With September just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about packed lunches again, for the office, school, and everything in between.
To avoid falling back on junk food, I like to bring a lunch that’s not only full of nutrition but also stays fresh throughout the day (not a big fan of soggy sandwiches). That’s why I went searching for the best lunch box options – practical, stylish, and built for real life.
From durable Stanley lunch boxes to colorful and kid-approved Bentgo lunch boxes, I’ve rounded up some of the top picks for every age and lifestyle.
What Makes a Good Lunch Box?
Functionality – it should keep your food hot or cold, depending on your needs
Made from sustainable materials – non-toxic and BPA-free
Ergonomic design – easy to pack and carry
Leak-proof – so you can avoid unwanted spills
Trusted brand – known for long-term quality
Well-reviewed – backed by real people and real results
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Best Lunch Box Brands:
Stanley lunch boxes– the best, beautiful design lunch boxes and bags for women, and classic designs for men
YETI lunch boxes– the best quality lunch boxes
LunchEaze lunch boxes – best self-heating lunch boxes
Bentgo lunch boxes – best Leak-proof lunch boxes for kids
PlanetBox lunch boxes– best stainless steel, customisable lunch boxes for kids
PACKIT lunch boxes– best for freezable lunch boxes and bags
Best Lunch Box for Women
Although most lunch box designs are unisex, some stand out for their extra touch of style. Whether you’re heading to the office or teaching a yoga class, these lunch boxes are made to match your lifestyle. They’re beautiful, functional, and built from toxin-free materials that last.
Hydro Flask 5 L Carry Out Lunch Box Trillium
A very compact and simple lunch box that will keep your food cool. You can also purchase an ice pack to keep your food cool.
+ It is made from 100% recycled polyester and BPA-free materials.
– Some people think it is slightly too small, and some say that the zipper is not waterproof.
STANLEY All Day Mini Lunch Box
A very good quality, beautiful lunch box that comes in two sizes and multiple colours.
+ comes with a strap
– Some people think it is too small
YETI Daytrip 5L Insulated Lunch Box
Yeti is known for its outdoor gear quality. This lunch box comes in 2 sizes and multiple colours.
+ 3 handles for easy carrying
– Some people say it does not keep food cool for too long
– Can’t find information about the exact materials used, and if they are BPA-free. Will update the listing as soon as I hear from the brand.
Best Lunch Box For Men
LunchEAZE Pro Cordless Heated Lunchbox
LunchEAZE is amazing, as you can set a self-heating schedule so your lunch is hot and ready when you need it. Features a sealed and removable 4-cup container made of food-grade, BPA-free 304 stainless steel. You can even prepare frozen foods.
+ completely cordless
– expensive
Stanley Classic Lunch Box
You can not get more classic than this. Inspired by the 1950s-style lunch boxes, Stanley built this so working men and women have something tougher than a cartoon lunchbox and more functional than a paper bag. Stanley lunchbox is manufactured with 0.6mm SPCD steel for exceptional durability with single-wall insulation.
+ durable and ergonomic design
– not leak proof
Best Lunch Box For Kids And Teens
Bentgo Kids Prints Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box
This lunch box is designed for kids 3 to 7 years old.
It has over 30 different colours and graphic designs to cater to the most picky kids.
It is leak and drop proof and also toxic-free.
+ durable and ergonomic design
– compartments can be small
– not all of it is dishwasher safe
OmieBox Bento Lunch Box for Kids
OmieBox is the first and only lunch box that lets you pack hot and cold food together.
OmieBox is made from premium, food-safe materials that stand up to real kid life. It’s made of BPA- and Phthalate-free plastic. Many parents love it and don’t have anything bad to say.
+ great quality and design
+ cold and hot food
PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Bento Box Style Lunch Box Kit for Kids with 5 Compartments
Each Rover Set includes 1 Rover Lunch Box, 1 Big Dipper food container, 1 Little Dipper food container, an Insulated Carrying Bag, and a Magnet Set. NON TOXIC AND BPA FREE: Stainless steel lunchbox contains no lead, PVC, phthalates, or BPA. The lunch tray is dishwasher safe.
Great options for lunch box bags and magnets to freshen up the look.
+ Great quality and design
– Tray is not leak-proof; place sauces in the provided dippers with lids.
PACKIT Freezable Lunch Bag
Patented EcoFreeze Technology, with built-in ice packs, creates a fridge-like cooling system that keeps food and drinks cool for hours. This Freezable Lunch Bag is made from nontoxic gel and gel liner built into the walls: the entire bag freezes! Made PVC-free, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and lead-free.
+ Simple to use- just add all the folded bag to the freezer
– Needs overnight freezing
When choosing a perfect lunch box, we all have different needs and preferences, but a few things should always be key. It’s important to choose a lunch box that is made from non-toxic materials and keeps our food fresh, and helps to maintain a healthy eating habit on the go.
What is important to you when choosing a lunch box? Do you like any lunch boxes listed above?
Silvija Meilunaite PN1-NC, is a certified nutrition coach and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field with a passion for exploring science-based knowledge focusing on holistic health and plant-based nutrition.
Featured in the Wellness on Time magazine.
