School Lunch Nutrition Calculator

Estimate the calories, protein, and food group servings in a packed school lunch to ensure it meets basic nutritional guidelines.

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Total Lunch Calories

623 cal

Fruit (target: 1+ serving)1.0 servings
Veggies (target: 0.75+ serving)0.5 servings
Estimated Protein35 g
View formula & how it works →

How to Estimate School Lunch Nutrition

USDA Guidelines for School Meals (K-5)

  • Calories: 550-650 per lunch
  • Grain: 1-2 servings
  • Protein: 1-2 oz equivalent
  • Fruit: 0.5-1 cup
  • Vegetables: 0.75 cup
  • Dairy: 1 cup

    • For Packed Lunches

    These guidelines provide a helpful target for home-packed lunches. A balanced lunch includes a protein-rich main item, a grain, at least one fruit serving, a vegetable, and a dairy item.

    Calorie Estimates

  • 1 fruit serving: approximately 60 cal
  • 1 vegetable serving: approximately 25 cal (raw)
  • Dairy varies: 80 cal (skim milk) to 150 cal (whole milk)

    • Example Calculation

    PB&J sandwich (350 cal), 1 apple, half cup carrot sticks, yogurt (100 cal), granola bar (100 cal).

    1. 01Sandwich = 350 cal
    2. 02Fruit = 1 x 60 = 60 cal
    3. 03Veggies = 0.5 x 25 = 12.5 cal
    4. 04Dairy = 100 cal
    5. 05Snack = 100 cal
    6. 06Total = 350 + 60 + 12.5 + 100 + 100 = 622.5 cal

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