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!
amy says
We used the ziplocs containers every day until we received our yumbox(es). They're great! Except I've found that putting things like canned peaches or pears that have a tiny bit of liquid in them DOES cause leakage into the other compartments. It blended with my daughters yogurt so it wasn't awful, but I was under the impression that the yumbox could handle "wet" food items such as these. FYI...
Katie says
I use laptop lunches with my 3 kids. They're more expensive, but my son has been using his for 4 years plus and it's still going strong. A worthwhile investment for us! I also have a thermos that I use for sending in warm lunches a few times a week.
Melissa Sbisa says
I don't know if anybody has mentioned this (because there are a lot of comments)but I have been using the Goodbyn brand of containers this year for my preschooler. I used to find their products a little large, but since they came out with the mix and match sets, I think they are the perfect size and economical. You get 5 different size containers for $12.99. We have been mixing and matching and it has so far been perfect.
Kim says
I can't say enough great things about the Yumbox! My 2nd and 5th graders love theirs so much, they get very disappointed in the rare event that I pack a "regular" lunch (ie, everything in separate baggies/containers). They just pop the lid open and start eating...very handy when you have only 20-25 minutes for lunch. We have had no leakage problems to date, with yogurt, applesauce, etc. Everything stays contained in its own compartment and the kids come home most days having eaten everything or nearly everything. They are a bit pricey, but well worth it in my opinion and much cheaper than the PlanetBox (which I would love to try but can't bring myself to spend that much $$ on). Highly recommend Yumbox!
Erica says
We have laptop lunch boxes and I love them!!!
Mandy says
So disappointing... :) we love our ziploc containers!!
Amanda says
I'm so disappointed to read this news about our beloved Ziploc lunch containers. We already were unable to buy them here in Canada, so I'm relieved I stocked up with 2 new sets when were in Montana this summer. My first 2 containers have lasted about a decade (of lighter use), so I hope the 4 new ones will at least get us through a couple more years now that my kids are in school!
Jasmine says
Have you heard of or tried planetbox? My neighbor uses them and loves them.
Melissa says
I sent a complaint to Ziploc that I was disappointed that they did not consider what "today's mom" needs for their kids. And that they are affecting thousands of moms out there that need the easier and smart choice for managing kids lunches. I am hoping to get a reply :)
Lori Ruscko says
I purchased the ziplock containers this summer with high hopes, but found them to be NOT leak proof! Applesauce everywhere. So we don't use them anymore. Disappointed:( Now we just use separate little containers for things like applesauce.
Mandy says
Are you sure they were snapped tight? We have 3 of them and they are amazingly leakproof, I wonder if you got a defective one?
Laura says
I finally broke down and bought the yumbox after this last year of just using whatever tupperware/ziploc/plastic container I had laying around. By May I just wanted to cry every time I had to make lunch for my two school age kids. Worth. Every. Penny. Finally after three years of making lunches every day, I feel like I have a system that will keep me relatively sane! I'm planning on getting a third box when my next child goes to Kindergarden next year. So happy to hear that there is a standing coupon!
Amy says
I like the silicone collapsible lunch boxes. I've purchased 3 of these (typically $9.99 at TJ Maxx or Walgreens). I haven't tested them with yogurt or other liquids but they have a silicone liner on the top that would likely keep them well sealed!! I use silicone cupcake molds to send many options for my kiddos and 4 will fit perfectly in the larger compartment:)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005RK5OD6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1411493995&sr=1-3&pi=SY200_QL40
Erin H says
We bought a yumbox panino for my 1st grader. She had a hard time opening the ziplock by herself last year and always had to wait for a lunch helper to open it. With lunchtime only 20min long every minute counts as she is a very slow eater! She can manage the yumbox easily without help and she likes helping fill the compartments. Everything is in one easy access container.
Nicole says
I second the Planet Boxes! My 2 school aged kids use them, and when my 3rd is school aged, she probably will too! Very durable. I ordered a LunchBots Trio today for my baby (she's 2) to use until we need more room for more food (i.e. the Planet Box). Two awesome options that don't leech out nasty chemicals into their food, are dishwasher safe, and compartmentalize food for picky eaters. Only downside, a little heavy! Can't have it all! :)
English says
#1 planet box all day long
#2 lunch bots
Each have different specs depending on your needs. Lunch bots are less expensive - but planetbox has no between-partition leakage.
Angela says
I love using the Rubbermaid kits for lunches.
Pros:
they lock or stack together
They have ice that locks onto them
There are different sizes to fit your needs, even salads
They come in nice colors
They stack well to store in the cabinet
Dishwasher safe
Cons: if you pack too many they don't fit in lunch box
Rachel says
We are on year 4 with the planet box rover for my son, who is very rough and tumble. Love it and still looks new. No leaks with the little round dishes, although we do use a thermos when we send soup for lunch. We did buy a new case last year, but only because we melted his last one by accidentally leaving it on top of the toaster oven. Oops. We will be buying two more when my twins go to kindergarten next year. Well worth the money. I'm pretty sure it'll last until they leave elementary school.
Jennifer says
I've been using laptop lunches bento box, bento buddies, reusable silver ware, the insulated "thermos" and the reusable water bottle This year I bought the shark insultated bag for my 7 year old. I've been using this system for over 3 years now. Although I had a different insulated bag the last two years (I like a new lunch "box") for my son every year. But I've been using all the internal parts for more than 3 years now.
Megan says
My Kindergartner loves the EcoLunchBox Three-In-One. He thinks its fun to have and "upstairs" and "downstairs" as they call it. He was able to manage opening and closing in Preschool, so ease of use is good. Definitely NOT leak proof, which is a bummer. I have used plastic wrap on the EcoLunchPod (the little compartment) and that helps. When I send hot food, I add the Lunch Bots thermos - keeps food warm for a good 4 hours! We have used all of these for almost 2 years and they are still going strong - great investment for us :)
Samantha says
I am looking for lunch containers. Have you tried these? http://www.laptoplunches.com/features-bento.php
Jennifer says
What about 'PlanetBox'? We just bought those for all 3 kids this year. They should last a long time. (though I don't think are 100% spill proof) We used Ziploc and EasyLunchBox last year and they cracked often.
Lea says
We like the Laptop lunch box bento box. It is fitted out to hold four interior boxes, one of which has a leakproof lid that we use for anything wet. And then he can carry it vertically in a briefcase style case with a blue ice brick.
Renee Kohley says
My kindergartener is loving her Steeltainers! Very leakproof!
Angela says
My son just started Kindergarten this year and we got the Rubbermaid Lunch Blox. Basically it's a bunch of modular containers and an ice pack that snap together. I like how customizable it is. It works with or without the ice pack and I can pick and choose which containers to send (It's only rarely that I fill all of them). I could even buy extra containers if I wanted to have more options, but so far the ones in the kit have been perfectly adequate. That said, they won't fit into every lunch bag and it does mean that the kids have to manage several containers/lids instead of just one. Honestly I would have liked to get the Ziploc containers had I been able to find them because they are a bit simpler, but I'd much rather deal with the modular containers than have to rely on plastic wrap for leaks (just too much to go wrong). The Yumbox looks great (as does the Planetbox), but that's out of my price range.
Jocelyn says
I found these at Bed, Bath & Beyond (also online at Amazon) and I like them too, but not leak proof.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051XRZ5E/ref=twister_B00H4MDJRS
Still prefer Ziploc, too bad they are discontinued!
Frederique says
Hmm. We use the laptop lunches box and we love it. Best leak-proof system is definitely the fact that the individual compartments have their own cover! I can understand the idea of it being "easier" with a single lid, but the fact that you have to put plastic wrap underneath the cover kind of destroys the whole idea behind the "waste free lunches" doesn't it? I also love the idea that i can do with only ONE lunch box, because if i havn't had time to put everything in the dishwasher before supper, I can still make her lunch by using the extra set of containers placed in the same plastic 'laptop' compartment i simply rinsed off as needed. I was even able to fit the box inside an insulated case I found at the drugstore (with Anna and Elsa on it!) since the size is pretty standard. Lastly, I love that they are BPA free! :)
Lea says
We also like the laptop lunch boxes and my son has been using the same one for four years, so it is plenty sturdy.
Heather K says
do the Yum boxes come with an ice pack, or is there room to put one inside? I live in Phoenix and days can get up to 110° if there is no ice packs things turn into warm messy squishy gross! If not do you have a suggestion as to an ice pack that will last a LONG time? Kids have up to 5 hours between packing time and lunch :(
Jane Day says
I've been using Sistema containers for the last few years & really like them. We haven't had spill issues & I even put yogurt & hummus in the small containers. I have a few different styles, some fit sideways in my daughters lunchbox & some flat. I've found these at Marshall's & Fresh and Easy grocery stores. I'm sure they can be found online as well. The containers have side latches that are sturdy but easy for my kinder & 3rd grader to open.
Laura says
I was not aware that the Ziploc containers had become unavailable. I love them! I sent Ziploc an email letting them know how disappointed I am. I hope others will do the same.
mamie says
Where did you find the drawstring snack bags, or did you make them?
Geneva says
Lisa I contacted Ziploc about the containers a few days ago and was told by a rep to fill out this customer service form complaining/requesting that they bring the containers back. Maybe if Ziploc gets enough complaints they will bring the containers back. Could you share this form on your page? https://www.econsumeraffairs.com/scj/ContactUs.htm
Vanessa says
Thanks for posting this...I just filled it out. I'm with you let's get them to bring the divided containers back!
Khristen Foss says
Tupperware! Added bonus:lifetime guarantee :)
Irma says
You can still get them at Target!!!!
Jennifer says
I'm sad to hear about the Ziplock containers. We live overseas and I have asked family to be on the lookout for them since we don't have local access. I hope one of them was able to find some before they were pulled off the shelves.
We use (and love!) both the Sistema Lunch Cube and the Rubbermaid Lunch Blox Sandwich Kit. I have packed the Sistema with everything from yogurt to pizza sauce and it has never leaked outside of it's individual compartment. My son has a tall lunchbox so these work perfectly for us. Lunch Blox also offers a flat kit that would work for the type of lunchbox that fits the Ziplock box. My 7 year old son has no problems opening up either container, although I wrote his name on the Sistema Lunch Cube in such a way that he would know which was the top (we had a few mishaps in the beginning).
Tracey says
My son starts school next week, no wonder I cant find the ziploc!! So sad:(
Karen G says
Thank you for this post because I also searched high and low for the Ziploc containers that you raved about! I ended up purchasing the EasyLunchboxes you posted above and was disappointed because they didn't fit my son's new (& expensive) Pottery Barn Kids standard lunchbox. I am going to look into the Yumbox. Thank you for the coupon code!
Kristina says
Bramli ones have 3 spots.
Kristina says
I have been using containers I found at walmart. They are a bit longer than the Ziploc one but I haven't had a problem with food leaking as of yet. They are put out by Brazil and come as a 2pack.
Susan says
i found rubbermaid leak proof containers at walmart. $4 for a set of 3. Only 2 compartments, though.
Amy says
Press and seal wrap works really well for easy lunch boxes! You can just use a small square over the liquid container...
Kristina says
Bramli not Brazil. I have been putting appliasces cups right in one of the spots and it still closes well.
Lisa says
Yes, Amy I think press and seal would be a good alternative to the plastic wrap!