Luggage, containers, and plastic-free… we tried ’em all! Be taught the professionals and cons of over 15 standard lunch containers to search out the right one to your children.

Get wholesome packed lunch concepts in our large photograph gallery of wholesome child lunches.

Having an amazing lunch field makes all the college lunch expertise so a lot better to your children… and for you! Lunch containers take fairly a beating. They get smashed into backpacks, spilled on, and typically even forgotten with pungent meals left in them. (Yech! Is likely to be time for a alternative!) There are such a lot of choices on the market, it’s exhausting to know which one suits your wants. So we put collectively an excellent thorough checklist of various lunchbox choices, together with the professionals and cons of every sort. Test them out!

Bento-Type Lunch Packing containers

Bentgo Contemporary

Execs:

• Leak-proof compartments. Entrees, sides, and snacks keep separated on-the-go with out the inconvenience of a number of lunch baggage or containers.
• Interior tray is microwave protected.
• Good portion sizes for all ranges of youngsters.
• Customizable compartments.  Preserve the 3-compartment construction as-is to pack bigger fundamental programs or add the non-obligatory divider to create Four compartments.

Cons:

• Not insulated and so it gained’t preserve meals sizzling or chilly
• Hand wash advisable

OmieBox

Execs:

• Thermal insulated bento lunch field with two temperature zones for storing cold and hot meals.
• Built-in stainless-steel vacuum insulated thermos meals jar gives highly effective insulation for warm meals.
• Double walled, air insulated bento lunch field retains fruits & greens cool and contemporary.
• Three separate leak-proof bento compartments retains meals separated and visually interesting.
• Meals thermos is shallow with a large mouth, so children can scoop meals out simply. The insulated bento field can be shallow with rounded corners.

Cons:

• Heavier than different lunch containers.  Could also be troublesome for young children to hold.
• Not as straightforward to wash as different lunch containers as a result of you need to take a number of elements out and hand wash.

Rubbermaid LunchBlox

Execs:

• Modular containers snap collectively to save lots of area and keep organized, and may be stacked to suit varied lunch bag styles and sizes.
• Blue Ice freezer packs snap on to meals containers, holding lunch chilled while you’re on the go.
• Sturdy lunch field containers have a safe lid seal to forestall leaking.
• Equipment Consists of: 2 Snack Containers (.5 cup capability), 1 Facet Container (1.2 cup capability), 1 Sandwich Container (2.6 cup capability) and 1 Medium Blue Ice
• Microwave, dishwasher and freezer protected
• Very cheap

Cons:

• Very small – the sandwich container can barely match a sandwich
• A number of elements to maintain monitor of

Yumbox

Execs:

• YUMBOX is leakproof! Pack moist meals like yogurt and applesauce (not water). Seals with one lid.
• Kid-friendly latch for simple opening and shutting. 
• Detachable tray  holds 5 1/2 cup parts.
•  Sturdy outerbox with stainless-steel supported hinge, Tritan (tray) and Silicone (seal).
•  Dishwasher protected. Prime rack solely. Hand washing the outer shell and/or eradicating it earlier than the warmth dry cycle is very advocate to protect the seal.

Cons:

• Could also be too small except you might have smaller youngsters.
• The sturdiness could not final except you hand wash solely.

Straightforward Lunch Field

Execs:

• Designed with kid-friendly, easy-open lids. Lid match is comfortable, not tight; nice for individuals with particular wants.
• Three compartments (9.4″ x 6.1″ x 2″); constructed from FDA-approved, high-quality polypropylene.
• Nice for portion management or particular eating regimen; retains meals separated; protected for microwave, freezer, dishwasher; these meals storage containers nest collectively to save lots of area when not in use.
• Cheap.

Cons:

• Not-leak proof; keep away from liquids or runny meals.

Non-Plastic Lunch Packing containers

Planet Field

Execs:

• Consists of stainless-steel lunchbox, 2 spherical lidded containers; a mushy carry bag, and set of ornamental magnets.
• Particular person compartments guarantee meals don’t contact one another and arrive wanting neat and interesting.
• Made out of protected, non-toxic, and recycled supplies – protected from lead, PVC, phthalates, or BPA.
• Multi functional piece design for simple care and cleansing – no mismatched lids to lose – dishwasher protected.
• Not fully leakproof, however issues like tomato sauce on pasta gained’t leak into the opposite compartments.

Cons:

• Far more costly than different stainless choices

LunchBots

Execs:

• With one large compartment that’s excellent for a sandwich and two smaller sections designed for sides, your complete lunch suits in a single container. 
• Protected and sturdy. Comprised of prime quality 18/eight stainless-steel.  Even with the colourful dot covers, 18/eight the stainless-steel is all that touches your meals.  And since they’re nearly indestructible, they’re nice for any on-the-go way of life.
• The divided stainless-steel lunch field saves you the trouble of opening numerous containers for fast comfort and an exquisite presentation.
• Tremendous-simple cleanup, simply toss your Bento Trio and lid within the dishwasher. 

Cons:

• The lids and dividers aren’t watertight so pack solely dry meals.  Can use a separate container to carry dips and dressings. 

Eco Lunchbox

Execs:

• The 100% stainless-steel lunchbox set works nice for packing a small sandwich on the underside plus a moist and dry facet dish within the high container.
• All collectively when boxed up, the bento measures Four inches large, 5 1/2 inches lengthy and a couple of 3/Four inches excessive and suits about Four cups of meals. The underside part is 1 inch deep (comprises about 1 1/2 cups meals) and suits a small complete sandwich on sliced bread. The highest layer is a bit bigger at 1 1/2 inches deep (comprises about 1 3/Four cups of meals) and works nicely for bulkier meals, corresponding to chips, sliced fruit, leftover pastas or salads.
• The clips are kid-tested and may be adjusted to desired stiffness. 

Cons:

• ECO lunchboxes aren’t leak proof. Damp meals work nicely, however as a result of the lids don’t have any plastic gaskets or different added synthetics to create a seal, very moist meals could leak.

JaceBox Stainless Metal Lunch Field

Execs:

• Sturdy.  Virtually unbreakable so you’ll get nice use out of it. 
• The snap on air tight lids are leakproof, creating a decent seal, and are EASY to open particularly for toddler and youngsters.
• Organizes simply as a result of the three sizes nest inside one another and match properly into a cabinet or drawer
• Clear lid so you recognize whats inside earlier than opening. 
• Nice as a freezer containers.  No odor absorption and no style retention.  

Cons:

• Lid not as sturdy because the container

Snapping Lid Stainless Metal Field

Execs:

• Comprised of food-grade stainless-steel.
• Leakproof seal- Get pleasure from meals with out worrying about leaks and spills.
• Sturdy and excellent for each day use and picnics.
• Straightforward to wash – removable lids. Dishwasher protected. 
• Is available in three totally different sizes. 

Cons:

• Chance of the snap on lid breaking as it’s plastic

Tiffin Sq. Stainless Lunchbox

Execs:

• Has a divider and so you possibly can have several types of meals with out them referring to fully seperate ranges.
• Holds as much as Three cups of meals
• Sq. form makes extra room in a lunch bag for different gadgets if desired

Cons:

• Not leak proof. Doesn’t have plastic gaskets and so liquids can leak out the perimeters.

Mushy-Sided Lunch Luggage

LunchBots Double Decker Lunch Bag

Execs:

• Double Decker Design.  Can preserve meals heat and chilly within the separated compartments. 
• The versatile high compartment is ideal for fruit, a water bottle or a thermal container.  The underside part is particularly designed for a big Bento field to put flat, decreasing the chance of unintended spills. 
• Two carrying choices – has a removable strap and sling or a cushty deal with.  Out there in a number of colours. 
• Made with sturdy, prime quality polyester material making it super-easy to wash. 

Cons:

• No additional pockets for extra gadgets.
• Prime compartment is small.

Funkins Lunch Bag

Execs:

• Neoprene materials which is extremely sturdy. 
• Nice design with high-quality options together with mushy handles, strengthened seams, sturdy zippers, large zipper openings, inside identify label and pocket. 
• Eco-friendly, reusable and intensely sturdy – stain, tear and waterproof means this bag can be utilized over and over, past one college 12 months.
• Very easy to wash. Funkins neoprene lunch baggage may be hand-washed or machine washed, air dries in minutes.
• Could be saved flat in a drawer, and can stand upright for simple packing. Bag design helps meals containers keep upright whereas touring to high school.
• Very spacious – massive bag stretches to carry your whole youngster’s reusable lunch and drink containers. 

Cons:

• So spacious that issues would possibly transfer round lots inside.

Bentology Lunch Bag

Execs:

• Plenty of actually cute designs to select from
• This provider is an ideal match for the Bentology Bento Field or combo set. 
• Plenty of totally different pockets. Has an expandable facet pocket with a zipper to your beverage bottle. Entrance expandable pocket can maintain additional gadgets. Inside mesh pocket.
• Preferrred measurement for youthful children.

Cons:

• The width is thinner than different lunch baggage and will not match as a lot inside

MIER Children Lunch Field

Execs:

• Mesh pouch on the within lid for ice pack, spoon, serviette.  Particular design for Velcro tape shut, retains issues in place when the lid is opened. Exterior zipper pocket for extra storage
• Insulated and meals protected PEVA lining retains your meals heat or chilly. Inside heat-welded seams forestall versatile liner leaks.  Straightforward to wash.
• Top quality “MIER”  zipper design – extra sturdy than different lunch baggage.
• Sturdy and softy padded seize deal with that’s straightforward and comfy for teenagers to carry.
• Cheaper than different lunch baggage

Cons:

• Smaller capability than different lunch baggage

OPUX Thermal Lunch Bag

Execs:

• Outfitted with eco-friendly PEVA lining that’s mushy and straightforward to wash. Simply wipe it with a moist material and it’s good as new.
• Very spacious – can maintain quite a lot of meals. 
• Entrance and facet pockets to hold additional gadgets and multi-functional strap with buckle makes the lunch bag straightforward to hold. Lunch bag may be carried by hand or be tied to backpack on the deal with.
• Made with high-quality nylon and polyester material and strengthened zippers to make sure most sturdiness.

Cons:

• Not pretty much as good of insulation as another lunch baggage

PackIt Freezable Traditional Lunch Field

Execs:

• PackIt’s basic lunchbox encompasses a groundbreaking all-in-one cooling system. Freezable gel is constructed into within the partitions of the bag chill contents for hours.  There are not any additional elements to lose or neglect within the freezer
• Your complete lunch field collapses flat for compact storage within the freezer. Freeze the lunchbox in a single day (12 hours) and by morning, the partitions of the bag shall be fully frozen and able to cool gadgets for hours. 
• Massive zip opening permits for quicker top-load packing and locks in cool, dry air. A buckle deal with conveniently helps you to connect this lunch field to backpacks, messenger baggage, sports activities baggage and extra. The outside mesh facet pocket holds an 8oz water bottle, utensils and serviette or snacks. 

Cons:

• Heavier than different lunch baggage due to the inbuilt freezer packs.
• Some complaints of zippers breaking

Extras: Lunch Field Equipment

Thermos Foogo Jar

Execs:

• Vacuum insulation: Double wall stainless-steel meals jar options vacuum insulation know-how that retains contents chilly for as much as 7 hours or heat for as much as 5 hours. Vacuum insulation maintains temperature of the contents longer, which inhibits micro organism development and spoiling.
• Sturdy: Designed with children in thoughts. The stainless-steel inside and exterior is sturdy and withstands the calls for of each day use; the double wall design permits this meals jar to remain cool to the contact with heat meals and sweat-proof with chilly meals.  Has a ergonomically-designed lid with a rubber grip for simple dealing with; the bottom of the jar is non-slip and scratch resistant.
• Straightforward to Fill: The large opening makes the meals jar straightforward to fill, eat from and clear; It’s an effective way to pack contemporary and wholesome meals for varsity or on the go.
• Cheaper than different related merchandise

Cons:

• Smaller filling capability – solely 10 ounces
• In my expertise doesn’t preserve meals heat for five hours.  By the point my children eat lunch, their meals is lukewarm.

LunchBots Thermal Jar

Execs:

• Superior Insulation: Stays chilly for as much as 12 hours or sizzling for over 6 hours. They assure it’ll outperform a product of the identical capability from another model.
• All Stainless Metal: No plastic concerned! The Thermal’s inside, together with the lid, is product of sturdy 18/eight stainless-steel. Dishwasher protected for a no-hassle cleanup.
• Nice Measurement: Holds as much as 2 cups of meals.  Its 4.5″ diameter is good for chunky stews or fruit salad, and it makes it straightforward to fill together with your lunchtime favorites. Suits nice with quite a lot of totally different lunch baggage. 
• Leak Proof Design: When you might have a busy schedule, you want a meals jar that may sustain! Fully leak proof, the Thermal is a must have for grab-and-go mornings. You’ll be able to drop it in your children lunchbox or backpack with out the fear of unintended spills or messes.

Cons:

• Dearer than its rivals

Lunch Field Ice Packs

• Excellent Measurement: Preferrred measurement for on a regular basis use. Every ice pack measures 4.75″ x 4.75″ x 0.25″.
• Handy: Suits into all varieties of lunch baggage, lunch containers, coolers and grocery totes.
• Slim Design: Nice for utilizing in tight areas or stacking a number of collectively for higher cooling energy.