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!
Crystal Moreno says
I bought sistema containers from tjmax. About$8 for 3. I still have to add a container since they have only 2slots but we still love them!
regina says
NOOOOO, These are nearly perfect in our Land's End lunchboxes and only leak if not on tight.
Tinkers says
The ziploc ones were never available in Canada so I can't compare them. I have been using easy lunchboxes for 2 of my children for a couple of years now and I've never had any issue other than my youngest breaking the tabs off. He was 8 when we first started using them. He would throw them in his backpack without a bag sometimes and when he threw his backpack down to go play before school, the corner tabs would get broken but they never opened/spilled/leaked. We do put them in a lunch bag now but it's more to keep his drink and napkins with his lunch.
While I wouldn't put soup or the like in them, we love em.
Melanie says
I am SO bummed about this! I just sent Ziploc an e-mail expressing my disappointment. Maybe if enough of us protest they will bring them back or provide a similar new product.
Elisabeth says
I use the small containers from a set I purchased at Ikea. Yes, more than one container, but they work. Plus, cheap enough that one getting lost is no biggie. They do not leak and are easy to open, even for a kinder kid. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60149673/
Rebekah Sherwood says
Bummer! Those Ziploc ones were on my Christmas list! Should have bought some while I had the chance.
Caroline says
My yumboxes leaked when I put plain whole milk yogurt in them with sliced fruit! Made a big mess for all three of my kiddos. It leaked out of the box and into one of the small compartments but not into the largest one. How thick is the yogurt you put in?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello Caroline. It is just a normal yogurt consistency, not runny but not super thick. ~Amy
Kim says
We've been using Yumbox since they started producing them. No leaks, easy opening, packing. It's a lunch box both parents and kids love. We have been using the same lunch box for almost two years, so there is value there too. We pair it will a Pottery Barn Mackenize bag, ice pack, and a Thermos.
Melissa says
I use the Easy Lunch boxes, they work great.
http://www.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-3-Compartment-Bento-Containers-Brights/dp/B00AD67KN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411869180&sr=8-1&keywords=easylunchboxes
Maria says
The sistemas work well and Ive seen them at Safeway and cheaper at Marshall's. Lisa, have you considered designing your own line of lunch box containers?
Lisa says
Thanks for the vote of confidence! That would certainly be fun, but I have nothing in the works at this time :)
Linda says
I love our Planet Boxes. They Have great little leak proof containers for dipping and are much better for the environment and healthier then using plastic.
R. Carpenter says
Let Ziplock know how you feel!
http://www.econsumeraffairs.com/scj/mobile/contactus.htm
Karen says
Amazon may still have a supply of these. I just received my 3-pack today! They are listed as out of stock, but if you call they may be able to find some for you. Worth a shot!
Dana M. says
I have been using Rubbermaid Take-Alongs, which I purchased at Target- a nice alternative to the Zip-lock containers. They're leak-proof and are the right size for my lunch bags. They stack nicely. I bought them about 1 year ago when I started revamping my lunches. This blog helped me to make big changes in my lunches.
Robin says
I love the Smart Planet Portion Perfect Meal Kits. They are collapsible and BPA free. They come with ther own utensil as well, which is handy. http://www.smartplanethome.com/collections/meal-kits/products/collapsable-eco-meal-kit-larger
Tricia says
I'm so disappointed! I have tried every store locally to see if they have any left. Can we petition Ziploc? These things are the best!
carrie pagliaro says
I love the planet boxes. Something about them make it so easy for me to pack. I am a morning lunch packer, so I need it all laid out for me.
Katie B. says
Not sure if anyone has said this or not, but we love the Sistema klip-it containers for our 20-month-old. We currently just have the small rectangular containers with two sections since I don't send a whole lot for her lunch (she eats better with fewer options!). I also have their containers for salads and LOVE them! I use them for salads, soups, and baked potatoes!
Annette says
All (6) of our EasyLunchboxes have cracked. One came cracked in shipment. The rest cracked within a year. They weren't even used regularly, only maybe once or twice a month.
Mirissa says
I had a similar experience. I wanted to support them but I couldn't afford to keep replacing containers.
Emily says
Glad Press & Seal works much better than plastic wrap for sealing the compartments in the Easy Lunchboxes box. Cut a piece a little larger than the compartment you need to seal, lay it lightly over the top (sticky side down), then press the cover down over it. Doing it this way allows it to leave enough room for the cover to actually close completely while still sealing the compartment (vs stretching it tight across the compartment). It works great!
Renee Roush says
Hey there, Thanks for this update. Have you tried Lunchblox? Also, is there a way to search the comments, since I'm pretty much positive someone has already asked this but I don't have time to go through 18 pages of comments? haha Thanks!!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Renee. That is not an item that Lisa or Kiran has reviewed. I can say personally that I like the Rubbermaid product. When I use it, I do add an extra ice pack topside to be certain cold things stay cold. ~Amy
Melanie says
Thank you for sharing this. I didn't know they had been discontinued. My daughter takes lunch every day in her ziplock container. Will have to keep an eye out for something new.
Rowan says
We use the Bento box and the Planet box lunchboxes. Neither are "throw aways" but have been used for years. Planetbox is stainless steel, one piece, and though the initial investment is pricey, it was well worth it! The only thing I've noticed is that after eating the leftover dressing from the salad did leak a bit into the carry bag. However, the bag is lined and washable/wipeable so that wasn't a real problem.
Helga says
Walmart has a container made out of silicone that is leak proof in all three compartments and almost the same size as the ziplock brand container. They are called Eco collapsible meal kit by smart planet. They were less than $9 a piece.
Gina Lincicum (@MoneywiseMoms) says
We've been using the Easy Lunchboxes for over 4 years now, and we still have our original containers and lids. They were well worth the price since I haven't had to replace them. We've used both their cooler bags and regular lunchboxes that fit them (right now we're using Children's Place lunchbags I got on clearance). They keep them completely closed; I've never had a problem with the lid coming off. I only put the plastic wrap on every once in a while (to keep something juicy from leaking into the main section). It's worked fine and my kids have been really happy with them.
iva says
I think Rubbermaid makes a container with 2 sections.
Ivy says
Hi Everyone,
My daughter likes a hot thermos for her main meal. Other than that, we picked up two (36 pcs) Snapware containers @ Costco. The main reason was to keep the sliced apples from browning. The only thing I found that didn't require glass or tossing the apples in a flavor solution (which my daughter dislikes). I've had my two sets for over 5 years now. FYI we any Costco product sign has an astrik on the top right hand corner, they will be discontinued at the location. This is based on how fast the pallet moves in comparison to others. Some item can be found online (Costco) or at other Costco locations. They can look it up for you at store level. This is my experience.
Ivy
TH says
Amazon has them
Lisa says
They still have these in some Target stores! I'm going to try to pick up another pack tomorrow!
Sandy says
Wow! I'm devastated. I'm running to the store now to see if I can find any before they are all gone. I also called customer service at the 800 number the previous poster mentioned and they were happy to take down my complaint. Hopeful enough people will complain and they will rethink their decision and re-issue the containers.
Valerie says
Hi, I just started using these handy collapsable meal kits for the kids. They are great because they don't take up a lot of space to store. They are silicone with a rubber(?) gasket that seems to be keeping the leaks at bay. Not sure how they'll perform long-term but so far so good.
http://www.smartplanethome.com/collections/meal-kits/products/collapsable-eco-meal-kit-larger
Thanks for the great article.
Judy Voigt says
I absolutely love your new book! My two boys and I spent last Saturday going through the pantry and donating all of the processed foods to our church. Wow...what a wake-up call that was! Thanks for all of your great, commonsense advice. We may actually do it this time!!
Amy says
Just wanted to point out that you can purchase smaller containers 'little dippers?'that are leak proof and fit well in the easy lunch boxes. This would eliminate the plastic wrap issue. I also use waxed baking paper over wet fruits and my kids don't keep the boxes flat in transit and have never had a leak apparently.
Joy P says
We really like Lock N Lock. No leaks and they do a great job of keeping things fresh! (I use the larger ones for storing homemade ice cream in the freezer and produce in the fridge). I think their product line has changed some and most of the containers are larger now, but I just scored some small ones from QVC recently. The individual containers work well for us since my kids don't like their foods touching each other AT ALL. Plus, my son has a disability and has difficulty opening traditional containers like Ziploc or even the bags. I am not sure what the current offerings are at Lock N Lock, but they used to have small ones with removable compartments. Dishwasher safe and freezer/microwave friendly. We started using them in preschool--my twins are now in 4th grade! (we are STILL using the same containers believe it or not! well...at least the ones they did not toss in the trash by mistake at school). I am not sure when your blog began, but 5 years ago, I became VERY aware of a problem with food additives (sick child), so we made a lot of changes including sending "homemade lunchables" to school! I told my children that their homemade lunchables were better than the ones from the store because I was able to put love in them :) I still do! thanks for all your work and effort. we are not perfect at our house, but our goal to eat real food has made a measureable difference for us!
Susanne says
I've been using the Rubbermaid LunchBlox since school started this year and am very happy with them. They're BPA free, not very expensive (got them from Amazon), they're leakproof, and containers come in different sizes and all interlock. My middle school boys even approved the bag (black and white) to put the containers in! Now I'm using them for my husbands lunches too.
la says
mighty nest container.
Katie Sundstrom says
The Rubbermaid lunch blocks are great and come with a re freezable cube!
Katie Sundstrom says
http://www.rubbermaid.com/category/pages/subcategorylanding.aspx?CatName=FoodStorage&SubCatId=LunchBlox
April Latham says
I have been using the Go Green Lunch Box for about three years. Pros: Leak-Proof, good size for teens, Cons: More expensive and larger since it has an added drink compartment with a stainless steel bottle. $32 for a box, drink cup and carrier.
Cheryl says
I've been using Pottery Barn's bento boxes. They are $16.99 per box and have 4 little compartments and one big sandwich-sized compartment. One of the small compartments has a separate lid and it IS leakproof. I tried these after the Ziploc brand you recommended was discontinued, and I would recommend them.
Sonya says
Rubbermaid Lunch Blox have been working well for us.