Quick and Nutritious Back-to-School Recipes

Healthy & Simple Lunchbox Fillers!

Various snack and school foods sit in a pile, sandwiches, carrots, celery and clementine's

Packing your child's lunchbox (and your own) with wholesome snacks and lunches that are quick to make doesn't have to be difficult! Here are some of our favourite recipes that contain nutritious ingredients that kids love:

Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins


Bright, zesty, and just the right amount of sweet! These gluten-free lemon poppy seed muffins are the perfect quick breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up, or addition to a school lunchbox. Made with wholesome, gluten-free ingredients (not dairy-free, but can easily be made so if you prefer), this recipe offers a soft, moist texture with that yummy lemony taste and slight crunch of the poppy seeds.


Get the recipe here!

Homemade Protein Bars & Balls 3 Ways

Homemade Protein Bars & Balls 3 Ways


Whether you're powering through a busy morning, refuelling after a workout, or just need a wholesome snack to get you through the day, protein bars and energy balls are a great way to go! However, not all store-bought options are created equal, and sometimes you just want to customize the flavours to your favourites, which is why making your own is a great option.


Get the recipe here!

Gluten-Free & Vegan Rice Crispy Treats

Gluten-Free & Vegan Rice Crispy Treats


A super simple, inclusive, and yummy snack to make for the kiddos (or kids at heart, we don't judge): Gluten-Free and Vegan Rice Crispy Treats! These delightful bites are a testament to the fact that you don’t have to compromise on taste or texture when catering to specific dietary needs.


Get the recipe here!

Razzleberry Smoothie

Razzleberry Smoothie


Looking for a super quick breakfast option before school? This Razzleberry smoothie is the answer! With juicy raspberries, creamy banana and coconut milk, and a splash of zesty lime, it's a vibrant combination of sweet and tart. Plus, chia seeds add a little boost of plant-powered energy!


Get the recipe here!

Gluten-Free Pesto Pasta

Gluten-Free Pesto Pasta


This one pot dish can be made in less than 10 min and yet doesn’t compromise in quality or flavour. There are two essential ingredients needed to bring this dish together and the first one is brown rice pasta. It’s light in flavour, high in quality and has an incredible soft yet chewy texture which is hard to come by when choosing a gluten free alternative.


Get the recipe here!

Breakfast Oatmeal Bake

Breakfast Berry Oatmeal Bake


Take your breakfast game to a whole new level with our delicious oatmeal bake! A great option for before-school breakfasts as you prepare the oats overnight. It's also great to prepare at the start of the week and have ready to reheat throughout the week!


Get the recipe here!

Healthy Chicken Fingers

Healthy Chicken Fingers


Eating on a budget can be challenging when it comes to buying organic high-quality meat. But if you get a little creative you can make that meat to a long way without compromising for a lower quality. For example. Yorkshire Valley Farms’ chicken is an organic high-quality meat and the flavour is beyond compare. We’ll show how you in this recipe how you can take just two chicken breasts and feed a family of 6.


Get the recipe here!

Sunrise Muffins

Sunrise Muffins


’76 Sips’ Sunrise Muffins were a staff favourite and we are happy to share the recipe with you! They make for a nutritious breakfast on the go or a great addition to your child’s lunchbox!



Get the recipe here!

Perfect Potato Salad

Perfect Potato Salad


A super easy, yummy, and nutritious potato salad recipe to pack for lunch. Cost-effective and quick to make as well!



Get the recipe here!

Wholesome Protein Bites 4 Ways

Wholesome Protein Bites 4 Ways


We're excited to share our favourite recipes for healthy protein bites! These little powerhouses are packed with protein, essential nutrients, and natural flavours, making them the perfect on-the-go snack or post-workout treat.



Get the recipe here!

Plus, find tons of lunchbox essentials in our stores such as granola bars, organic produce, gluten-free bread, and more!


To view store hours, click here!

By April Allen November 27, 2025
Feeling the Holiday pressure? In the midst of Winter’s chill and the Holiday rush, your own well-being deserves space to breathe. The natural world around us is slowing down, so why shouldn’t we? Winter invites us to turn inward, and it is especially important to support your mental health during these longer, darker days. Did you know that we, as Canadians, are more prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder due to our northern latitude, which results in less sunlight during the winter? The Holiday season can be equal parts joyful and overwhelming. Schedules get busy, routines slip, and we're surrounded by comfort foods and sweet treats. Between gatherings, travel, and to-do lists, our well-being can take a back seat. Here are some simple tips to keep you grounded, nourished, and feeling your best throughout the season: *These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels for contraindications and check with your pharmacist if you are on prescription drugs. These suggestions are based on over 40 years of customer experience at Jo Anne’s Place.
By April Allen November 27, 2025
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
Halloween decorations on the side. Text reads: Healthy Halloween Recipes
By Jonathan Tessier October 15, 2025
Halloween is coming up quick! This year, Halloween is on a Friday, which means lots of fun!
By Jonathan Tessier October 1, 2025
This year, Thanksgiving weekend is from Friday, October 10th to Monday, October 13th. Canadian Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the second Monday of October.
By April Allen September 30, 2025
Happy Thanksgiving! Looking to switch it up and try some new recipes this year? Here is a roundup of recipes, many of which are vegan and gluten-free so you can create a holiday meal fit for all!
On the left is an assortment of bowls with food in them, on the right is a person styling their hair
By Jonathan Tessier September 11, 2025
Discover the best foods for hair growth. Boost shine, strength, and thickness naturally with nutrient-rich options that support healthy hair.
A classroom in the background with a title that says
By Jonathan Tessier September 10, 2025
With back to school in full gear, parents are concerned about their kids well-being. A lot of today's youth face a mountain of problems like anxiety and depression.
Text: Fun Labour Day Acitivites in PTBO/Lindsay
Surrounded by trees, leaves and construction
By Jonathan Tessier August 20, 2025
This year, Labour Day Weekend is from August 29th - September 1st. There is still time for one last weekend of summer fun before the school year begins.
 wt
By Jonathan Tessier August 5, 2025
Lemon juice has many different uses and health benefits. Just make sure you don't get any in your eyes.
quark quiche, cheesecake, and stuffed chicken breasts
By April Allen July 15, 2025
We wanted to take a moment to highlight a dairy product that doesn't get enough love: Quark!