Lunch box level up, anyone? When it comes to packing school lunches, we all know the drill: a dash of convenience, a sprinkle of what-they’ll-actually-eat, and a fingers-crossed bag of baby carrots that you’ll hope isn’t traded for a twinkie at the lunch tables (or thrown in the dumpster…). But let’s be honest, the usual suspects—those overly processed snacks and sugary drinks—aren’t exactly hitting the mark. Enter our clean, cool, and cleverly crafted recipes that strike the perfect balance between taste and health. Say goodbye to the neon-colored drinks and sodium-packed pizza bites from the store shelves. It’s time to ditch the Ding Dongs and say goodbye to squeezable yogurts packed with enough sugar to supply Willy Wonka for a month or two. 

We’re dropping our go-to parent AND kiddo-approved lunch box meal that checks all the boxes: easy to make ahead, perfectly sized for lunch boxes and paper bags, and full of good-for-you ingredients that actually taste good (yes, it is possible). Get ready to accept your award for parent of the year all thanks to these Parent-Approved Pizza Bites. We promise, this meal is swap-proof (and also a great option for our 9 to 5ers who need a little nostalgia in their lives).

Parent-Approved Pizza Bites Recipe

What You’ll Need…

Crust:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup JUST Originals Bubbles or Lemon Bubbles for a taste twist
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or diced turkey pepperoni
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

What You’ll Do…

1. Preheat Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with mini muffin liners.
2. Make the Crust:
• In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and Bubbles. Stir until a dough forms.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a bit more sparkling water.
3. Shape the Crust:
• Divide the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and press each ball into the mini muffin tin, forming a small crust at the bottom and sides of each cup.
4. Add Sauce and Toppings:
• Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce into each dough cup.
• Sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Add mini pepperoni slices or diced turkey pepperoni, bell peppers, spinach, and any other desired toppings.
• Sprinkle oregano and basil over the top.
5. Bake:
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Cool and Pack:
• Allow the pizza bites to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin, then pack em’ up and claim your spot as the cool mom or cool dad

Tips:

• These pizza bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave before packing them in the lunchbox.
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.

All-Natural Clean "Koolaid"

What You’ll Need…

• JUST Minis Still Water
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 orange, juiced
• Splash of all-natural tart cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon honey 
• A pinch of sea salt

What You’ll Do…

1. Juice the fruits: Squeeze the juice from the lemon and orange into a small pitcher and finish with a splash of the tart cherry juice.
2. Pour about 2oz of the JUST Minis Still Water
   into a separate glass (go ahead and sip it yourself to fuel your lunchbox-making mission).
3. Combine ingredients: Pour the fruit juice mixture into the Mini Carton & add the honey and salt. Place the cap on and give the carton a good shake. 
4. Chill the clean Koolaid overnight and add it to your kiddo's lunchbox the next morning before they head off for the school day ahead.