Forget about plain ol' PB & J! Head back to school (or work!) with these tasty and filling sack lunch ideas. Find easy-to-pack wraps, snacks and treats the whole family will love.
37 Sack Lunch Ideas for September
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
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Club Roll-Ups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with meat, cheese and olives, these roll-ups are always a hit at parties. They’re perfect for packing in a cold lunch, too!
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 554 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1802mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
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Back-to-School Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These hearty treats are great for an after-school snack or to share with friends. With a glass of cold milk, they’re an irresistible snack.
—Frances Pierce, Waddington, New York
—Frances Pierce, Waddington, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 103 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had to figure out how to make Hawaiian macaroni salad at home because my husband was getting tired of ordering enough for our whole family from a local restaurant. Sometimes I use green onions and serve the salad with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. —Blaine Kahle, Florence, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 464 calories, 33g fat (5g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Focaccia Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more speical. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 113 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Tex-Mex Popcorn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Spicy Southwest seasoning makes this snackin’-good popcorn ideal for any fiesta. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 44 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Peanut Butter S’Mores Sandwich
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Your favorite s’more flavors come together in this tasty peanut butter sandwich—no campfire required. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 249 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
7/37
Pineapple Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sandwiches are always welcome at lunchtime around our house. Sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans are nice additions to ordinary chicken salad. —Carol Alexander, Midland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 433 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
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Homemade Tortilla Chips
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these homemade tortilla chips to serve with roasted tomatillo salsa. They have a little heat from the chipotle. If you prefer plain, just sprinkle with salt after frying. —David Ross, Spokane Valley, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
10 chips: 183 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
9/37
Easy Puppy Chow
Total Time
15 min
Servings
13 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there’s less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
10/37
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 235 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
11/37
Chia Seed Protein Bites
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I keep these little bites on hand in my refrigerator and grab them for breakfast or a snack when I'm in a hurry. We have a lot of food allergies in our family and I like to keep healthy snacks around that everyone can eat. This recipe has no gluten, eggs, dairy or corn, so it's the perfect go-to treat in our house. —Tanja Miller, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 79 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
12/37
Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is a welcome alternative to the usual post-Thanksgiving fare. It’s a tasty main dish loaded with good-for-you protein.—Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 379 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Turkey, Gouda & Apple Tea Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cut into triangles or quarters, these fun mini sandwiches are a tasty addition to an afternoon tea gathering. The cranberry mayo lends an original flavor twist, and the apples give them a sweet-tart crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tea sandwich: 59 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
14/37
Savory Cracker Snack Mix
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A Taste of Home recipe inspired this one! Because I love everything bagel seasoning, I decided to give this a try. A friend later suggested I make the mix more versatile with something other than oyster crackers, and now it’s a deliciously addictive snack! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida—Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 306 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
15/37
Pear Waldorf Pitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 mini pitas halves
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 67 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
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Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This soft, chewy oatmeal breakfast bar recipe has a hint of orange marmalade, so they’re a fun change of pace from typical granola bars. They’re so easy to put together and so delicious, you’ll find yourself making them all the time. —Barbara Nowakowski, North Tonawanda, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 182 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Dilly Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 295 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
18/37
Sesame-Garlic Pumpkin Seeds
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This "everything" mix of pumpkin seeds with other seeds and seasoning is a fun treat—a lively way to use the seeds left over from your Halloween jack-o’-lantern! —Danielle Lee, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 95 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Italian Rainbow Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 11 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 35 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/37
California Roll Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the California rolls I get at sushi restaurants and wanted to capture those flavors in a sandwich I could take to work. I started with the standard ingredients, added a few others and came up with a hit. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 365 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
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Trail Mix Clusters
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious snacks make wonderful gifts, and although they look and taste like they came from an expensive chocolate shop, they couldn't be more guilt-free. The dried fruit and nuts are heart-healthy and full of fiber. Bet you can't eat just one! —Alina Niemi, Honolulu, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 79 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/37
Beet Hummus
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
23/37
Browned Butter Cereal Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Crispy rice treats were one of the first recipes I ever made as a kid. For this version, I wanted to make something similar but more special. Friends and family think using Cap'n Crunch and browned butter is genius, but I just call them delicious.—Kelly Krauss, Lebanon, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 186 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
24/37
Ranch Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
25/37
Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as the pitas taste, they’re good for them too.—Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 324 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 lean meat.
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We use this super duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping measure seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
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Chewy Honey Granola Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. To save a few for later, wrap individual bars and place in a resealable freezer container. When you want a satisfying treat on short notice, just grab one and let it thaw for a few minutes. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 178 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
28/37
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these simple yet special cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwiches for a birthday party. Tangy cranberries and crunchy celery pep up the chicken. Leftover turkey works well too. —Shannon Tucker, Land O' Lakes, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 411 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
29/37
Snack Crackers
Total Time
5 min
Servings
12 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Our 13-year-old daughter, Dana, loves to make this crunchy and flavorful snack for us. Her four older brothers finish off a batch in no time. —Sue Manel, Milladore, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 237 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
30/37
Turkey & Apricot Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For these wraps, I combined the traditional Southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
31/37
S'more Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Capture the taste of campfire s'mores in your kitchen. Graham cracker crumbs added to chocolate chip cookie dough bring out the flavor of the fireside favorite. Melting the cookies' marshmallow centers in the microwave makes them simple to assemble. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 221 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
32/37
Quick Taco Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was running late one night, so I shopped in my own fridge and came up with ingredients that became taco wraps. Everybody at the table was a happy camper. —Katie Mitschelen, La Porte, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 533 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1538mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
33/37
Dried Fruit Energy Bars
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These dried fruit energy bars are the perfect breakfast option for busy people. They’re easy to make ahead and jam-packed with ingredients like chia seeds, quinoa and oats that will keep you fueled throughout the day. — Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 239 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
34/37
Confetti Snack Mix
Total Time
10 min
Servings
7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made this party mix for many years and I usually double the recipe. It makes a wonderful gift, and everyone always wants the recipe. —Jane Bray, Temple Terrace, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 125 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
35/37
Spicy Almonds
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We like to venture out into the mountain range that surrounds our family cabin. These nuts never taste better than when we enjoy them together at the peak of an amazing hike. Almonds are extremely nutritious, and when dressed up with a wonderful blend of spices, they go from ordinary to awesome! —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 230 calories, 20g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
36/37
Black Forest Icebox Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These rich chocolate wafers are the perfect complement to the creamy filling's sweet-tart tones. Chill for up to four hours; any longer and the wafers get too soft to pick up with your hands. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 139 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
37/37
Marshmallow Puffs
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallows, these treats were very popular with our three kids as they were growing up—and now I make them for our two grandchildren. They're perfect for the holidays when time is so precious. —Dody Cagenello, Simsbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 83 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
