Real Food Rating

How to Choose the Best Lunchbox Wraps for Your Kids! 

May 17, 2025

Blog Smart Shopping
5 min reading time

WrapS are a go-to for quiCk, eaSy mealS — perfeCt for everything from lunChbox SnackS to family dinnerS.

But be cautious: many store-bought options are packed with additives and unhealthy ingredients that aren’t suitable for everyday consumption, especially for kids. Selecting the right wrap can significantly impact your family’s nutrition. Let’s explore what to look for in a truly healthy wrap that will support your child’s daily diet and overall well-being.

1. WholegrainS

Wholegrain wraps are the best choice for your family because they contain more nutrients and fibre than refined varieties. Fibre is essential for healthy digestion and can help keep kids full and satisfied for longer. When looking at the ingredient list, make sure the first ingredient is a whole grain, such as whole wheat, whole spelt, or whole oat flour.

Tip: Beware of wraps labelled as “multigrain”—this doesn’t necessarily mean they are wholegrain. Always check the ingredient list to ensure it’s a wholegrain product.

2. CheCk for a Short Ingredient LiSt

A good-quality wrap should have a simple ingredient list, with 4-6  easily recognisable names like wholemeal flour, water, salt, yeast and oil. Avoid wraps with a long list of ingredients with hard-to-pronounce chemical names. These are often preservatives and additives that your family doesn’t need.

3. Avoid AdditiveS, ESpeCially PropionateS and SorbateS

Many store-bought wraps contain emulsifiers and preservatives like propionates and sorbates to extend shelf life and prevent mould growth. While these additives might sound harmless, research has linked them to disrupting gut health and even behavioural issues in sensitive individuals, especially children. Propionates such as calcium propionate (282) and sodium propionate (281), along with the emulsifier mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (471), are commonly used, as are sorbates like potassium sorbate (202).

Tip: To keep bread fresh, store it in a cool, dark place away from heat sources and direct sunlight, or refrigerate it to prolong its quality. You can also freeze them. High-quality wraps are not designed to last for 10 days. Typically, they should only keep for about 2-3 days in the pantry and 7 days in the fridge. This is a good indicator that they don’t contain any artificial preservatives or ingredients that don’t belong in your family’s food. To keep bread fresh, store it in a cool, dark place away from heat sources and direct sunlight, or refrigerate it to prolong its quality.

4. ChooSe WrapS Free from Added Sugar and Low in Sodium

Some wraps sneak in sugar to improve taste and texture, which is completely unnecessary and can contribute to a range of health issues. Check the label for hidden sugars listed as “dextrose,” “maltose,” or “fructose.” Aim for wraps that have 1.5 grams of sugar or less per serving.

Aside from sugar, sodium is another sneaky ingredient that can be high in wraps. While some salt is needed for flavour, too much can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues, especially in kids. Choose wraps that have no more than 300 mg of sodium per serving.

5. Avoid theSe Marketing ClaimS

When choosing wraps, avoid falling for misleading marketing claims. Here are a few to be cautious of:

  • “Low Carb”: While low-carb options can be useful for some, they often have less fibre and nutrients because they use refined flours and fillers.
  • “High Protein”: Wraps labelled as high-protein often include isolated proteins or other additives that are not necessarily beneficial.
  • “Sugar-Free”: This can be a red flag as it often means the wrap contains artificial sweeteners, which can disrupt gut health and are best avoided.
  • Health Star Rating: This system can be misleading, as it doesn’t always reflect the true health value of a product. Focus on the ingredient list instead.

Three WayS to Enjoy WrapS

  1. Leftover Chicken Lunch Wraps: Use leftover roast chicken and add good-quality mayo, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and Spanish onion. Mix it all, layer it on a wholegrain wrap, and add sliced avocado. Roll it up tightly and slice it in half. Perfect for lunchboxes!
  2. Breakfast Wraps: Scramble some eggs with chopped bell peppers, onions, and a handful of spinach. Add the mixture to a warm wrap, sprinkle with a little cheese, and fold. A protein-packed breakfast to start the day.
  3. Pizza Wraps: Spread tomato paste or pesto over a wrap, add sliced tomatoes, olives, and your favourite veggies, then top with a small amount of cheese. Bake in the oven at 180°C for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. A quick and healthier alternative to pizza!

My Family’S Favourite WrapS

If you are struggling with a fussy eater who is used to a soft white wrap, try a transitional option like MEB Foods Khobz White Wrap or try and make your own. 

If you’d like to discover more of my favourite wrap recommendations from Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi, you’ll find plenty of tips and brand suggestions on my Instagram page. I regularly share my top supermarket picks, practical label-reading advice, and healthy swaps to make shopping easier for your family. For more in-depth guidance, keep an eye out for upcoming blog posts where I’ll break down my top wholefood snack recommendations and other pantry staples. Together, we can cut through the marketing hype and make confident choices that truly nourish your family.

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