Say goodbye to soggy sandwiches and fruit! A lunch box is the perfect solution for anyone looking to keep their food fresh and organized on-the-go. While often associated with kids, a lunch box is a versatile and practical option for adults, teenagers, and children alike. With its sturdy design, portability, and array of colors, it’s easy to find a lunch box that suits your style.
Whether you’re packing sandwiches, wraps, sushi, pasta, rice, fruit, nuts, or other snacks, a lunch box is the perfect companion. And with its versatility, it can be used by the whole family. By keeping your food in one convenient container, a lunch box not only helps you maintain healthy eating habits but also allows for safe storage during transport. Packing your own lunches can be a game-changer.
Not only will you save money by avoiding expensive café or sandwich bar purchases, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s going into your body. And with a lunch box, you can rest assured that your food will remain fresh and safe, whether you’re headed to work, school, or just running errands.
The 9 Best Lunch Boxes
For parents seeking a reliable and practical solution for packing their children’s lunches, the options can be overwhelming. To help simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated lunch boxes and containers that cater to various needs and preferences. The Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box is a popular choice among parents, offering a convenient and easy-to-use design.
Another option is the BentoHeaven Bento Box Bundle, which provides a comprehensive set of bento-style containers for packing a variety of meals. For those seeking a more affordable and eco-friendly solution, the EasyLunchboxes Bento Lunch Boxes are an excellent choice. Meanwhile, the Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit stands out as our top pick, thanks to its innovative design and durability.
Other notable options include the OSK Japanese Traditional Rabbit Moon Bento Box Set, ThinkFit Meal Prep Lunch Box, PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box, and Stanley Classic Lunch Box, each offering unique features and benefits that can help make packing lunchtime meals a breeze.
Our Top Pick for the Best Lunch Box
When it comes to the best lunch box option, our top recommendation is the Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit. This innovative product has been delivering high-quality solutions for nearly 80 years, making it a trusted choice for families and individuals alike. With its leak-free design and four solid plastic compartments, you can safely store hot or cold meals on-the-go, whether that’s at work, school, college, or during outdoor activities like hiking or fishing.
The kit also comes with two added bonuses: a free ice pack to keep your food cool on a hot day, and vibrant color options to suit every taste. For the best value, check out the current price on Amazon.
Basic Lunch Box
For individuals who prefer simple yet effective lunches, a basic lunch box is an excellent choice. It can accommodate a single meal, such as a sandwich, salad, pasta, or fruit. One potential drawback of this type of container is the lack of separate compartments to organize different items. However, many basic lunch boxes come in sets like the Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit, offering a convenient and practical solution.
Bento Lunch Box
Inspired by Japanese cuisine, bento boxes have become increasingly popular for their versatility in storing food. One of the key features of these boxes is the presence of individual compartments, allowing users to separate and organize their meals with ease. This design makes bento lunch boxes an excellent option for parents who struggle with fussy eaters or want to encourage healthy eating habits among children.
Additionally, the controlled portion sizes offered by bento boxes can be a valuable asset for adults looking to monitor their calorie intake. While some designs may not include separate compartments, many models feature removable and adjustable dividers that enable users to customize their meal layout. A potential drawback of bento-style boxes is that they often provide smaller portions, which might not satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Cooler
Bag Lunch Box
For those who need to keep their lunch cold for an extended period, an insulated cooler bag lunch box is the perfect solution. This innovative design features built-in freezable gel within its lining, allowing users to enjoy a cold meal all day long. The PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box, for instance, is a great option for families or individuals who require this level of temperature control.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate these lunch boxes, as some manufacturers include not only the bag but also an ice pack, such as the ThinkFit Meal Prep Lunch Box. While one ice pack may be sufficient, it’s always a good idea to have extras on hand, making our comprehensive ice pack review article a valuable resource for anyone looking to keep their meals at the perfect temperature.
Plastic
While most lunch boxes are constructed from plastic, which offers a lightweight and easy-to-carry design, modern plastics have evolved to be remarkably strong and safe for use, as they’re often BPA-free and toxin-free. However, this material isn’t without its drawbacks. Over time, plastic can crack or become brittle, and it may also stain easily if exposed to certain foods.
Metal
When it comes to lunch boxes, metal options like stainless steel or other metals are excellent choices. The Stanley Classic Lunch Box, for instance, is both durable and stylish. One of the key benefits of metal lunch boxes is their safety – they’re naturally BPA-free, ensuring your food remains contamination-free. Moreover, metal is a non-reactive material that won’t impart any unwanted flavors or odors to your meals.
While metal lunch boxes are robust and long-lasting, it’s worth noting that they can be prone to denting if dropped on a hard surface, and when full of food items, they might feel heavier than other options.
Kid-friendly Lids
When selecting a lunch box for your child, the design of the lid is an essential consideration. What might seem like a minor detail – ease of opening – can be a major obstacle for young children. A kid-friendly lid allows them to confidently open their lunch box without needing assistance from adults or older siblings.
Portability
When it comes to packing a lunch, portability is key. For those relying on public transportation to get to work, college, or school, a lunch box that easily fits into your bag is essential. Consider a model with a handle or shoulder strap for added convenience, allowing you to transport your meal with ease and confidence.
Microwave and Freezer Safe
When it comes to reheating meals, a lunch box that’s both microwave and freezer-safe is an absolute game-changer. Before making a purchase, it’s essential to double-check the product’s specifications to ensure it can withstand the high heat of the microwave without compromising its structural integrity or material composition. Additionally, verifying that the lunch box is also safe for freezing purposes will provide you with even greater versatility and convenience in managing your daily meals.
Spill-Proof
When it comes to packing a leakproof lunch, the type of ingredients you choose can make all the difference. While most lunch boxes are designed to keep dry items safe and sound, they may not be suitable for hot or saucy foods. For instance, you might be able to pack a portion of pasta, sushi, or rice, but food with sauces or dressings may not fare as well. Be sure to read the product description carefully before making your purchase to ensure it meets your specific needs.
Dishwasher Safe
While plastic lunch boxes are often dishwasher safe, providing a convenient and quick way to keep them clean, some insulated models require more gentle care – specifically, a good old-fashioned hand wash. Moreover, repeated dishwasher cycles can affect the leakproof seal’s performance, making it less reliable over time. As such, it’s recommended to opt for handwashing your lunch box to preserve its sealing abilities.
Accessories
When it comes to packing a lunchbox, having a range of storage options can be incredibly convenient. Often, these containers are designed to cater to different types of food, such as condiments like sauces, dressings, or dips. These small compartments allow for easy separation and organization, making mealtime more efficient and enjoyable.
9 Best Lunch Boxes – Reviews
Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box
Elevate your child’s lunchtime experience with the Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box, a fun and practical solution for active kids. Designed with durability in mind, this lunch box boasts sturdy, drop-proof FDA-approved plastic and heavy-duty rubber-coated edges that provide an extra layer of safety. The five compartments are thoughtfully proportioned to accommodate a child’s appetite and encourage balanced eating, while the large compartment is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Store fruits, veggies, or snacks in the mid-sized compartments, and reserve the smallest one for dipping sauces. The Bentgo Kids lunch box also features leak-proof technology, ensuring that meals and snacks remain fresh and mess-free throughout the day. Two kid-friendly latches make it easy for little hands to open and close the box. Although recommended for children ages 3-7, this lunch box is suitable for anyone looking to pack a portion-controlled meal.
The removable compartment tray can be safely heated in the microwave or washed by hand. The lunch box itself is compact at 8.5 x 6.5 x 2-inches and fits easily into most backpacks. Choose from three fun colors – blue, green, or purple – to add a pop of personality to your child’s daily routine. Bentgo offers a 2-year warranty on the lunch box, giving you added peace of mind.
With its high-quality construction, great value for money, and durable design, this lunch box is an excellent choice for kids who love to eat healthy and have fun doing it.
BentoHeaven Bento Box Bundle
Kickstart your journey towards a healthier lifestyle with the BentoHeaven Bento Box Bundle, a stylish and functional solution for eating calorie-controlled portions. This comprehensive bundle includes two 20-ounce reusable airtight food containers with lids, a moveable and removable food divider, a pair of chopsticks, and a cutlery set featuring a fork, knife, and spoon.
The durable microwavable plastic lunch box is perfect for hot or cold foods, and the black elastic strap keeps the boxes securely together. Each lid features a ventilation cap for quick heating, while the 100% leak-proof silicone sealed lids ensure mess-free carrying. Cleaning the boxes is effortless due to their rounded corners and high-gloss inner surface. You can store them in the freezer and wash them in the dishwasher, but hand washing is recommended.
The bundle comes in three stylish colors: bamboo black, outer space, and bamboo white. Plus, Bentoheaven includes FREE lunch box notes that you can use to send a personal message to your friends or family. With its high-quality materials, great value for money, and very affordable price, this bento box bundle is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make healthy eating a part of their daily routine.
While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as the compartments not being very deep and the lid being slightly hard to open when containing liquid, the benefits far outweigh the cons. Check the price on Amazon to get started with your new healthy habits today.
EasyLunchboxes Bento Lunch Boxes
Packing lunch just got a whole lot easier with EasyLunchboxes Bento Lunch Boxes. This set of four containers is perfect for both kids and adults, offering a convenient way to keep meals organized and easy to transport.
Made from high-quality polypropylene that’s FDA-approved, BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free, these lunch boxes are not only safe to use but also strong and sturdy. The four containers feature three separate compartments, providing ample space for a variety of foods.
You can use the larger compartment for a sandwich or pasta, while the smaller ones are ideal for snacks like fruit or nuts.
While they’re perfect for hot or cold food, it’s worth noting that these lunch boxes aren’t suitable for carrying liquids or runny foods. However, they do come with brightly colored lids that can be used to assign different colors to family members or designate a color for each day.
The containers are also easy to clean and maintain, as they’re dishwasher safe.
Plus, their compact design means they won’t take up much space in your backpack or kitchen cupboard. They even stack neatly, making them perfect for storing in a pantry or on a shelf.
EasyLunchboxes offers four different sets of lunch boxes, each with its own unique color combination. The Classic set features red, orange, green, and blue lids, while the Brights set comes in pink, purple, yellow, and green.
The Brights set also includes mini dipper containers that come with leak-resistant seals, making them perfect for dips, sauces, or dressings. The Urban set, meanwhile, features gray, brown, dark green, and black lids.
Some of the key benefits of EasyLunchboxes include their high quality, great value for money, and affordable price. They’re also ideal for calorie-controlled portions and can be used in both microwave and freezer.
With their kid-friendly design and easy-to-open lids, they’re a great option for families with children.
As with any product, there are some minor drawbacks to consider. For example, the lids can warp or crack if exposed to extreme heat, and not all dishwashers may be suitable for use. However, these issues don’t detract from the overall value of EasyLunchboxes Bento Lunch Boxes.
Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit
The Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit is a game-changer for packing healthy lunches. With its thoughtful combination of four different-sized containers, this kit allows you to organize your food with ease. The 2.6 cup container is perfect for sandwiches or wraps, while the 1.2 cup side container is ideal for pasta, rice, or salads. The two 0.5 cup snack containers are great for storing fruit, pretzels, and nuts.
All the lunch boxes are made from durable BPA-free plastic that’s microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. The clever design ensures your lunches stay fresher for longer, thanks to a blue ice pack that snaps onto the containers and keeps food chilled. The leak-proof lids keep freshness locked inside until lunchtime, and once you bring the containers home, the ice pack can be re-frozen in the freezer until you need it again – staying frozen up to 4 hours.
Additionally, the compact, lightweight modular containers snap and stack together, saving space in your backpack, briefcase, handbag, or kitchen cupboard. The measurement guide on each box makes it easy to match the right box to your food. Available in four bright colors, this kit is perfect for work, school, or backpackers. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as limited storage space and potential dishwasher issues with the lid seal, the pros far outweigh the cons.
The high-quality construction, excellent value for money, and convenient organizational design make it a worthwhile investment. Check out the price on Amazon.
OSK Japanese Traditional Rabbit Moon Bento Box Set
The OSK Japanese Traditional Rabbit Moon Bento Box Set is a vibrant and practical choice for those seeking healthier, portion-controlled meals. Manufactured in Japan, this strong hard plastic bento box boasts a sturdy lid and offers ample storage versatility.
The 620ml set features two separate containers: a 345ml top container with a removable divider, ideal for storing rice, vegetables, meatballs, or salad; and a 275ml bottom container suitable for sushi rolls, rice, or snacks like nuts and fruit. Although not designed for liquids, the bento box can accommodate hot food, though it is not microwave-safe and cannot be dishwasher cleaned. Its bright red hue, charming moon/flower motifs, and serene rabbit design add a touch of whimsy to mealtime.
The set includes a black elastic band to attach the containers and a matching red drawstring carry bag, making it portable and convenient. To complete the authentic experience, OSK also provides a bonus pair of chopsticks, allowing users to indulge in traditional Japanese dining. Overall, this bento box offers high-quality construction, great value, and an attractive design.
ThinkFit Meal Prep Lunch Box
The ThinkFit Meal Prep Lunch Box is a comprehensive meal preparation solution that caters to both adults and children. Whether you’re looking to kickstart a healthier diet or simply want your kids to have quick access to healthy food and snacks, this lunch bag has got you covered. The set comes with six portion-controlled storage containers, including four 2.5 cup containers perfect for storing sandwiches, salad, pasta, or rice, as well as two 1.
5 cup containers ideal for snacking on fruit and nuts. Additionally, the shaker bottle features three attached storage containers that can be used to store meal replacement shakes and powder supplements. The double-insulated bag is made from heavy-duty material and features a comfortable handle with double-stitching to prevent tearing. The durable blue plastic containers are BPA-free and come with a four-sided snap lid design that ensures leak-proof security and easy removal.
Notably, the containers can be used in the microwave and dishwasher for added convenience. Moreover, the lunch bag itself is highly versatile, featuring an additional side storage zipper pocket, a drink holder pouch, and a reusable ice pack to keep your food fresher for longer. The push-button pill-box also offers 7 compartments for storing vitamin pills. For easy carrying during transport, a shoulder strap is available.
The ThinkFit Meal Prep Lunch Box comes in blue, black, purple, or red options. As an added assurance, the company provides a 100% lifetime guarantee on the product.
PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box
The PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box is a stylish, compact, and functional solution for kids and adults alike. Whether heading off to school, the office, or embarking on an outdoor adventure, this cooler bag-style lunch box keeps food fresh and cool for hours. Designed in California, it’s crafted from durable 100% polyester that withstands daily wear and tear.
A built-in, non-toxic gel – freezable, BPA, phthalate, and lead-free – maintains a cool interior, keeping your meal at the perfect temperature. The spacious 10.25 x 4.5 x 8-inch interior accommodates sandwiches, small drink bottles or thermoses, yogurt, snacks, salads, and fruit. An exterior zip pocket stashes small items like cutlery, napkins, and a multi-tool. The large zip opening allows for easy storage and access while keeping the contents cool and dry.
For effortless carry, the adjustable buckle handle is designed for comfort and can be attached to a backpack or sports bag. While it’s not dishwasher or microwave safe, regular cleaning with a damp sponge and mild soap, followed by drying with a towel, keeps the bag in great condition. With its range of colorful designs, this lunch box is an excellent value for money, offering great quality at an affordable price.
LunchBots Lunch Container
The LunchBots Lunch Container is an excellent solution for carrying healthy meals and snacks to school or work. Its durability and food safety features make it a worry-free option for storing lunch inside. The 18/8 stainless steel construction, approved by the FDA, ensures that only pure, non-toxic material comes into contact with your food.
This versatile bento box boasts a three-section design, allowing you to store sandwiches or burgers in one section, and smaller items like veggies, fruit, or nuts in the others. Each section measures 5×6 inches, making it easy to fit a variety of items inside. Cleaning is also a breeze – simply pop the containers into the dishwasher for easy maintenance. The lunch box comes in five vibrant colors: aqua dots, blue dots, green, pink dots, and stainless steel.
A value bundle is also available, which includes two silicone bento cups, one condiment container (1.25 oz), and one dip container (2.5 oz) designed to fit seamlessly into the lunch box’s three sections. Some of the pros of this product include its high-quality construction, excellent value for money, suitability for both kids and adults, durability, and food safety features.
Additionally, the all-in-one design makes it easy to prepare a variety of meals and snacks, and the reusable nature means reduced waste. The kid-friendly lids are also a great feature. While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the higher price point and potential difficulties for very young children in opening the small containers, overall the LunchBots Lunch Container is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable, easy-to-use lunch solution.
Stanley Classic Lunch Box
For those requiring a rugged and spacious lunchbox for construction sites, fishing, or hunting trips, look no further than the Stanley Classic Lunch Box. This timeless design evokes memories of grandad’s lunchtime escapades, when he’d pack his lunch and head out to the lake or job site. Crafted from BPA-free 0.6mm cold rolled steel, this box boasts superior durability in the face of rough outdoor conditions.
Its ample interior can accommodate a hearty meal, while also providing storage space for a Stanley vacuum bottle, food jar, or mug behind the metal bracket on the domed lid. The sturdy latches and hinges add to its ruggedness, allowing you to carry it confidently wherever your adventures take you. The lunchbox is available in Hammer Tone Green or Navy, and with a lifetime warranty from Stanley, you can trust that this box will withstand the test of time.
While there may be some drawbacks – including a higher price point and potential for paint chipping – the pros far outweigh the cons. This lunchbox offers great value for its quality, superior durability, large capacity, and natural BPA-free composition. With its strong handle and ability to fit under most surfaces, this is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and spacious lunchbox.
Our Top Pick for the Best Lunch Box
The Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit is our top recommendation for an exceptional lunch box experience. For nearly eight decades, Rubbermaid has consistently delivered innovative products that simplify daily life. This kit is designed to provide a clever way to organize and transport a homemade meal anywhere – whether you’re heading to work, school, college, or embarking on an outdoor adventure like hiking, fishing, or a picnic.
The 4 leak-free, solid plastic lunch boxes allow for safe storage of hot or cold, healthy food options. Additionally, the kit includes two notable perks: a free ice pack that keeps your meals fresh even on the hottest days and vibrant color choices to suit your personal style. Check out the current price on Amazon.
