Have you ever picked up one of those Starbucks snack boxes and eaten it as a meal? I have! What about for the first meal of the day? We thought it would be fun to create these breakfast bento box ideas. So here are some ideas about how to make your own version of that, without having to wait in line or pay $8 for a couple of hardboiled eggs and slices of pita bread.
So you don’t NEED bento containers (containers with dividers) but if you wanted to grab some, here are good options.
- Lunchbots 4-compartment stainless steel container (pictured below)
- Kinsho 6-compartment plastic containers (set of 2)
- Simple Houseware 3-compartment plastic containers (set of 6)
- Yumbox plastic 6-compartment plastic container (love these)
Again, you don’t need that type of container, but they’re fun and good for anyone that prefers to keep different foods separate.
The main benefit of bento box meals is variety! Basically, you add in a bunch of elements you enjoy, keeping in line with the protein/veggie/carb template, and you have a satisfying meal that’s a nice break from oats and stuff.
Below you’ll find 3 different breakfast bento box ideas and then a “build your own” section which I highly encourage you to use!
Note on hardboiled egg storage: It’s best to store them in the shell, but you can totally peel them and store them in the fridge without the shell. I do not advise slicing them.
Hardboiled Eggs and Pita Bento Box
Ingredients (for one box):
- 1/2 pita, sliced into triangles
- 2 HB eggs per serving
- A handful of cherry tomatoes
- A handful of sliced cucumbers
- If you have room: hummus! (not pictured)
Veggie Hummus Wrap and Hardboiled Eggs Bento Box
Ingredients (for one box):
- 1/2 tortilla
- Assorted veggies, sliced into thin strips (red bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots)
- Hummus for spreading
- 2 HB eggs per serving
- Orange slices
Instructions:
- Spread the hummus on the tortilla to the very edges.
- Arrange the sliced veggies in a pile on the tortilla toward one edge. Roll as tight as you can!
- Slice the veggie roll with a sharp knife into shorter rolls (or keep as is)
- Assemble the roll(s) with the rest of the bento ingredients!
Peanut Butter, Banana, and Fruit Bento Box
This works as a breakfast bento box idea, but also a snack or lunch, too.
Ingredients:
- Half of a banana
- Half of a tortilla
- Nut butter (can also use honey)
- Strawberries
- Carrots
- Nuts (optional; not pictured)
Instructions:
- Spread nut butter/honey to the very edges of the tortilla
- Add 1/2 a banana on the tortilla and cut it into slices without cutting through the tortilla (this makes it easier)
- Roll it up, then use a sharp knife to cut the banana roll into pieces
- Assemble with the remaining ingredients.
Build Your Own Breakfast Bento Box
Sometimes mornings are too busy for a sit-down meal, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip breakfast. A breakfast bento box is the perfect solution—portable, customizable, and fun to put together. Think of it as your own balanced snack pack that you can grab on your way out the door. The best part? You can prep several at once so your mornings are stress-free all week.
1. Pick a protein element
- Egg muffins
- Hardboiled eggs
- Cheese stick
- Protein baked oatmeal muffin (vegan)
- Veggie hummus wrap (vegan)
- Peanut butter wrap (vegan)
- Canned tuna/tuna salad
- Egg salad
- A good ol’ scoop of nut butter for dipping/spreading (vegan)
- Or a scoop of hummus for dipping/spreading (vegan)
2. Pick 2 to 3 fruits and veggies
- Berries
- Orange slices
- Grapes
- Grapefruit pieces
- Mango slices
- Pineapple slices
- Peach slices
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Sliced bell pepper
- Celery
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Greens
3. Pick some carbs
- Pita bread
- Tortillas
- Crackers (I love Wasa crisps!)
- Mini bagels
- Dry cereal
- Granola
- Mini pretzels
4. Pick some healthy fats
- Cheese cubes/slices (cheddar would be awesome)
- Nuts/seeds (almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts etc)
- Olives
5. Or some fun foods
- Mini pancakes or mini waffles
- Chocolate chips/squares
- Mini peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Breakfast Bento Boxes Are a Meal Prep Win
Breakfast bento boxes are one of the most flexible meal prep ideas you can make. They let you mix and match ingredients so you never feel stuck eating the same thing every day.
They’re also a great way to use up small amounts of food from your fridge; like the last few grapes in a bunch or leftover crackers from snack night. The balance of protein, carbs, fats, and produce keeps you energized and satisfied through the morning. Best of all, they don’t need reheating and stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. There’s seemingly no end to breakfast bento box ideas.
This style of meal prep is exactly what we focus on in the Workweek Lunch Meal Planner. We give you endless ideas for quick breakfasts, balanced lunches, and easy dinners, plus a grocery list generator that makes shopping simple.
If your mornings are hectic, bento boxes can be a lifesaver, and our planner helps you keep ideas flowing week after week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make breakfast bento boxes vegan?
Yes! Load them up with hummus, nut butter, oatmeal muffins, veggie wraps, and plenty of fruits and veggies.
What’s the best container for breakfast bento boxes?
Use a divided bento box or meal prep container to keep wet and dry foods separate. Small silicone cups also help organize snacks.
How do I keep fruit from getting soggy?
Pat fruit dry before packing and keep juicy fruits (like oranges or pineapple) in a separate compartment.
Can I make these for kid lunches too?
Absolutely! These boxes work just as well for kids. Include fun foods like mini waffles, PB&J bites, or chocolate squares to make them more exciting.
How long do breakfast bento boxes stay fresh?
They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Pack delicate foods like greens or wraps closer to the day you plan to eat them.
More Meal Prep Ideas
Starbucks Copycat Recipe: Spinach Feta Breakfast Wraps
Freezer-Friendly Veggie Breakfast Burritos
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