Get ready to take a trip down memory lane as we bring back the lunchtime sensation that ruled primary school canteens – ‘adult lunchables’. Before the TikTok craze of ‘girl dinner’, there were the iconic ‘lunchables’, those neatly compartmentalised pre-made meals featuring deli meats, cheese, and crackers. Now, it’s time to elevate your midday or end-of-day meal with a sophisticated and healthier twist on this childhood favourite.

Say goodbye to the typical cheese ‘product’ and salty crackers of yesteryear. The new and improved adult lunchables are high-protein lunch boxes, offering not only a delicious trip down memory lane but also a nutritious and easy-to-assemble option for busy grown-ups. Packed with low-lift ingredients like sliced turkey, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and lighter cheeses, these lunchables are a versatile and satisfying choice.

Assembling your own protein-packed snack plate is a breeze with these super-easy steps:

1. Start with a protein base (and amp it up if you desire).
2. Add some fibre for a healthy boost (nuts, dried fruit are great options).
3. Round out your meal with some satisfying fats (hello, cheese!).
4. Include crunchy raw veggies and fruit for a variety of textures.
5. Complete your meal with healthy crackers.

The beauty of these adult lunchables lies in their endless customization options. Swap in your favourite ingredients to create a lunchbox that suits your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan, we’ve got you covered with templates tailored to your specific diet.

Looking for an extra protein boost? Our food and nutrition experts in the WH Test Kitchen have you covered with delicious combinations that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.

Ready to dive into the world of adult lunchables? Check out our curated templates for every diet type:

Meat Lover

• Protein: Sliced turkey with a boost of uncured salami
• Fibre: Pecans or your favourite nut
• Fat: Aged Gouda wedges, Baby Bels, or your preferred cheese
• Fruit: Green apple wedges or your favourite fruit
• Vegetable: Fennel slices
• Cracker: Stoneground wheat crackers

Pescatarian

• Protein: Canned tuna, salmon, or sardines with a boost of hard-boiled egg
• Fibre: Avocado half with lemon
• Fat: Mayo to mix into fish or prep tuna/salmon salad the night before
• Fruit: Sumo citrus sections or your preferred citrus
• Vegetable: Radishes and pickled peppers
• Cracker: Rye crispbread

Vegetarian

• Protein: Hard-boiled eggs with a boost of cottage cheese
• Fibre: Sliced cucumber
• Fat: Vegetarian chilli crisp for drizzling + chocolate almond butter cup
• Fruit: Grapes or your favourite fruit
• Vegetable: Cherry tomatoes
• Cracker: Whole-grain crackers

Vegan

• Protein: Hummus with a boost of nut butter
• Fibre: Dried apricots, dates, or your preferred dried fruit
• Fat: Pistachios and chocolate
• Fruit: Pomegranate seeds
• Vegetable: Sugar snap peas
• Cracker: Lentil crackers

Fancy Feast

• Protein: Prosciutto with a boost of thin Parmesan wedge
• Fibre: Marcona almonds
• Fat: Triple-crème cheese, such as Brie
• Fruit: Sliced pear
• Vegetable: Chicory spears + cornichons (pickled cucumber)
• Cracker: Artisan nut and dried fruit crisps

Say goodbye to boring lunches and embrace the nostalgia-filled, gourmet world of adult lunchables. Prepare these delightful creations the night before, pack them in a cute bento-style container, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal whenever you please – at work or even for dinner when cooking feels like a chore. Dive into the ultimate lunchtime indulgence with our adult lunchables that bring back the joy of childhood, but with a sophisticated twist.