The Best Lunch Boxes For Kids
Getting your kids to eat their fruits and vegetables at home can be a challenge. But if they're at school, then it's even more difficult to guarantee good nutrition. Fortunately, with the right lunch box, you can get them excited for mealtime while still packing them the nutrient-dense meals they need. These days, lunch boxes come in all shapes and sizes, but the most popular ones are conveniently segmented to accommodate a full meal. And to help you get started, we've sorted through the best kids' lunch boxes on the market.
What to Look For
We took ease of use, durability, and design into consideration when vetting the top contenders on our list to make sure that your children’s lunches are as stylish as the rest of their school supplies. For a colorful box that can handle it all, from leaks to drops to microwave power, you can’t go wrong with the bento-style lunchbox by Bentgo. But if you’re after a lunchbox that your kids will love to handle, the box by Good Banana is the one for you thanks to its fun cartoon shape and kid-friendly latch. Check out the rest of our favorites below.
Bentgo Bento-Style Kids’ Lunchbox
No leaks, no worries
Being active is one of the best things about being a kid. But movement doesn’t always bode well for pre-packed lunches. That’s why the folks over at Bentgo put so much effort into making their bento-style lunchbox as leak-proof as possible. Whether you’re packing yogurt or soup, this five-compartment lunch container will keep any liquid in its place. On top of this, the rubber-coated edges make sure the lunchbox itself is safe, even during the rowdiest roughhousing.
Pros:
- Thanks to the wide selection of vibrant colors available for this dual-hued lunchbox, your child can experiment with their favorite color combinations.
- The removable inner tray is microwave-safe for easy reheating even when your toddler is at school.
Cons:
- The compartments in this lunchbox are more compact, meaning you’ll have to cut a standard sandwich in half to fit it in.
Wagindd Stacking Lunch Boxes
Easy to carry, easy to pack
Originating in Japan, bento boxes are renowned for their ergonomic approach to mealtime. And with this stacking children’s lunchbox by Wagindd, you can apply this same thinking to your toddler’s mid-day snack as well. Made up of four different compartments that each come with their own lid, this lunchbox lets you mix and match its design while still keeping everything neat and separate. It even comes with utensils and a convenient carrying handle.
Pros:
- On days when they may need less food, your kids can take the detachable snack containers instead of the whole box.
- Made to accommodate little hands, this lunchbox is super easy to open and close despite its leak-proof design.
Cons:
- If you mainly give your kids hot food, then you’ll want to go with a different lunchbox.
OmieBox Bento Box For Kids
Hot and cold in one go
Just because your kids bring packed lunches to school doesn’t mean they have to forgo hot food. And, thankfully, with the kids’ bento box by OmieBox, they don’t have to. This three-compartment lunch box has a hot temperature area, which includes its own thermos for easy, secure packing of soups, pasta, and more. Made of stainless steel, the thermos keeps food warm throughout the day without leaking into the other compartments.
Pros:
- The sturdy dividers should stay in place no matter how much your kids shake the box.
- Cleaning this lunchbox is a breeze thanks to the containers that all come apart for easy wiping.
Cons:
- This lunchbox is heavier than other bento boxes, so it may be more suitable for bigger kids.
Good Banana Children’s Lunch Box
Kids can’t help comparing their lunches, and lunch boxes are no exception. We love this children’s lunchbox by Good Banana because it gives them something to talk about it before they even open the box. Available in a variety of cute designs, this BPA-free lunchbox keeps their food safe while putting a smile on their face. Plus, it’s designed for easy opening with small hands, teaching your toddlers independence at the same time.
Pros:
- Unlike other lunch boxes, this container looks compact while still holding a lot of food at the same time.
- The lightweight construction of this lunchbox makes it easier for your kids to carry it at the end of the day when it’s empty.
Cons:
- You’ll need to hand-wash this lunchbox to avoid it warping in the dishwasher.
Chengu Bento Lunch Boxes For Kids, 4-Pack
Save on cost, not convenience
Packing multiple lunches doesn’t have to take more time than packing just one — or at least that’s what the designers over at Chengu thought when crafting their budget bundle of bento boxes for kids. This four-pack of lunch boxes can save you both time and money thanks to the easy-to-distinguish, color-coded design of each multi-compartment box. Plus, in addition to the leak-proof, sturdy lunch boxes, you’ll also get matching utensils for perfect pairing every time.
Pros:
- Because each compartment is independently sealed, you can combine your children’s favorite foods without smells or flavors blending as well.
- The sturdy design of these boxes prevents the container from getting bent, keeping your food in the same shape as when you packed it.
Cons:
- These lunch boxes are a bit bigger than other kids’ bento boxes. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but some may find the extra space unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best material for a kid’s lunchbox?
At the most basic level, you’ll want to look for a food-safe, easy-to-clean construction. For this reason, BPA-free plastic, silicone, and stainless steel would be your best options for lunchbox construction. After this, it comes down to preference. For example, stainless steel is the most durable of those materials, but it is also the heaviest, so it may be better for older kids.
How do I clean my lunchbox?
Even if you don’t spot any food waste inside the compartments, you should still clean your child’s lunchbox at the end of every day. Some lunch boxes are dishwasher-safe, whereas others should be washed by hand. Fortunately, these are made to easily come apart for swift cleaning with soap and warm water.
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