Back to School Snack Ideas for Busy Families: Easy Lunchbox and After School Ideas

Back-to-school season means busy mornings, packed schedules and the return of the daily question: What should I pack for lunch?

A little planning can make school-day meals and snacks much easier. From simple lunchbox pairings and make-ahead breakfasts to special after-school treats, having a few go-to ideas can help make the transition to a new school year a little sweeter.

That planning can start the night before. Preparing lunches ahead of time can save valuable time on a busy school morning. The key is choosing foods that are easy to pack, enjoyable to eat and simple to mix and match throughout the week.

Easy Lunchbox Ideas for Back-to-School 

• Pair individually portioned Walker’s Shortbread with fresh fruit. Walker’s Shortbread Snack Packs are easy to tuck into a lunchbox alongside apples, pears, plums, peaches, or apricots. Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries also pair beautifully with the rich all-butter taste of shortbread.
• Build a bento-style lunchbox. Pair Walker’s Shortbread Fingers, Rounds or Minis with kid-friendly cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella or Colby Jack, plus crackers and fresh or dried fruit. Mix and match throughout the week to create lunches with a variety of flavors and textures. 
• Pack yogurt, fruit, and a small sweet treat. Pair Greek yogurt with fresh berries or sliced fruit and top with granola, a drizzle of honey or another favorite topping. Add a little Walker’s Shortbread on the side for a sweet finishing touch. 
• Try sliced apples with nut or seed butter. Sliced apples paired with peanut, cashew, almond or seed butter make an easy addition to a lunchbox. Be sure to follow your school’s guidelines regarding nuts and other allergens.
• Add a little treat to a classic lunch. Pack a favorite sandwich or wrap with fresh fruit or veggies and a pack of Walker’s Wee Shorties Mini Chocolate Chip. Individually wrapped and perfectly portioned, they’re an easy way to round out a familiar lunch with a little something sweet.
• Make Walker’s Shortbread Minis Snack Mix. Sweet and salty come together in this easy snack mix featuring shortbread minis, salted popcorn, pretzels and marshmallows. Make a batch of Walker’s Shortbread Minis Snack Mix ahead of time and portion it into individual servings for school lunches or after-school snacking. 

Easy Breakfast Ideas for Busy School Mornings

School mornings can feel rushed, but breakfast can still be something to look forward to. And yes, Walker’s Shortbread can have a place at the breakfast table! Crumbled or combined with other ingredients, a little shortbread adds sweetness, crunch and texture to these two easy breakfast ideas.

• Walker’s Shortbread Granola Breakfast Bowl. Greek yogurt, fresh berries, seeds, and crumbled Walker’s Shortbread Fingers come together in an easy breakfast bowl with plenty of flavor and texture. Have the ingredients ready to go for quick assembly on busy mornings.
• Walker’s Shortbread Granola Porridge Topper. Honey, butter, cinnamon, seeds, and all-butter Walker’s Shortbread create a sweet and crunchy topping for porridge or oatmeal. It’s an easy way to add flavor and texture to a simple morning bowl. 

Easy After-School Snack Ideas 

Once the school day is over, a special treat can make the transition to homework, sports, activities or time with friends a little sweeter. These after-school snack ideas offer something for  kids and grown-ups alike.

• Gluten-Free Shortbread Chocolate Doughnuts. These indulgent doughnuts are filled with a smooth, creamy shortbread custard filling, dipped in rich dark chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of gluten-free shortbread crumbs.Save them for an extra-special after-school treat or Friday afternoon surprise.
• Millionaire Shortbread Bars. All-butter Walker’s Shortbread, homemade caramel, dark chocolate and a touch of sea salt come together in this classic sweet treat. Make a batch of Millionaire Shortbread Bars to share throughout the week.
• Hello Dolly Bars. This seven-layer cookie bar combines dark and white chocolate with shredded coconut and pecans. Plus it’s a gluten-free treat! 
• Scottie Chocolate Bark. White and semi-sweet chocolate, dried strawberries and Walker’s Mini Scottie Dogs make this colorful chocolate bark a fun treat to break into individual pieces and share.

Back-to-school season can get hectic quickly, but having a few breakfast, lunchbox and after-school snack ideas ready can make busy weekdays easier.

Explore our collection of all-butter Walker’s Shortbread and find your favorites for lunchboxes, snack time and everyday treats.

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