We often get questions from our readers about lunches that can be left unrefrigerated — what can be packed and just left underneath a desk? While we have a few go-to ideas, like these salad-stuffed pita pockets, we're always glad of more ideas. Take a look at this article that covers safety issues, creative ideas for kid-friendly lunches, good lunch bags, and more!
This article comes from a local parenting mag. (Full disclosure: I found it because they did a little piece on me and my new book.)
There were some interesting bits in this piece. I particularly liked the note that yogurt can be left out at room temperature longer than you might expect because the bacteria cultures fight spoilage. I also liked the list of creative alternatives to the sandwich, and the great recipe for tuna and white bean salad.
• Read more: Lunches You Don't Have to Refrigerate at Columbus Parent
What's your favorite no-fridge lunch?
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ALL of my lunches are no-fridge lunches. I bring my food in one of those cooler lunch bags and even though I do not keep an ice pack in there, I just don't think that keeping my food out at room temp for a few hours is doing me any harm. If anything, I'd rather not have things ice cold and prefer the taste of things at a neutral temp.
I agree with 'rosebud' exactly! I bring my lunch in a mini fabric cooler with 1 ice pack usually. I don't worry about anything going bad. I'd rather it be room temp than cold honestly. I'll pack frozen stuff that defrosts itself by lunch. Then I just have to warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds and I'm good! I'll eat yogurt after sitting in my bag half a day - no worries!
I bring fish for lunch and never keep it in the refrigerator. It overnighted in the fridge and is usually still cool at lunchtime. No icepack, no special bag. No biggie.
That said, I probably wouldn't do it if it were 35C outside with no AC in the building.
I can't recall ever being able to refrigerate the lunches I took to school as a kid - we all seem to have survived. Unless you have a compromised immune system, like to eat raw meat or fish for lunch, or work in a hot climate, I can't see that this is really an issue?
I never refrigerate my lunches either, as theft is a very common problem in my office. I eat a lot of salads (dairy-free) and have never had any problems.
My lunch today didn't need any 'fridgerating:
Small container of brown rice mixed with frozen cut green beans. A can of sardines. Water from the sink.
Count me as another member of the no refrigeration club, for all the reasons given. :-)
I usually have some greek yogurt with fruit and granola for lunch. I put frozen fruit in my yogurt right before I leave for school and by the time I get to eat it, it's perfect.
I don't keep my lunch cold either. Usually it's leftovers or if I make rolls then they are usually still frozen when I make them up. Never had a problem. Sometimes in the summer I consider taking an ice pack, but usually forget!
I never refrigerate my lunch, even on the rare occasions I bring meat. My office is air-conditioned and the food tends to still be cool to the touch after six hours.
I don't do anything to keep my lunch cold either, nor do I do anything to heat it up (unless it's soup). I guess bacteria is more of a concern if you're packing lunches for small children.
So pleased to hear that I'm not doing something that's harmful. I don't refrigerate my lunches either. Everything stays on my desk until lunch time, including fish and the late afternoon snack of yogurt. I like it at room temperature.
Just read that article you were featured in, Faith. How cool to learn that you were homeschooled! I'd love to read a post about that (on ohdeedoh?) sometime -- I'm just starting to homeschool my two daughters and I'd be really interested in your experience.
Plus, that baked risotto recipe in the article looks delish!
well, as far as food safety goes, I believe you have four hours before bacteria gets dangerous... but if it is hot out, that probably would be too long.
All lunches can be left unrefridgerated. Diary products don't got rancid in 4-5 hours.
Eat whatever you want, it'll be fine.
I made these goat cheese and prosciutto stuffed dates for a party, and brought the leftovers for lunch last week-- it was my favorite lunch of the month...and no refrigeration necessary because they're best at room temp!