We’re on a tight budget, so I’ve had to get creative with soft foods. Applesauce cups are cheap and go over well, and mashed potatoes (even instant) work in a pinch. Bananas too—just slice them up. I avoid rice for the same reason… cleanup is a pain. Sometimes I’ll splurge on cottage cheese, but honestly, it’s mostly whatever’s on sale that week.
Packing lunch for my daughter after she got her braces felt like a puzzle at first. I totally get the budget thing—those little applesauce cups have been a lifesaver here too. One thing I started doing is making big batches of scrambled eggs at the start of the week. I pack them in a thermos so they stay warm, and she actually likes them cold sometimes, which is a win for me.
Yogurt tubs (the big ones, not the single-serve) are usually cheaper, so I portion those out into small containers. I also do pasta with a little butter or cheese—it's easy to make a lot at once and you can switch up the shapes to keep it interesting. My kiddo isn't a fan of cottage cheese, but I’ll add a squeeze of honey to plain Greek yogurt and it goes over better.
I hear you on the rice... I tried it once and it was everywhere. Sometimes I’ll do steamed carrots or peas if they’re on sale, just microwaved and tossed in a bit of olive oil. It’s not fancy, but it works, and she doesn’t complain (much). The main thing is having stuff on hand that won’t hurt her mouth or break the bank.
The main thing is having stuff on hand that won’t hurt her mouth or break the bank.
That’s exactly my worry. My son just started with braces and I’m still scared to pack anything that might get stuck or make his mouth sore. Do you ever worry about pasta being too chewy or sticky? I’ve stuck to mashed potatoes, yogurt, and bananas mostly, but he’s bored already. Also, does anyone else freak out about the thermos actually keeping eggs safe to eat? I keep second-guessing myself...
I totally get the thermos paranoia... I’ve reheated scrambled eggs and sent them in a thermos, but I always wonder if they’re still safe by lunchtime. My kid’s never complained, but I still worry. As for pasta, we tried small shapes like orzo or pastina, and those seem less sticky than, say, mac and cheese. Has anyone had luck with soft wraps or tortillas? I’m tempted, but not sure if they’d be too chewy.
Has anyone had luck with soft wraps or tortillas? I’m tempted, but not sure if they’d be too chewy.
I’ve actually tried tortillas a few times for my kid (he’s got braces and is super picky), and honestly, they’re hit or miss. If you go with the really soft flour ones—like the “super soft” taco size—they usually work, especially if you don’t overstuff them. Cheese, some thinly sliced turkey, maybe a little avocado... they stay soft by lunchtime as long as you wrap them up tight.
Once I tried to get fancy and used a spinach tortilla, and that was apparently “too chewy and weird”—direct quote from my son. Also, if you put anything saucy in there (like beans or salsa), it can get soggy pretty fast, so maybe stick to drier fillings.
I totally get the thermos paranoia too. The eggs thing stresses me out every time. I keep picturing some kind of science experiment happening in there by noon. But hey, as long as no one’s complaining...
