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Screenshot of TikTok showing a woman with healthy snacks of cheese, vegetables and fruit
Cheapism / mariannas_pantry/TikTok / Bing Image Creator

Packing lunch for work is one more tidbit of tedium that comes with adulting. Salads can get soggy. Sandwiches get boring. And going full bore on meal prep can be a real time suck. 

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and inexpensive solution, head on over to trusty TikTok and you’ll find a flood of “adult lunchable” ideas.

@mariannas_pantry Adult lunch box? Protein snack box? Idk but im here for it. #snackideas #healthysnack #healthylunch #snackbox ♬ original sound – Marianna Moore

TikToker and nutrition coach Marianna Moore (@mariannas_pantry) shared a video of her take on the food trend, breaking down how simple and reliable the lunch is. She explained that she spent six years as a nutritionist and this lunch, as straightforward as it is, checks all the right boxes. 

Start with a whole-grain cracker for a bit of fiber and make sure to include both savory and sweet dip options (like hummus and peanut butter). Throw in any kind of cheese your heart desires. A couple of hard-boiled eggs, some pepperoni, or lunch meat for a bit of protein are a must. Finish the box off with a vegetable and a fruit and there you have it, folks.

screenshot of adult lunchable tiktok - 1
TikTok / mariannas_pantry

One commenter pointed out that this lunch idea is a great alternative to salads, which can sometimes get soggy or not last so long prepped ahead of time. You could absolutely prep these adult lunchables ahead of time or you can assemble them the day-of with very little prep and effort involved.

screenshot of tiktok adult lunchable video - 2
TikTok / mariannas_pantry

Another commenter suggested adding meat to the mix rather than subbing it in and out for hard-boiled eggs. The more protein, the better, after all. You could also add almonds to the lineup. 

Related: 9 Cheap Sandwich Ideas So You Don’t Blow Your Budget on Boar’s Head

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TikTok / mariannas_pantry

These adult Lunchables don’t have to be exclusive to work lunches either. Think of them as another take on the viral “girl dinner” trend and enjoy them or dinner. Why not? 

We know these are supposed to air on the healthy side, but the little kid in us wants to fully embrace the Lunchable approach and add just one little Oreo or a bite-sized Kit Kat for a chocolate finish. It’s all about ambiance.

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Meet the Writer

Rachel is a Michigan-based writer who has dabbled in a variety of subject matter throughout her career. As a mom of multiple young children, she tries to maintain a sustainable lifestyle for her family. She grows vegetables in her garden, gets her meat in bulk from local farmers, and cans fruits and vegetables with friends. Her kids have plenty of hand-me-downs in their closets, but her husband jokes that before long, they might need to invest in a new driveway thanks to the frequent visits from delivery trucks dropping off online purchases (she can’t pass up a good deal, after all). You can reach her at [email protected].