Budget supermarket chain Aldi is helping parents with little ones keep costs low by teaming up with a popular kids food content creator on a series of budget lunchbox ideas.
Let's face it, sorting out school lunches that are both nutritious and affordable can be a thorn in many parents' side, with this year being especially difficult for some due to the cost of living.
Which is exactly why Aldi has joined forces with social media influencer The Lunchbox Mama, also known as Rachel Stirling, to create healthy, yet still delicious, recipes that all cost under a fiver each.
The mum-of-two, who currently boasts 122,000 followers on Instagram, has become popular on the social media app for her creative lunchbox ideas that she regularly shares online.
Sharing a video with her fanbase, the savvy mum recently shared how she created five healthy recipes for kids to enjoy during the school week.
Included in the lunchbox ideas are healthier twists on sausage rolls and pepperoni pizza to brownie muffins, with prices starting at as low as 39p per portion.
Rachel said: "Lunchtimes can be a struggle for many parents and coming up with new ideas to make lunchboxes both fun and great value is a real challenge – especially when families are having to tighten their belts.
“But packing lunchboxes doesn’t have to be dull – I’m determined to show that with Aldi that there are lots of ways to make lunchboxes more exciting while still making sure they’re packed with nutritional value to see children through the school day.”
The Lunchbox Mama's five Aldi recipes:
Breakfast muffin sandwich
- Makes: 12
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-14 minutes (plus cooling time)
- This fun and filling lunchtime idea provides a healthier spin on a breakfast muffin, packed with protein and some hidden goodness.
- The breakfast muffin sandwich comes in at 54p per portion, with an estimated prep and cooking time of 20 minutes.
Cheese and veggie swirls
- Makes 12
- Prep time: 15 mins
- Cooking time: 20-25 mins (plus cooling time)
- The perfect crowd pleaser and enough for the whole family, as this recipe makes 12 swirls. I pack two per child with some extras, but it depends on your child’s appetite!
- The veggie swirls come in at 39p per portion (two swirls), with an estimated prep and cooking time of 40 minutes.
Chicken & carrot mini sausage rolls
- Makes: 24 (4-6 per portion):
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
- If your kids love sausages, then try them on this healthier sausage roll made with just three ingredients: chicken, sausages, tortilla wraps and a carrot.
- The chicken & carrot mini sausage rolls come in at 70p per portion, with an estimated prep and cooking time of 30 minutes.
Chocolate & courgette brownie muffins
- Makes 12
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Some days are made better by a little chocolate pick me up! Swap a chocolate bar for a homemade brownie muffin made with natural yoghurt and courgettes for some extra, hidden goodness (just make sure you finely grate the courgette to keep it hidden for fussy easters!)
- The chocolate and courgette brownie muffin comes in at just 20p per portion, and takes 30 minutes of prep and cooking time.
Pepperoni pitta pizza with veggies
- Makes one pitta pizza
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
- Pizza is always a win with my fussy eaters! Make this quick lunchtime version in just five minutes – a great lunchbox main with carbs, protein and added veggies.
- You don’t have to cut your peppers into hearts, but if you have a veg avoider, then it might help! This one comes in at just 54p per portion.
You can also view all of the Lunchbox Mama's full recipes on Aldi's website.
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