10Best.Guide

Lunch Containers

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Sturdy glass containers
  • Eye-pleasing design
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Easy to clean
  • Helps with organization
Cons
  • Rubber rings on lids come off easily
  • Plastic lids become brittle over time
Bottom Line
These glass containers are a great investment for meal prep and organization, but be aware of the potential issues with the lids and stacking.
Pros
  • Holds a lot of lettuce/spring mix
  • Removable tray is great
  • Salad dressing holder is a game changer
  • Holds toppings separate so they don't get soggy
  • Great size and proportions
Cons
  • Too clunky and big
  • Hard to mix all the salad ingredients together
Bottom Line
The Bentgo Salad Container is a great option for those who want to take salads to work or school. It has a good size and proportions, holds a lot of lettuce, and keeps toppings separate. However, it is clunky and hard to mix ingredients, and the dishwasher safe claim is misleading.
Pros
  • Airtight compartments for mixing and matching fridge items, dry items, fruit, veggies, nuts, dairy items, meat, etc.
  • Great portion sizes for snack boxes or "lunchables".
  • Dishwasher safe (top shelf).
  • Sturdy and high-quality plastic.
  • Perfect size for preschoolers.
Cons
  • Lids don't fit properly and individual compartments aren't sealed.
  • Not leak-proof for liquid items.
Bottom Line
These containers are great for storing snacks, meal prep, and making homemade lunchables. They are airtight, dishwasher safe, and come in great portion sizes. However, they may not be leak-proof for liquid items and the lids may not fit properly.
Pros
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Easy to clean
  • Air-tight and leak-proof
  • Perfect size for meal prepping
  • BPA-free and made in the USA
Cons
  • Lids can be difficult to clean
  • Stain easily
Bottom Line
These containers are a great investment for meal prepping and storing food. They are durable, easy to clean, and air-tight. However, they may stain easily and the snaps that close the lids can break after a few months. The packaging may not be secure during shipping, so buyers should be cautious. Overall, they are a good purchase for those looking for BPA-free and made in the USA containers.
Pros
  • Containers are great for meal prepping.
  • Containers have measuring amounts per section.
  • Containers are a nice size and hold a big portion.
  • Containers are dishwasher and microwave safe.
  • Containers are perfect for teaching proper portion size.
Cons
  • Tabs on some containers are either cracked or completely broken off.
  • Containers are not leak-proof.
Bottom Line
These containers are great for meal prepping and have measuring amounts per section. They are a nice size, dishwasher and microwave safe, and perfect for teaching proper portion size. However, some containers have broken tabs, they are not leak-proof, and may shatter when placed in the freezer.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Lunch Containers: Reviews, Types, Features, and More

Overview

Lunch containers are essential for anyone who wants to pack a healthy meal for work, school, or on-the-go. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This buying guide will help you understand the different types of lunch containers available, key considerations when buying one, features to look for, and tips to make the most out of your lunch container.

Types

1. Plastic Lunch Containers: These are the most common type of lunch containers and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are affordable, lightweight, and often leak-proof. However, they are not the most eco-friendly option and may not be as durable as other materials.

2. Stainless Steel Lunch Containers: These containers are durable, long-lasting, and often more eco-friendly than plastic. They are also easy to clean and can be used for both hot and cold meals. However, they can be heavier and more expensive than plastic containers.

3. Glass Lunch Containers: Glass containers are a great option for those who want to avoid plastic. They are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and can be used for both hot and cold meals. However, they can be heavy and fragile, making them less portable.

4. Bento Boxes: Bento boxes are a popular option for those who want to pack a variety of foods in one container. They often have multiple compartments and can be made from plastic, stainless steel, or other materials.

Key Considerations

1. Size: Consider the size of your lunch container based on your portion sizes and the amount of food you want to bring.

2. Durability: Look for lunch containers that are durable and long-lasting, so you don't have to replace them frequently.

3. Leak-proof: If you're bringing liquids or saucy foods, look for containers that are leak-proof to avoid messes.

4. Eco-friendliness: Consider the eco-friendliness of the materials used in the container, such as plastic-free or reusable options.

Features

1. Insulation: Insulated lunch containers can keep your food hot or cold for longer periods, making them ideal for those who don't have access to a microwave or fridge.

2. Microwave-safe: If you plan to heat up your food, look for containers that are microwave-safe.

3. Dishwasher-safe: Look for containers that are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Prices

Lunch containers can range from $5 to $50, depending on the material, size, and features.

Tips

1. Plan ahead: Plan your meals ahead of time to ensure you have the right size container and the appropriate features.

2. Use ice packs: Use ice packs to keep your food cold and fresh.

3. Label your containers: Label your containers with the date and contents to avoid confusion.

FAQs

Q: Can I put my lunch container in the freezer?

A: - It depends on the material. Plastic containers may crack in the freezer, while stainless steel and glass containers are freezer-safe.

Q: How do I clean my lunch container?

A: - Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your container. Most containers are dishwasher-safe, but some may need to be hand-washed.

Q: Can I use my lunch container for hot foods?

A: - It depends on the material. Plastic containers may not be safe for hot foods, while stainless steel and glass containers are safe for hot and cold foods.

Q: Are lunch containers eco-friendly?

A: - Some lunch containers are more eco-friendly than others. Look for plastic-free, reusable, or biodegradable options to reduce your environmental impact.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Perfect size for portion control and meal prep.
  • Microwaveable and easy to clean.
  • Sturdy and lightweight.
  • Great for storing and freezing food.
  • Good value for the price.
Cons
  • Lids can crack easily.
  • Not completely leak-proof.
Bottom Line
These containers are a great value for those looking for an affordable option for portion control, meal prep, and food storage. While they may not be completely leak-proof and the lids can crack easily, they are sturdy and microwaveable, making them a convenient option for busy individuals.
Pros
  • Custom-fit lids keep food fresh and secure during transport.
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe.
  • Affordable and comes with many containers.
  • Good capacity for meal prepping.
  • Easy to clean and stack in the fridge.
Cons
  • Not absolutely leakproof.
  • Material is thin and can break easily.
Bottom Line
The Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers are a great option for affordable meal prep and storage, but may not be the most durable or leakproof option on the market.
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable material
  • Good portion control
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with a fork/spoon
Cons
  • Leaks between compartments
  • Chips get soggy and stale
Bottom Line
This lunch box is a good option for those looking for portion control and an environmentally friendly option. However, it may not be the best option for those with younger children or those looking for a completely leak-proof and airtight container.
Pros
  • Perfect size for work and school lunches.
  • Good value for the price.
  • Cute design and convenient utensil window.
  • Easy to clean and comes with utensils.
  • Seals well to prevent leaks.
Cons
  • Plastic is thin and can chip/crack easily.
  • Compartments are not completely leak-proof.
Bottom Line
This bento box is a good value for the price and is convenient for work and school lunches. However, the plastic is thin and the compartments are not completely leak-proof or well-designed.
Pros
  • Low cost
  • Stackable
  • Microwave safe
  • Good for meal prep
  • Uniform size
Cons
  • Not leakproof
  • Lids crack easily
Bottom Line
These containers are a good option for those looking for a low-cost, stackable, and microwave-safe option for meal prep and storing leftovers. However, they are not leakproof, airtight, or very durable.
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