Hot School Lunch Ideas For Insulated Food Jars

During the cooler months, kids will often enjoy a hot lunch at school for something a bit different. 

Here is some inspiration for hot school lunch ideas for insulated food jars.

Whether you call them a thermos or an insulated food jar, they keep food hot for hours so the kids can have a nice hearty, warming lunch.    

Ideas for Hot School Lunches   

Okay, so what to put in the food jar? Well, it depends on what they will eat! Here are some things that work really well for a hot school lunch in a jar. 

1. Leftovers 

A great time-saver! Make extra of the kids' favourite dinner and simply heat it up in the morning and add to the food jar. The ultimate mum hack!!

2. Soup 

Nourishing and healthy, make a batch of soup on the weekend for easy meals throughout the week. Making sure the soup has a protein and a carb is a great way to keep the kids full and satisfied.

This Chicken and Brown Rice Soup is an absolute winner with kids and so easy to make.  

3. Pasta

Pasta or noodles work really well in a thermos and it's usually something that most kids love to eat! Try spaghetti bolognaise, macaroni cheese or ravioli. Noodle jars in a food jar are fun and easy to prepare in advance. Just add hot water in the morning and you are good to go!

4. Meatballs, Nuggets and Wings

Kid food! Meatballs can be made in bulk and frozen and you can easily sneak some vegetables in there. Cut chicken wings in half and take off the tip before you cook for a good fit in the jar. Nuggets are easy to heat up and if you cook a homemade batch, you can make them really healthy and nutritious. 

Try this recipe for Chicken and Sweet Potato Nuggets. 

5. Pizza & Pastry

Yes, you can put pizza, sausage rolls, quiches and similar in the thermos. Just add a small piece of paper towel in the bottom of the thermos to catch any condensation and to avoid soggy bottoms. 

Try this recipe for Easy Pizza Bread.

6. Fried Rice

Fried rice works so well in food jars! Its a great way to use up leftover rice, meat and vegetables and it's healthy and nutritious. 

7. Breakfast for lunch

Think baked beans, sausages scrambled or boiled eggs and bacon. All of these make a great hot lunch! 

8. Sweet Ideas

Lunch doesn't have to always be savoury. Stewed fruit with custard, bircher muesli or hot porridge makes a nice change! 

9. Curry

A nice, mild curry full of vegetables, garlic, ginger and chicken broth is a great hot lunch that will help boost the kids' immunity and keep lurgies at bay.

Try this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry.

Tips for lunches in a food jar

There are some things you need to know to get the very best out of your insulated food jar. Check out our blog with all our best tips for using an insulated food jar.

What is the best insulated food jar? 

Here are our favourites food jars. They are all excellent quality, durable and made from food safe materials. 

Bentgo Stainless Steel Insulated Food Container

• Keeps food hot for up to 5 hours, cold 7 hours
• Food grade stainless steel, BPA-free, leak-proof lid
• Triple vacuum insulated with copper layer
• Size: 13cm x 10.4cm
• Capacity: 560ml

 

 

b.box Mini Insulated Food Jar

• Keeps food cold for up to 6 hours, and warm for up to 4 hours
• High grade, double walled stainless steel
• Easy fill, leak proof design
• 210ml capacity for snacks or little appetites 

 

'Super cute, easy to clean and works well!' - Sue, verified review

MontiiCo Food Jar

• Keeps food hot up to five hours
• Vacuum Insulated, Double Walled Stainless Steel
• Wide opening for little hands     
• Handle for easy carrying
• Size: 12.5cm
• Capacity: 400ml (also comes in a 200ml size)

Omie Box Lunchbox

When you want your insulated food jar in your lunchbox, the solution is Omie Box - genius! 

• Keep food hot and cold in the same box
• Keeps food hot up to six hours
• Vacuum Insulated, Double Walled Stainless Steel Insert
• Capacity of thermos section: 250g

 

"Quick and safe." D.S verified review 

BEABA Insulated Food Jars

• 100% air-tight lid 
• Food grade stainless steel
• BPA-free, BPF-free, BPS-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free
• 300-500ml 

Oasis Stainless Steel Food Pod

• 470ml capacity
• stays hot for 6 hours or cold for 8 hours
• 18/8 premium food grade stainless steel interior
• durable powder coat finish
• leak proof lid with silicone seal 
• easy to carry with built in handle 

SHOP ALL INSULATED FOOD JARS HERE

We would love to hear from you! What do you make for the kids' hot lunches? What do they love the most?

Let us know!