10Best.Guide

Lunch Containers for Adults

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
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Perfect size for portion control and lunchboxes
  • Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
  • Great for organizing and presenting food
  • Convenient for packing a variety of foods
Cons
  • Lids can come off easily and not leak-proof
  • Some lids may crack or break in the dishwasher
Bottom Line
Easy Lunchboxes are a great option for those looking for a durable, convenient, and organized way to pack lunches and snacks. While they may not be completely leak-proof, they are still a great option for portion control and variety in meals.
Pros
  • Great portion control sections
  • Good quality glass
  • Non-plastic way to do bento meals
  • Lid seals are very good
  • Glass doesn't stain, get etched or retain odors
Cons
  • Takes up a ton of storage space
  • If you add something liquid, it leaks into the main compartment
Bottom Line
These glass containers with dividers are great for portion control and non-plastic bento meals. They are leak-proof, easy to clean and come with little cups for sauces and labels. However, they take up a lot of storage space and are not suitable for wet food as it spills over into other compartments. The lids are not durable and can break easily.
Pros
  • Perfect size for lunch
  • Removable tray for heating up food
  • Holds plenty of toppings and dressing
  • Convenient for on-the-go
  • Salad dressing holder is a game changer
Cons
  • Sauce container leaks
  • Clasp that locks the lid on can break off
Bottom Line
The Bentgo Salad Container is a great option for those who want to bring salads to work or on-the-go. It has a perfect size, removable tray, and convenient compartments for toppings and dressing. However, it may leak and the clasp that locks the lid on can break off.
Pros
  • Excellent seal
  • Crystal-clear plastic
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy
  • Good for meal prep
Cons
  • Small size
  • Compartments are semi-connected
Bottom Line
These food storage containers are great for meal prep, freezing, and storing food. They have an excellent seal, are easy to clean, and are microwave and freezer-safe. However, they are small in size and can be difficult to open. They are also expensive and may not come with enough pieces in the set.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Adult Lunch Containers: Reviews, Types, Tips & More

Overview

Bringing your own lunch to work or school is a great way to save money and eat healthier. But with so many lunch containers for adults on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this buying guide, we'll review the different types of lunch containers available, key considerations to keep in mind when shopping, important features to look for, and tips to help you get the most out of your lunch container.

Types

- Lunch boxes for adults: These are the classic rectangular-shaped containers with a lid that snaps shut. They come in a variety of materials, including plastic, stainless steel, and glass. Some have compartments for separating different foods, while others are simply one large space.

- Bento boxes: Originally from Japan, bento boxes are a type of lunch container that typically have multiple compartments for holding different types of food. They're great for portion control and for packing a variety of foods.

- Insulated lunch bags: These are lunch containers that come in the form of a bag or tote, which is designed to keep your food at the right temperature. They're great for packing cold items, like salads or sandwiches, or hot items, like soups or stews.

- Portable food containers: These are containers that are designed to be easy to transport, often with a handle or strap. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be made from plastic, glass, or metal.

Key Considerations

- Size: Think about how much food you typically pack for lunch, and choose a container that will accommodate your needs.

- Material: Consider the material of the container, as it can affect the durability, weight, and insulation properties.

- Leak-proof: If you're packing liquids or messy foods, look for a container that is leak-proof to prevent spills and messes.

- Microwave-safe: If you plan to heat up your food at work or school, look for a container that is microwave-safe.

- Dishwasher-safe: If you want an easy-to-clean container, look for one that is dishwasher-safe.

Features

- Compartments: Some lunch containers have compartments for separating different types of food, which can be helpful for portion control and keeping foods separate.

- Insulation: If you want to keep your food at the right temperature, look for a container with insulation.

- Durability: Look for lunch containers that are made from durable materials, like stainless steel or high-quality plastic, to ensure they last a long time.

- Easy to clean: Some lunch containers are easier to clean than others, so consider how important this feature is to you.

Prices

Lunch containers for adults can range in price from under $10 to over $50, depending on the type, material, and features. Generally, plastic containers are the most affordable, while stainless steel and glass containers tend to be more expensive.

- Lunch boxes for adults: $10-$30

- Bento boxes: $15-$50

- Insulated lunch bags: $10-$40

- Portable food containers: $10-$30

Tips

- Pack your lunch the night before to save time in the morning.

- Use ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep your food cold in an insulated lunch bag.

- Consider packing leftovers from dinner for an easy lunch option.

- Use a reusable fork, knife, and spoon to reduce waste.

- Label your lunch container with your name to prevent mix-ups.

FAQs

Q: What is the best material for a lunch container?

A: It depends on your needs. Plastic containers are lightweight and affordable, while stainless steel and glass containers are more durable and eco-friendly.

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

A: It depends on the container. Some are dishwasher-safe, while others should be hand-washed. Check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure.

Q: Are bento boxes only for sushi?

A: No, bento boxes can be used for a variety of foods, including sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

Q: How do I keep my food at the right temperature?

A: Use an insulated lunch bag or container, and consider adding ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.

Q: Can I pack soup in a lunch container?

A: Yes, but make sure the container is leak-proof and microwave-safe if you plan to heat it up.

By following these tips and considering the key factors when shopping, you can find the perfect lunch container for your needs.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Multiple compartments for packing big lunches with lots of components.
  • Easy to clean and pack quite a variety of food.
  • Good quality cutlery included.
  • Perfect for parents on-the-go to pack a whole meal for their kids.
  • Durable and great portion size for adults.
Cons
  • Plastic smell that doesn't completely wash off.
  • Locking tab can crack after daily use.
Bottom Line
This bento box is a great option for those who want to pack healthy and organized meals for themselves or their kids. However, some customers have experienced issues with the plastic smell, locking tab, and clip on the lid.
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.
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
  • Many shapes and sizes
  • Good thickness
  • Clear containers for easy labeling
  • Excellent value
  • Variety of containers
Cons
  • Lid clasps are difficult to use
  • Little pieces are not useful for food storage
Bottom Line
This set of food storage containers offers a variety of shapes and sizes at an excellent value. However, some lids may be difficult to use and some containers may not be useful for food storage.
Pros
  • Perfect for portioning out healthy snacks.
  • Great for meal prep.
  • Allows packing several options in one container without mixing.
  • Provides balanced meal and even have room for a little treat.
  • Perfect for grazing trays.
Cons
  • Only top rack safe.
  • Leaks with residual liquid.
Bottom Line
These lunchboxes are perfect for portioning out healthy snacks, meal prep, and grazing trays. However, they are only top rack safe, leak with residual liquid, and the lid breaks after 3-4 uses. They are also expensive for only 4 containers.
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