Hot Product Reviews: Lunch Box Favorites

The new school year is just around the corner and so are brown bag lunches. Check out these healthy pack and go lunchbox ideas filled with products you can find at your local ShopRite. They’ll help you kick the school year off with a healthy start and keep kids asking for more.

1. ShopRite Unsweetened Applesauce Cups
These applesauce cups are a lunchbox must. They’re individually packaged in small, shelf-stable containers with an easy peel-off lid. They’re a healthy choice because there is no added sugar - just apples and water. Here are some lunchbox ideas:

· Pack one cup of applesauce with a small container of low-fat cottage cheese. Have kids stir applesauce into cottage cheese for a fruity treat.
· Sprinkle applesauce with a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

2. Thomas’s Whole-Wheat Mini Bagels
These mini bagels are the perfect size for lunch. Don’t let the “mini” fool you; they’re packed full of nutrition. Because they are made from 100% whole-wheat flour, they’re a good source of fiber, providing 4 grams for one mini bagel. For just 120 calories and one gram of fat, you’ve got a serving of whole grains any kid will love. Here are some lunchbox ideas:

· Top whole-wheat mini bagels with low-fat tuna salad, chicken salad, lean luncheon meats or peanut butter and jelly.
· Use a whole-wheat mini bagel in place of a white roll to accompany a thermos of chicken noodle soup.
· Toast the bagel and tear into pieces to use as dippers for hummus.

3. Horizon Organic Low-Fat Milk Boxes
Horizon Organic has made packing low-fat milk for school lunch easier than ever. Their milk boxes are shelf stable so you don’t have to worry about keeping them cold with ice packs or insulated lunch boxes. Each container of Horizon Organic 1% milk provides 30% of your child’s daily calcium needs. Here are some lunchbox ideas:

· Pack a box for a delicious beverage with lunch or for snack time.
· Pack with a container of dry cereal and a spoon. Cereal can be a special lunchtime treat.
· Mix it up. Try alternating from Horizon Organic Low-Fat Chocolate Milk boxes to Vanilla Milk Boxes.

4. ShopRite Reduced Fat String Cheese
If your kids love cheese, they’ll love ShopRite’s reduced-fat string cheese. Made with skim milk, these mozzarella cheese sticks are a perfect addition to any lunch. What’s even better is they’re loaded with calcium and vitamin D. Here are some lunchbox ideas:

· Cheese pairs well with fruit, so pack with sliced apples or pears.
· For some crunch, pack with whole-grain crackers.