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!
Diane says
I bought Yumboxes for my kids and the hinges have snapped on 3 out of 4. Love the concept but not strong enough for my boys :(
Marcia says
Oh no! I will have to be very careful with my remaining 8 - that I had to drive 40 miles to Target to get.
:(
Jen says
I was wondering why I could not find them at target. But I did find some called goodbyn. They are totally leakproof. Takes some getting use the the shape though when you are use to ziplock.
Jean Treider says
I have both styles of Yumboxes and love them. They are a little pricey but, once you make that initial investment, well worth it. They are sturdy, leakproof, and fun. My three year-old grandson loves his. He wants all his meals in them and will try foods he wouldn't normally try if they are in the Yumbox.
Daisy says
Our favorite lunch box is the Laptop Lunch Box. It is one large box with four smaller containers and a dipper. Three of them have lids making them leak proof. It is more than just opening one container, but you can buy a variety of different sized inner containers that give you a lot of lunch possibilities. It also has room for a spoon and fork on the side. We found the Yumbox two small for our older son who is now in grade 5. He eats more than we could fit into the lunch box. He uses it for snacks after hockey and soccer.
Amy Masterson says
Our EasyLunchboxes are our go to lunchbox. I also have the mini dippers by them that are leak proof.So leakage isn't an issue. Everyone at our house loves them.They are a great price and very durable. I used to use the Ziploc boxes but I had to replace them frequently so I switched to EasyLunchboxes.
Jen says
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Why are they discontinuing? What a bummer! Thanks for the substitute suggestions.
Danika says
I just left a message on ziploc's facebook site asking for them back. Maybe we can get some more?
Zainab says
We just got Goodbyn Hero bento boxes...similar to the eAsy lunchboxes but deeper and heavier. We haven't used them yet though!
Nicole Feiedrich says
planetbox is fantastic.
Nicole says
I supported a kickstarter campaign called Omiebox-a lunch box that keeps hot food hot and cold food cold using insulated compartments. It's also leak proof, has built in utensil storage and made for small hands. Genius. I haven't actually received the box yet because they are still in production so I will comment again when I get it. Here's the link if you'd like to pre-order. http://www.omielife.com/shop/
Michelle says
Noooo! We've been using the ziplocks for about 4 years now. Super disappointed to hear they've been discontinued. Thanks for testing out other options!
Myra S says
Easylunchboxes for sure! I've had a set for 2.5 years now! Still the same. I pack (and heat--I know, I know) spaghetti sauce or chili, no warping and no stains! My husband also puts it in the dishwasher (bottom rack!) all the time!
Kari Carlson says
We use Sistema boxes found at Container Store or sometimes, TJ Maxx. We have used them for 4 years now and love them. The sandwich section does flip over the rest of the box, but if I do rice cakes with a topping I just put a piece of parchment over the top of the rice cake and solves that problem. Any applesauce/yogurt addition goes in a Little Green Pouch. I am sad to hear Ziplock took away those containers because we do have a couple of those we use on occasion as well.
Cindy says
We have been using several of the 'Fit & Fresh' brand and are happy with performance. The one we use most often has a bottom level for sandwich and a divided try with attached ice pack to fit on top - then you put the lid on. Our 5, 6 and 7 year old kids use these with no problem. They do not hold liquid or runny foods between the dividers, though. We use little covered containers from systema to hold a smidge of dip, etc.
Ellen says
We LOVE the planet box!!! They are not leakproof but come with additional containers that fit inside that are leakproof. Plus, a huge bonus for me is 1.) it is not plastic, it's made of metal, 2.) it comes in different sizes & 3.) one easy open latch. LOVE IT!
Alicia says
That is the saddest thing I've ever heard. I'm sorry they discontinued them because I'm sure the demand for them skyrocketed because of your blog.
kizzie says
We use these everyday...they are awesome and also leak proof....perfect for school lunches!!!
http://www.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-3-Compartment-Bento-Containers-Brights/dp/B00AD67KN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411503890&sr=8-1&keywords=easy+lunchboxes
Tine says
They discontinued them in Canada a few years ago so we have had to bring them back from trips across the border. Looks like that is done too unfortunately.
Stefanie says
Lunch blocks
Kristen says
Pottery barn has a plastic lunch container that has a divider & the top has a built in freezer pack. They're not leak proof though. PB has metal lunch boxes also. Plastic ones with freezer pack are $12. We use these everyday.
Andrea says
Try the GoodByn bento box! Same configuration, and awesome!!
Kathy McLain says
I just found them on Amazon...
Suzanne B. says
These Ziploc lunch boxes were discontinued a few years ago. I was disappointed and contacted the company by email. After a little while, I noticed that they had come back. So, maybe if we all go to the Ziploc website and complain, they'll bring them back. :)
Niamh says
isn't that strange? Why has it been discontinued i wonder?
Amy says
Sistema's "Lunch Triple Split"
Shannon says
Our Yumbox just arrived on Friday and of course the school served two of my son's favorites yesterday and today so he hasn't brought lunch in yet this week. I am more excited to try it than him! I got the one with more compartments and I love that they have cute pictures suggesting what goes where since I am always worried I didn't cover all food groups for my picky eater. He is in first grade and I've been looking for a good lunch container since last year!
Amy says
Go tell them what you think!!
https://www.facebook.com/Ziploc
Kind of ironic that the first post I see when I went to their Facebook page today was a picture about "lunch containers". DUH! Wake up, people!
Kimberly says
We're also in the planetbox camp in our house. I never thought I'd pay that much for a lunch box, but it will truly last for years. We have the rover. I found it kind of intimidating at first - what am I going to put in all those sections everyday? But, I've actually found it to be helpful, resulting in more healthy lunches for my daughter. I also love that they don't have any plastic. I highly recommend them.
Sarah says
My daughter just started kindergarten this year and couldn't open the ziplock divide containers so I bought this Rubbermaid version for $15 on amazon and she loves it. She can easily get into it... it has three separate compartments that are completely leak free, an ice pack that all of the components snap into, and they make them for flat lunch box and stackable for vertical lunch boxes.
Here's a link.
http://www.rubbermaid.com/Assets/images/Product/1T65-06-large.jpg
It's perfect and doesn't cost an arm and a leg!
Sarah Roof says
Sarah, we use that one as well and love it!
Juanita says
I looked for the ziploc at the beginning of the school year and now I know why I could not find them. But I found at target and office depot a container called sistema. They are made in new zealand and they work pretty good and not are outrageously expensive. I haven't tried liquids but wet foods seem to work. Check them out on amazon too. They have good prices.
Danielle says
I have been using Yumbox for my 4 year old daughter. While we really love it, we haven't been able to successfully pack yogurt and applesauce without it leaking. We use the Lands End lunch boxes so the Yumbox sits vertical on its side until lunchtime (which is not supposed to make a difference ). Yumbox has been very kind and sent me a replacement outer box since that is the part with the seal however it did not solve my problem. Now that they are back in stock again I am going to be getting a whole new unit as a last chance to try and solve my leaking problem as I am hoping something I have is just defective.
Connie says
I love the Yumbox as well, but I have also had some leakage :( My son is in preschool, so I just carry it in when we go instead of putting it vertical. One day I tossed it in his backpack on the way home to only find the tiny amount of juice that had been in there from his fruit leaked into the backpack...argh! I've noticed that when mine is snapped shut, there is still a gap on the side. Guess I need to contact them too.
shannon says
Wow, sad news about the Ziploc. I better put my remaining few under lock & key!
We've been on quite a hunt for bento style containers this year. We are currently using the Yumbox which we love but we also use Laptop Lunches when we want to pack a larger lunch than the Yumbox allows. Klip It has also been useful when we have no liquids at all. I like Goodbyn but it doesn't fit in our lunchbox very well, a bit too long. Yet to try the Planet box but its on my list!
Should we dip our ziplocs in gold and hang them on the wall?
Rachel says
We have had great luck with the easy lunchbox mini dippers - used for yogurt, homemade honey mustard, etc. They fit nicely into two of the 3 compartments and help prevent spills and leaks.
EasyLunchboxes Mini Dippers Small Dip, Condiment, or Sauce Containers, Leak-Resistant, Set of 8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBKTEDW/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_.bCiub1ZJNRD6
Alethea says
I had switched to the ziploc containers -- but when they no longer work/wear out I will go back to our laptop lunchboxes -- which do have a lid on 1 container that is leak proof (I have the original ones from when my 6th grader was in pre-school). I loved them, until I discovered ziploc containers simply because it was 1 piece plus lid - which equals less dishes. But, I have zero other complaints about laptop lunchboxes and will happily return to them (and use them occasionally now).
I have found that as my kids get older they sometimes complain they are still hungry after lunch - need more food in their lunch. I have started to add a bag of sprouted pretzels or crackers or frozen yogurt in addition to the full container. I choose these options because they can still fit easily into our lunch bags (which are laptop lunch bags) w/ the ziploc lunch box.
Jenny says
We love laptop lunches! They seemed a little pricey to me at first but considering we use them daily it's been a great investment!! We have never had a leak and my kids think it's fun to open up all of the separate little containers :)
Michelle says
We use the easy lunchbox containers. I have a set of 4 that I have been using for 3 years now. I use press-n-seal over the sections that contain leaky items like applesauce, yogurt, hummus, etc. Works like a charm and I have never added the rubber band either. They also make small 1-2 oz containers with lids that are meant to fit in the medium sized section or in the larger section with something else and those are perfect for dips and dressings.
suzanne says
I use the Planetbox rover and launch for my son and he adores it!!! And the best thing is, it's waste-free! Very expensive but worth every dollar :-)
Jacqueline says
We love our planet boxes! We have the shuttle (smallest) and rover (medium) and they work awesome! The box itself isn't leakproof, but he small containers it comes with are. I only wish that it came with a removable glass container for heating up parts of our lunches (the largest size does, but we don't need that big of a lunch box).
Heather says
How old are your children? I am wondering if the yumbox holds enough food. My son is six and I notice you only have half a sandwich in there. My son would eat two halves. What are your thoughts on this?