Nut-Free Summer Camp Lunch Ideas
The sun is blazing, and summer camp season is in full swing here in the District. While kids are busy making new friends, learning new skills, and exploring all that summer camp has to offer, one question might be lingering: "Ugh, what on earth do we pack for lunch today?!"
As most if not all summer camps are now nut-free for the safety of all campers, the usual peanut butter and jelly is off the table. And let's be honest, after a few weeks, even the most creative parents can hit a lunchbox rut (raise your hand if your kiddo is over sunbutter!). So, let’s spark some fresh inspiration and help you pack delicious and perfectly safe nut-free lunches that will keep your campers energized all summer long.
Beyond the Sandwich: Fresh & Fun Nut-Free Ideas
Here are some of our favorite nut-free lunch ideas, perfect for hot summer days and active campers. Some may require a bit of prep, but if you can knock it out on Sunday night, most ideas can get you through the week.
Pasta salad power-up: Pasta salad is a versatile winner and can keep you covered for the entire week. Cook up some pasta (penne, rotini, or even fun shapes), toss with a few favorite veggies (cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives), shredded cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing. You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even mini pepperoni for extra protein.
Hummus & veggie fun: Pack a container of nut-free hummus with a mix of dippers like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, pita bread, or crackers. It can make healthy eating a fun dipping activity.
"Deconstructed" lunches: Especially when it’s hot, kids can often become ‘picky’ and separate out each item of their sandwich. So what traditionally goes in a sandwich might just work fine on its own. Think mini charcuterie boards with cheese cubes, turkey or ham slices, sliced apples (tossed in a little lemon juice to prevent browning), and a handful of pretzels or crackers. If they want to reassemble to make it fun, then great. Sort of like DIY ‘lunchables’.
Leftover love: Don't underestimate the power of leftovers. Cold pizza slices, chilled chicken and veggie skewers, or even a hearty bean and cheese burrito (cut into manageable pieces) can make for a quick and easy camp lunch.
Breakfast for lunch: Who says breakfast is just for the morning? Hard-boiled eggs, mini pancakes or waffles with a side of fruit and a small container of maple syrup for dipping, or a yogurt parfait with nut-free granola and berries can be a nice change up.
Wraps & roll-ups: Tortilla wraps are endlessly customizable. Spread with cream cheese, hummus, or a safe alternative to nut butter (like the sunbutter mentioned above), then add sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, or even some thinly sliced fruit. Roll them up tightly and cut into pinwheels for a fun presentation.
Quick & Easy Nut-Free Snack Attack
Being able to include a few nut-free snacks makes both lunch packing easier and helps quell their hunger when there’s a break in activities. For store-bought items, remember to double-check labels for "nut-free" or "processed in a nut-free facility" statements, as manufacturing practices can change.
Fruit pouches/cups: GoGo Squeez applesauce pouches, fruit cups, or even pre-portioned dried fruit like raisins or dried cranberries are super convenient and naturally sweet.
Cheese sticks/cubes: Individually-wrapped cheese sticks or a small container of cheese cubes are a great source of protein and calcium. They hold up well in a cool lunchbox.
Pretzels: Classic pretzels are almost always nut-free, and mini pretzel twists or sticks are perfect for little hands.
Crackers: Many cracker brands are nut-free, such as Goldfish crackers, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies, or various plain saltines or whole-wheat crackers. Pair them with a cheese stick or some pre-packaged hummus for a more substantial snack.
Nut-free granola bars: This category has expanded significantly! Look for brands like MadeGood, Nature's Bakery Fig Bars, or Enjoy Life bars. Many of these are specifically designed to be allergy-friendly and clearly state "nut-free facility" on the packaging.
Popcorn: Single-serving bags of plain or lightly salted popcorn (like SkinnyPop) are a fun and satisfying crunchy snack. Just be mindful of any butter or flavorings that might contain hidden allergens.
Yogurt tubes/cups: Squeezable yogurt tubes (like Go-Gurt) are good, especially if they're still slightly frozen when packed and therefore perfectly chilled by snack time. Regular yogurt cups also work well with an ice pack.
Rice cakes: Plain or flavored rice cakes are a great base canvas for toppings like cream cheese or a safe seed butter and offer a satisfying crunch.
Veggie straws/puffs: This is a popular choice that offers a savory, cheesy flavor without nuts.
Meat sticks/jerky: For a protein boost, individually wrapped meat sticks or jerky (check ingredients for allergens) can be a great option for older kids.
Fruit leather/snacks: While often higher in sugar, a small piece of fruit leather or a packet of fruit snacks can be a fun treat.
Keeping It Cool in the Summer Heat
Summer in the DC area can be scorching, so keeping lunches fresh and safe is key. Here are some pro tips for keeping food cold:
Make lunch at night to chill overnight: In addition to avoiding the mad morning rush, make sure all perishable food items are thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator overnight before packing. Starting with cold food significantly helps maintain its temperature.
Use insulated lunch bags/coolers: A good insulated lunch bag or a small soft-sided cooler goes a long way and can keep food at a safe temperature for several hours.
Load up on ice packs: Use at least two – one on the bottom and one on top of the food – for maximum cooling power. Reusable ice packs are environmentally friendly and work really well.
Freeze water bottles: An easy trick is to freeze a reusable water bottle filled with water. It can even act as an extra ice pack for the first part of the day, and then becomes a refreshing, cold drink as it melts. Just don’t fill it to the brim :P
Reverse engineer a thermos: While mainly used for warm food, an insulated thermos can also be great for keeping cold items like yogurt, fruit salad, or even a cold pasta salad extra chilled. Pre-chill the thermos with ice water for a few minutes before adding your food.
Avoid the Sun: Remind your campers to keep their lunch bags in the shade whenever possible, or inside their backpacks if they are stored indoors.
We hope these ideas help you navigate the rest of summer with ease and keep those summer lunchboxes exciting. Happy summer and happy lunch packing from the DC Kids Camps team!
Have any great go-to ideas we haven’t covered above? We’d love to hear them! Reach out to us through our contact form or connect with us and comment on Instagram. For regular updates, be sure to jump on our mailing list in the footer below.