scooped with chips, added to tacos or served over chicken.

/5 from 0 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Honey Butter Skillet Chicken

A simple, flavorful side dish.

Grab the recipe!

Best Canned Corn

Canned corn mixed with fresh herbs, butter and garlic.

Grab the recipe!

Mexican Street Corn

Creamy and delicious!

Grab the recipe!

Easy Corn Chowder

Perfect for a cold winter night!

Grab the recipe!

Canned Sweet Potato Recipes

Canned sweet potatoes are a good source of Vitamin A&C, fiber and potassium. They can be used for dinner or dessert in canned sweet potato recipes.

What can you make with canned sweet potato:

• Sub it for any recipe using pumpkin
• Sub for microwaved fresh sweet potato
• Bars, cookies and muffins
• Soup
• Cake
• Rolls

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies

No protein powder required for these Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies! Sub canned sweet potato for fresh.

4.7/5 from 14 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

These Sweet Potato White Bean Bars are perfect for breakfast or snack time. They’re kid-friendly, nut-free and full of fiber! 

5/5 from 47 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Quick, simple and melts in your mouth.

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Warm and comforting, perfect for the holidays!

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato Sheet Cake

Layers of sweet potato goodness!

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

The perfect dinner side dish!

Grab the recipe!

Canned Artichoke Recipes

Canned artichokes are a highly nutritious vegetable option. They’re loaded with fiber and also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C & K. Their mild flavor makes them easy to add to a variety of recipes.

How to use canned artichokes:

• Side dishes
• Roasting
• Fritattas
• Pasta Dishes
• Dips

Here are some canned artichoke recipes:

Roasted Artichoke Hearts

Simple ingredients, quick to make with a simple dipping sauce.

Grab the recipe!

Canned Artichokes with Breadcrumbs

A cheesy topping with breadcrumbs make these irresistable.

Grab the recipe!

Spinach Artichoke Dip Pasta

Turn your favorite dip into an easy pasta dinner.

Grab the recipe!

Spinach Artichoke Chicken

Delicious chicken in a rich, creamy sauce.

Grab the recipe!

Canned Pumpkin Recipes

Perhaps one of the most popular canned vegetables, especially in the fall/winter, canned pumpkin is super versatile. Not only can it be used in baking, but it can be used in savory dishes as well.

How To Use Canned Pumpkin:

• Cakes and pies
• Muffins
• Pancakes and waffles
• Soups
• Curry

Here are some canned pumpkin recipes:

20 Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes {That Are Not Pumpkin Pie}

Pumpkin puree dessert recipes that are not pumpkin pie.

Grab the recipe!

30 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes

Looking for healthy pumpkin recipes? Here are 30 recipes to try!

Grab the recipe!

Easy Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

This Easy Pumpkin Bread requires just one bowl and a few simple ingredients. It will quickly become your go-to fall recipe.

5/5 from 7 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Pie Bars

These pumpkin pie bars use a box of yellow cake mix plus a few simple ingredients to make the most delicious pumpkin pie bar recipe. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert or any other occasion.

5/5 from 2 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars with Quinoa

These chocolate chip pumpkin bars pack an extra nutritional punch thanks to the addition of quinoa! Kid-friendly and easy to make, they’ll quickly become a favorite Fall recipe!

5/5 from 1 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Canned Beans & Legumes Recipes

Canned beans are a great source of protein and fiber. One serving of beans can help you meet 20% or more of your daily fiber needs and adequate fiber intake can help guard against heart disease. Use them for dinners, side dishes or baked goods. Try one of these canned beans recipes this week!

What can you make with canned beans?

• Layer dip
• Salsa
• Salad
• Brownies
• Vegetarian recipes

Here are some canned bean recipes to try:

The Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip

This easy Hot Taco Layer Dip is perfect for tailgating. This vegetarian appetizer is made with easy homemade refried beans, creamy hummus, corn salsa and cheese. Perfect for scooping with chips!

/5 from 0 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Kale and White Bean Salad

This Kale and White Bean Salad is packed with nutrients and the flavor just gets better as it sits in the fridge. The perfect meal prep lunch recipe.

/5 from 0 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Healthy Black Bean Brownies

These Healthy Black Bean Brownies are kid-friendly, full of fiber and perfect for a snack or dessert!

4.6/5 from 13 ratings

Grab the recipe!

Marry Me Beans

Creamy beans with tons of flavor!

Grab the recipe!

Garlic Parmesan White Beans

Ready in 15 minutes and bursting with flavor!

Grab the recipe!

Canned Foods Recipes FAQs

Are canned food recipes healthy?

Like all recipes, the nutritional value comes down to the specific recipe and its ingredients. But there are plenty of healthy and nutritious canned food recipes available to help make canned foods a healthy part of your diet!

Are canned vegetables as nutritious as fresh or frozen?

Yes. Canned vegetables are picked at the peak of their ripeness when they contain the most nutrients and then flash-cooked and sealed into cans. This locks in their nutrients, making them a great choice for healthy eating.

Should you rinse canned beans before cooking?

Yes. It’s best to give your beans a quick rinse under cold running water before using.

What are the healthiest canned proteins?

Most canned proteins are heart-healthy lean protein sources. Consider that they can be packed in things besides water like oil, which can add extra fat and calories if that’s a concern of yours and they can also be high in sodium.

What canned foods are best to keep in your pantry?

It’s best to keep a wide variety of canned proteins – tuna, salmon, chicken, etc along with canned fruits – pears, peaches, fruit cocktail, oranges etc and lots of vegetables – green beans, peas, corn, tomatoes, carrots and more! You can also stock other canned goods like soup, pasta sauce and more.

Can you used canned foods for meal prep?

Yes! Canned foods are just like fresh and can be prepared in multiple ways, including in recipes that are great for meal prep like salads, casseroles, salsas and more.

Are canned foods good for budget cooking?

Yes! They are typically some of the most inexpensive foods at the grocery store and they are still packed with nutrients. They are shelf-stable and can last a while in your pantry making them great to save for after you’ve used some of your fresh food.

How do you reduce sodium in canned foods?

The easiest way to reduce sodium in canned foods is to rinse well in a strainer before using.

What are easy dinners you can make with canned foods?

Canned foods are great for pasta dishes, soups and stews, tuna melts, chicken or fish cakes, casseroles and more!

Can canned foods be used in kid-friendly recipes?

Yes! A great place to start is using things like canned pumpkin, sweet potatoes and beans in baked goods. Here are tons of kid-friendly baking recipes.

How long do canned foods last once opened?

Canned foods need to be refrigerated once the seal of the can has been broken. Once in the fridge they are good 3-4 days just like most leftovers.

Are canned foods good for emergency meals?

Yes! Especially if you live in an area prone to natural disasters like floods, tornados and hurricanes, it’s a great idea to have a tub full of canned food that you can use to prepare meals in the event that you find yourself without power for multiple days.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

This Shrimp Cobb Salad comes together quickly and is perfect for a fresh, healthy lunch or dinner! Customize the toppings to your liking and top with a light vinaigrette.

*Originally published 5/2011. Updated 10/2025*

Hi friends!
Popping in to share this quick and easy Shrimp Cobb Salad for an easy lunch or dinner. Shrimp is one of my favorite quick-cooking proteins and cobb salads are perfect for packing in a ton of healthy ingredients. If you don’t like shrimp, try my Steak Cobb Salad.

If you’re on a salad kick and need more ideas, try:

• Mediterranean Chopped Salad
• Kale and White Bean Salad
• 25+ Fall Salad Recipes
• Roasted Squash Fall Salad
• Loaded Strawberry Spinach Salad

Or try this Ultimate List of Salad Topping Ideas for some inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Shrimp Cobb Salad

This shrimp cobb salad is easy to love for a lot of reasons:

• Fully customizable. Feel free to swap out any toppings you don’t like or add your own.
• Great for meal prep – All the components of this salad can be prepped ahead of time which makes it quick and easy to assemble at meal time.
• Has protein and healthy fats – The shrimp is an easy quick-cooking protein and the avocado and salad dressing, especially homemade, both add healthy fats to help boost satiety.
• It’s heart-healthy, packed with lean protein and veggies and healthy fats.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Ingredients

To make this salad, you’ll need:

• Shrimp – Feel free to use any size you prefer
• Bacon – I prefer to cook the bacon myself and chop it up but you could use bacon bits if you want
• Hard boiled eggs – make your own or buy them pre-bought. Here’s how to make hard-boiled eggs in the instant pot.
• Red onion – feel free to swap green, white, yellow onions etc for a milder flavor
• Tomato – grape or cherry tomatoes halved or quartered work well
• Avocado
• Feta – I use crumbled feta. It does have a stronger flavor so feel free to swap with a different cheese if you prefer
• Dressing – I like a lighter vinaigrette like the one I share below but you could use something creamy like ranch, etc if you want!

How To Cook Shrimp

You can choose to prepare the shrimp for this salad whatever way you prefer. A few ideas:

• Sauteed – This is the method I typically use. Just heat some butter or oil in a skillet, add shrimp and seasonings and cook for 4-6 minutes, until shrimp are pink.
• Grilled – If you have the grill fired up, thread the shrimp onto a few skewers, season and grill 2-3 minutes per side.
• Baked – You can also bake them in the oven. Here’s a recipe for Oven-Baked Shrimp.

How To Make An Easy Shrimp Cobb Salad

To make this salad:

• Cook the bacon, eggs and shrimp via your preferred method. To save time, you can grab pre-cooked shrimp and/or hard-boiled eggs.
• Start with a bed of lettuce. Feel free to grab a bag of packaged salad greens to save time!
• Add toppings. In a traditional cobb salad, ingredients are grouped into sections or rows on top of the lettuce but you can skip this step and combine everything mixed together on top.
• Top with dressing – homemade or store-bought.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Dressing Options

The dressing options for this salad are endless. I typically use a maple mustard vinaigrette to keep it light but a lemon garlic dressing would also be great. If you want something a little more robust, try ranch or blue cheese to add some creaminess to the salad.

Cobb Salad Protein

The great thing about the cobb salad is that it pairs well with almost any protein. If you don’t like shrimp, try:

• Steak – I’ve used leftover flank steak before!
• Chicken – This is a great way to transform leftover grilled chicken.
• Tofu – My Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu would work well on this salad. If you want to keep it vegetarian, you could swap the bacon for some beans
• Salmon – If you don’t want shrimp but still want seafood, try adding my Air Fryer Salmon Bites.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Meal Prep & Storage

This salad is PERFECT for meal prep! Prep all of the components ahead of time and store separately until you’re ready to serve. Shrimp can be cooked and stored in a glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Same with bacon and hard-boiled eggs. They can be sliced/chopped ahead of time as well.

Save the avocado to slice right before serving so it doesn’t turn brown but the tomatoes and onions could be cut ahead of time and stored as well.

To prep your lettuce ahead of time, chop, wash and spin dry and store in a bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and squeeze all the air out before sealing the bag.

If you choose to make homemade dressing, that can be prepped and stored in a mason jar in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before serving.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Tips and Tricks

A few tips and tricks:

• Don’t overcook your shrimp! When shrimp take on a pinkish color and form a “C” shape, they’re done. If they curl up tight into an “O” shape, they are overcooked.
• To keep your lettuce crisp, chop, wash and spin dry, then store in a bag. Add a paper towel to soak up the excess moisture and squeeze the air out before sealing the bag shut.
• Vary the veggies – Salad is a great way to utilize veggies that are in season. Try nice ripe tomatoes in the summer. In the Fall, add some roasted squash!

Shrimp Cobb Salad Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Shrimp Cobb Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Shrimp Cobb Salad comes together quickly and is perfect for a fresh, healthy lunch or dinner! Customize the toppings to your liking and top with a light vinaigrette. 

• Author: Lindsay
• Yield: serve 4

Ingredients

For the shrimp

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, devined and thawed
• 2 Tbsp butter (or oil if you prefer)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt

For the salad:

• 4–6  hard boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 medium avocado, diced
• 8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 8 cups mixed greens or leaf lettuce

Optional dressing:

• 3 T oil (I use avocado oil)
• 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Melt butter or heat oil in a large pan. Add shrimp and seasonings and saute over medium heat for 4-6 minutes until shrimp are just pink and form a C shape.
2. Place 2 cups of lettuce in each bowl. 
3. Divide toppings evenly among 4 salads and add toppings in rows of shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, onion and tomatoes.
4. Top with crumbled feta.
5. Combine oil, vinegar, mustard and maple syrup in a jar. Seal and shake to combine. Taste and add salt and/or pepper if desired. You can also double the dressing recipe if you like more dressing!

Shrimp Cobb Salad FAQs

What is the best dressing for shrimp cobb salad

If you’re looking for a lighter option, most vinaigrette dressings would be great. Try honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette. If you want something creamier, ranch or blue cheese would add great flavor to the salad!

Can I make shrimp cobb salad ahead of time?

Yes! All the components of this salad can be prepped ahead of time, making it quick and easy to assemble when you’re ready to eat.

How do I grill shrimp for cobb salad?

The easiest way to grill shrimp is to thread them onto skewers, season and grill 2-3 minutes per side.

Is shrimp cobb salad healthy?

Yes. This salad is packed with lean protein, vegetables and healthy fats making it a great balanced meal option for lunch or dinner.

Can I use frozen shrimp in cobb salad?

Shrimp cooks best from a thawed state. Feel free to use frozen shrimp, just thaw before cooking either under cold running water or in refrigerator overnight.

How long does shrimp cobb salad last in the fridge?

You can store the components separately for 3-4 days. Once you combine them into a salad, it’s best to eat within a day to avoid things getting brown or soggy.

What toppings go best with shrimp cobb salad?

Traditional cobb salad toppings include, bacon, hard boiled eggs, avocado, onion, tomato and crumbled cheese like blue cheese or feta. You can make it seasonal by adding things like roasted squash, corn, apples or berries depending on the season.

Can I make shrimp cobb salad without eggs?

Yes, feel free to omit the hard boiled eggs from this recipe.

What’s the difference between shrimp cobb salad and a regular cobb salad?

The biggest difference is the protein. The most traditional protein for a cobb salad is chicken breast or turkey, but this recipe uses shrimp and almost any protein source would work well on this salad.

Can I meal prep shrimp cobb salad for lunches?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep because all the components can be cooked and prepped ahead of time!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Looking for the best boxed mac and cheese? Here are some picks for healthy store bought mac and cheese from a Registered Dietitian. Plus a kids taste test!

*Originally published August 2022. Updated September 2025*

These are some options for the best boxed mac and cheese options that can be found in most grocery stores. They are budget-friendly and busy moms can pair with fruits and vegetables for a quick meal.

Hi friends!

We are continuing our “Best of” series by talking about macaroni and cheese. So far, we’ve covered snacks from certain stores like:

• Healthy Amazon Snacks
• Best Trader Joe’s Snacks
• Best Healthy Walmart Snacks
• Healthy Snacks At Costco For The Whole Family
• Best ALDI Healthy Snacks
• Best Healthy Snacks at Target

We’ve also talked about specific types of snacks like:

• Best Healthy Gluten-Free Snacks
• High Protein Snack Ideas
• Healthy Fruit Snacks
• Healthy Store-Bought Tortillas
• Best Frozen Waffles
• Healthy Crackers for Kids and Adults
• Best Low-Sugar Yogurts
• Lower Sugar Cereal For Kids
• Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids
• Individually Wrapped Snack Ideas
• Peanut & Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks

So be sure to catch up on those posts if you missed them!

Best mac and cheese in a box

When it comes to boxed mac and cheese, my biggest concern is sodium. Some brands, especially the deluxe versions, have 1,000+ mg of sodium per serving, which is way more than necessary. While I don’t recommend packaged mac and cheese as an everyday food, it’s certainly something my kids have for dinner occasionally.

When I’m picking out which brand to buy, I look for the lowest sodium per serving that I can find, and I’d also love for there to be a decent amount of both protein and fiber.

The problem is that some of the brands that are higher in both protein and fiber are not always a hit with my kids.

Why You’ll Love This List of the Best Mac & Cheese

• I compare the nutritional value of several brands
• All of these choices are affordable and available
• Kid-tested – I let my kids taste all of these and provide their honest review
• I’m a Registered Dietitian and I’m telling you it’s ok to serve boxed mac and cheese as a busy mom

Mac and Cheese Kids’ Review

So after looking at a lot of mac and cheese boxes, I decided to do a taste test with my kids (Their ages at the time of the taste test: 7, 5 & 3) to see which ones they would actually eat.

I chose two classics: Kraft and Annie’s Original. I also chose two that were higher in fiber & protein: Banza and Goodle. Then I threw in an Annie’s Vegan option and Annie’s 25% reduced-sodium. Here’s the video of their taste test:

Best Healthy Boxed Mac and Cheese

Let’s look at these six options I chose for the taste test in a little more detail. Note- I’m sure there are other great options. I tried to stick to brands that were widely available in the two grocery stores by my house, not specialty stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s etc.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

• 9 grams of protein
• 2 grams of fiber
• 560 mg sodium
• Kids liked it

Banza Mac & Cheese (Made w/ chickpea pasta)

• 15 grams protein
• 5 grams fiber
• 640 mg sodium
• Kids didn’t like it

Goodles (found at Target)

• 14 grams protein
• 6 grams fiber
• 590 mg sodium
• Kids didn’t like it

Annie’s Vegan Mac (Red Lentil Spirals)

• 11 grams protein
• 3 grams fiber
• 240 mg sodium
• Kids didn’t like it

Annie’s 25% Less Sodium

• 10 grams protein
• 2 grams fiber
• 400 mg sodium
• Kids liked it

Annie’s Original Macaroni & Classic Cheddar

• 9 grams protein
• 3 grams fiber
• 430 mg sodium
• Kids liked it

Mom tip – Don’t be fooled by the marketing like I was! I thought the Annie’s 25% less sodium meant 25% less than their original but it actually says 25% less than the leading brand and it only has 30mg less than the original Annies!

What is the best boxed mac and cheese brand?

Of course this will vary based on personal preference. To choose which is best for your family, pick a few things that are most important to you and focus on those – protein? fiber? sodium level? taste?

Which boxed mac and cheese is best for kids?

As a Registered Dietitian, these are my top picks to serve to my kids:

• Annie’s
• Banza
• Goodles

I found Annie’s to be the lowest in sodium and my kids like it. Both Banza and Goodles are higher in protein and fiber, but also higher in sodium…and my kids didn’t like them.

Mom tip – I love that Banza and Goodle are higher in both protein and fiber. Despite them also being higher in sodium, I still think they’re good options if your kids will eat them! I have heard from lot of people who really like Goodles specifically so I would try that one first.

Since this original post, they have also launched Annie’s Super! Mac, which is higher and protein and fiber. It’s also a bit higher in sodium but my kids love it.

Does boxed mac and cheese go bad?

Since it’s a shelf-stable food, it will generally last for several years. Remember that the expiration date is speaking to the quality, not the safety so in general it’s fine to eat it 1-2 years past the expiration date. It’s likely the packets of cheese that will go bad before the noodles.

How to make boxed mac and cheese better?

What’s the healthiest boxed mac and cheese option?

• Choose one with 500mg sodium or less per serving
• Try not using the whole packet of cheese
• Mix in Greek yogurt instead of butter for extra protein
• Look for whole wheat, whole grain or alternative noodle options for more fiber

Boxed mac and cheese food prep ideas:

Mac and cheese reheats well so it can be a great option for food prep. Try prepping a batch and using during the week:

• Reheat and mix in some leftover taco meat or chicken
• Stir in a bag of steamed vegetables and serve as a side dish with a lean protein. Broccoli and peas are often a great choice!
• Turn into Macaroni and Cheese Mufffins
• Food prep some pulled pork as well and pair with a salad for a quick and easy dinner!

Boxed Mac and Cheese Hacks

• To make it creamier, try using Greek yogurt. You can either add it right along with the milk instead of butter, or you can skip the milk and try just adding Greek yogurt. Adding less milk also makes it thicker and creamier.
• To turn it into a full meal, try adding leftover cooked chicken or some chicken sausage. You can also add cooked vegetables. One easy hack is to add some frozen peas to the water for the last few minutes of cooking the noodles.
• For a different cheese flavor, try using half the packet of cheese and mixing in some shredded cheese of your own.
• Try putting your own spin on it! Want pizza mac? Grab some white cheddar boxed mac, put it in a pan, top with a little pizza sauce, pepperoni and shredded mozzarella and broil for a couple minutes.
• Add some spices. Try mixing in a little garlic powder or paprika when you add the cheese.

Boxed Mac & Cheese Baked

Mom tip – Want to fool a crowd? Make boxed mac and cheese as directed, add any mix-ins you want, then put it in a baking pan, top with some extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs and bake at 350 degrees Faherenheit for 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted.

How To Make Mac & Cheese From A Box

If you’ve never made boxed mac and cheese, you can follow the directions on the box, which involves boiling water, adding the noodles and then draining them before adding cheese milk and sometimes butter.

Recently I’ve started making it a different way that involves adding the cheese, butter and noodles right at the very beginning before you even boil the water and I think it turns out much better. You can find directions for the TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe here.

Boxed Mac and Cheese in the Microwave

While I haven’t tried this myself beyond eating the Kraft microwavable cups in college, here are directions for how to make boxed mac and cheese in the microwave. The microwave gets the water hot enough to boil so it can cook the noodles, you just have to remember to stir frequently and there won’t be water to drain out at the end.

Instant Pot Box Mac and Cheese

If you have an instant pot, you can also use that to cook a box of mac and cheese. Add one cup water to the instant pot with butter and pasta. Cook 4 minutes, quick release and stir in cheese and milk. Here’s a whole post about how to cook instant pot box mac and cheese.

Can you make boxed mac and cheese without milk?

If you don’t have or don’t want to use milk, try saving 1/4 cup of the water you cooked the pasta in. You can also mix in cream, plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese or sour cream instead of milk.

How to make box mac and cheese with ground beef?

This is a great way to use up leftover ground beef or turkey, taco meat, etc. Just cook the beef and stir it into the macaroni once you’ve mixed in the milk and cheese. Try adding a little taco seasoning for taco mac or just salt and pepper for some cheesy hamburger mac.

Boxed Mac and Cheese FAQs

Are there gluten-free mac and cheese brands?

Yes! Over the past few years, more and more brands have come out with gluten-free noodle options, made from things like brown rice, chickpeas and lentils and this has also increased the number of gluten-free mac and cheese options. Check out this post for some of the best gluten-free mac and cheese.

Which boxed mac and cheese has the most protein?

There are several brands out there with a decent amount of protein. Muscle Mac has 20g per serving. Banza has 16g per serving. Goodles has 14g per serving. And Annie’s SuperMac has 16g per serving.

What’s the best vegan boxed mac and cheese?

I’ve only tried one of the vegan options but there are plenty out there. Here are some of the Best Boxed Vegan Mac and Cheese options.

Can I add vegetables or protein to boxed mac and cheese?

Absolutely – it’s a great vehicle for transforming leftover chicken, steak or other protein into a new meal and an easy way to add vegetables would be to mix in some steamed or roasted vegetables at the end, or drop some frozen vegetables into the water for the last few minutes of cooking the noodles.

You can also mix in pureed vegetables like pumpkin or stir in some Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.

Can you make boxed mac and cheese with non-dairy milk?

Yes. You can replace cow’s milk with a milk alternative like soy milk, almond milk, etc.

How do I make boxed mac and cheese taste better?

A few ways to amp up the taste of boxed mac and cheese include adding additional seasonings – paprika, cayenne pepper, etc. You can also mix in some freshly grated cheese. Many people say not to skip the butter because it really helps with the flavor and also not to add too much milk.

Are there low-sodium boxed mac and cheese options?

Annie’s has a lower-sodium variety. It comes in a red box.

Which boxed mac and cheese option reheats best?

Most boxed mac and cheese varieties will become less creamy once they have been cooled and are then reheated. Often adding a splash of milk after reheating can help restore some of the creaminess.

Best Mac and Cheese From A Box

These are some of the best choices for boxed mac and cheese. They’re widely available, affordable and great for a quick, easy dinner.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay—

Need easy lunch box ideas for kids for the 2025-2026 school year? Here’s exactly what a Registered Dietitian mom packed her son for the first month of elementary school, with real life photos.

*Originally published 10/2021. Updated July 2025*

These lunch box ideas for kids are simple, affordable and easy to make. They are healthy and nutritious and can be prepped the night before.

Hi friends!

I’m often asked to share healthy lunch box ideas for kids so I put together a guide – A Month of Packed Lunches for Kids. It’s been a huge hit and given lots of parents quick and easy lunch box ideas for kids. The thing I’ve heard most frequently is that the pictures are SO helpful. A lot of you are visual people! In the packed lunch guide, there are 24 lunch ideas with photos.

But I wanted to add more! So, when my oldest was in first grade, I photographed the lunches that I packed for the first month. I wanted to share some of the real-life lunch box examples.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids

• Simple, healthy ideas
• Easy ways to add variety
• A mix of homemade and storebought food items
• Easy, kid-friendly lunches
• Supports all foods fit in moderation

If you want even more resources with real lunch box photos, check out these posts:

• Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids – more real lunches I packed my 1st and 3rd grader
• Sandwich Ideas for Lunch Boxes – fun sandwich and sandwich alternative ideas
• High Protein Kids Lunch Ideas – high protein lunches with breakdowns showing the grams of protein in each lunch box.

School lunch and snack ideas:

Before we start, I do have several posts with snack ideas that can be helpful when packing school lunches:

• Peanut and Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks
• 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids
• Healthy Amazon Snacks
• Healthy Snacks At Costco For The Whole Family
• Best Healthy Walmart Snacks
• Best Trader Joe’s Snacks
• Healthy Snacks At Target
• Best ALDI Healthy Snacks

And if you need after-school ideas check out Healthy After School Snacks here.

How To Pack Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids

At first, I was alternating between bentgo box lunch ideas in the Bentgo Fresh lunch box and a Lunch Bots lunch box (aff links) but I now use just the Bentgo. While I like that the Lunch Bots one is stainless steel, it’s not completely leakproof even with the silicone cup inserts and my son found it a little hard to get open.

I pack the Bentgo box every evening and store in the fridge. In the morning, I put it inside this Arctic Zone insulated lunch bag and add an ice pack. My son eats all of the foods I send cold/room temperature.

Even things like quesadillas and tortellini that he’s used to eating warm at home. So far it hasn’t been an issue at all for him but some kids don’t like changes in temperature. In that case, you could invest in a thermos or practice eating things at different temperatures at home so they get used to it. 

These OmieBox lunch boxes (aff link) have a built-in thermos and would be a great option to invest in if your kids tend to prefer hot lunches.

How To Get Kids To Pack Their Own Lunches

If you’re thinking packed lunches are great but really want your kids to start packing their own lunches, my friend and fellow RD Sally has you covered:

• Teach Your Kids To Pack Their Own Lunch– free printable
• How To Get Your Kids To Pack Their Lunch In 5 Days
• 100 Lunch Box Ideas Your Kids Will Love

Photos of Easy School Lunch Ideas For Kids

So here are some of the actual lunch boxes I packed. I snapped a photo every day and then just used Pixlr to remove the countertop in the background and make them prettier to look at. A few things to note-

• Our school is not nut-free. 
• A reminder that even if you kids prefer a similar lunch every day, there are ways you can add variety – try pretzel sticks one day and twists the next. Try peanut butter and jelly on bread one day, then on a sandwich thin or pita the next, etc!
• There’s nothing wrong with hard-boiled egg yolks, my kids just don’t like them.

Easy Kids Lunch Box Ideas

#1 Quick Kids Lunch Box Ideas – with hard-boiled eggs

• Motts Applesauce
• Carrots
• Cheese stick
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Pretzels

Mom hack – if your kids don’t like hard boiled egg whites, you’re not alone. Just serve them without and learn what to do with hard boiled egg yolks.

#2 Simple Kids Lunch Box with turkey sandwich

• Quaker Reduced Sugar Granola Bar
• Grapes
• Turkey & Cheese on Brownberry Sandwich Thin
• Ants on a log

#3 Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids – Homemade Lunchable

• Wheat Thins
• GF Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Applegate pepperoni
• Dietz and Watson Originals Organic Turkey
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Chobani less sugar yogurt

#4 Nutritious Kids Lunch Ideas – with Chicken Sausage

• Zucchini Apple Muffin
• Simple Mills Almond crackers
• Buttered Corn
• Al Fresco Chicken Sausage
• Strawberries
• Cottage Cheese

#5 Quick and easy lunch box idea for kids with Pepperoni Egg Wrap

• Simple Mills Banana Bread
• Grapes
• Sun Chips
• Pepperoni and Cheese Egg Wrap
• Carrots with ranch

#6 Quick and easy cold lunch ideas for kids with turkey roll-up

• Crinkle carrot, carrot ribbon, mini pepper
• Wheat Thins
• Dried pears (i get them at Costco)
• Bush’s Baked beans
• Turkey wrapped mozzarella cheese stick
• Trail Mix with pepitas, Cheerios, raisins and mini marshmallows

Mom hack – For most kids, veggies are not an exciting part of lunch. Try adding a little novelty by serving them in new, fun shapes, using a crinkle cutter, etc!

#7 Kiddies lunch box ideas with chicken nuggets

• Cheese and Triscuit thins
• Canned pineapple
• Kidfresh Foods Chicken Nuggets with ketchup
• Stonyfield yogurt tube

#8 Simple lunchbox ideas for kids – Quesadilla

• Tortilla chips with Good Foods avocado mash
• Cheese quesadilla
• Hard-boiled egg
• Reduced sugar fruit snacks
• Clementine

Mom hack – To expand beyond cheese quesadillas, try adding very finely chopped pieces of chicken or mash some beans to spread on the tortilla before adding cheese.

#9 Good lunch box ideas for kids – PBJ Mini bagel

• Peanut butter and jelly mini bagel
• Cookie
• Chomps beef stick + cheese stick + cherry tomatoes
• Fruit salad
• Banana bread

#10 Kids bento box ideas – turkey pickle wrap

• Lentil Banana Muffin
• Graham cracker
• Turkey pepperoni pickle roll-up
• Roasted broccoli
• Dates with peanut butter

#11 – Healthy lunch box ideas for kids – egg waffle and mini pancakes

• Kodiak Cakes mini pancakes
• Strawberries
• Egg Waffle
• Carrot Banana muffin

Mom hack – Don’t forget about breakfast foods as an option for lunch. Most kids love traditional breakfast foods and there’s no reason you can’t serve them for lunch!

#12- Easy lunch box ideas for kids – mini pizza

• Ants on a log
• Golden kiwi
• English muffin mini pizza
• Wheat Thins

So there you go – There are 12 of the first 30 lunch boxes I packed for my son. Want to see the other 18? Check out my Month of Packed Lunches for Kids guide!

Fun Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids

HERE’S WHAT’S IN YOUR BEST PACKED LUNCH IDEAS FOR KIDS PDF:

• Product recommendations – I share my favorite lunch boxes.
• Prep ahead tips – A few tips for things you can prep ahead of time in the fridge and freezer to make lunch packing easier.
• Lunch Packing Cheat Sheet – lunch ideas divided into protein, carbs, vegetables, fruits and snacks so you can mix and match from each category to pack a balanced lunch quickly.
• 24 lunch box photos – full-color photos of bento-style lunch boxes showcasing different lunch item ideas
• Nut-free product recommendations – If your school is nut-free, here are some peanut/tree nut-free snacks you can pack for your kiddos.
• BONUS REAL-LIFE LUNCH BOXES PDF! (Where I share the other 18 real-life lunch boxes!)

Meal Prep Tips For Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids

• Chop fruits and vegetables ahead of time to make it easy to add them to lunchboxes.
• Cook a batch of taco meat or shredded chicken to use to make sandwiches, quesadillas and tacos for lunches.
• Prep a batch of hard boiled eggs or egg wraps for a quick protein source at lunch time.
• Do a food prep session of things like pancakes and healthy muffins and bars to add to lunch boxes.

Easy Kids Lunch Box Ideas FAQs

What should a kid have for lunch?

When I put together lunches for my kids I always focus on protein first. I make sure to always include a protein source and then build around that. While I don’t serve my kids vegetables for lunch every day, I do try to always include fruit. If your kids are more selective eaters, make sure to include 1-2 safe foods they love, no matter what else you’re serving.

Added bonus points for including something with some fiber and/or healthy fats to help keep them full a bit longer.

Ideas for quick lunch ideas for kids at home? Best home lunch ideas?

If my kids are home for lunch, especially during the school year when most days they eat a cold lunch, I always try to mix in hot lunches for variety. I try to keep my freezer well stocked with healthy freezer snacks that can double as lunch on occasions like this.

Some of my kids favorite warm lunches include mini pizzas, pancakes or waffles, nachos, oatmeal and omelets.

Smoothies are another great option for home lunches because they can be tricky to send to school.

What do you give kids for lunch that don’t like sandwiches? How do I get my kids to eat sandwiches?

Not liking sandwiches is very common among kids and can take some work on your end to get them to accept and eat them. Sometimes a sandwich can seem large and overwhelming, especially to smaller kids.

You can start by getting them used to eating toast with toppings or an open-faced sandwich. Or try things like build your own mini sandwiches on crackers to get them used to foods being stacked on top of one another. Thinner breads like sandwich thins or tortillas can also be helpful!

Are there any foods parents should not pack in a lunch box?

Be sure to follow any allergy restrictions for your school. In addition, make sure to invest in a good lunchbox with leak-proof containers so you don’t end up with a mess of soggy food, as well has good ice packs and an insulated lunch box to help keep food at a safe temperature until lunch time!

Bento Box Lunch Ideas For Kids

These easy lunch box ideas for kids are simple, healthy and affordable. Perfect for busy moms who want to feed their kids healthy, nutritious lunches.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Looking for cold lunch ideas for kids for the 2025-2026 school year? Here are real-life lunches packed by a Registered Dietitian mom. Easy, kid-friendly lunch ideas that can be packed ahead of time and eaten cold.

*Published 10/2023. Updated 7/2025*

These simple, affordable cold lunch ideas are kid-friendly and quick & easy. They can be packed ahead of time and eaten cold – no thermos or microwave required!

Hi friends!

It’s hard to believe we’re already 2 months into another year of packing school lunches over here. A lot of you have found my Easy Lunch Box Ideas for Kids post super helpful and have asked for more ideas. This post has cold lunch ideas for kindergarteners and beyond!

Why You’ll Love These Cold Lunch Ideas

• Quick and easy
• Kid-friendly
• Fresh new lunch ideas if you’re in a lunch rut
• Can be prepped ahead of time
• A mix of homemade and store-bought snacks

If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll definitely want to check out my Month of Easy Packed Lunches ebook that comes with full-color pages with ideas as well as a bonus PDF.

I also have two other posts that might be helpful:

• Sandwich Ideas For Kids – some fun sandwich and sandwich alternative ideas for lunch boxes
• High Protein Kids Lunch Box Ideas – where I breakdown exactly how much protein is in the lunch box ideas!

This year I’m packing lunches for my first and third grader. We don’t do any hot lunches so everything I pack for them is cold/room temperature. A lot of people are surprised that my kids eat things like pizza, chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese cold, but neither of them have ever had an issue with it.

If you haven’t tried serving of some of these things cold to your kiddos, it’s definitely worth a shot!

Cold Lunch Tips for Picky Eaters

How do I pack a cold lunch my picky eater will actually eat?

If you have picky eaters, packing lunch can feel overwhelming at times because you have a smaller pool of options to choose from. A few tips:

• Remember that it’s ok if they eat the same lunch a couple times a week.
• Even just having 3-4 lunches on a rotation is ok!
• Lunch time at school is not be the best time to give them all new foods, however, keep adding small amounts of new foods along with their safe foods. Sometimes kids are hungry enough at school to try things they might not try at home!
• Let the kids help with packing. Show them pictures and have them make a list of things they would be happy to see in their lunch box.

Cold Lunch Packing Equipment

Bento Box Lunch Ideas

I pack their lunches using these Bentgo Fresh Lunch Boxes. The middle divider is removable if you want to include a full sandwich or something larger and the two compartments on the right are totally leakproof.

Tips For Keeping Lunch Cold Without A Fridge

I put the Bentgo boxes in these Artic Zone Insulated Lunch Boxes with an ice pack. These are my favorite ice packs. I put them in at 7am and they get home from school at 4pm still half frozen. (Affiliate links)

I don’t pack any drinks other than water but we love these Owala water bottles.

I wanted to share some more real-life lunch boxes that I’ve packed for my kids this year. Hopefully this will give you some new ideas for cold lunch boxes!

Kids Cold Lunch Ideas

#1 – Pizza

• Leftover pizza (This is our homemade pizza recipe)
• Chicken taco for some extra protein
• Strawberries
• Roasted sweet potatoes/Doritos

#2 – Smoked Salmon

• Smoked Salmon (we love Honey Smoked Fish Co)
• Crackers
• Yogurt – we like Chobani Less Sugar – or a cheese stick
• Cereal or Made Good Granola Minis

Mom Hack – If you have trouble getting your kids to eat fish, smoked salmon- especially this honey-smoked version – is a great place to start!

Cold Lunch Box Ideas

#3 – Quesadillas

• Cheese quesadillas (Sometimes I add smashed beans, chicken or pepperoni)
• Chicken sausage (Al Fresco is our favorite because it’s fairly low in sodium)
• Fruit salad
• Cheeto puffs (or another crunchy snack)

#4 Homemade Lunchables

• Fruit
• Lentil Banana Muffin
• Cottage cheese
• Crackers + Cheese + lunch meat/pepperoni/salami

Mom hack – If your kids like cheese quesadillas, you can up the nutrition by slowly adding very small pieces of shredded chicken or spread some mashed beans on the tortilla before adding cheese.

Cold Lunch Ideas for Kindergarteners

#5 Chicken Nuggets

• Chicken Nuggets (+ketchup) (Here are some of the Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets)
• Crunchy snack like goldfish or sun chips
• Hard-boiled egg or Black Bean Brownie
• Canned Fruit

#6 Peanut Butter & Jelly Rollups

• PBJ Rollups (Smash a piece of bread flat, add pb & J and rollup, then cut into pieces
• Potato chips
• Fruit Salad
• Mini cucumbers and carrots
• Turkey cheese and pepperoni sandwich for the one that doesn’t like pbj

Mom hack – don’t just assume your kids won’t like things they usually eat warm. My kids are happy to eat cold pizza, chicken nuggest and more in their lunches even though they enjoy them warm at home.

Cold Kids School Lunch Ideas – Chopped Italian Subs & Egg Wraps

#7 – Chopped Italian Subs

• Chopped Italian Sub – Chopped up turkey or ham, salami, pepperoni, lettuce, cheese and banana peppers
• Strawberries
• Cheeto Puffs
• Pepperoni Bread

#8 – Egg Wraps

• Egg wraps – leave them plain or add pepperoni and cheese or turkey and avocado
• Animal Crackers
• Strawberries
• Pickles

Mom hack – Egg wraps are perfect for food prep. Make a whole batch and serve them for breakfast and lunch multiple times in one week!

Healthy Cold School Lunch Ideas

#9 – Pancakes

• Mini pancakes – we use Kodiak Cakes or make homemade whole wheat pancakes!
• Cottage cheese or cheese sticks
• Grapes
• Pretzels or chips

#10 – Hamburgers

• Cheeseburger (we eat them for dinner and pack the extra for lunch)
• Ants on a log
• Strawberries
• Granola bar

Kids School Lunch Ideas

#11 Hot Dogs

• Hot Dogs – We always cook extras when we make them for dinner
• Zucchini Bread
• Mini peppers and carrots
• Frui

#12 Tacos

• Tacos – we use chicken, ground turkey etc plus their favorite fillings
• Fruit
• Carrots
• Animal crackers
• Mini Sweet potato muffins

Meal Prep Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids

• Make a batch of shredded pork (or chicken) and make bbq pulled pork sandwiches to add to lunch boxes.
• Prep a tuna salad that can be packed with crackers. If they won’t eat tuna, chicken salad can be more kid-friendly
• Make a pasta salad with protein, chopped veggies and Italian dressing that will hold up well to make in lunches later in the week.
• Chop a variety of veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers and bell peppers that you can pack with hummus.
• Cut a block of cheese into cubes and store in the fridge. Pack some with mini pepperonis or a beef stick sliced into bite-sized pieces.
• Make a batch of chia pudding.

Freezer Cold Lunch Ideas

• Make a batch of pancakes, waffles or muffins and freeze. Pull them out as needed to add to lunch boxes. They’ll thaw by lunch time!
• Freeze a batch of mini meatballs after cooking so you can pull them out for an easy protein source.
• Chop up extra fruit at the end of the week and freeze. Pull it out to mix with plain yogurt or add to chia pudding.

Cold Lunch Ideas FAQs

What are some cold lunch ideas for middle school kids?

Some popular choices for middle schoolers include copycat Starbucks protein boxes, wraps, pinwheels and sandwiches, salads, dinner leftovers, pasta salad and queadillas.

What should I pack for cold lunch that isn’t a sandwich?

Cold lunch ideas that are not sandwiches include homemade lunchables, tacos, pancakes, burgers, yogurt parfaits, egg wraps, cold pizza, energy balls and more!

How do I keep food cold until lunch time?

Place your lunch box container of choice in an insulated bag and add 1-2 ice packs inside the insulated bag as well.

How do I include more veggies in my kid’s cold lunches?

Try cutting raw veggies with a crinkle cutter and pairing them with a dip, shredding veggies to add to muffins and bars, add veggies to sandwiches and wraps, puree vegetables into dips or using as pizza toppings!

How can I keep cold lunches interesting for kids all week?

Remember that if you pack something once a week, the kids are only eating it 4 times a month. If you can develop a rotation of 5-7 lunches and rotate through them, that should be plenty of variety each week. You can also assign each day a theme – sandwiches, breakfast, bento, etc and then change up the components within that theme.

Can cold lunches be filling and nutritious?

Yes! A balanced lunch with protein, fruits and veggies plus some healthy fats and fiber will keep kids full all afternoon.

These cold lunch ideas for kids are simple, healthy and affordable. Spend a one hour food prep session batch cooking a few things each week to make packing lunches quick and easy.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These Chicken Avocado Burgers are an easy weeknight dinner in the oven or on the grill. This avocado chicken burgers recipe is gluten-free, paleo and can easily be made ahead of time during food prep. 

*Originally published 4/2016. Updated 4/2025*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about these chicken burgers with avocado shall we? While my husband and daughter could eat them multiple times a week, I’m not a huge fan of traditional beef burgers.

But these chicken burgers are an option I can get behind! They are perfect for a quick summer dinner and also great for food prep because they hold up well if made ahead of time and the flavors develop more, making them even more delicious!

Ground chicken is a great source of lean protein with a mild flavor, making it a great choice for things like burgers and meatballs. It holds things together but really lets the other flavors shine. These burgers are a great high protein, low carb option.

If you’re looking for other ground chicken recipes, try:

• Baked Chicken Meatballs
• Ground Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans
• Ground Chicken Tacos

Health Benefits of Avocado

One of the key ingredients to these burgers is avocado. There are tons of health benefits of avocado and they are often added as a burger topping but this recipe takes things up a notch and actually mixes them right into the burger itself!

This helps keep the burgers moist, adds some healthy fats which can boost satiety as well as adding some vitamins and nutrients that other burgers lack.

For other ways to add avocado to your recipes, try: Cowboy Caviar, Avocado Cucumber Salsa with Pineapple or Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw.

Ingredients for Avocado Chicken Burgers

For these burgers, you just need a few simple ingredients:

• Ground chicken – You could substitute ground turkey if needed
• Avocado – you’ll want one that’s slightly firm so it’ll hold its shape when diced
• Fresh ginger- either grated fresh ginger or ginger paste works well too
• Cilantro- adds tons of flavor
• Green onions – A mild onion flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients
• Serrano pepper – or jalapeno, optional to add spice!
• All-purpose seasoning – use your favorite blend. I like McCormick’s chicken seasoning

How To Make Chicken Avocado Burgers

To make these burgers, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix gently to combine. Then form into patties and either bake in the oven or grill!

Best Toppings For Avocado Chicken Burgers

As with most burgers, the potential for toppings is limitless. Feel free to add:

• Your favorite cheese
• Red onion
• Pickles
• Guacamole
• Bacon

To make spicy avocado chicken burgers, mix a pepper into the burgers or top with some jalapenos!

Avocado Chicken Burgers in the Oven or On The Grill

Here’s how you make them:

Avocado Chicken Burgers

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Avocado Chicken Burgers are an easy weeknight dinner in the oven or on the grill. This recipe is gluten-free, paleo and can easily be made ahead of time during food prep.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 burgers

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 medium avocado, diced
• 2 tsp fresh ginger (or Garden Gourmet Ginger Paste)
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, minced 
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 serrano pepper, minced (optional)
• 1.5 tsp McCormick’s Chicken Seasoning (or seasoning of choice)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Mix well with your hands and form into 6 burgers.
3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes, flipping once.
5. Option 2 – Cook on the grill over medium heat!

Notes

You can sub turkey for chicken if you want to!

Avocado Chicken Burgers FAQs

How long do you cook chicken burgers in the oven?

They should take about 18 minutes in the oven. Don’t overcook them to avoid drying out. The internal temperature needs to reach 165 degrees F but keep in mind the burgers will continue to cook a bit after you remove them from the oven.

Can I grill these avocado chicken burgers instead of baking?

Absolutely. As long as you don’t cut your avocado chunks too big, these burgers are sturdy and hold up great on the grill!

Can I freeze avocado chicken burgers after cooking?

While most burgers freeze well, this probably isn’t the best recipe to freeze because the avocado may start to brown and look less appetizing.

Are chicken avocado burgers healthy?

Yes! The burgers themselves are high in protein, a great source of healthy fats, naturally gluten-free and low-carb.

What kind of buns go best with chicken burgers?

Use any bun you’d like! To keep these gluten-free, grab a gluten-free bun like Schar. You can also skip the bun altogether and use a lettuce wrap or serve on top of a salad.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey makes a great substitute in this recipe.

Do I need breadcrumbs in ground chicken burgers?

No, you don’t need any breadcrumbs in most burger recipes, including this one!

Can you meal prep these burgers?

Absolutely. These burgers taste great when made fresh but also hold up well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep. You can make a whole batch and grab one for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.

Easy Grilling Recipes

Here are more easy recipes you could throw on the grill:

• Steak Cobb Salad
• Mexican Burgers
• Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs
• 15 Healthy Recipes for the Grill

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas are made with just 4 ingredients. They’re so easy to make and taste way better than store-bought! Perfect for healthy lunches and dinners.

**Posted 7/2013. Updated 3/2025*

Hi Friends!

Today I want to teach you guys how to make a Homemade Whole Wheat Tortilla! Whole-grain tortillas have been on my to-make list for quite a while now. If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I’m semi-obsessed with tortillas because they’re perfect for pretty much any meal. Throw some scrambled eggs and cheese inside for a breakfast quesadilla, add peanut butter and sliced bananas for a snack or turn them into tacos for lunch or dinner. 

Are homemade tortillas healthier than store-bought tortillas?

Even though I do my best to buy brands that are 100% whole wheat and low in sodium, it’s rare that I can find a brand with an ingredient list that satisfies me. Often born of necessity, many store-bought varieties have preservatives and higher sodium levels to help give them a longer shelf life.

If you have the time to make your own, you just need a few simple ingredients and they keep for several days in the fridge.

And for the weeks you don’t have time to make your own? Here are the Best Healthy Store-Bought Tortillas.

Whole wheat tortillas versus white flour tortillas

The biggest benefit of choosing whole wheat tortillas is that they tend to be a bit higher in fiber and other nutrients since whole grains are being used. White tortillas are made with refined white flour which means many of the nutrients have been removed.

When I make homemade tortillas I use white whole-wheat flour which is a little lighter than whole-wheat flour but you can also feel free to experiment with things like sprouted wheat flour or some alternatives to wheat flour like chickpea or cassava flour.

How to make whole wheat tortillas without a tortilla press?

Although I’m sure having a tortilla press comes in handy if you make tortillas often, it’s one kitchen gadget that I don’t have. This is the one I would get though. (aff link)

If you don’t have one, there are several things you can use to press the dough flat including:

• A glass pie tin
• A heavy flat-bottomed skillet (if the bottom isn’t totally smooth you can put a large ziploc bag on top of the dough and then press down with the pan
• A dinner plate
• A heavy book

Whole Wheat Tortilla Recipe

Until now. And guess what? They are SUPER easy to make and only require 4 ingredients! Win!

Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 21 reviews

With only 4 ingredients, these tortillas do away with the store brand mystery ingredient list. Roll them up and enjoy with breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups white whole wheat flour
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2/3 c warm water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together the flour, oil and salt.
2. Slowly add the warm water while stirring until a rough dough comes together. Add a little extra water if needed.
3. Turn the dough onto the counter and knead for about two minutes.
4. Return to bowl and let rest for 20 minutes.
5. Divide dough into 8 equal balls.
6. Roll each ball into a circle (you want them to be pretty thin)
7. Heat a pan over medium high heat and grease lightly.
8. Drop one dough circle into the pan and let cook until bubbles form- about 1 minute.
9. Flip over and cook another minute, pressing down with a spatula if needed. Repeat with remaining dough.
10. Use immediately, store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze.

Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas FAQS

What is the best type of flour for making whole wheat tortillas?

My favorite flour to use is white whole wheat flour. I find it’s lighter and not quite as dense as whole wheat flour. Here’s an article that describes the difference between whole wheat and white whole wheat flour.

Can you make whole wheat tortillas without oil?

If you don’t want to use oil, you could try substituting butter or shortening. Here’s a specific recipe for homemade flour tortillas made with butter.

How do you make soft and pliable whole wheat tortillas?

I’ve found the key to making soft and pliable tortillas is to not make them too thin. If you press them out too thin, they will dry out and crack or crisp up too much while baking.

You also need to store them in a sealed bag or container so they don’t dry out!

How do I prevent whole wheat tortillas from being too dry?

If you find your tortillas are too dry, you likely need to add more water. You could try increasing the water in this recipe to 3/4 cup.

What is the best way to store whole wheat tortillas to keep them fresh?

Let the tortillas cool completely and then store in a ziploc bag in the fridge.

How long do homemade whole wheat tortillas last?

Your tortillas should be fine in the fridge for about 5 days if stored properly

Can I freeze whole wheat tortillas for later use?

Yes! Cool completely and then stack and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer to the refrigerator.

What are some creative ways to use whole wheat tortillas?

There are tons of things you can make with these homemade tortillas! They’re perfect for:

• Wraps
• Tacos
• Quesadillas
• Easy Layered Taco Bake
• Extra Crispy Bar Style Tortilla Pizza
• Baked flour tortilla chips
• Baked Ranch Taquitos
• Breakfast Enchilada Casserole

Here are 25 things to make when you’ve got tortillas on hand.

How to make vegan whole wheat tortillas?

This tortilla recipe is naturally vegan since the ingredients don’t contain any animal products.

Can I make gluten-free by using alternative flours?

If you need your tortillas to be gluten-free I would look for a recipe that is specifically designed using an alternative flour. Here are some ideas:

• High Protein Lentil Wrap Tortillas
• Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas
• Chickpea Tortillas
• Almond Flour Tortillas

Let’s chat: Do you make your own tortillas? Flour or corn?

If you’re a corn tortilla person check out my Homemade Corn Tortillas recipe here. 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken! Let the veggies marinate and toss with lettuce just before serving!

Hi friend!

I’ve got an easy new salad recipe for you this week. This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for food prep and full of flavor. You can chop and mix the vegetables with the chickpeas, chicken and dressing to let the flavors develop and then toss with lettuce right before serving to keep it from getting soggy!

It’s a light, flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for everything from a busy weeknight dinner to a holiday gathering.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Chickpeas

While I include chicken in this recipe, you could easily keep this vegetarian by omitting the chickpeas and doubling the chickpeas in the recipe.

Chickpeas are an affordable pantry staple and a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re also a great source of many nutrients including magnesium and potassium. In addition, they’re a great source of iron!

If you’re looking for other recipes using chickpeas, try:

• Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix
• Peanut Butter Chickpea Bars
• Chickpea Buckeyes

Chopped Mediterranean Salad Recipe Ingredients

This salad comes to life with just a few basic ingredients. You’ll need:

• Tomatoes – grape or cherry tomatoes that can be easily quartered work well for this recipe
• English cucumber – different than a traditional cucumber because it’s less watery. If you can only find regular cucumbers, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before dicing.
• Chickpeas – if you don’t like them, try swapping in great northern beans
• Red onion – you can slice and soak in water for a few minutes before dicing to help make the flavor more mild
• Bell pepper – red is my favorite but you could use yellow or orange as well
• Feta – crumbled feta adds great flavor
• Olives- optional. Feel free to leave them out if you don’t like them
• Chicken- any kind of cooked chicken will do. Use up leftovers, grab a rotisserie chicken or cook some in the air fryer and dice it up!
• Romaine lettuce – take the time to chop it up into small pieces so it mixes will with all the chopped veggies
• Avocado – save this to add just before serving!

For the dressing you just need to combine a few pantry staples like oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard and a few spices, plus a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

How To Make Chopped Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Making this salad requires just a few simple steps and a lot of the work can be done ahead of time!

It tastes best when the chopped veggies, chickpeas and chicken have time to marinate in the dressing so feel free to chop and combine these ingredients a day ahead of time and let them sit in the fridge.

Chop the veggies and mix with drained chickpeas, cooked chicken, feta and olives.

Combine all of the dressing ingredients and shake well. Pour over the veggie mixture.

When ready to serve, toss in a large bowl with the finely chopped lettuce and add avocado.

Chopped Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Variations

Mediterranean Chopped Salad Sandwich Pitas

The finely diced parts of this salad might make it difficult to eat as a traditional sandwich but it would work really well in a wrap or pita pocket!

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing

If you’re looking for a change from the oil and vinegar dressing for this salad, it would be great with a red pepper dressing as well. Try one of these:

• Thin out this Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip to use as a dressing
• Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette
• Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing

Chopped Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Bowl

If you want to make this more of a grain bowl, skip the lettuce and serve over rice, quinoa or farro! Or keep the lettuce and simply add your favorite grain to the mix!

Vegan Chopped Mediterranean Salad

To make this recipe vegan, leave out the chicken. You could add extra chickpeas or even toss in some crispy marinated tofu. Try this recipe for The Best Vegan Greek Tofu.

Easy Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe

Here’s how to make it:

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken! Let the veggies marinate and toss with lettuce just before serving!

• Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
• half an English cucumber (more if desired)
• 1/2 a medium red onion, diced (approx 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5) oz can chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 oz can sliced black olives, optional
• 1 pound cooked chicken, diced
• 6 cups Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• 1 medium avocado, diced

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup oil (I use avocado oil)
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• juice from half a lemon
• 2– 3 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 – 2 tsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Place diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, chickpeas, feta, fresh parsley, olives and chicken in a large bowl or container.
2. Combine all dressing ingredients in a glass jar with a lid and shake until well combined.
3. Pour over the veggie and chicken mixture and let marinate at least an hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to serve, pour the mixture over the lettuce and toss well. Top with avocado and serve.

Chopped Salad Mediterranean FAQs

Is this Chopped Mediterranean Salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just leave off the crusty bread it is served with. This salad recipe is gluten-free as written.

How to store this chopped Mediterranean salad?

If you think you’ll have leftovers, I would not mix all the veggies and chicken mixture with the lettuce. Storing them together with cause the lettuce to get soggy.

However the veggies, chicken and chickpeas can be mixed ahead of time so feel free to prepare in advance and just store separately from the lettuce until ready to serve.

Is this better than an organic Mediterranean chopped salad kit?

I think so When you make it homemade you have total control over the ingredients, freshness, dressing type etc. But if you’re in a pinch and craving something similar, try this Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Salad Kit from Taylor Farms.

How can I make this a more Mediterranean crunch chopped salad?

To up the crunch factor, try adding chopped walnuts or slivered almonds. You could also mix in some coleslaw or chopped cabbage for additional crunch! You could also add pepperoncini and extra olives for more flavor.

More Mediterranean Recipes

Want more Mediterranean-inspired recipes? Try one of these:

• Greek Hummus Plate
• Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta
• Greek Chicken Recipe
• Layered Greek Dip

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Here are 5 of the best low sugar yogurts. These are not sugar-free yogurt options. They all have 7 grams of added sugar or less and no artificial sweeteners!

*Originally published 7/2022. Updated 12/2024.*

Hi friends!

I have been working on a new snack series! Today we’re talking about yogurt. Yogurt is kid-friendly, an easy protein source and can be a great addition to a balanced diet. However, if you’re not careful, it can easily fall into the dessert category based on the large amounts of sugar that is often added to it.

If you want more store-bought snack ideas, check out these posts:

Snacks from certain stores:

• Healthy Amazon Snacks
• Best Trader Joe’s Snacks
• Best Healthy Walmart Snacks
• Healthy Snacks At Costco For The Whole Family
• Best ALDI Healthy Snacks
• Best Healthy Snacks at Target

Types of snacks:

• Best Healthy Gluten-Free Snacks
• Healthy Fruit Snacks
• High Protein Snack Ideas
• Healthy Store-Bought Tortillas
• Best Boxed Mac and Cheese
• Healthy Crackers for Kids and Adults
• Best Low-Sugar Yogurts
• Lower Sugar Cereal For Kids
• Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids
• Individually Wrapped Snack Ideas
• Peanut & Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks

Best Low Sugar Yogurts – Top Brands

How to choose low sugar yogurt?

So what low-sugar yogurts are best? I went to Meijer and Kroger to find some options for you!

There is no official definition for low-sugar so opinions will vary person to person. As a Registered Dietitian, I tried to look for options that were relatively low in sugar but would still taste good.

Low Sugar Yogurt Recipes

For options lowest in added sugar, try using plain yogurt and sweetening with your own fruit like this – How To Make Naturally Sweetened Greek Yogurt – No added Sugar. You could also try making your own yogurt – How To Make Homemade Vanilla Yogurt.

Best Flavored Yogurt Options

If you don’t like those options , you’ll need to choose from flavored store-bought options and the level of added sugar varies widely by brand.

Best yogurt without artificial sweetener

Many people, including myself, don’t like the aftertaste that comes with stevia and may have digestive issues with sweeteners like monk fruit, etc. If you want to learn more about sugar substitutes, check out my post – The Ultimate Guide to Sugar Substitutes.

For this roundup, I’ve chosen to go with yogurts sweetened with traditional sugar, not sugar substitutes.

Here are five options that have 7 grams of added sugar or less. Watch the video for an overview, or scroll down to see the options:

What is the healthiest low sugar yogurt?

The healthiest low sugar yogurt for you is one that you’ll eat! You can’t get the protein and other nutrient benefits if you’re not willing to consume it!

Lowest Sugar Yogurt Brands

Here are the five options I found that are lower in sugar and still taste good.

Oikos Blended – Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

• 7 grams added sugar
• 13 grams protein
• 0 grams fat

Ingredients in the strawberry flavor: cultured non fat milk, strawberries, cane sugar, water, contains less than 1% of: pectin, natural flavors, fruit and vegetable juice concentrate and beta carotene (for color, vitamin D3.

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

• 5 grams added sugar
• 12 grams protein
• 3 grams fat

Ingredients in Vanilla: Cultured lowfat milk, water, cane sugar, natural flavors, fruit pectin, guar gum, cinnamon, locust bean gum, vanilla extract, lemon juice concentrate.

Fage Total Split Cup – Low Sugar Yogurt

• 7 grams added sugar
• 12 grams protein
• 2.5 grams fat

Ingredients: STRAINED YOGURT: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk and Cream, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei).

STRAWBERRY FRUIT PREPARATION: Strawberries, Cane Sugar, Water, Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Fruit Pectin. 

Siggi’s Yogurt With Low Sugar

• 6 grams added sugar
• 15 grams protein
• 2.5 grams fat (there’s also a whole milk version)

Ingredients in black cherry: Pasteurized Skim Milk, Pasteurized Cream, Cherries, Cane Sugar, Fruit Pectin, Live Active Cultures

Icelandic Provisions Low Sugar Yogurt

• 7 grams added sugar
• 15 grams protein
• 2 grams fat

Ingredients in strawberry: Skyr (Pasteurized Low-Fat Milk, Live and Active Cultures), Fruit (Strawberries, Lingonberries), Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors, Pectin, Carob Bean Gum, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate (For Color)

Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

What’s the difference between greek yogurt and regular yogurt? Greek yogurt is strained after it’s fermented to remove the whey and make it thicker. Skyr is similar to Greek yogurt in that it’s strained, often longer than Greek yogurt, making it even thicker. Greek yogurt can have fewer carbs and less sugar, while also having more protein than regular yogurt. For all varieties there are whole milk and lower fat options. Skyr is usually made with skim milk and can have even more protein than Greek yogurt.

Kids Taste Test Yogurt with Low Sugar

Low Sugar Yogurts for Kids

While low sugar options are great, we still need kids to enjoy them! I did a little taste test with my kids where they tasted the 5 options listed above, plus a higher sugar option and one sweetened with stevia. Watch to see which were their favorites:

Best Sugar-Free Yogurt

Is sugar-free yogurt good for you?

So what about sugar-free yogurt that use artifical sweeteners and yogurts sweetened with stevia and monkfruit? Personally and as an RD they’re not my favorite. Stevia and other sweeteners like it can cause GI distress- gas, bloating etc for some people. Some people also don’t like the taste or aftertaste. They’re also much much sweeter than regular yogurts and kids can get used to that level of sweetness. Like most things, they’re probably fine in moderation but for this post I chose ones sweetened with regular sugar because that’s my preference. If you’re looking for other options there are definitely some out there!

For Special Diets

Low Sugar Yogurts for Diatbetics

If you’re diabetic and looking for options that are specifically good for diabetics, check out this article from my friend and fellow RD who is a Type 1 Diabetic – How To Choose The Best Yogurt For Diabetes.

Low Sugar Vegan Yogurt

If you’re looking for some healthy dairy-free yogurt options check out this post – Healthy Dairy-free Yogurt That Actually Tastes Good.

Additional healthy yogurt options:

Two other easy ways to reduce the added sugar in yogurt is to choose plain yogurt and mix in smashed fruit or drizzle with a little honey.

Or you can buy a flavored variety that might have a bit more added sugar and mix it half and half with plain yogurt!

Hope this post was helpful! Want some recipes that use yogurt, both flavored and plain?

• Gluten-free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars
• Whole Wheat Yogurt Waffles
• Pumpkin Yogurt Dip
• Banana Carrot Muffins
• Spicy Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade

–Lindsay–

This Easy Fish Chowder recipe tastes better the longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

*Originally published Sept 2016. Updated Dec 2024*

This easy fish chowder is a simple, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s healthy, nutritious and great for meal prep.

Hi Friends!

Have you ever spent time looking for the best of all fish chowder recipes? This is it. I’ve been eating it since I was a little girl and now make it often for my own family.

My Maine Fish Chowder Recipe

Every summer while I was growing up, my mom, sister and I would head out to Maine to spend a couple of weeks with my aunt. Aside from fresh Maine lobster and hot dogs, both of which don’t involve a whole lot of cooking, the one thing we ate every year on this trip was this simple fish chowder.

One of my biggest contributions as a kid was always standing over the sink peeling the potatoes…but aside from that and chopping up potatoes, onion and bacon, that’s really all there is to it!

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

• Budget-friendly – made with just 7 affordable ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep – it tastes better the longer it sits
• Works with any white fish, not just haddock – I often use cod
• Skip the oyster crackers on top and this chowder is gluten-free

This simple fish chowder recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal ingredients. It’s also easy to customize. If you want to throw in some extra veggies, feel free! Want to add more seafood? You could definitely add shrimp, clams etc.

Easy Fish Chowder Ingredients

Here’s the basic list of ingredients for this recipe:

• Bacon – just a few slices adds a lot of flavor
• Onion – I often sub sliced leeks for onions so feel free to do that!
• Potatoes- You can use peeled white potatoes, or feel free to sub yellow or red potatoes with the skin on if you prefer
• Broth – chicken or vegetable broth both work
• Fish – You want a mild white fish. Haddock is my favorite but can be hard to find so I often use cod
• Old Bay – A crucial ingredient for the chowder flavor!

Simple Fish Chowder with Step by Step Directions

To make the chowder, just follow a few simple steps:

• Saute the bacon, onions and potatoes.
• Add broth, spices and fish.
• Stir in milk or cream and serve!

Mom hack – I often use half cream, half 2% milk. It adds that creamy flavor without it tasting overly rich!

What should I serve with fish chowder?

This is a hearty soup that makes a great meal all on it’s own. Don’t forget to top with oyster crackers or serve with some crusty bread for dipping.

You could easily pair with a side salad for a nice balanced meal!

What is chowder? What makes chowder different than soup?

Traditionally, chowder is thicker, richer and creamier than most soups. Chowder broth is often thickened with flour and cream, although this recipe does not use any flour.

What are the different types of chowder?

• Manhattan clam chowder is easily recognizable because it uses a tomato-based broth.
• New England clam chowder is more popular. It is made with a thick and creamy white broth and usually contains a mix of clams, potatoes, bacon and celery.
• Long Island clam chowder is made with a creamy tomato-based broth.
• Rhode Island clam chowder is similar to New England versions but with a much thinner broth that isn’t creamy.
• Seafood chowder or fish chowder typically contains fish or a mix of shrimp ,fish and other seafood instead of just clams.

Can I use seafood instead of fish? What are the easy seafood chowder ingredients?

Yes! If you’re making this chowder, consider this a base recipe. Use the same ingredient list but feel free to add in some clams, mussels, shrimp etc if you prefer those!

Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

Here’s how you make this super easy fish chowder:

Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

This Easy Fish Chowder tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp oil
• 3 slices bacon, diced
• 2/3 cup diced onion
• 2 medium white potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 c chicken or vegetable broth
• 1.5 – 2 pounds Haddock (or cod) fillets, skin removed
• 1–2 tsp Old Bay
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups 2% milk, whole milk or half & half

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Saute bacon, onion and potatoes for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add broth and lay fish on top of potatoes in pot. (Don’t worry about cutting it up. It will flake apart when cooked)
3. Add the Old Bay, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until fish and potatoes are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Use a spatula to break the fish into chunks.
4. Reduce the heat and add the milk or half and half. Heat through but don’t boil.

Fish Chowder FAQs

What fish is good for chowder? Can I make this fish chowder with cod?

We always used haddock when we made it growing up but it turns out that can be hard to find here in Ohio so I typically use cod and it works great. Really any thick, meaty white fish should work great!

Should I use fish stock?

This recipe does not use fish stock. You could substitute some or all of the chicken broth for fish stock if you want to but it isn’t necessary.

Can I freeze fish chowder?

While this isn’t my absolute favorite dish to freeze, it can be frozen. Make sure it is cooled completely and be aware that the texture might change slightly when it’s reheated. To minimize this, reheat very slowly at a low temperature.

Is this a healthy fish chowder? Is it better to use heavy cream or milk?

Yes, this soup is overall fairly healthy. Whether to finish with heavy cream or milk is a personal preference. I most often ate it with heavy cream growing up and I most often make it with 2% milk now as an adult. The heavy cream or whole milk will give it a much richer taste and make the broth more white and creamy.

I use 2% milk and the broth is not quite as thick but ends up being the perfect richness for me.

What is Old Bay Seasoning?

Old Bay is a pre-mixed seasoning blend that’s made with a mix of celery salt, peppers, paprika and other spices. It’s a very distinct flavor and when a recipe calls for it, I tend to use it without substitute to achieve the desired flavor.

Do I have to make fish chowder with bacon?

The bacon is optional but I personally think it adds a ton of flavor to the soup. With so few ingredients, the bacon flavor can really shine through and pairs well with hearty white fish and potatoes.

Is this easy fish chowder gluten-free?

Yes. This recipe is gluten-free as written as long as you get gluten-free oyster crackers if needed.

How can I turn this into a simple fish soup? What about dairy-free fish chowder?

To make this a fish soup recipe, leave out the cream/milk at the end and add some extra veggies! This would essentially make it a dairy-free fish chowder. Or you could try subbing almond milk or coconut milk for the milk/heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

Also, note I garnished mine with extra bacon and some parsley for photos but that’s definitely not required. Turns out soup made with white fish, white potatoes and milk/cream really isn’t that visually appealing…but luckily it doesn’t impact the taste!

Looking for other soup recipes? Try these:

• Salmon Corn Chowder
• Instant Pot Salmon Tortellini Soup
• Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns
• Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
• White Chicken Chili

This easy, affordable fish chowder is perfect for meal prep and makes a great dinner for busy families!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–