Healthy Food Guide
Lunchbox Awards 2026

The best supermarket buys revealed!

New Zealand

THE WINNERS ARE IN!

Breads and alternatives

High-fibre, low-GI carbs like bread, wraps and rolls keep you full, with gluten-free and low-carb option

Burgen Mixed Grain Toast

High-fibre bread

Ploughmans 45% Lower Carb Southern Seeds

5 Health Star Rating, high fibre and protein seeded bread

Tip Top Supersoft Wholemeal Toast

4.5 Health Star Rating, kid-friendly, high-fibre option

Vogel’s Sprouted Harvest Grains Toast

High fibre, wholegrain

Home St Good Seed Sprouted Bread

Gluten-free seeded bread

Freya’s Lower Carb 5 Seed

Extra grainy high-fibre bread

Vogel’s Toast Dark Rye

A wholesome blend of mixed grains, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds

Real Foods Corn Thins Sesame

Light and crunchy, easy to add nutritious toppings

Arnott’s Cruskits Rye

Crispy, light cracker

Arnott’s Vita-Weat 9 Grains Whole Grains

Convenient alternative to bread

Ryvita Original Rye Crispbread

High fibre, convenient bread alternative

Danny’s Wholemeal Pita Bread

Simple ingredients, great pizza base

Giannis Fresh Wraps Wheatmeal

Simple ingredients, well priced

Rebel Bakehouse Low Carb Everything Wraps

5 Health Star Rating, lots of seeds and high in fibre

Vogel’s Gut Health Muesli Clusters

A delicious blend made with kiwifruit and chia seeds

Dairy and alternatives

Yoghurt, milk, and cheese pack in protein and calcium, plus great dairy-free alternatives.

The Laughing Cow Light Wedges

Easy low-fat cheese option

Anchor Protein+ Creamy Chocolate

High-protein chocolate drink with calcium

Babybel Mini Original

Easy calcium boost for the lunchbox

Bega Stringers Original

Fun yet nutritious lunchbox addition

Mainland Sweet & Nutty Swiss 50% Less Salt Natural Slices

Convenient lower-sodium cheese, great for sandwiches

Dairyworks Edam Natural Slices

Adds flavour and a nutrient boost to your sandwiches

Rokeby Protein Smoothie Banana Honey + Cinnamon

On-the-go serve of reduced-fat dairy

Sanitarium Up & Go Protein Energize Choc Hit

Liquid breakfast or snack for busy bodies on the go

De Winkel All Natural Plain Unsweetened

Unsweetened on-the-go option

Pams Edam Natural Cheese Sticks

Affordable cheese sticks – good source of calcium

Kalo Authentic Greek Yoghurt Natural

Pair with fruit for a delicious snack, or mix with mayo for a healthier dressing

The Collective Suckies Blueberry Probiotic Yoghurt

5 Star Health Rating, nutritious and great for kids

Chobani No Sugar Added Strawberry

Easy, nutitious option on the go

Anchor Protein+ Greek Style Yoghurt Mixed Berry

High protein, high calcium

Cyclops Lactose Free Mixed Berry Pouch

Convenient high-calcium snack

Anchor Original Cottage Cheese

Convenient nutritious protein source

Dairyworks 27% Less Fat Edam Natural Sticks

High calcium, convenient lunchbox option

Chilled and fresh foods

Quick and healthy lunch options beyond sandwiches, that you keep fresh in the fridge.

Obela Hommus To Go with Sakata Wholegrain Rice Crackers

Transportable plant protein-based snack

Obela Hommus Sweet Beetroot

Combination of fresh beets and chickpeas make a delicious dip

Woolworths Mini Apples

Good size for lunchboxes and to reduce wastage

Woolworths Pineapple Fingers

Easy on-the-go fresh fruit

Macro Free Range Chicken Breast Strips

Easy protein option for lunch wraps etc

Mama San Edamame Soy Beans (in pods)

High-protein soy goodness

Strength Meals Co Grilled Chicken Dinner

Great back-up high-protein meal

Tegal Meal Maker Shredded Roast Chicken

Ready-to-eat and versatile for any meal

Strength Meals Co Smoky Bean Quinoa Bowl

Lower sodium ready meal with wholegrains and legumes

Theresa’s Kitchen Indian Wrap

Convenient vegetarian option

Mainland Lunch On The Go Balsamic Beetroot Relish

Ready-to-go cheese and crackers

Dairyworks Edam & Rice Crackers Value 10 pack

Brown rice crackers and edam cheese – simple and nutritious

Just Hummus Garlic & Lemon

Nutritious dip or butter replacement.

Chris’ Tzatziki Dip & Spread

Creamy yoghurt dip, light and refreshing

Woolworths Burger Slaw

Fresh vegetables ready to go

Lisa’s Mediterranean Falafel Mix

Quick to cook, a very easy plant-based lunch option

Pitango Free Range Chicken & Vegetable Soup

Wholefood ingredients make this a great base for an easy lunch

Artisano Lamb, Mint & Couscous Soup

Tasty ready-to-eat soup

Naked Kitchen California Wellness Bowl

Heat-and-eat nutritious soup

Avo Fresh Lime & Black Pepper Avocado

Conveniently packaged, ideal for toast, sandwiches, salad and dips

Pams Super Slaw

Just veg, no dressing

Taylor Farms Broccoli Crunch Chopped Kit

Tasty as it is, or as a side to get more veg into your lunch

So Sweet Organic Baby Carrots

Portable snack option for people who prefer organics

Beekist Fresh Tomatoes Jelly Bean

Sweet, easy-to-eat tomatoes

Wilcox Beta Bites

ready to eat, perfectly sized whole carrots

Leaderbrand Pure’n Ezy Baby Beets

Ready to go, to add to salads and sandwiches

Freddy Fyffes Snack Pack bananas

Small bananas – easier fit for lunchboxes and little hands

Fruzio Five Berry Medley

A mix of frozen berries, perfect for smoothies

Macro Firm Tofu

High protein, minimal fuss, high fibre

FRESH VEGE Fruzio Mixed Peppers

Convenient way to add more colour to your stir-frys

Snacks

Snacks low in sugar, high in fibre, and made from whole foods like nuts, fruit, veg and whole grains.

Arnott’s Vita-Weat 9 Grains Whole Grains

Wholegrains, good source of fibre

Woolworths Trail Mix with Fruits & Nuts

A mix of healthy nuts and dried fruit makes a perfect snack

The HappySnack Company Roasted Fava Beans Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar 6 pack

Zingy, high protein snack

Macro Sweet Potato Chickpea Chips

Higher fibre, higher protein, lighter alternative

Macro Cauliflower Chickpea Chips

Wholesome chips made with mung beans, chickpeas and maize

The Happy Snack Company Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas Lightly Salted 6 pack

Taste the crunchy goodness of roasted chickpeas

Real Foods Corn Thins Minis Original

Your favourite corn snack made bite-sized

DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps

An umami-packed crunchy snack

Ceres Organics Pea Chips Salted

A lighter, protein-rich alternative to regular chips

FodBods Nibbles Ginger & Spice

High-fibre snack that’s easy on your tummy

Tom & Luke Snackaballs Double Chocolate Berry

Portable, nutritious energy boost

DJ&A Freeze Dried Strawberries

Light delicious way to have strawberries all year round

Fresh Life Sunflower Seeds

Great source of fibre, delicious sprinkled on salads, rice bowls or smoothies

Uncle Tobys Protein Raspberry, Goji & White Choc

A protein-packed wholegrain snack that keeps you fuller for longer

Mother Earth Deluxe Mixed Nuts Natural

Healthy fats and fibre, pantry staple

Munchh! Cranberry Nut

Satisfying snack to sustain you

Mother Earth Cranberry Trio

Convenient pack size, sustained energy

Uncle Tobys Chewy Choc Chip

Grab-and-go energy to sort out snack time

Ceres Organics Organic Seaweed Original

Handy packs for lunchboxes, or use to top salads, noodles or bowls

Koja Bickie Bites Choc Chip

Better ingredients than most, using more wholefoods

Ceres Organics Organic Oaty Bars Berry

Made with simple wholefood ingredients

FodBods Raspberry Coconut Mini Protein Bars

Good source of protein, easy on tummies

Mother Earth Nuts About Almond

Full of nuts, nutritious snack bar

Nice & Natural Protein Whole Seed Bars Cranberry & Raspberry

Lower sugar, lots of seeds

Sunny Hill Crispy Pea Pods

Simple ingredients, veg serve

Pantry shortcuts

Canned fish, legumes, microwave rice… products that make healthy lunches without the hassle.

F.Whitlock & Sons Killer Beans Fuego Chilli

Easy to heat and serve with rice, salad or on wholegrain toast for a satisfying lunch

Sealord Chunky Style Tuna in Springwater

Nutritious, convenient protein source

Macro Natural Almond Spread

Natural almonds and a hint of salt

Pic’s Double Crunch Almond Butter

Just almonds with a hint of seasalt

Pic’s Peanut Butter Crunchy No Salt

Healthy fats

Sunrice Brown Rice & Quinoa

Heat-and-eat wholegrains

Only Organic Boost Wholesome Soup Pumpkin, Red Lentils, Coconut & Turmeric

High fibre, veg-based snack

Woolworths Tuna & Pasta Sicilian Style

Affordable source of omega-3 on the go

Only Organic Comfort Wholesome Soup Free-Range Chicken, Sweetcorn and Flaxseed

Simple ingredients great lunch base

Wattie’s Plant Proteinz Mexican Style Tomato & Black Bean Soup

15g plant protein per serve

John West Protein+ Tuna Bowl Capsicum & Bean Mix Iron

Ready-to-eat protein and legumes

Strength Meals Co Beef Chilli Con Carne

Easy dinner meal, good source of protein

Wattie’s Baked Beans 50% Less Added Sugar

Great source of protein and fibre

Edgell Snack Time Black Beans, Capsicum & Charred Corn with Zesty Salsa

No-drain legumes that are lightly flavoured

Woolworths Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce

Affordable plant-based protein

Chop Chop Chicken Lite Mayo

Convenient for salads or sandwiches to add protein

John West Salmon in Springwater

Great source of omega-3

Edgell Snack Time Chickpeas With Zesty Viniagrette

Convenient snack or lunchtime legumes

Brunswick Wild Sardines in Louisiana Hot Sauce

Great source of heart and brain-healthy omega-3s

Brunswick Wild Sardines in Olive Oil

Great affordable source of omega-3

Ogran Falafel Mix

Quick throw-together protein option for lunch

Grove Avocado Oil

Cold-pressed from quality avocados to retain natural nutrients

Best Foods Light Mayonnaise

A lower sat-fat mayo that doesn’t overdo the sugar

Al Brown Old Yella Habanero Mustard

Tasty mustard for sandwiches, burgers and dressings. Lower sodium than others.

Huntley & Palmers Cracker Bread Sprouted Rye with Pumpkin Seeds & Sea Salt

Great snack or lunch base option

Ceres Organics Brown Rice Cakes with Quinoa

Simple ingredients, a great base for kids or adults to add nutritious toppings

Macro Mini Multigrain Rice Cakes

Versatile cracker snack made with whole grains

Nibblish Gently Baked Mango

Just mango baked, with nothing else added

Fresh Life Australian Sultanas

Pantry staple that’s good for baking

Something to Crow About Roasted Seed Toppers Mexican Chilli & Lime

Easy nutritious glow-up for meals or salads

Wattie’s Hawke’s Bay Peaches Sliced – No Added Sugar

Long shelf life and great with yoghurt

Woolworths 4 Bean Mix No Added Salt

Plant protein, high fibre, affordable lunch booster

Macro Certified Organic Hulled Tahini

Goodness of sesame, rich in calcium

Lunchboxes, bags and bottles

The right lunchbox, bag or bottle can make all the difference in keeping meals fresh and ready to enjoy.

Ever Eco Round Nesting Containers Pastel Collection

Stainless steel leak-proof containers

Smash Blue Bento Bowl Stainless Steel 600ml

Double walled insulation keeps food hot or cold longer

Smash Stainless Steel Wet & Dry Snack Box

Dual compartment to keep food fresh

Smash Double Wall Magnet Bottle

A tumbler that doubles as a phone stand

B Box Lunchbox (2L capacity)

A leak-proof lunchbox with flexible compartments

Mepal Take a Break Bento Box

Sturdy, airtight lunchbox with secure dip closure and divider

Aubrey Luxe Lunch Cooler Bag

Keeps your food and drinks cool on the go

OmieLife Lunch Tote

A versatile, foldable lunchbag with smart storage pockets

Healthy takeaways

Highlights balanced and tasty meals from takeaway spots that won’t compromise your health.

Roll’d BBQ Chicken Bowl

Packed with protein, fibre and vitamins for a nourishing, balanced meal

Domino’s Vegorama Thin & Crispy (2 slices)

Satisfying portion; energy and sodium within target

Tank Vietnamese Chicken Salad

Light yet filling; excellent protein/fibre combo

Pita Pit Falafel Salad Bowl

High fibre and vegetarian protein; sodium within limit

Pita Pit Grilled Chicken Pita (Wholemeal)

Good balance of carbs, protein and healthy fats; meets all criteria

Subway Veggie Delite Salad with Avo

Plant-based and fibre-rich; great low-sodium vegetarian pick

Subway Chicken Strips Salad

Fresh, lean and high in protein; skipping dressing will reduce sodium

Columbus Coffee Tandoori Chicken Wrap

Widely available across NZ; lean protein with yoghurt dressing keeps fat and sodium moderate, excellent all-round lunch choice

Hell Pizza Pride

High-fibre pizza option; meets all limits in half-pizza

Roll’d Lemongrass Beef Bun noodle salad

Vibrant vermicelli bowl packed with protein, fibre and antioxidants

BurgerFuel Chook Royale (Wholemeal Bun)

Lean-protein burger with fibre-rich bun and low sodium; healthier burger option

McDonald’s Wholemeal Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap

Good protein, under kJ and sodium limits; small, satisfying portion

Dubba Dubba Falafel Burrito Bowl

Vegetarian friendly; balanced energy and sodium

Dubba Dubba Small Chicken Burrito Bowl

Good macros, sodium under 800mg, nutrient-dense

St Pierre’s Sushi Chicken Teriyaki 5-pack

Moderate sodium, good protein source, portion controlled

St Pierre’s Sushi Brown Rice Salmon & Avocado 5-pack

Wholegrain option, healthy fats, fits energy and sodium range

Roll’d Lime Crusted Fish & Avo Fresh Rolls

A light, protein-packed and nutrient-rich choice

St Pierre’s Sushi Teriyaki Tofu Bowl

Plant-based, satisfying, sodium within target