The 2024 Lunchbox Awards: The Best Supermarket Foods to Add to Your Lunchbox

Packing a healthy lunch just got a whole lot easier!

We all know the morning rush too well – trying to pack a lunchbox while balancing the hustle of daily life. It’s tempting to reach for quick, less healthy options in the midst of our busy schedules. That’s why we at Healthy Food Guide developed the Lunchbox Awards, to help make it easier to pack a tasty, convenient, healthy lunch that won’t break the bank.

Our expert panel has analysed hundreds of supermarket products to bring you a list of some of the best items to collect at the checkout to build healthy lunches. With multiple winners in six different categories, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for to make lunchtime a breeze. Here’s a little taste of the winners in each category to get you started!

Bread & Alternatives
Bread often cops a bad rap. But there’s no need to completely ditch carbs at lunchtime. In fact, high-fibre, low-GI carbs provide long-lasting energy to keep hunger pangs at bay.

Helga’s Lower Carb 5 Seeds Loaf

Dairy & Alternatives
Yoghurt, milk and cheese are high in calcium for healthy bones. These protein-packed snacks can be added to your lunch to keep hunger at bay. There are some great dairy-free alternatives available, too.

Babybel Mini Cheese Original Protein

Pantry Shortcuts
We love a shortcut to easy healthy eating. Think canned fish, legumes, microwave rice, ready-made salads, soups, spreads and dressings.

Ben’s Original Fibre+ Beans, Garlic & Brown Rice

Snacks
The ideal snack for both kids and adults is low in added sugars, high in hunger-busting fibre and made with wholefood ingredients like nuts, fruit and grains.

Mayver’s Natural Health Bar Salted Caramel Peanut Butter

Chilled & Fresh Foods
Keeping some healthy packaged chilled and fresh foods handy in the fridge makes it easy to throw together nutritious lunches! Think beyond sandwiches – there’s a whole array of tasty options.

The Salad Servers Bean Medley with Lemon Zest