Packing school lunches can often involve a jumble of plastic bags and aluminum foil, which is not only wasteful but also a hassle. A practical solution to this problem is the bento box. These versatile containers are designed to keep various foods neatly separated, making lunchtime organization a breeze.
Why Bento Boxes Are a Must-Have
Bento boxes are perfect for children who prefer their food to be compartmentalized. They come with multiple sections for different types of food, from sandwiches and fruits to chips and dips. Many bento boxes are also designed to be leakproof, allowing you to pack liquids like sauces or dressings without worrying about spills. To find the best options, we put a range of bento boxes through extensive testing to see which ones truly stand up to daily use.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Bentgo Kids Lunch Box
Price: $30 at Amazon (regularly $40)
Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Material: BPA-free plastic and rubber
Pros:
- Leakproof design
- Durable rubber edges
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other models
- Exterior scratches easily
Review:
The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box stands out as the top choice for kids due to its robust design. Ideal for children ages three to seven, this BPA-free plastic bento box features five compartments that keep different foods separate and fresh. Its leakproof seal ensures that liquids don’t escape, and the rubber-lined edges add durability against accidental drops. Though it’s a bit heavier, the added protection is a worthwhile trade-off. It’s easy to clean and resistant to leaks, making it a reliable option for everyday use.
Best Budget: Bentgo Kids Tray
Price: $10 at Amazon (regularly $15)
Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Material: BPA-free plastic
Pros:
- Ideal for portioning foods
- Transparent lid for easy viewing
- Compact and easy to transport
Cons:
- Lid is not leakproof
- Limited compartment sizes
Review:
For a budget-friendly option, the Bentgo Kids Tray is a great choice. This simple bento box is perfect for young children, with five compartments that are suitable for small portions of snacks. Although the lid doesn’t seal liquids tightly, it’s still a practical choice for home lunches. Its compact size makes it easy to pack into a larger lunchbox, and its transparency helps you see what’s inside without opening it.
Best Stainless Steel: LunchBots Protein Packer Toddler Bento Box
Price: $18 at Amazon
Dimensions: 5.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 7.4 ounces
Material: Stainless steel
Pros:
- Extremely durable and compact
- Dishwasher safe
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not leakproof
- Too small for a full lunch
Review:
The LunchBots Protein Packer is a robust, compact option made from high-quality stainless steel. With its durable construction, it can withstand rough handling, making it ideal for snacks. However, its small size—perfect for finger foods—means it’s not suited for larger meals. It’s easy to clean and fits well in a diaper bag or backpack, though it lacks leakproof capabilities.
Best for School Lunches: Jeopace Bento Box
Price: $10 at Amazon
Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 2.2 inches
Weight: 10 ounces
Material: BPA-free plastic
Pros:
- Versatile design for kids and adults
- Includes a reusable fork
- Easy to open and close
Cons:
- Not leakproof between compartments
Review:
The Jeopace Bento Box is perfect for school lunches due to its versatile design and ease of use. With three separate compartments, it can handle a variety of foods, from sandwiches to snacks. The included reusable fork is a handy addition, although the box isn’t completely leakproof between compartments. It’s easy to clean and ideal for both kids and adults.
Most Versatile: PackIt Mod Lunch Bento Food Storage Container
Price: $20 at Amazon (regularly $25)
Dimensions: 7.2 x 2.8 x 5 inches
Weight: 9.52 ounces
Material: BPA-free plastic
Pros:
- Adjustable and removable dividers
- BPA-free and shatter-resistant
- Safe for microwave and freezer
Cons:
- Compartments aren’t leakproof
- Grooves make cleaning more difficult
Review:
The PackIt Mod Lunch Bento Container stands out for its adjustable dividers, allowing you to customize the space for different types of food. The removable dividers provide flexibility, and the container is safe for the microwave and freezer. However, it’s not leakproof, so packing liquids can be risky. Its versatile design and ease of adjustment make it suitable for various uses.
Best Design: Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box
Price: $30 at Yumboxlunch.com
Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 1.8 inches
Weight: 1.09 pounds
Material: ABS, BPA-free plastic, and silicone
Pros:
- Fun illustrations
- Easy to clean
- Leakproof design
Cons:
- Shows wear and tear easily
- Higher price point
Review:
The Yumbox Original is designed with both function and style in mind. Featuring colorful illustrations and a leakproof design, this bento box is perfect for young children. It includes compartments labeled by food groups, which helps in packing a balanced meal. Despite its higher price, its durable construction and ease of cleaning make it a worthwhile investment.
Best Colorful: Munchkin Toddler Lunch Box
Price: $18 at Amazon
Dimensions: 9.25 x 8.9 x 3.25 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Material: BPA-free plastic and stainless steel utensils
Pros:
- Vibrant, eye-catching colors
- Spacious compartments
- Includes kid-friendly utensils
Cons:
- Relatively heavy for younger children
Review:
The Munchkin Toddler Lunch Box is ideal for parents who want a bright, functional lunch container. Its spacious compartments are perfect for a variety of foods, and the included stainless steel utensils are a convenient bonus. While it’s on the heavier side, it’s still manageable and easy to carry.
Best for Warm Foods: Omie Bento Box
Price: $46 at Amazon
Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.5 x 3 inches
Weight: 1.7 pounds
Material: Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, and silicone
Pros:
- Insulated thermos keeps food warm
- Large compartment for sandwiches
- Versatile with removable inserts
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires handwashing
Review:
The Omie Bento Box is a premium choice for keeping foods warm or cold. Its vacuum-insulated thermos is perfect for soups or hot meals, and the large compartment accommodates sandwiches. It’s versatile and durable, though it requires handwashing and comes at a higher price point.
Best for Salads: Oxo Prep & Go Salad Container
Price: $15 at Amazon
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.4 x 3.3 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Material: BPA-free plastic and silicone
Pros:
- Keeps ingredients separate
- Includes a container for salad dressing
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Bulky design
- Limited compartment separation
Review:
For salad lovers, the Oxo Prep & Go Salad Container is a top pick. It keeps salad ingredients separate and includes a container for dressing, making it perfect for salads or mixed meals. Its dishwasher-safe design adds convenience, although the bulky size may be less ideal for smaller lunchboxes.
Final Verdict
Among our tested options, the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box emerged as the top choice for its durable, leakproof design and practical compartments. For a more budget-friendly option, the Bentgo Kids Tray is excellent for smaller portions. Each of these bento boxes was evaluated for design, durability, and ease of use to ensure that they meet the needs of both kids and parents.
How We Tested
To identify the best bento boxes, we sent a variety of models to our experienced testers who use them for real lunches and snacks. The evaluation criteria included design, insulation, versatility, and size. We observed how each box performed under daily conditions, focusing on durability, compartment versatility, ease of use, and cleaning convenience.
What to Look for in a Bento Box for Kids
Material: Bento boxes come in plastic, metal, and glass. Plastic is lightweight and durable, metal is resistant to high temperatures, and glass is both microwave and dishwasher-safe but heavier and breakable.
Size: Choose a bento box that fits your child’s needs without being oversized. Larger boxes are suitable for more varied meals, while smaller ones are ideal for snacks.
Number of Compartments: More compartments allow for better food separation and flexibility, but fewer compartments may be easier to manage for larger portions.
FAQs
What is a bento box?
A bento box is a Japanese-style lunch container with multiple compartments. It’s designed to keep different types of food separated, making it ideal for packing balanced meals. Typically, bento boxes come in various sizes and materials, including plastic, metal, and glass.
Are bento boxes safe for kids?
Yes, most bento boxes are safe for kids, provided they are made from BPA-free and food-grade materials. It’s essential to choose a bento box that is free from harmful chemicals and is durable enough to withstand daily use.
Can I put bento boxes in the microwave?
It depends on the material of the bento box. Many plastic and glass bento boxes are microwave-safe, but you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm. Metal bento boxes generally are not microwave-safe.
How do I clean a bento box?
Cleaning methods vary based on the material. Plastic bento boxes are usually dishwasher-safe, while metal and glass options might require handwashing. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure longevity and maintain hygiene.
Are bento boxes leakproof?
Not all bento boxes are leakproof. While some models offer a secure seal to prevent leaks, others may only offer partial protection. It’s important to check product specifications if you need a bento box that can handle liquids without spills.
What features should I look for in a bento box for kids?
Look for a bento box that is easy for kids to open and close, features spill-proof compartments if possible, and is made from durable, safe materials. Additionally, consider whether the box is easy to clean and if it fits well into a backpack or lunch bag.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right bento box for your child involves considering factors like size, material, and functionality. Whether you’re looking for a durable everyday option or a specialized container for warm meals or salads, there’s a bento box to suit every need. Our top picks offer a variety of features and benefits to help make lunchtime more enjoyable and organized.
For a reliable, leakproof option, the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box remains a standout choice, while the Bentgo Kids Tray offers an affordable alternative. For unique needs such as warm meals or specialized salads, the Omie Bento Box and Oxo Prep & Go Salad Container provide excellent solutions.
With the right bento box, packing school lunches becomes simpler and more efficient, ensuring that your child enjoys a well-organized and appetizing meal every day.
