Now that summer (and the first school term) are behind us, it’s back to early mornings, after-school activities and, you guessed it, packing lunchboxes. If you’re anything like most parents, the novelty of lunchbox prepping wears off fast. You want something healthy, quick to put together, and most importantly, something your kids will actually eat.
The secret? It’s as easy as ABC… or should we say E-G-G.
Why eggs are a lunchbox superhero
As The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) puts it, eggs are quite simply one of nature’s most versatile and budget-friendly foods. They’re packed with high-quality protein, vitamin D, B vitamins and selenium – all essentials for supporting your child’s immunity, energy and concentration during those long school days.
Plus, eggs are a top source of choline, a brain-boosting nutrient that helps with memory and learning. So, if you’re looking to fuel those little minds and bodies, eggs are your go-to.
And here’s the bonus: eggs are affordable, widely available, and easy to prep in bulk. Win-win!
Egg-citing lunchbox ideas
Ready to level up your lunchbox game? These eggy creations from SAPA are simple, nutritious and fun enough to keep your kid’s interest piqued:
Egg roll-up: Scramble some eggs with cheese and finely chopped veggies, roll it all up in a high-fibre wrap, and secure with a toothpick. Easy peasy.
Mini egg muffins: A fridge-clearer’s dream. Mix eggs with leftover roast veg, cheese and maybe a bit of diced ham. Pour into a muffin tin and bake. Mini frittatas = big win.
Egg & avo sammies: Mash boiled egg with avocado, slather onto whole-grain bread, and cut into stars, hearts or dinosaurs with cookie cutters.
Egg pot: Boiled eggs paired with crunchy veggie sticks, wholewheat crackers, and a blob of hummus like a little picnic in a box.
Curried egg salad pita: Mix chopped boiled eggs with a dollop of yoghurt and a sprinkle of curry powder, then stuff into a pita. Zero fuss, maximum flavour.
Egg sushi rolls: Flatten a slice of wholewheat bread, spread with cream cheese, top with a thin omelette, roll tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces. Sushi, but make it eggy.
Veggie & egg skewers: Halved boiled eggs, cucumber slices, cheese cubes and cherry tomatoes threaded onto toothpicks. Colourful and fun to eat.
Egg-crusted pizza bites: Use whisked egg as a base in a muffin tin, then add tomato sauce, cheese and chopped veggies. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Rainbow egg bowls: Egg-fried rice with bright veggies like carrots, peppers and red cabbage, finished with avocado and a splash of soy dressing. Lunchbox envy, incoming.
Set them up for success
A well-packed lunch isn’t just a midday pit stop – it’s fuel for your child’s brain, body and mood. Eggs make a cracking foundation for any lunchbox (see what we did there?) and help build good eating habits that’ll last a lifetime.
So, here’s to packing smarter, eating better, and making this school year an egg-ceptional one.
For more recipe ideas and egg-spiration, visit www.sapoultry.co.za, like EGGcellentFood on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram @eggcellentfoodsa.
BLT egg sliders
By The South African Poultry Association (SAPA)
Makes: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Budget-friendly: Serves 4 for under R100
INGREDIENTS
- 8 eggs
- Salt & pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) mayonnaise
- 8 baby gem lettuce leaves
- 8 slices roma tomato
- 8 strips crispy streaky bacon, halved
- Ground cumin, for sprinkling
METHOD
1. Bring a medium pot of water to the boil. Turn heat to low and gently lower eggs in. Simmer with the lid on for 8 minutes.
2. Pop the eggs into ice water for 3 minutes. Then crack and peel under running water. Halve them lengthways.
3. Season the yolk sides with salt and pepper. Trim a sliver off the bottom of 8 halves so they sit flat.
4. Layer each with a dab of mayo, lettuce, tomato slice, and 2 pieces of bacon.
5. Top with the other egg halves, skewer to secure, and finish with a sprinkle of cumin.
Now go on… get cracking!
