By blog team member, Kiran. To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page!
It’s that time again – time to purchase school supplies and break out the bus schedules. Also I bet at the top of your list is figuring out the best lunch box for your child(ren). We have good news…we’ve done the research for you! Below are five of our favorite lunchboxes that should make your lunch packing a breeze. Now if you could just get someone to prep all the food for you – ha! ;)
Compare Our Favorite Lunch Boxes
| Yumbox | PlanetBox Rover | LunchBots | Ziploc Divided Container | Bentology | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free, food-safe plastic | Stainless steel + silicone rubber | Stainless steel | BPA-free, food-safe plastic | BPA-free, food-safe plastic |
| Price | $28 | $49.95* | $18.99 – $36.99 | $3.29 for two | $19.99 |
| Leakproof? | Yes | No, but comes with leakproof containers. | No (additional leakproof options available) | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| What We Like | Labels make it great to get kids involved; leakproof; cute design. | Very well made; kids love all the compartments, which are especially great for bigger appetites. | Numerous options let you get the perfect size for your appetite; well made and lasts. | Lightweight and affordable | Complete customization; take as many or as few containers as you like. Made in the USA! |
| What We’re Not Crazy About | Made of plastic. | Initial investment is somewhat pricey but pays off in the end. | Need to purchase leak-proof containers. | Not meant for longterm use, and made of plastic. | Many pieces to clean. |
Yumbox
Available in two versions, Yumbox is a kid-friendly, bento-style lunch container designed for kids and adults. The original version has an educational tray that offers cute labels for five 1/2-cup portions of the key food groups to help kids pack their own lunches with guidance. The Panino has four compartments, is sandwich and salad friendly, and is suitable for all appetites. Super durable and leakproof, this one’s a winner in our book (and book bag!).
Size: 8.5 x 6.5 x 1.8 inches Weight: 1 lb. 1.5 oz.
>> Try it out with our 15% off code: SWEET15 <<
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PlanetBox
Made of stainless steel, the PlanetBox offers an eco-friendly option with compartments that make lunch packing a journey (yes, I did just say that!). Don’t be alarmed by the price tag. It’s well built and offers a 5-year warranty, ensuring that lots of love (think being tossed around) won’t do any real damage. Sensible portion sizes, three options to choose from, and being dishwasher safe round out the reasons why we have been longtime fans of the PlanetBox.
Note: In the graph, we tested the Rover. Compare all three sizes and costs on this page.
Size: 10 x 7 x 1.5 inches
>> Try It Out <<
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LunchBots
Another longtime favorite of ours, LunchBots stainless steel food containers and bento boxes offer endless options. Bento boxes range from one compartment to five. And though they aren’t leakproof, the condiment containers and 4 or 8-ounce rounds are. They can be purchased to round out your meal and store those leaky liquids (think applesauce, yogurt, condiments, etc.).
I (Kiran) have been using the same containers for 6 years now and they are still going strong!
Size: 6 x 5 x 1.75 inches
>> Try It Out <<
Ziploc Divided Container
Popular brand Ziploc’s take on the bento box is a very affordable, everyday product. Sold in packs of two, the BPA-Free containers consist of three compartments each and a secure fitting lid. The product claims to be freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe, though precautionary statements for use are included on the package. Please note that the containers are also disposable and are not intended to last as long as more expensive containers, though we have had success in using them for 9+ months.
Size: 8 1/2″ x 6″
Easy Lunchboxes
Similar to our old favorite Ziploc divided containers, Easy Lunchboxes are simple to pack and unpack. Three spots in the container leave lots of room for variety to please the appetites of those of all ages. Though they are not leakproof, they have a good price point and provide easy prep and cleanup.
Size: 9.38 x 6.1 x 2 inches
>> Try It Out <<
Bentology
Formerly known as Laptop Lunches, Bentology offers everything you need to pack a bento lunch, including lids for most compartments. If customizing your lunches each day is your thing, then this set is surely for you. Sleek style combined with eco-friendly materials allow you to assemble the perfect portion that you wish to take. Be sure to check out their ice packs, reusable napkins, and more. Oh, and the icing on the cake? The food containers are made in the USA. LOVE!
Size: 9 x 7 x 2.25 inches (outer container)
>> Try it out with our 15% off code: 100days <<
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Another must have for the lunch box!
Before the school year (and also throughout), Lisa and I both always make sure to stock up on Lunchbox Love cards – super cute cards that have jokes, sweet sayings and trivia on them. My kids have been known to hoard these cards, and Lisa’s girls are the same! It’s such a cute way to connect with your kids to let them know that you are thinking about them while they are away for the day. This sponsor of ours has both printed cards and printables that you can download – and a special hint: they almost always have a good discount on their site, too. Check them out!
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In Summary
We hope all this information helps you pick the best lunchbox for you and your family! But when in doubt, there’s no need to stick to just one brand. Both Lisa and I honestly have a couple different sets that we rotate through depending on what we’re packing.
And on that note, another solution worth mentioning that comes in smaller sizes than the others above is U•Konserve (pictured). Their containers are great when it comes to pairing side items with a hot lunch in a thermos and you can get 25% off of everything on their site with the coupon code 100DAYS.
Did we forget any of your favorites on our list? If so, we’d love to know in the comments.
Good Luck and Happy Packing! :)
Charred Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Avocados Recipe
Here ya go: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/shopping-guide/product/insulated-lunch-bag/
Is there a thermal
Lunch box you can recommend
I saw a video (a few weeks ago) about lunch boxes and prep ideas. In it, Lisa briefly talked about a spork (spoon + fork) that her kids use. I did not catch the name or brand of that. I’d love some specific info. and where to purchase those.
Thank you!
Mary
Yep! Here is the link; it’s by UKonserve and you can get 25% off of your entire purchase with code 100days:).
https://www.ukonserve.com/bamboo-utensils-s/62.htm
Do you have any info on the silicone muffin cups that fit in the ziploc containers? Mine are a bit too small! Thanks!
Hello. You can find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/.
I ordered jumbo silicone muffin cups on Amazon; they are too big for my ziplock containers. Is there a link for the ones that Lisa uses?!
Here you go. You can find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/.
Hi, it looks like you’re using some kind of silicone muffin cups to hold / separate items in the larger compartment? Those look great, can you share where you got them? Thanks!
Hi there. You can find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/.
PlanetBox Rover has increased in price to $55.95
Just a quick review on the U•Konserve containers mentioned at the end of this article. I ordered a “Divided To-Go Medium” and was able to get it for a great price with the 25% off code plus limited-time free shipping. I bought this for a 3-yr old, so my review is based on appropriateness for a preschooler.
PROS: Perfect size, leakproof lid, removable divider for easy cleaning and versatility, and stainless steel means it won’t hold smells like plastics do.
CONS: Company does not recommend putting the plastic lid in the dishwasher, lid is too tight for a preschooler to remove without spilling all the contents, and the removable divider means my preschooler makes a big mess mixing all the foods together and then doesn’t eat any of it!
CONCLUSION: Reasonably priced stainless steel container for an older child or adult.
Hi i was wondering if you had any thoughts on spencer containers from pottery barn?
Hi there. No sorry, that is not one we’ve really looked at.
I have seen some small thermos-type stainless steel containers in some of your photos for hot foods. Where did you get those?
Here ya go: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2014/07/23/school-lunch-packing-tips-mighty-nest/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/.
I just tried the YumBox coupon code and it’s expired.
You can use the code SWEET15 if you are still interested.
I have been waiting for at least a month to order 2 yum boxes but they have been out of stock. They are in stock now as of today (at least the colors I wanted) but the coupon code has expired. Is there any new codes available? It’s a bummer because I would’ve bought them earlier when the coupon was active but couldn’t because of out of stock. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Tracey. Unfortunately, the coupon is not available at this time.
Do the Land’s End containers that Lisa uses for the yum box and planet box?
I just ran across some Rubbermaid reusable divided containers that look promising. The bigger one is not leakproof, but the snack size is. The only drawback I’ve seen, other than its on the small side, is that the lids are hard to get on. It may not be ideal for younger kids. It’s a good low cost option though.
http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-TakeAlongs-Storage-Container-Divided/dp/B00E5UAM36/ref=pd_sim_79_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0ECE0FHVXKFQ1AWA48Y1&dpSrc=sims&dpST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_
Have you ever looked into Go Green Lunch box? I use them and they are great!! And they are leak proof!!!
Hi. Nope, haven’t tried that one.
What about Rubbermaid’s lunch box sets? I’ve been rocking them for a couple of years now for work.
Hi there. That is not one we’ve reviewed. While I use mostly stainless now, I have used those sets and like how they snap into their ice packs. ;)
Hi – Kiran and others, how do folks keep the LunchBots container cold? I’m thinking of purchasing it for my toddler’s preschool lunches, but they don’t refrigerate food, so I need something I can keep cold. We have a few versions of the PackIt Freezable Lunch Bags, but not sure a LunchBots Trio will fit inside. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi there. This post shows what Lisa uses to keep lunches cold: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/08/29/real-food-school-lunch-faqs/.
Does anyone have any recommendations for insulated lunch boxes/containers? I like to pack a warm lunch a few times a week so it needs to stay hot (or at least somewhat warm) for a few hours.
Hi Christina. Here is a post on using a thermos: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/11/26/how-to-use-thermos-food-jars/.
Great post! Thanks for taking the time to do that comparison and saving me time, ha! I was just wondering is the PlanetBox leak-proof? We use ThinkBaby right now which is stainless steel but with BPA-free plastic lid. I don’t necessarily like that the lid is plastic BUT it is leak-proof. I definitely need a leak-proof container.
Hello Lorena. It is not but it comes with small leak proof containers. See above chart for specifics.
Ok. Thank you!
Is there still a discount code available through 100 days for a purchase from Lifefactory reusable glass bottles? I definitely want to purchase a few, but if I can save a few dollars, that would be even better.
Hi Sally,
I’m also a huge fan of Lifefactory glass bottles – my kids all have them and so do I! Unfortunately I don’t have a discount code for you.
Kiran