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!
I am trying decide if I should buy a Yumbox or a similar product but my main question is, will these containers take up the whole lunch bag? Where do you put your childs drink? My daughter takes a thermos with water everyday for lunch and I am wondering if it would fit in her lunch bag with one of these boxes. My daughter has to have a character lunch bag. Thank you!
Hi Michelle. They do take up most of the space in the bag. Lisa typically uses a bag that has a pouch for the water bottle on the outside. ~Amy
I just couldn’t spend the money on the Yumbox! Instead we bought a few different sizes of Ziplock containers:
*The sandwich box (which is big enough to hold a huge sandwich or small sand/veggie in a muffin cup).
*1 cup longer container (for yogurt/ applesauce, fruit, veggies, etc.)
*1/2 cup small square container (for sauce, syrup, nuts, etc.)
It’s not ideal and I liked opening one lid on the three compartment container but the cost savings was HUGE.
Good luck!
I have a yumbox panino for each of my (2) kids. WE LOVE THEM! They are toddlers still (2 & 3) but we are out and about almost every single day and I am able to pack their lunches without the worry of leaks. These are the best. If I didn’t have to worry about the cost (and the room in my tiny kitchen) I would get the bento one too for each of them. But I HIGHLY recommend the yumboxes.
No!!!!!!! I’ve been looking for more of the Ziplocks at my local Target since I need to restock (while I love them, they could be more durable). I haven’t been able to find them so here I am online… At least you’ve cleared up the mystery.
Sistema has kid-sized containers that are divided in two. That is somewhat limiting, but they are STURDY – more than 150 washes and they still seal nicely. The only thing that leaked once was pickle juice.
I just bought a Goodbyn Bento from Target. Haven’t tried it yet but if you want one be sure to test the lids. I had to return the first one because the lid didn’t close all the way. When I went to get another, there were a few more on the shelf with the same problem, so check carefully.
I am SO SAD!! :’-( I thought I was going crazy when I couldn’t find them but now I know…if you happen to test any more that are leak proof PLEASE send an urgent update letting us know. We packed EBERYTHING for sclool in the zip. My daughter loved them
Have you tried the Smart Planet Eco Friendly Collapsible lunch box? The price is pretty good and I wonder if it works well. Thanks!
Hi Sarah. We’ve seen them but have not tried them. ~Amy
Rubbermaid take alongs are still available.
I thought I was imagining this when I was not finding them in Target stores just after school started. Then I checked several stores and had realized I had better check on-line but never got that far….darn.
Typically I have just been using the regular smallest sizes if the food storage containers we usually use in our house and for the most part that has worked fine but was going to give these a try to stream line things a bit. I guess that won’t happen any time soon. Though, if I decide to buy something else to try, I have considered just tying a few smaller pieces of this brand’s products because I’d think they should still be essentially waterproof and 2-3 (smaller) containers in his lunch bag isn’t that big of a deal vs. just the one.
I’m so glad to find this post! I just found out about the loss of the fab containers I found through you and was scrolling through Amazon, no luck, yadda yadda, searched them and found this post and YAY! Thanks for doing all the hard part so I can just shop from here!
When I went grocery shopping this weekend I looked at the plastic ware section to see what Ziploc was doing. Apparently they are trying to compete with Rubbermaid’s Lunch Blox. They have created a variety pack of several small dishes that nest together. I personally like the divided dish over the separate containers which are just more parts for my kids to keep up with at lunch time.
Will call corporate to make request
What do you put your kids’ Yumboxes in? And what type of freezer pack do you use with it? Thanks!
Hi Elana. The Yumboxes fit the Landsend soft sided bags. You can find Lisa’s ice packs here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy
It’s so funny that you posted this article. I was literally looking for those ziplock containers on Saturday at Target, and now I know why I can’t find them! Thank you for sharing your suggestions for alternatives.
I dont have kids at home. but my husband takes lunch to workk everyday..and I just use single ziploc containers for him.. but i did find these on amazon.. for much cheaper than planetbox or yumboxes… maybe these are just as good.. not sure.. but thought i would share anyway :)
http://www.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-3-Compartment-Bento-Containers-Classic/dp/B004S129AQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413900306&sr=8-2&keywords=planetbox
I purchased PlanetBox for my two girls this year. I love them. Stainless steel, super easy to clean and keep foods tasting like food, not plastic. Highly recommend them!
I purchased PlanetBox for my two girls this year. I love them. Stainless steel, super easy to clean and keep foods tasting like food, not plastic. Jiggly recommend them!
Just spoke with Ziploc. Keep trying to get the divided containers back! Fingers crossed…
Please please start a campaign to bring back the Ziploc divided containers. They are my favorite and I want to keep using them!!! Please pretty please help bring them back!! Thank you!!
LexNGo and Smart Planet Silicone Collapsible lunchboxes in a variety of shapes and sizes. I’ve purchased mine at Ross and TJMaxx for half the price.
The more requests ziplock gets from us to recreate their bento type boxes the better the chance that they will recreate!!! 800-4944855 call away mamas!
Ok. I have an update on the Easylunchboxes and the Goodbyn Hero containers. I ordered both types of containers. I have good news about both. First, the Easylunchbox containers fit well on both of my kids lunchboxes. One carries a Lands End lunchbox and the other carries a LL Bean lunchbox. The Easylunchboxes fit in both lunchboxes. The LL Bean lunchbox was a little tight with a container of Horizon milk in it and ice backs but it fit. The GoodByn Hero fits in the Lands End lunchbox also. It is deeper and basically takes up the entire lunchbox but I was able to fit a sandwich cut in half, stacked with a Horizon milk together in the large compartment. The Goodbyn Hero did not fit in the LL Bean standard size lunchbox. So, if your kiddo carries the LL Bean lunchbox your best bet is the Easylunchboxes. If you have the Lands End lunchbox softsided – both the GoodByn Hero and the Easylunchboxes fit.
I purchased the Yumboxes with the discount code listed here and I am NOT impressed. One works okay but the other one leaked all over the inside, as well as through the hinge and into the lunchbox! This happened multiple times so it wasn’t a fluke. It leaked with full-fat, thick Greek yogurt, and it wasn’t just the liquid from the whey, it was the actual yogurt that leaked everywhere. They need to improve their product testing, or get some consistency. I have friends that have this and it never leaks but I’ve not been so lucky, and it’s been completely ridiculous trying to make an exchange.
What about Planetboxes? Do you not use those anymore? I know they are pricey, but they are also amazing and will last for YEARS.
Hi there. Yes, Lisa still uses PlanetBox, too. She was trying to show products comparable to the Ziploc product here. ~Amy
We looked everywhere for the Ziploc ones when my son started Kindergarten this year. Since we couldn’t find them we tried the Fit & Fresh and the Rubbermaid Lunchblox (Flat version). Finding something that was leak proof and fit in a standard child’s lunch box was near impossible. I really like the Rubbermaid. The containers sit down in the ice block so the leftovers are still really cold and edible 7 hours later when I pick him up. The size looked small, but it holds plenty of food for someone his age. The containers have never leaked and are easy to clean. The only downside is the separate lids which are a little tough to open. My son just turned 5 and is a bit weak in his fine motor skills and he is able to open them ok by himself. They also snap into the ice block, but it is hard to get them out at lunch time without spilling so we just set the in the slot and don’t snap them. I am really happy with the Rubbermaid and think it is a great choice. I am interested in trying the yumbox too at some point as a back up configuration. I’m just waiting for them to have more styles since my son wouldn’t want pirates and mermaids.
Here is the link to the ones I’m talking about (not a paid link) http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-1866737-LunchBlox-Lunch-Orange/dp/B00DVEGC90/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412706481&sr=8-1&keywords=rubbermaid+flat+lunch+blox
We have these too and we LOVE them! A great, inexpensive alternative to the ziploc lunchboxes!
I found Rubbermaid Takealongs in our Publix and they seem great so far. The divided rectangle has only two compartments, but a silicome cupcake liner thing solves that problem. They also have a divided square which would be good for snacks like hummus and veggies/chips. In Publix they were by the granola bars in the cereal aisle and not by the ziploc bags and things like that which I thought was odd.
http://www.rubbermaid.com/en-US#
I thought these would be good as well but the lids are near impossible to get on and off after a run in the dishwasher, which means that my kids (ages 3-8) can’t get them on/off either. These went in the recycling bin. :(
Hi there. Just FYI, I would avoid ever exposing any plastic to high heat. Chemicals are released and they can shrink a bit…even when it says dishwasher safe. I hand wash these and they have lasted for two years.
http://www.easylunchboxes.com/ Have you tried these yet? I was thinking about giving them a try.
Hello Jenni. That is one of the brands Lisa talked about above.
they are NOT leakproof!
You’ve only reviewed $ponsored products, Lisa. There are lots of other alternatives out there not mentioned so I have a hard time taking yours very seriously.
I switched to the Lunchbots stainless steel product. We have been trying to eliminate plastics wherever possible. I bought the divided container and the non-divided one. I also bought a couple of the little dipping containers which are leakproof (but small). For messier items (yogurt, fruit, applesauce) we use the Life Factory reinforced glass/silicone containers which work great. Thermoses for hot. Hope this helps!
Links:
http://www.lunchbots.com/products/food-containers/uno-stainless-steel-food-container-embossed/
https://www.lifefactory.com/catalog/1cupglassfoodstorage
Has anyone tried the pret a paque? Wondering how reliable the leak proof claim is for Applesauce yogurt etc?
http://shop.fit-fresh.com/Fit-Fresh-Bento-Lunch-Kit/dp/B00KO48AL8
I found these containers from Fit & Fresh, and love them so far! The ones I bought include an insulated case, main containers, 2 small containers (leakproof), and the cold packs that snap into the lid. The only downside of these is that a drink has to be carried separately and the prints are limited. However, I have a 7 & 9 year old and they are working great for us!
Will Goodbyn Hero containers fit? I thought I was going crazy or blind because I could not find the ziploc containers anywhere. I bought one package of them before school started and one of the tops cracked. So I am done to one ziploc container. I have several other containers but they like being able to have all the food in one container and being able to see the food available for lunch. I have the sistema cubes which are great, but they have problems opening up one of the sides. I have a few lunchbots as well snd by the time I pack up the lunchbox with all lunchbots, the drink and ice packs it weighs a ton. So this week, I ordered Goodbyn Hero and the Easylunchboxes. I will let you know how it hoes when I get them.
Oh my gosh. Sorry for the typos! My iPad made up words. I really do know how to spell correctly.
I really wish I had read this a week ago when there was still time to order more. I just ordered a 20 piece Ziploc variety pack from some odd website because it comes with 2 rectangle containers. What are they thinking??? Hopefully if enough o us complain, they will reconsider. I’ve already sent an email via their website and lodged a Facebook complaint.
Have you tried the Sistema Klip-It Lunch Cubes? My 8 year old loves them. I have small containers that I can use for things like dip or hummus that fit inside main compartment. They’re super easy to open and when I pack things like watermelon or other juicy fruits, I put a small piece of paper towel underneath. No leaks!
Goodbyns makes a comparable product. The insert Dippers come with the Hero but are removable:
http://store.goodbyn.com/Goodbyn_Hero_Blue_p/20134.htm
I bought the EasyLunchBoxes when I couldn’t find the ZipLoc ones. I found a 4oz container at The Container Store that will fit to hold yogurt, since these aren’t leak-proof. My kids seem to like them and the extra container isn’t a big deal to pack or wash. I ordered the Yumboxes first but they were on back-order and by the time get arrived, we were already using the Easy ones and they work fine so I returned the YumBoxes.
Are all Ziplock containers BPA free? I was under the impression that some are and some are not…
Hi Erin. All of their products are promised to be BPA free: http://www.ziploc.com/Sustainability/pages/Safety-and-Plastics.aspx. ~Amy
Tell me it isn’t so! We love the ziploc lunch containers and use them everyday for lunches they have never once let us down even after multiple washes in the dishwasher. Unfortunately neither of these newly reviewed boxes ship to Australia and the Yumbox looked so promising!
I just use a gazillion containers and the Land’s End flip top lunchbox. Ironically, the best container for crackers is a Pop Tarts hard container I found for sale at the grocery store!