Update April 2017 - The Ziploc lunch containers are back! Grab them here - Ziploc Divided Lunch Containers
I'm sad to report that what you've heard is true ...the divided Ziploc lunch containers have been discontinued! :( These are our favorite lunch boxes because they're super easy to use (with only one lid to open), lightweight, inexpensive, hold the right amount of food, and most importantly, are leakproof. And these are even the containers we used for all the school lunch pictures in my new cookbook!
But enough about the containers you can no longer buy (so sorry!). Let's instead talk about the two most comparable alternatives I've found. I did some testing this week that felt pretty darn risky. But the results ended up being better than I expected, so let's get down to it!
Option 1: EasyLunchboxes
Pros: Same size as Ziploc, lightweight, inexpensive, and come with colorful easy-to-open single lids.
Cons: NOT Leakproof! And a special carrying case is recommended to keep the lunch box level throughout the day (something that is just not gonna happen at our house).
Okay, so let's tackle this non-leakproof issue - my biggest qualm with the EasyLunchboxes. I'd read that you can put a piece of plastic wrap over the compartment(s) you'd like to keep leakproof to prevent any issues. But I also read you'd still need to keep the lunch box horizontal in the special carrying case. I personally feel this is an unrealistic expectation for my active elementary-aged children - with big consequences in the form of liquid spilling out of their lunch bags. Not to mention we already have (embroidered) lunch bags we love that so nicely clip (vertically) to their matching backpacks.
So, I went out on a limb this week and tested the plastic wrap suggestion in an EasyLunchbox that was definitely not kept horizontal! I decided to have lunch with my daughter at school because I was so nervous this trick would not work and there'd be yogurt all over the place. But what do you know ...it worked just fine! It was most certainly an extra step (well, 2 steps actually) to put the plastic wrap over the yogurt and the juicy watermelon compartments AND to put a rubberband around the whole thing just to be extra sure we didn't have any issues. But with limited lunch box options this is what works!
The biggest issue I found was that the plastic wrap was fairly messy and not easy to put back on. It had also ripped a little from where the lid pushed down onto it. So if your child doesn't eat all their yogurt or other liquidy food you'll want to instruct them to somehow put the plastic wrap back on to transport it home mess-free (or provide an extra clean piece of wrap). Also, I did test the plastic wrap trick with water in the box (at home) and that did not work, so I wouldn't recommend putting anything too watery in there. Also I am not saying this tactic will always work 100% of the time, but it worked just fine for us this week.
Option 2: Yumbox Panino
Pros: Leakproof! One easy-to-open single lid plus it's relatively the same size with a similar configuration as Ziploc. There are also colorful and fun little labels in the food compartments, which make them pretty kid-friendly.
Cons: Slightly heavier and more expensive.
Let me start by saying my daughters love using both our Yumboxes (we have the Original and the Panino versions). And they're a sure thing when it comes to the leakproof concern. So if you can spring the extra money and don't want to mess with plastic wrap and rubberbands this is the route I'd personally recommend going. I should also mention we have a standing coupon code with them if you're interested in giving it a go: use "SWEET15" for 15% off.
Note: The jumbo muffin cup I used above would not fit in the Yumbox so the standard size is pictured below.
So those are the most comparable alternatives I could come up with friends - I hope that helps! Ziploc is not telling us why they discontinued our favorite boxes or if any similar replacements are to come so unfortunately that's all I can share for now.
What's your favorite lunch box and why? Please share with us in the comments!
Tonya says
I just purchased a 4 pack of Easy Lunchboxes right before school started. I have already had 3 of them get hairline cracks in the bottom piece. This plastic is much more brittle than the old Ziploc favorites. I just wanted to add this to the list of Cons for this option. Last year I purchased a 4 pack and lost 2 of the lids to cracking. While I wasn't thrilled, I was still ok with losing 2 over the course of a school year, as these are shared by my 3 children. But the loss of 3 in one month changes my mind about this purchase. I wish Ziploc would rethink!
Tania J says
We use the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs divided dishes. To add a compartment we use silicone muffin cups. They are not exactly the same as the Ziploc, but have proven to be more durable. They have two sizes one is quite similar to the Ziploc (rectangular 3.7c) and the other (square 2.2c) works well for our younger children--half a sandwich and two sides fit fine.
Laura says
My kid is on her 3rd year using a PlanetBox. The case is starting to show a bit of wear, but the box itself is still bright and shiny. Far more expensive than ZipLoc containers, but I'll probably only ever buy 1 (eventually, I'll buy a new case), I like that it is not plastic, and it is very easy to open & close. Even at Grade 2, she has trouble getting those plastic containers open and closed without breaking them.
elise says
We are on year #3 with our LunchBots Quads. Aside from the paint peeling off the lids, they're in perfect shape. They're not leak-proof, but we have lunch bags that keep them upright. Silicone muffins cups keep juices from spreading. With our kids still having small appetites, they're perfect. I hope to get Planet Boxes in a few years when they need more food at lunch. But the one lid and stainless steel are a must!
Leah says
We have used the Easy Lunchboxes for 2 years & it has never leaked for us.
I use Press N Seal over my daughters yogurt & never worried about it leaking.
They fit great inside her LL Bean lunchbox!
Erin says
My kindergartener uses a Sistema To Go Lunch Cube. It has one large section and two divided sections. She has brought applesauce and yogurt for lunch with no leaking problems. It fits with her water Thermos (a FUNtainer) perfectly in her 'Sofia the First' lunch box and sits vertically (and probably horizontally, upside-down and every other direction as she carries it).
Mattie says
We LOVE our Yumbox! My son's friends have even asked their parents to buy them one because of the fct that there's only one lid to open.
Judy says
I'm confused. Where are you getting the information that the Ziploc containers are discontinued? Walmart has them in stock online and (I think) stores. Thanks.
Trista says
I had a hunch they'd been discontinued! My son just started kindergarten this year and first I'd bought the lunch blox to try. I like them but, his lunches were coming back barely eaten. Then I found out that they only have 20-25 minutes for lunch, so I figured maybe all those lids were too much in that short time. So I bought the Ziplock lunch containers after seeing your site. I really like that there's just one lid, and wanted to get at least one more set but couldn't find any anywhere. Ziplock has actually switched the the Lunch Blox style containers. Hopefully the lunch containers will last a good long while.
Jaime Pitsch says
Oh and just rechecked eBay for the containers. They are going for 20 dollars now for a set of 2. Bollucks :)
Kelly says
I was disappointed when I couldn't find the Ziplock containers at the start of the school year, because I did not want to spend the money on a Yumbox or the like. I came upon the Rubbermaid Lunchblox for $14... Didn't think I would like it because it has 3 separate containers to wash, but actually we love it. The largest container has 2 separate removable trays to portion out smaller sizes, etc. I can use 1, 2 or all 3 containers at once. It fits perfectly into her thermos lunchbox. It's leak proof. It even has an ice tray that the containers snap into to stay in place. My daughter loves it bc its pink, purple, and green. Overall I would recommend.
Jaime Pitsch says
We use planetbox. It's more expensive but it's personable to the child's taste. The carrying case in the color they like and magnet covers of their choice.
I did find the ziploc divided containers on eBay for 13 bucks. For a 2 pack like Target used to have. Just to let people know. Obviously while supplies lasts. :)
Lisa says
Thanks for the review--looking forward to checking out the Yumboxes for the older kiddo. We have used the Easy Lunch Box and the Ziploc (among other ones). I really like the Easy Lunch Box for preschoolers/younger kids because they are much easier to open. I am reluctant to give the little ones the ziploc version because although they were leak-proof, when the little ones struggled to open it, it resulted in spilling their lunch... not fun when you are a hungry preschooler. :(
We haven't had a spill issue with the Easy Lunch Box because soups, yogurt, and similar items go in a thermos.
Thanks again!
Farrah says
Have you tried to write Ziploc to ask if they can keep making them? You have single handedly kept those boxes from being discontinued sooner. Maybe we all need to write the company to get them back!
Candice says
I also love my daughter's goodbyn. It is Leakproof as long as you get the lid on tight. I sent yogurt and it stayed in its compartment :-)
Alicia says
We loved our Yumbox, but several defective latches later....my kiddos have found that even though they are leakproof...if the latch doesn't work it is a huge mess. I'm hoping it was just a short term issue, but I'm not willing to buy 4 MORE to see if it's remedied yet. They were kind and replaced them once...but had the same issue. I'm assuming they are from the same "batch" of goods.
I do like Easy Lunchboxes as well...easier to clean, easier to use...just easier!
Cristina says
I seriously thought I was going nuts when I couldn't find the Ziploc boxes! Thanks for putting my mind at ease LOL!
Mel says
That's a shame - I'm not a huge fan of plastic, but have a few of these stashed in the house for emergencies. They are dead useful in many instances. I wonder if there is a company you could work with to create your own line of lunch boxes that are similar to the Ziplocs? We have returned to the PlanetBox at our house. I purchased one when they first came out, when my son was 3 or 4. We used it for a while, but I kept receiving the complaint that it was "too heavy" so we started using a variety of other containers. We've returned to using them full time this school year, and I actually just bought a second set because I like the reserve and they needed new bags. We don't really do a lot of foods that require a leakproof container, but I think the big and little dipper containers will work in case one of my kids gets hit in the head with something heavy and decides to ask me for yogurt for lunch ;) I also backed the kickstarted for the OmiBox, which should ship in the next month or two. That one is interesting to me even though I really prefer the stainless steel. Good luck finding (or creating) a replacement!
Laura says
We use the Lunch Blox system by Rubbermaid. They have multiple sizes of containers, and they all snap together (which my kids think is cool). Plus, they have their own custom ice pack that snaps in between layers or just on too of the sandwich container to keep everything cool. I've bought them from target and amazon for $8/ set. I actually bought a bunch of their small sized containers that I can fill a few days in advance w fresh fruits/veggies/nuts that make it easy to throw together a healthy lunch!
Tracey King says
We pack our Yumboxes in Packit bags. The type of soft lunch bag that you freeze ahead of time. Works great.
Marie says
We use Sistema Lunch Cube. Not really sure if they are leak proof, as ours sit in the fridge all day. My 5 and 3yo can get them opened and closed. I use silicone baking cups to make four areas on the partitioned side for a fruit, veggie, cheese, and snack (pretzels or crackers).
Rmok says
I got my Yumbox last week for my six-year-old. I've been meeting her for lunch and she got it open yesterday with no problems. However, today she opened the latch but could not get the top to pull away from the bottom. The problem is there is no easy way to hold down the bottom of the container for little hands when the suction is pulling the top and bottom together. Also, my 10-year-old athletic son eats way more healthy food than this can fit. It would be great for the little ones, but it still needs to be easier to open. She needs to be able to push down on something to pull the top away from it. I really want to get something she can do by herself because otherwise the lunch room staff comes around with the same pair of scissors and dirty hands and spreads germs from one kid to another opening everything and I just don't think it's very healthy.
Rachel says
Oh no...we love using these and they are so easy for my young son to open/close and use for lunch with little help from his teachers/aides. Maybe if enough people contact Ziploc and request they bring them back they will. Always worth a try.
https://www.econsumeraffairs.com/scj/ContactUs.htm
https://www.facebook.com/Ziploc
Melissa says
Thanks for posting this! I have both Yumboxes, too, and just got brave enough to try putting yogurt in. My son is five, so I was nervous about how that was going to turn out, but it went fine. Also, since I'm so wary of spills - that latch does seem a little flimsy - my son's been using a two compartment lunchbox from Laptop Lunches that keeps his Yumbox horizontal. The downside is it's another bag to carry :-(
I like your posts of lunch pics, it's given me some helpful ideas. Just wondering if your girls normally eat everything in their lunches. I would love to see some pics of their lunch boxes when they come home. I apologize in advance if you have posted some already and I missed it.
Lisa says
I've used a goodbyn container that I got at target and it's great! Not expensive, hasn't leaked yet. Has three compartments. Check them out.
Casey says
I have been using the Yumbox for the past 3 years for my daughter. I LOVE IT! The only problem we have ever had was she opened it upside down when she first started using it. She was 3 and after I taught her to look for the Yumbox logo we never had that problem again. I pack yogurt, apple sauce, dips for veggies and it has NEVER leaked. It makes packing her lunch so easy. Its really easy to wash up in the evening and then its ready to go for the next morning. I do not put it in the dishwasher, even though you can on the top rack, mostly because I dont run my dishwasher daily and like I said its easy and fast to wash it by hand. I highly recommend it and can not say enough nice things about it.
Kara says
One question.... How do you keep things cold in the yum boxes?
Susan says
Kara, I just put a thin reusable ice pack on top of it in my son's insulated lunchbag - but I'm also not obsessed with the temperature of his lunch (the whole "I survived 12 years of eating bagged lunches with no ice packs" philosophy...).
kirsten says
Easylunchboxes (and ziplocs) fit in the bottom of the wildkin double-decker lunchbox and stay horizontal. I REALLY like that aspect, even when lunch isn't super runny. I just don't have to worry about lunch getting all over. We use ziplocs and lunchbots, which I also like having 'right side up'.
Kathleen B. says
Is there a reason the ziploc containers were discontinued? Are they unsafe?
kirsten says
I am curious about this as well... maybe they weren't bpa free after all? but maybe they'll 'fix' that and re-issue the lunchboxes?
Lisa says
No, I do not think that at all - they are the same material as all their other disposable containers.
Dana says
I never quite understood the Easylunchboxes simply because they are a copycat of the Ziplock containers and the leaking issue. I'm baffled that Ziplock discontinued what seemed to be a popular product. We use Lunchbots because they are stainless and I got the rounds for messy stuff. So far they have not leaked at all! I also just got Pottery Barns version of the Planetbox and love that too! Ok, I also have used the Planetbox. Lunchbox addiction? Ok maybe just a little! Lol
Jennifer says
We have been using the EasyLunchBoxes for over a year now and haven't had any issues with things leaking. Mine aren't big yogurt eaters so we don't do a lot of that, but I have done watermelon, which can shed a lot of liquid, with no issues. Finding boxes that can fit them was a bit of a challenge, but I did find these at Costco this year - http://www.frugalhotspot.com/2013/07/artic-zone-ultra-high-performance-expandable-lunch-pack/ that work really well. My daughter had one of these last year -http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/93/13931777.jpg
as well as one like this -http://www.worldmarket.com/product/orange+geo+print+jane+lunch+bag.do?&from=fn (she liked this one better). Both fit the containers and a small water bottle.
Hope this helps!
Jennifer
Kristin says
Worth the investment...I've been using a Goodbyn everyday for 2 years and no problems and no leaks.
http://goodbyn.com/
Lisa says
According to their website they are not advertised as being leakproof (except for the dipper) - have you tested it with yogurt, applesauce and such?
Kristin says
I usually put condiments and yogurt in a separate container but I have put wet fruits, like watermelon and they have not leaked. This is the one I use: http://store.goodbyn.com/Goodbyn_Bynto_Pink_p/20073.htm
My girls have even carried them sideways without an added lunch box. The only down side is they need a grown-up to open and close them. My five year old can open it but not snap it closed all the way.
Laura says
Oooooh noooo!!!! This was bad enough news to break me away from my work and do a quick mental count of how many of those lunch boxes I have left at home... :( Certainly not enough to last very long! I hope they come out with something similar and better soon??
Signed,
Eternal Optimist
Lisa says
Haha - I know if they would have warned us we could have all stocked up!
Lissa says
Oh man! I'm so glad I stocked up a bit on the Ziploc containers now!
Ashley says
I just bought 4 of the ziploc containers at the beginning of the school year and we love them...how many uses would you recommend we could get out of those four before we should toss them? Thanks!
Abigail's Mommy says
Ashley, We have been using mine for years. :)
Dee says
NO!! i had two-two packs of those containers unused for a year and finally sold them to a friend. now i need them and you tell me they are discontinued...ugh.my luck!lol
Sarah says
I have been using both of these this school year and like both a lot. The Yumbox met it's demise when it accidentally got put on the bottom rack in the dishwasher and I can't bring myself to spend the money on another one. For dips in the Easy Lunch Boxes I have purchased some of those "jello shot" type plastic containers and that has worked well. Next time I will purchase something more reusable that is the same size to reduce the amount of waste. I would say that both boxes are almost identical in size. They fit nicely in our sack type lunch box with room for a drink on top, but take up all of the space in the rectangular shaped box we have.
Sara says
Our Yumbox tray met a similar fate. :(
Cathy says
I found the Easy Lunchbox lids were too hard for my kids to open, so I switched to Sistema Klip It containers - I think some of them have smaller containers that fit inside the bigger ones that you could use for yogurt. Also, I'm not sure how leakproof it would be, but Rubbermaid makes divided food storage containers, and I use that for my husband's brown bag lunch all the time (along with the last Easy Lunchbox I have - the others all cracked at some point).
Johanna says
Does the Yumbox fit in the Land's End soft lunch bags?
Lisa says
Yes! It's about the same size as the Ziploc.
Susan says
They also fit easily in the Embark brand zip-top lunchbags sold at Target - I took ours with us back-to-school shopping to test the different lunch bags.
I'd say it's a little smaller than the Ziploc, both lengthwise and in height.
Terri says
Love the Yumbox but use caution, it is not entirely leakproof. It is only leakproof with thick substances such as yogurt. My son's leaked watermelon juice all over his lunch. When I went to amazon I noticed the thick liquids only disclaimer in the top section of the product info but not in the description.
Natalie says
I have also found a great alternative at Dollar Tree that are similar to the Ziploc brand containers. There is one large opening in the middle, and one smaller on each side of the large. They're about the same size overall as the Ziploc ones! I have not had the change to test the leakproof-ness of them though because I currently only use them for my husband (works from home, stays in the fridge) and myself (specifically leave it horizontal because I only bring it to work and then put it in the fridge).