Exploring Iconic Childhood Snacks- What was in your tiffin box?

Picture this: you stroll up to your old school gates rocking your backpack, water bottle, and trusty tiffin - it’s as if you’ve stepped back in time. We’re all suckers for a little bit of ’90s nostalgia, aren’t we?

Now, as we watch our kids get ready for school, it makes us wonder: were the little treats in our tiffin box really as exciting as we remember? To jog your memory, we've put together a list of our mom's favourite no-nonsense tiffins (and we've even thrown in some nutritious alternatives for good measure.)

Aloo Paratha

Oooh! The ultimate parantha-  stuffed with potatoes, sugar, or even simply salted and paired with some tomato ketchup! These were great when eaten hot.. and even better completely cold. The humble paratha takes us back to those sunny school afternoons, sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by friends swapping tiffin treasures.

Ultimate makeover- Try swapping out the potato for some sweet potato instead. Rich in Vitamin A, sweet potato makes for a great stuffing with a sweet-spicy kick.

Frooti

'Mango Frooti, fresh and juicy' Yes, we all sang it to the tune. Fun fact- Frooti was one of the first 'grab-and-go' tetra packs of its time! This little yellow tetra-pack is still a fan favourite for most of us who have grown up in India in the1980s.

Ultimate makeover- This one is definitely not as convenient as a pre-packaged juice - but swapping out this sugary drink for an Aam Ras may do the trick! Mangoes are full of important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C ‐ an essential nutrient for immune health. 

Maggi

Aah, the infamous 'Maggi cake' that takes the shape of your little tiffin when cold. We begged and begged for this in our tiffins, only to be devastated when the cold noodles stuck together, making it impossible to eat!

Ultimate makeover- Try swapping Maggi out for some kid-friendly hakka noodles. Thinly sliced carrots, onions, cabbage, and capsicum with your choice of noodles and sauce are a great way to pack in some veggies for your picky child! (Fortunately, these will not stick together to form a noodle cake!) 

Bread Jam

A slice of white bread slathered with a thick layer of butter and fruit jam is still a guilty pleasure for most of us. It's a timeless classic that brings back memories of school picnics and hurried morning breakfasts. To be honest, white bread with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings is a hit among kids and adults alike!

Ultimate makeover- Try swapping out store-bought fruit jam with a homemade one! Grape or mango jam is easy to prepare in advance and a great way to reduce added sugars. For a savoury alternative, a simple mint-coriander chutney sandwich with a slice of boiled potato is foolproof!

Tomato Rice

Depending on which part of the state you're from, this little rice dish has many versions. Whether it's the aromatic Puliyogare, the spicy Aloo Pulao, or the zesty Lemon Rice - any variant of masala rice counts here. This dish makes for an ideal choice for a refreshing and nutritious tiffin during the scorching summer season.

 Ultimate makeover- No changes here, but adding a simple fruit side to this tiffin works wonders. Some sliced apples, grapes, or pieces of pineapple gives this dish a much-needed fresh kick.

Nostalgia aside, packing a nutritious tiffin for your child is no easy feat. Whether it's Aloo paratha or Masala rice- figuring out what to put on your grocery list for the week can be an absolute nightmare. But don't worry! Our 'Back-to-school' box is here to save the day. Packed with an assortment of fruits and vegetables, the box is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, we promise:)