If your kid brings lunch to school on a regular basis, a durable lunch box will be great for them and for you. Many kids also use lunch boxes year-round: for summer camp, family trips, and general everyday outings. Whether you choose an insulated fabric bag or a bento box (or a combination of the two) will depend on a few factors.
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For kids in grades K through 12, access to refrigeration for packed lunches is uncommon. If you get a soft, insulated fabric bag that can hold your kid’s lunch as well as ice packs, food can be kept at an appetizing temperature—even when the bag is shoved in the back of a cubby or at the bottom of a backpack for three or four hours. In lieu of a bento box, reusable bags and small containers can help you organize meals.
Bento boxes typically aren’t insulated, but they do offer organization and simplification, which is appealing to many kids. They’re generally easy to wash, and they help reduce plastic waste. If it’s important to you that your young kid’s food stays cool, it’s easy to tuck a labeled bento box into a crowded daycare refrigerator. And many bento boxes will fit inside insulated fabric bags. (Metal bento boxes tend to be larger, and they may only fit inside bags specifically sold to go with them.)
Top pick
This roomy, soft-sided insulated lunch box is made of rugged materials, and it fits nicely in a backpack. It’s also easier to clean than many competitors.
The expandable version has the same features and durability, and it can unzip to provide about 2 inches of additional depth (which is useful if you regularly pack drink cans or large containers).
The L.L.Bean Lunch Box has been a pick in this guide since . It’s also recommended in our guide to lunch boxes for adults. It comes in solid colors as well as kid-friendly prints, and it can be monogrammed for around $10. And it’s one of the more affordable options we’ve tested.
It’s more durable than other insulated lunch boxes. Its hard-wearing nylon exterior is the same weatherproof material that L.L.Bean uses in its durable backpacks. The interior lining recovers better from getting poked with sharp objects than the interior of the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Classic Lunch Box (which shows indentations more readily and thus looks shabbier quicker). The L.L.Bean box also comes with a one-year satisfaction guarantee, which the Pottery Barn box lacks.
It’s easy to clean. The L.L.Bean Lunch Box has invisible seams, so it’s easier to wipe clean (using mild dish detergent and a damp paper towel) than models with exterior seams and folds. This box is not quite as simple and quick to wipe down as the Pottery Barn Mackenzie Classic, which has stiff, molded sides. Over two years, senior editor Erica Ogg has washed her L.L.Bean boxes in the dishwasher several times with great success, though this is not recommended by the manufacturer.
The standard L.L.Bean box is a great size, and the expandable version offers even more space. This lightweight lunch box can fit a generous lunch for kids (sandwich, apple, crackers, carrot sticks, cheese stick, yogurt, and a granola bar), plus an ice pack. Unlike our bento box picks, this box can fit a full-size piece of fruit and a boxed or canned drink. The expandable version, which unzips to create an additional 2 inches of depth, offers even more capacity, and it might be worth considering if you regularly pack drinks or larger food-storage containers.
Both versions can accommodate a bento box, and they can be tucked into a child’s backpack for easy commuting. Other insulated bags (including the Mackenzie Classic, with its reinforced sides) might not fit into a crowded backpack.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It stains easily. In our most recent tests, tomato sauce left a light stain on the L.L.Bean Lunch Box’s white interior. Although the seam-free lining is one of the easiest to wipe down, this lunch box can be challenging to keep perfectly clean.
It has soft sides. Fragile fruits like bananas and peaches may need their own container, so they don’t get smashed in transit. If you prefer an insulated box with reinforced sides, try the Mackenzie Classic.
Top pick
Like our Pottery Barn Kids backpack pick, the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Classic Lunch Box comes in dozens of kid-friendly designs, including unicorns, sea creatures, Harry Potter, and superheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Pottery Barn Kids makes six types of lunch boxes and bags. We prefer the Classic size; it offers about the same capacity as the L.L.Bean Lunch Box, but due to its square shape, it can’t accommodate most bento boxes. Its rigid structure may also make it harder to squeeze this box into a crowded backpack.
It keeps food appealingly cool. The Pottery Barn Mackenzie performed the best in our insulation testing. It was able to keep milk at the USDA-recommended temperature for perishable foods, even after four and a half hours.
It’s more rigid than other insulated lunch boxes. The Mackenzie Classic is slightly squatter and more square than the L.L.Bean soft box. But the main difference between the two lies in the Mackenzie Classic’s stiff sides, which prevent sandwiches, chips, and fruit from getting crushed (as they might in the L.L.Bean box).
It’s easy to clean but slightly less durable. Like the L.L.Bean box, the Mackenzie Classic has a water-repellent lining. However, while the L.L.Bean box’s lining is made of a thin sheet of vinyl, the Mackenzie Classic’s lining is made of a molded foam called PEVA. We’ve found the Mackenzie Classic’s smooth interior easier to wipe clean than the L.L.Bean box’s soft-sided interior, because it doesn’t bunch up or fold, and it didn’t stain in our testing. But the surface does get easily marked and permanently indented by sharp objects.
The design options are unrivaled. If your kid is a Frozen fan or a superhero stan, you could make their year with a lunch box you know they’ll love. Like the L.L.Bean box, the Mackenzie Classic can be monogrammed (though you’ll pay around $10 for the service at L.L.Bean and $15 at Pottery Barn).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It can’t fit most bento boxes. If you’re looking for an insulated lunch box that can pair with a plastic bento box, the Mackenzie Classic is unlikely to suit your needs. Because of its square shape, it didn’t work with any of our bento box picks (plastic or metal). Pottery Barn makes a few bento boxes that can fit into the Mackenzie Classic, but they seem cheaply made and awkwardly sized. You can always pack your kid’s lunch with reusable bags and food-storage containers (or zip-top bags) instead of using a bento box, but it’s nice to have options. The Mackenzie Classic has a slightly larger counterpart, the Mackenzie Cold Pack, that can fit a bento box.
It has no warranty. Unlike the L.L.Bean box, which is covered for one year after purchase, the Mackenzie Classic is not covered by a warranty.
Top pick
This plastic bento box is easy for young kids to use, yet it can also hold enough food for a hungry middle-schooler. It’s less durable than some of our other bento box picks, though.
The Bentgo Fresh Lunch Box is a straightforward plastic bento box that can fit plenty of food, and it’s a good choice for most kids. Despite this box’s generous capacity, it has a compact shape, so it can fit into most insulated fabric bags, including the L.L.Bean Lunch Box. But parents report that this bento box, like most of the plastic ones we’ve tested, can wear out after about a year.
It has a versatile layout. This box has a removable divider, so you can choose between three or four compartments. Without the divider, the main compartment can easily fit a whole sandwich. The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box, which is better suited to younger kids, can only fit half a sandwich, and though our metal bento picks technically can fit sandwiches, they’re more cramped.
It’s leakproof. In our tests, the juice from fruit salad stayed completely contained, both within its designated compartment and in the container as a whole. Younger kids had an easier time opening and closing the Bentgo Fresh’s latches than they did with some of the other bento boxes we tested, and that ease of use also helps prevent messy leaks.
It’s a cinch to clean. The removable tray is dishwasher-safe in the top rack, and though the outer shell must be hand-washed, there are no tricky corners or gaskets to worry about.
It’s pretty affordable. The Bentgo Fresh is significantly cheaper than the metal bento boxes we recommend.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It lacks long-term durability. We’ve found that this lunch box often fails to last into a second school year. In addition to the weak latches, the hinges can break: If you try to latch it closed when the lid is out of place, the hinges are strained at their weakest point. Although Bentgo’s two-year warranty does offer a measure of protection and recourse should anything go wrong, many folks may prefer to avoid the hassle of getting a replacement.
Our long-term testing shows that if you want a truly durable bento box, like the stainless steel PlanetBox Rover, you’ll have to pay upwards of around $50. For some families, though, buying a Bentgo Fresh once a year may be a more approachable option.
Top pick
This bento box has thoughtful (yet small) compartments, making it easy to pack an appealing lunch for preschool-age kids. The splashy prints help, too.
J. Kenji López-Alt’s detailed guide to packing bento lunches features photos of the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box, filled with a variety of colorful, kid-friendly meals. Bentgo recommends it for kids ages 3 to 7, and we tend to agree. Though it costs about the same as the Bentgo Fresh, it fits significantly less food. But the compartment layout is more conducive to classic bento presentation, which can be appealing to younger kids.
It’s leakproof, and the clasps are sturdy. In drop tests, the Bentgo Kids was one of the few bento boxes that didn’t open upon hitting the ground, and it’s just as leakproof as the Bengto Fresh and the Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel. The two plastic clasps were easy enough for my 4-year-old to open, though she found it hard to get them closed again.
When checking for leaks, I filled the tiny compartment in the middle with ranch dressing. Then I closed and shook the container, and it stayed put in its own little circle.
It’s slightly more durable than the larger Bentgo Fresh. Around the exterior’s outer edges, grippy rubber material is designed to absorb impact and protect the box if it’s dropped (this may be helpful for younger kids). But our long-term testing has shown that this box’s clasps or hinges will likely fail at some point (just like those on the Bentgo Fresh). And they’re not repairable (unlike the PlanetBox Rover’s hardware).
If you follow Bentgo’s recommendation to hand-wash the outer shell (the inner tray is dishwasher-safe), you should be able to extend the life of the clasps and hinges. And Bentgo’s two-year warranty applies here as well.
It comes in flashy prints. Unlike the Bentgo Fresh, which is marketed toward adults and comes in six solid colors, the Bentgo Kids is offered in eight solid colors and 29 different prints, including unicorns, dinosaurs, and everything in between. (You’ll have to pay about $2 more for a box with prints.)
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It’s petite. You can only fit about 2½ cups of food in the Bentgo Kids, compared with the Bentgo Fresh’s capacity of nearly 5 cups. This box has five fixed compartments, unlike the Bentgo Fresh, which has a removable divider. You can fit half a sandwich in the largest compartment, if need be, but this smaller box is best suited to snacky, toddler-style meals. It easily fits in the L.L.Bean Lunch Box with an ice pack, if you need to keep it cold.
It has a shelf life. Multiple long-term testers report needing to replace their Bentgo Kids boxes approximately once a year, compared with the PlanetBox Rover, which seems to last indefinitely. Also, the silicone on the Bentgo Kids stains easily, making it appear dingy annoyingly quickly.
Top pick
A gasketed, silicone-lined lid makes this bento box completely leakproof—a rare quality for metal bento boxes. But it’s not as durable as the fully metal options.
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If you want a bento box that’s as leakproof as the Bentgo Fresh—and you have a little extra room in your budget—the metal Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Lunch Box is even easier to clean than the plastic one, and it holds up well over time.
It’s surprisingly leakproof. This is the only kids stainless steel bento box we tested that has a leakproof silicone lid, which means it’s a good option for juicy or messy foods, like cut fruit or leftover pasta.
It’s more durable than plastic options. The Bentgo Kids has two sturdy plastic latches, compared with the Bentgo Fresh’s single plastic latch. But it still pales in comparison to the PlanetBox Rover in terms of longevity. Senior editor Courtney Schley, who has used several types of lunch boxes with her four kids, found that after just a year of use, one of its hinges broke. “The hinges are just riveted on,” she explains, “unlike the PlanetBox where they’re attached with pins.”
It’s easy to clean and fits plenty of food, but it’s heavy. You can put the whole thing in the top rack of the dishwasher, though the company advises that hand-washing helps preserve the box’s silicone seal, hinges, and lid color. It didn’t absorb any stains during testing.
It weighs 1.7 pounds, more than the Bentgo Fresh’s 1.3 pounds, but both can hold approximately 5 cups of food. The largest compartment can accommodate a whole sandwich (though you may need to cut it creatively, depending on the size of the bread).
It has a generous warranty. The Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel does have a five-year warranty (as confirmed by the company directly), compared with the plastic Bentgo models’ two-year warranty.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It has bigger dimensions. Just like the PlanetBox stainless steel bento boxes, the Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Lunch Box can’t fit in either of our picks for insulated lunch boxes. This may not be an issue if you don’t need to keep your kid’s food cool. Bentgo sells an insulated fabric bag that can accommodate this box. But our little testers didn’t love how large it felt (“like a briefcase,” as one 6-year-old described it) and that it was hard to fit into a backpack.
It’s pricey. The Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel with a solid-color top is currently about the same price as the PlanetBox Rover. But if you want one with a printed top (sharks, unicorns, dinosaurs, or rainbows), you’ll have to spend a little more.
The print comes off easily. Some Amazon reviews note that the printed design starts peeling off soon after the box is purchased, especially after being washed in the dishwasher. Our own long-term testing has found that the solid-color boxes can have the same issue.
Top pick
This stainless steel lunch box is by far the most durable of our bento picks, and it’s easy to clean because it can go straight into the dishwasher.
This bigger version is half an inch deeper than the Rover, and it has one fewer compartment, so it’s a great choice for older, hungrier kids.
PlanetBox makes two extremely sturdy stainless steel kids lunch boxes, the Rover and the Launch. The Rover is comparable in capacity to the Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel; the Launch, intended for slightly older or hungrier kids, can fit a bit more food. They are unrivaled in their durability. A parent on our staff said one of her four kids has been using a Rover for at least four years, and it shows few signs of wear and tear.
It’s incredibly durable—and repairable. Part of the reason the PlanetBox Rover lasts for so long is because it’s easy to repair, and the company offers helpful guidance on how to do so. One tester dropped a Rover lunch box and dented the lid, but they were able to fix it with this tutorial. PlanetBox also provides instructions for fixing loose hinge pins and faulty latches, and it sells replacement latches for about $2.
As more right to repair laws are passed, maybe we’ll see the effects trickle down to simple products like lunch boxes, but for now PlanetBox is an outlier. The five-year warranty is the cherry on top.
It’s leaky, but it includes lidded containers that fit inside. The Rover comes with two small metal containers with silicone lids. These are intended for wetter foods, like dipping sauce or fruit salad, because the bento box itself is not leakproof.
If your kid is a yogurt or strawberry fanatic, you might want to go with the Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel, which has a leakproof plastic and silicone lid.
It’s maneuverable, but heavy. A 4-year-old tester was able to operate the metal latch to open the tray, but it’s on the heavy side (the Rover, with its included containers, weighs around 1.6 pounds). It’s slightly lighter than the Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel, though.
It’s thoughtfully designed. The Rover, which is meant for younger kids, has four main compartments and a tiny “treat” compartment. It can still fit a (small, square) sandwich, but the layout also works well for kid-friendly bento-style lunches. It’s shallower than the Launch and all of the Bentgo picks, though, which can be limiting.
The Launch, which fits approximately 6 cups of food (compared with the Rover’s 4 cups) has three deeper compartments, which work well for a hearty entree or a sandwich plus two sides. Both models come with a choice of decorative magnets, which our kids loved, but make sure you remove them before washing the box: They can trap water and cause rust, which is hard to get rid of.
It’s dishwasher-safe. We appreciate that both models are dishwasher-safe, with no caveats or specifications.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It’s bigger and harder to insulate. The Rover is too big to fit in our insulated fabric bag picks. If you like the L.L.Bean Lunch Box and want a bento box to go with it, try either of the plastic Bentgo models. PlanetBox sells a Rover/Launch Carry Bag, but it performed poorly during insulation tests.
It’s expensive. If you buy a Rover along with the Rover/Launch Carry Bag, you’ll currently spend about $110, including shipping. Because Bentgo offers free shipping, a Bentgo Stainless Steel and Bentgo Lunch Bag cost slightly less (around $90). If your kid is forgetful, and their school or camp doesn’t have a reliable lost-and-found system, it might not be the best choice for you.
If you’re packing hot or cold foods for small kids: The plastic OmieBox (pictured above) comes with an integrated insulated food jar. As a result, it’s the only bento-style box we found that can carry hot and cold foods. The vacuum-sealed container—which didn’t leak in our tests—can keep foods like pasta and soup warm or foods like yogurt and cottage cheese cool.
We used to list the OmieBox as a pick in this guide, but we encountered some online reports of flimsiness and a lack of durability over time (and some Wirecutter staffers concurred). OmieBox increased the dimensions in , so it’s now possible to fit a regular sandwich (cut in half) into the main compartment. Still, we’ve concluded that the OmieBox, like the Bentgo Kids, might be best suited to preschool-age kids.
Supervising editor Marilyn Ong used OmieBoxes for her three kids for about two and a half years. She enjoyed the versatility of the hot-and-cold option and that Omie offers replacement parts on its website, but eventually her kids’ OmieBoxes broke too many times to keep trying to fix them.
If you want a small plastic bento box that costs less: Like the Bentgo Kids, the Munchkin Lunch Bento Box has a five-compartment setup. But it has slightly larger food sections, so it holds more and can theoretically be used beyond preschool. It’s easy to open with one latch, is surprisingly sturdy for the price, and is dishwasher-safe. The box comes with two stainless steel utensils—a spork and a spoon—that snap ingeniously into the lid.
Editor Rachel Hurn has been using this box for her now-5-year-old since she started daycare at age 2. “The only reason I recently bought a new lunch box (the Mackenzie Classic) is because my daughter’s camp wants one that’s insulated. I quickly understood why: Previously the Munchkin had gone straight from our fridge to the daycare or preschool’s fridge. But at day camp, it leaked sticky red juice all over my daughter’s bag when I packed fresh-picked strawberries on a hot day.”
If you want a stainless steel bento box with no frills: The Bentgo Microsteel, which is a pick in our guide to lunch boxes for adults, can hold the same amount of food in its single compartment as the Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Lunch Box. But it has smaller dimensions, so it fits into the L.L.Bean Lunch Box. It also costs significantly less.
Online reviews and forums, insight from parents, and feedback from older versions of this guide helped me select 12 new lunch boxes to test in , in addition to our five previous picks. I reviewed a wide variety of styles and sizes, and I kept in mind that many families like to pair a bento box with an insulated fabric bag.
The new models I tested included bento boxes with integrated ice packs, insulated fabric bags that were bundled with bento boxes, and insulated carrying cases that can accommodate larger stainless steel bento boxes.
Ultimately, after weeks of rigorous testing, I concluded that none of the new contenders were superior to the existing picks—because they’re just that good. Throughout the process, I considered the different qualities that each type of lunch box should have.
Insulated fabric lunch boxes should be:
Reasonably durable: A good insulated lunch box should be able to last through the school year with daily use (and ideally longer). The zipper shouldn’t break, and the inner lining and exterior fabric shouldn’t tear easily.
Appropriately sized: If a box has too much space, your kid’s lunch will rattle around. If it has too little space, you may not be able to fit several food containers or a bento box.
Effective: You should feel confident that when an insulated lunch box is used with ice packs, your kid’s food will stay cool until lunch time.
Easy to clean: The lining should be stain-resistant and free of crevices that trap crumbs or other residue. You should be able to easily wipe or rinse the lunch box, and it should dry fairly quickly.
Appealing to kids: It’s a nice bonus when lunch boxes come in a variety of colors, patterns, or themes.
Bento boxes should be:
Durable: A bento box designed for kids should be able to withstand plenty of rough use. The latches should hold for at least a year, ideally longer.
Easy to clean: A bento box that’s dishwasher-safe is the gold standard, but a bento box should also be easy to hand-wash, without too many tricky corners or removable components.
Easy to use: Little hands should be able to open and close the latches, and ideally the lid will be attached to the base and therefore hard to lose.
Leakproof: Some of the bento boxes we like have gasketed lids that keep juicy or messy foods separated and contained within the box.
Just the right size: A preschool-age kid will need a much smaller lunch than an eighth-grader. We tested a variety of bento boxes that work for kids of different ages.
Thoughtfully designed: The compartments should make it easy to pack a simple lunch with an appealing presentation. According to Yuki Chikudate, a preschool teacher in New York City, “Most kids respond positively to the ritual of eating a well-packed, visually pleasing lunch.”
For testing, we relied on the same methodology that we followed for our adult lunch box guide, evaluating the following:
Size and comfort: First, we assessed how well each model fit a generous lunch for kids. Then we gave the full bags and boxes a good jostle to make sure everything stayed in place, and we tested any straps and handles for comfort and functionality.
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Leakiness: We filled designated compartments with juicy fruit salad and then closed and shook the boxes. Afterward we assessed whether any liquids seeped between compartments or out of the containers.
Durability and stain resistance: In testing we dropped the bento boxes from waist height onto concrete. Then I splashed a tablespoon of tomato sauce inside both types of lunch boxes, letting the sauce sit overnight before attempting to clean it.
Insulation: We placed Yumbox ice packs above and below a plastic container filled with ½ cup of milk at 39 °F. Using a food thermometer, we tested whether any of the insulated lunch boxes could keep the milk below 40 °F (the temperature the USDA recommends for perishable foods) after two and then four and a half hours outside the fridge. All three of our insulated lunch box picks—the L.L.Bean Lunch Box and Expandable Lunch Box and the Pottery Barn Mackenzie Classic Lunch box—kept the milk below 40 °F for two hours. Only the Mackenzie Classic kept the milk at 40 °F after four and a half hours (both L.L.Bean lunch boxes kept the milk at 42 °F).
Insulated lunch bags
The affordable Go Green Lunch Box Set comes with an insulated fabric bag, a bento box, and a water bottle, but the bag and box were too big, and they felt cheaply made.
Unlike the smaller Mackenzie Classic, the Mackenzie Cold Pack can fit both of our plastic Bentgo picks, but only if you remove the cold pack (which is small and ineffective, anyway). Plus it’s got a bunchy nylon lining instead of the Mackenzie Classic’s sturdy molded foam, so it’s harder to clean.
Like the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Classic Lunch Box, the insulated fabric Lands’ End Insulated EZ Wipe Printed Lunch Box we tested has a molded foam interior that gives it a firmer shape in comparison with the L.L.Bean Lunch Box. With use, however, the separate lining started blistering in the corners, and we found the box too large for a kid’s lunch.
The L.L.Bean Flip-Top Lunch Box is larger than our pick, the L.L.Bean Lunch Box, but it has a similarly rugged outer shell and an easy-to-wipe inner lining. It’s more structured, and it doesn’t fit as neatly into backpacks or totes.
The PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag has decent reviews on Amazon, but we’ve read customer complaints stating that the inside becomes covered in condensation and gets food wet. One of our editors used this lunch bag and said it was difficult to clean.
The insulated fabric Wildkin Lunch Box inner lining has a lot of seams, which trap crumbs and make cleaning difficult. In our tests, tomato sauce heavily stained the interior.
Bento-style lunch boxes
The Yumbox Presto is a pretty good leakproof stainless steel option, and it costs slightly less than the Bentgo Stainless Steel, but the compartments are laid out in an awkward way.
We noticed Sistema Bento Food Containers being praised on several online forums as an affordable alternative to bento boxes, but when we tried them, they immediately warped in the dishwasher.
The plastic and metal Monbento MB Wonder is fairly leakproof, but it’s even bigger than our metal bento box picks, so it doesn’t fit in any of our insulated lunch box picks. And none of its five compartments can fit even half a sandwich.
The Bentgo Kids Snap and Go holds a generous amount of food, but you can’t fit a sandwich in any of the compartments. Also, with its removable top and four latching sides, it’s a bit more work for kids to open and close.
Bentgo recently released the Bentgo Kids Chill, which comes with an ice pack insert. But because it’s not insulated, the food we placed in it was completely room temperature after four hours.
The B.box Lunch Box also includes a small ice pack that integrates into one of its compartments. But, like the Bentgo Kids Chill, this box didn’t keep the food cool for a meaningful period of time.
The plastic Bentgo Classic Lunch Box was a pain to use. We had trouble fitting the lids onto the containers, and the plastic cutlery was a nuisance.
The plastic Bentoheaven Premium Lunch Box has only two large compartments and flimsy, toylike utensils.
For young kids, the Ecolunchbox Three-in-One Classic is a nice, compact stainless steel option, but we ruled it out because it’s not leakproof. And it’s more than a cup smaller than some of our other picks, so it’s too small for older kids.
The stainless steel LunchBots Large Cinco Bento Box comes in many sizes, configurations, and layouts, with a variety of lidded bowls that can fit inside. But it felt flimsier than our other stainless steel bento box picks, and the unattached lid could get lost more easily.
The Pottery Barn Kids All-in-One Bento Box can be purchased as a bundle with our Mackenzie Classic pick, but the plastic felt very cheap, and it’s an awkward size. We did not test the metal Pottery Barn Kids Spencer Stainless Bento Box because its compartments are small and limiting. And the box’s thin plastic lid looked less durable than the material on our bento picks.
Similar in design to the plastic Bentgo Kids, the Yumbox Panino is too small for many kindergarteners and older kids, and the plastic was less rugged than we’d like.
The Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless Lunch Jar is a next-level insulated bento box with multiple locking containers. But it’s too large for school use and too complicated for younger kids because it needs to be packed in a specific way to close securely.
A great lunch box can become even better with help from a cast of supporting players. Here are some reusable bags, containers, and utensils from our other guides and from Wirecutter staffers’ personal experiences.
Reusable silicone bags
Less wasteful than disposable zip-top plastic bags, Stasher Reusable Silicone Bags—a pick from our guide to reusable alternatives to plastic—are available in a range of sizes and colors. They seal securely and are freezer- and dishwasher-safe. The only drawback is their high price (currently $55 for a pack of four), though they do occasionally go on sale.
Beeswax wraps
Pliable Bee’s Wrap beeswax wraps—another Wirecutter pick—cling to themselves, so it’s easy to transport sandwiches, fruit, and veggies. Although they’re not airtight, in our tests these wraps performed just as well as plastic wrap for short-term use. They require gentle hand-washing and should last about a year with proper use.
Food containers and dividers
The Miniware GrowBento set comes with a stainless steel bento box and two leakproof silicone pods that work well for dips and sauces (they’re dishwasher- and freezer-safe). The set is designed for babies and toddlers, so it’s too small for a kid’s full lunch, but it can store sides or snacks inside an insulated lunch box.
Plastic Snapware containers—a top pick in our guide to the best food-storage containers—are affordable, lightweight, leakproof, and dishwasher-, freezer-, and microwave-safe. This 20-piece assorted Snapware set costs about as much as a Bentgo Fresh box, and it has several smaller containers that could work well inside insulated lunch boxes.
To help customize the compartments in her kid’s bento boxes, product design director Tabitha Rodrigue recommends using silicone baking cups, including the dishwasher-, freezer-, and microwave-safe Amazon Basics Reusable Silicone Baking Cups.
Food thermoses
A food thermos is the tidiest way to tote hot and liquidy foods. The affordable Thermos Funtainer Food Jar, our food thermos pick for kids, comes in lots of colors and patterns, and it’s dishwasher-safe. Some families prefer the LunchBots Thermal because its wider mouth is so easy to eat from.
The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar, our top food-thermos pick, is another great option. Its 12-ounce size makes sense for kids, and in our tests, it performed better than almost every other food thermos at keeping foods hot (or cold) for six hours or more.
Utensils
Supervising Editor Marilyn Ong opts for the OmieBox Kids Utensils Set with Case. When not in use, the reusable, dishwasher-safe plastic fork and spoon nest together in a silicone case with an attached strap.
This article was edited by Alison Rochford and Kalee Thompson.
At Caraway , we know that when it comes to meal prep, the right containers make all the difference. They keep your meals organized, your fridge neat, and your food fresh longer. But with so many options out there—plastic, glass, stainless steel, silicone—it can feel overwhelming to know what’s actually worth using.
In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in meal prep containers, from materials and sizes to features like being microwave-safe or leakproof. Plus, we’ll share some pro tips and top container picks to streamline your meal prep routine.
What Exactly Are Meal Prep Containers?
Meal prep containers are exactly what they sound like—containers designed to store and organize prepped food. They make it easy to portion meals in advance, keep ingredients fresh, and pack lunches or dinners for the week. Think of them as your go-to for saving time and cutting down on stress in the kitchen.
What Features Should You Consider When Choosing a Meal Prep Container?
So, what should you look for when picking the best meal prep containers? Whether you're just starting out or a meal prep regular, the right containers can take your prepping routine to the next level.
Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the perfect ones for your kitchen.
Material
Take a stroll down the container aisle, and you’ll see options in plastic, glass, stainless steel, and silicone. However, not all containers are made equal, and the material you choose can seriously impact how your food stays fresh and how easy meal prep feels.
Plastic containers are lightweight and affordable but can stain, warp, or absorb odors over time . Glass containers, on the other hand, are reusable, perfect for reheating, and great for long-term use—though they’re heavier to carry.
Stainless steel is super durable and keeps food fresh, but it doesn’t work in the microwave. Meanwhile, silicone is flexible, great for small portions, and easy to store but may not hold up well for all meals. Think about how you’ll use your containers to decide what makes the most sense for you.
Size and Capacity
Picking the right size and capacity for your meal prep containers is key to keeping things practical. You’ll want containers that fit your portions without wasting space. Think about the meals you’re prepping—are they single servings, family-sized dishes, or snack portions?
Smaller containers work well for snacks like nuts or cut-up veggies, while medium ones are great for lunches or meal components like proteins and sides. Larger containers are perfect for batch-cooking soups or stews. And if your fridge is short on space, stackable designs can help you stay organized without overcrowding your shelves.
Compartments and Dividers
If keeping meals organized is your goal, compartments are a lifesaver. They’re perfect for portioning and keeping different foods neatly separated, so nothing ends up soggy or mixed when it shouldn’t be.
Here’s how different options can work for your meal prep:
Single Compartment: These offer a spacious design, perfect for prepping simple meals like stir-fries, pasta dishes, or bulk-prepped ingredients.
Two Compartments: Great for separating proteins from sides or packing a main dish with a snack or salad.
Three Compartments: These are ideal for balanced meals, keeping your veggies, proteins, and carbs neatly portioned in one container.
Bento Boxes: With multiple sections, bento boxes are perfect for portion control, variety, and making lunches more fun and organized—especially for on-the-go meals or kid-friendly options.
Choosing the right layout can simplify your prep and keep your meals fresh, organized, and ready when you need them.
Safety and Usability Features
The best meal prep containers should make your life easier, not more complicated. Look for features that simplify reheating, storage, and cleanup.
Microwave-safe containers let you warm up meals without extra dishes, while oven-safe options are great if you want to bake or reheat directly.
Freezer-safe containers help you store food without worrying about cracking or freezer burn.
And let’s not forget the importance of being dishwasher-safe—because who has time for handwashing everything?
Finally, airtight and leakproof designs keep your food fresh and prevent spills, whether you’re storing soups at home or packing salads to go.
What Are Some Tips for Choosing a Meal Prep Container?
We’ve gone over the features of a great meal prep container, but how do you figure out which ones belong in your kitchen? It’s all about finding containers that work for your lifestyle, keep food fresh, and make prepping a breeze.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Select the Right Material
After learning about plastic, glass, stainless steel, and silicone, you might be wondering—what’s actually the best option? It depends, but if you’re looking for something non-toxic, durable, and easy to clean, glass is hard to beat.
It doesn’t absorb odors, resists stains, and skips the questionable chemicals found in some plastics. At Caraway, we take it a step further with our Food Storage Set . Made from ceramic-coated glass, it’s non-stick and non-toxic and comes with built-in organizers that make storing leftovers ridiculously easy.
2. Go for Versatility
Your containers should work with your routine, not against it. Look for ones that handle it all—microwaving, freezing, reheating, and keeping your meals fresh in the fridge.
Airtight lids? A must. Oven-safe for reheating casseroles? Even better. Versatile containers are like the MVPs of meal prep, letting you focus on enjoying your food instead of managing a pile of mismatched lids and warped plastic.
3. Consider Your Storage Needs
Meal prepping can turn into a storage nightmare if you don’t plan ahead. Single-compartment containers are great for big batches of soups or stews, but dividers are a must when you want to pack a balanced meal. Think protein, veggies, and carbs—all neatly separated. Plus, stackable designs save fridge space and keep your kitchen from feeling like a game of Tupperware Tetris.
4. Focus on Product Quality
No one wants containers that crack, warp, or fall apart after a few uses. Investing in high-quality containers means you’ll have a set that lasts, saves money in the long run, and makes meal prep easier. Look for durable materials like glass or stainless steel that can handle the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher without wearing down.
A well-made container isn’t just about durability. It also means no leaky lids or food odors sticking around. Caraway’s ceramic-coated glass containers are built to last, offering a clean and modern way to prep, store, and reheat without the wear and tear of lower-quality options.
5. Don’t Forget About Size Requirements
Picking the right sizes is just as important as choosing the right material. Prepping single servings? Smaller containers work great for portioning out snacks or lunches. Planning family meals or big-batch recipes? Larger sizes are key for storing soups, stews, or roasted veggies. And for those in-between meals, medium-sized containers give you flexibility without taking up too much fridge space.
Caraway’s Food Storage Set now includes extended sizes, like our new Mini containers—perfect for snacks, small portions, or meal prep for one. Whether you’re prepping a snack, dinner, or leftovers, having a range of sizes makes everything easier.
What Makes Caraway’s Food Storage Set Right for You?
At Caraway, we’re all about simplifying meal prep with containers that are practical, stylish, and safe for you and your family. Our 17-piece Food Storage Set is designed with your kitchen in mind, featuring non-toxic ceramic-coated glass that’s free from BPA and harmful chemicals.
The built-in Air Release Technology keeps your food fresh while blocking unwanted odors, and the complimentary organizers help keep your cabinets tidy. From snacks to full meals, our stackable, leakproof containers make meal prep feel less like a chore and more like an upgrade.
Tips for Meal Prepping Like a Pro
Meal prep containers are just part of the equation—how you plan and execute your prep matters just as much . If you’re just starting out or looking for ways to simplify your routine, a few smart strategies can completely transform how you approach meal prep.
These tips will help you save time, stay organized, and enjoy stress-free meals all week long.
Start With a Plan
Meal prep is so much easier when you know exactly what you’re cooking. Take a little time each week to plan your meals and write a shopping list.
Focus on recipes that use similar ingredients to minimize waste and save money. Whether it’s a batch of roasted veggies or a hearty stew, having a plan keeps you on track and makes the process feel manageable.
Prep Ingredients in Batches
Instead of prepping one meal at a time, tackle your ingredients in bulk. Roast a tray of veggies, cook grains like rice or quinoa, and bake proteins all at once.
Store them separately in meal prep containers for mix-and-match meals throughout the week. This method saves time and gives you the flexibility to create different dishes with the same ingredients.
Label and Date Everything
Labeling isn’t just for neat freaks—it’s a game-changer for keeping your meals organized. Use sticky notes or write directly on your food storage containers with a dry-erase marker to include the contents and date. This simple step helps you keep track of what’s fresh and what needs to be eaten first.
Dedicate Time for Meal Prep
Carve out a specific day or time each week to focus on meal prep. Maybe it’s Sunday afternoon or a weekday evening—whatever works for your schedule.
Treat it like an appointment to help stay consistent. Put on a podcast, gather your favorite kitchen tools, and make it enjoyable. With a little planning, it can feel less like a task and more like a weekly routine you actually look forward to.
Clean as You Go
Meal prep can get messy fast, but cleaning as you go keeps your workspace manageable and your process efficient. Wash cutting boards, knives, and other tools as soon as you’re done using them to avoid a big pile of dishes at the end. With fewer distractions, you’ll find that meal prep moves along smoothly.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right meal prep containers is about more than just convenience—it’s about setting up your kitchen for success. From non-toxic glass meal prep containers to versatile designs with dividers, having the right tools can transform how you prep, store, and enjoy your meals.
At Caraway , we’re here to make meal prep simple and stylish. Our BPA-free, ceramic-coated Food Storage Set is designed to keep your food fresh and organized, whether you’re packing lunch boxes, storing leftovers, or prepping recipes for the week ahead.
Ready to upgrade your home kitchen? Explore our non-toxic kitchenware and discover how easy meal prep can be.
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