Nostalgic Lunchbox Treats

Do you remember the days when the lunch bell rang, signaling the excitement of discovering the treasures hidden in your lunch box? Join me as I take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some items—some I’d rather forget—and the iconic snacks and treats that fueled my childhood adventures and satisfied my youthful cravings.

Growing up, I always preferred a packed lunch, especially since most of my childhood schooling was in the 1990s—a key time for lots of snacks and goodies. My favorite thing to find packed in my lunch was potato chips, which are still a favorite today because they perfectly complement a sandwich.

The strangest thing I ever saw in a packed lunch was Spaghetti-O’s. To this day, I’ve never tried them. I packed my lunch because it allowed me more time to eat. Kids who packed their lunches had a little longer to eat since they didn’t have to wait in line to buy food. However, I occasionally bought lunch on pizza day.

The classic Lunchables from school meals translate to how I eat lunch today. I often get salami/provolone packs and a small pack of olives to take to work. As a Culinary Director, I don’t always have much time to eat, so having something quick is key.

From Bosco Sticks to Balanced Meals: Creating Nostalgic and Nutritious Lunches

If I could create one school lunch item from scratch, it would be Bosco sticks—essentially cheesy, stuffed breadsticks for dipping into marinara sauce. The ultimate school lunch menu would include pizza, fruit, and a nice ice cream sandwich. A lunchbox meal isn’t complete without a little note inside, which is something I do for my daughter when she takes her lunch.

Packing school lunches and meal prepping as an adult are similar. You’re figuring out how to stretch or utilize ingredients differently in both cases. For example, if you’re meal-prepping chicken to slice on a salad, you might use some in a wrap on a different day.

To ensure a well-balanced and nutritious meal, include a protein item, some veggies or fruits, and some crackers. It’s also important to have a healthy beverage. Using a reusable bag is always better than a disposable one.

I’d like to see items like iced coffee, a muffin, or overnight oats for a breakfast box. A dinner box might include a nice salad with a protein on top.

Even though we’ve traded our lunch boxes for grown-up alternatives and our tastes have evolved over time, the nostalgia of those beloved treats still reminds us of the innocence and delight of youth. I hope you can find some classic favorites and discover new tempting treats every time you visit the Vitalia Highland Heights Bistro or Country Kitchen and that you never stop making culinary memories.