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Oct 20, 2024

7 Best Lunch Boxes For Adults 2024 | Tested - Forbes Vetted

Whether you’re someone frequently on the go or just aiming to cut down on daily takeout at work, a reliable lunch box is eminently useful. To find the most trustworthy options, I rigorously tested 15

Whether you’re someone frequently on the go or just aiming to cut down on daily takeout at work, a reliable lunch box is eminently useful. To find the most trustworthy options, I rigorously tested 15 lunch boxes and two lunch bags over two weeks. The Bklyn Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Box emerged as my best overall pick: The bento-style box is durable, compact but spacious and easy to clean. For those who want quality on a budget, I recommend the Lovina Bento Lunch Box. For salad lovers, Bentgo’s All-in-One Salad Container is also an excellent choice.

We tested the best lunch boxes for adults to find the most durable and conveniently portable.

Below, all the adult lunch boxes and lunch bags that excelled in their categories after thorough testing:

In evaluating the best lunch boxes for adults, I focused on several key factors, including container size, roominess, leak resistance, insulation efficiency (for products claiming insulation) and ease of cleaning. Learn more about my top picks below, along with pointers from experts on what to look for while shopping for lunch boxes. (Looking for a kid-friendly option? Check out our guide to the best kids’ lunch boxes.)

Amazon

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 6.3 cups | Insulated: No | Dimensions: 6.5 x 5 x 3.1 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: No

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Though I initially expected a model from one of the most popular brands to come out on top, I was pleasantly surprised at how Bklyn Bento’s stainless steel lunch box surpassed my expectations. One of the standout features is its size—the three-tier box accommodates 6.3 cups of food, approximately 20% more than the average bento box. (Envision packing several large swirls of spaghetti in the bottom layer, a baked chicken thigh-leg combo with a side of roasted veggies in the middle layer, and homemade granola with blackberries for an afternoon snack in the top.) In the past, I’ve struggled with lunch boxes not holding enough food to satisfy my midday hunger, but the generous size of the Bklyn Bento lunch box kept me satiated throughout the day. And despite its substantial capacity, the lunch box neatly stacked into a compact bundle that effortlessly fit into my backpack.

The three-tier Bklyn Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Box accommodates approximately 20% more food than ... [+] the average bento box.

Unlike plastic lunch boxes I’ve used in the past, where greasy and saucy stains proved challenging to remove, the stainless steel construction of the Bklyn Bento made cleanup a breeze. Although the lunch box is dishwasher-friendly, a quick swipe with a sudsy sponge and a rinse under warm water was sufficient to remove berry juice, marinara and olive oil stains to get the layers sparkling clean.

While overall commendable, the Bklyn Bento box has a few potential drawbacks. It’s not microwave-friendly (like most stainless steel models), and it isn’t fully leakproof. I would recommend avoiding packing brothy soup in the Bklyn Bento (or any bento container, for that matter). However, in my rigorous testing, which included shaking the filled lunch box vigorously for 30 seconds, the food stayed firmly in place. One factor that gave me pause was its price: At $40, it is a lot more expensive than similar bento models. But ultimately, for something I will use every day, I am happy to splurge a bit for a lunch box that performs as admirably as the Bklyn Bento.

Amazon

Material: Plastic | Capacity: 4.6 cups | Insulated: No | Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 2.7 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Dishwasher-safe: Yes (top rack) | Microwave-safe: Yes (without lid)

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Typically, I avoid using plastic lunch boxes due to their tendency to crack over time and how difficult they are to clean thoroughly. However, if you’re in search of a super-affordable lunch box, the Lovina model stands out. Although its compartments are a bit small and aren’t adjustable, I managed to fit a substantial serving of rice and butter chickpeas in the main section, two small clementines in the second, and peanut butter with carrot sticks in the third.

While I wished for a bit more room inside, especially after testing the larger Bklyn Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Box, the Lovina is an excellent fit for anyone with a relatively small appetite or someone who values built-in portion control. And because the Lovina is dishwasher-safe and features a removable food compartment, cleaning it was easier than most other plastic models I tested.

The compact Lovina Bento Lunch Box is a dishwasher-safe option and features a removable food ... [+] compartment.

The plastic lid securely snapped on, holding everything in place even after vigorous shaking, with only a few grains of rice escaping. Following a dishwasher cycle, I noticed a faint lingering food odor, but significantly less than with other plastic lunch boxes I tested. The Lovina is also light, compact and easy to toss into a shoulder bag when on the go. At just $13 each, I could easily justify buying a few to rotate through during the week.

Stanley 1913

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 3 cups | Insulated: Yes | Dimensions: 4 x 3.8 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: No

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Since the brand is iconic in food and beverage storage, I was genuinely excited to try out Stanley’s Classic Legendary Food Jar. Thankfully, its food jar lived up to expectations. The 3-cup vessel, crafted from 90% recycled stainless steel, features double-walled vacuum insulation that effectively keeps food piping hot or chilled for hours.

To test Stanley’s insulation, I filled it with boiling water in the morning and monitored the temperature throughout the day. Starting at a piping-hot 207 degrees Fahrenheit at 8:30 a.m., it cooled by only 29 degrees after five hours. Even 14 hours later, at 10:30 p.m., the water was still actively steaming, registering 147 degrees on a thermometer.

During testing, the Stanley Food Jar lived up to its claim of keeping food hot for up to 14 hours.

To evaluate its cold retention, I lined the bottom of the food jar with ice cubes and sealed it. Five hours later, the ice had just barely begun to melt. While I rarely need to keep food hot or cold for extended periods outside of hikes or camping trips, it’s reassuring to know that I could.

A standout feature of the Stanley food jar is its leakproof screw-top lid. After filling the jar with hot water and sealing it, I tested its leak resistance by rotating it in every direction and holding it upside down—and found no evidence of leakage or spills. I would feel completely confident packing the jar in my shoulder bag for an afternoon out, knowing that the contents would stay secure. Although the jar’s cylindrical shape and 2.5-inch–wide mouth opening might make it challenging to pack items like a slice of pizza, a hamburger or barbecued chicken, it proves to be a virtually flawless option for storing soup, stews, grain salads or roasted veggies.

Crock-Pot

Material: Stainless steel, plastic | Capacity: 2.5 cups | Insulated: No | Dimensions: 13.6 x 6.9 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: No (but has warming base)

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As I tested the Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer, one recurring thought echoed in my mind: “Oh my goodness, it’s a tiny Crock-Pot!” The miniature food warmer, complete with its own handle for easy transport, is undeniably cute. Beyond its charm, it proved to be quite effective. Operating almost identically to its larger counterparts, it offers only “off” and “on” settings. I poured in a jar of tortellini and vegetable soup, switched it on, and in about 40 minutes, I had a personalized (20-ounce) bowl of comfort.

Adhering to the slow-cooking concept, the Crock-Pot’s heating process isn’t swift; a microwave can warm things up more quickly. However, in an office where the microwave is in high demand during lunchtime, the Crock-Pot Food Warmer allows you to start your meal without navigating a co-worker queue. Moreover, having a little pot gently burbling at your desk brings cozy home vibes to the office.

Having the Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer gently burbling at your desk brings cozy home vibes to ... [+] the office.

The Crock-Pot’s manual explicitly states that it is not a leakproof lunch container and should be kept upright at all times to prevent spills. Therefore, it’s not the lunch box to casually throw into your bag on the way out the door. Carrying a teeny tiny food warmer by its handle may feel a bit awkward on public transportation (though it might spark fun conversations). However, it’s an excellent fit for individuals who commute to work by car. (Get more details on my findings in my review of the Crock Food Warmer.)

Amazon

Material: Borosilicate glass, silicone | Capacity: 3 cups | Insulated: No | Dimensions: 4.6 x 4.4 x 4.4 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes

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While generally heavier than plastic or metal and more prone to breakage if dropped, W&P’s Seal Tight Glass Bowl manages to be both lightweight and durable. A layer of silicone wrapped around the outside of the bowl serves as a grip, protecting hands from any hot contents and providing cushioning in case of an accidental fall; the extra-sturdy borosilicate glass also adds to its durability.

Initially, when I took the bowl out of the packaging, I had concerns that the compact glass bowl might be too small to hold a sufficient amount of soup for lunch. However, the 3-cup capacity is the same as the Stanley Classic Legendary Food Jar. I packed homemade chicken soup one day and vegetarian chili the next, and I was properly full come lunchtime.

The screw-top lid also created a tight, leakproof seal. After a 30-second “shake test,” I confidently placed the soup-filled bowl in my shoulder bag for a short walk around the block, and not a single drop leaked out. Cleaning the bowl was a breeze, with one round of dish soap suds removing any trace of the soup and chili.

Unlike the Stanley, W&P’s bowl is not insulated, so it may not be the right fit if you need to keep foods hot or cold for an extended period. However, if your goal is to transport your soup, fruit salad or leftover pad thai from your home fridge to the office fridge, it will serve you beautifully.

Amazon

Material: Plastic | Capacity: 9.1 cups | Insulated: No | Dimensions: 7.2 x 7 x 4.2 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes

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As a fan of the big, vibrant salads from Sweetgreen but not the cost, Bentgo’s All-in-One Salad Container is a dream come true for me. Its standout feature: five separate compartments (along with a dedicated container for dressing) that allow you to build a big, leafy salad with a ton of mix-ins. I loaded the bottom layer (which holds 6.8 cups) with a pile of arugula and filled the top sections with shredded cheese, sliced cucumbers, snap peas, tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts and toasted walnuts. Leaving the filled container in my fridge for four hours, like I would at the office, I checked to see how everything held up. Come lunchtime, the veggies were still bright and crunchy.

The Bentgo’s All-in-One Salad Container features five separate containers that allow you to build a ... [+] big, leafy salad with a ton of mix-ins.

Following the Sweetgreen salad approach, I combined all the ingredients in the base, snapped the lid on and gave it a good shake for 30 seconds. No leaks, and I had a crisp, super-fresh salad ready to go. After lunch, I tossed the bowl, toppings tray and dressing container into the dishwasher, and I was pleased to find them adequately clean. There was a faint scent of scallions from the vinaigrette I used, but it quickly dissipated. Although I’m generally not a fan of plastic bento boxes, Bentgo’s All-in-One Salad Container proved to be a welcome exception.

Hydro Flask

Material: Polyester | Capacity: 33.8 cups | Insulated: Yes | Dimensions: 13.5 x 12.1 x 5 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Dishwasher-safe: No | Microwave-safe: No

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When I’m taking lunch on the go, I usually just stuff a bento box or a mix of takeout containers into any old tote bag and consider it done. But there’s a certain charm and sophistication in using the Hydro Flask Insulated Lunch Tote, which is specifically designed for this purpose. It’s made from a waterproof-coated fabric that caught my attention, considering it’s equipped to handle rainy days (unlike my tote bag). The inside is also fully lined and easily wipes clean if anything happens to spill.

A peek inside the insulated Hydro Flask Lunch Tote, which can conveniently hold enough meals and ... [+] snacks to keep you full throughout the day.

What I found particularly impressive was the tote’s insulation layer, designed to keep foods warm or cold for several hours. To put it to the test, I packed a pint of ice cream and a small ice pack and zipped the bag shut for three hours. After that amount of time, I’d normally expect the ice cream to be completely melted; surprisingly, it stayed relatively cold in the Hydro Flask—softened but not melted.

One potential drawback is that the tote is too big to fit into another bag or backpack, meaning you have to carry it alongside your other bags. However, its lightweight and attractive design makes carrying around your lunch more of a treat than a chore. (Read more about my findings after testing the Hydro Flask Lunch Tote.)

To find the best lunch boxes for adults’ wide range of lunchtime requirements, I rigorously tested a total of 17 models, including 15 lunch boxes and two lunch bags, over the course of two weeks. While each had its merits, these 10 models didn’t quite make my final selection:

Thermos 16-Ounce Stainless King Food Jar: I almost chose this food jar as my top pick in the Best Insulated Lunch Box category. It is vacuum-insulated and leakproof, with a screw-top lid; I could confidently throw it in my bag filled with hot coffee and not worry about leaks. Being stainless steel, it is impervious to staining and odors. While it lived up to expectations in terms of heat and cold retention, it was not quite as effective as the Stanley.

Yeti Daytrip Lunch Box: I appreciated the overall look of Yeti’s compact, rectangular lunch box and found it to be fully leakproof after my shake test, as advertised. But it fell short on space and insulation. Despite being labeled as a “day trip” box, its capacity was less than expected; closing the zipper became a struggle when the box contained a standard-sized bento box and a bag of chips. Yeti promotes top-notch insulation and “superior temperature-holding power,” which I tested by packing a pint of ice cream and an ice pack. After just 2.5 hours, the ice cream was not fully melted, but it exhibited noticeable softness and a soupy consistency around the edges.

Bentgo Deluxe Lunch Bag: My primary concern with Bentgo’s lunch bag is its aesthetics. When I filled it with a container of yogurt for breakfast, along with a bento-style lunch box, drink and a bag of popcorn, it bulged out in an unattractive manner. It didn’t fit comfortably in my backpack, so I ended up carrying it awkwardly by hand. Although I appreciate the bag’s leakproof feature and ability to provide several hours of insulation, I ultimately tested other lunch bags that were similarly functional yet more visually appealing.

Bentgo MicroSteel Lunch Box: Bentgo’s MicroSteel Lunch Box is microwave-friendly and provided ample space for a generous serving of spaghetti and roasted vegetables; the removable divider insert also allowed me to customize the compartments’ size. But it fell short during my shake test; nothing leaked out, but the foods in the separated compartments got completely mixed. This wouldn't be ideal for certain combinations, like leftover chili on one side and a mix of sliced bananas and strawberries on the other. Additionally, the divider and part of the lid are made of silicone, which retained a noticeable aroma of tomato sauce even after washing them.

EasyLunchboxes 3-Compartment Food Containers: These plastic bento boxes were the least expensive option I tested; unfortunately, the lower cost was noticeable. The compartments were relatively small and the plastic felt flimsy—they easily stained from the salsa I packed. The lid did not securely snap onto the base, so I had to use a rubber band to prevent leakage. If you’re seeking a super-basic lunch box for the office and plan to pack simple, sauce-free meals, EasyLunchboxes would suffice. However, it felt like just a slight improvement from disposable options.

OXO Good Grips Prep And Go Salad Container: I appreciated the OXO salad container’s spacious design, capable of holding a substantial leafy green salad or a grain bowl with roasted salmon. The truly leakproof, screw-top salad dressing container was also a plus. But the major deal breaker was the inclusion of only two main compartments: a generously sized bowl on the bottom and a rounded-bottom insert. This meant that my mix of chopped veggies and fruit had to intermingle, potentially causing wilting by lunch time.

The vintage-style Stanley Classic Lunch Box is spacious—but it eventually proved too bulky to fit ... [+] into my shoulder bag.

Stanley Classic 10-Quart Lunch Box: I loved the classic look and generous size of this lunch box (so did my 4-year-old daughter, who immediately claimed it as her “work bag”). It was spacious enough to accommodate both breakfast and lunch, fitting a filled bento box, a PB&J sandwich, a small bag of popcorn, a container of grapes, an individual applesauce and a container of granola with yogurt. Unfortunately, it proved too bulky to fit into my shoulder bag and too heavy for subway commutes, and it felt a bit like lugging around a tackle box at work.

Takenaka x Topdrawer Bento Box: I appreciated certain aspects of this container. The convenient double-decker compartments accommodated a satisfying amount of spaghetti, roasted veggies and grapes. It was also light, compact and didn’t take up too much space in my shoulder bag. However, the numerous pieces—two boxes, two lids, a flimsy fork, a removable divider and an elastic to hold everything together—proved to be too many to manage. Additionally, I noticed that the scent of onion from the sauce lingered on the plastic, even after a run through the dishwasher.

Temu Electric Lunch Box (discontinued): Temu’s Electric Lunch Box, while more affordable than Crock-Pot’s model, had some noticeable drawbacks. The lunch box’s aluminum walls and plastic bowl felt flimsy, and the lining of the accompanying carrying bag emitted an unpleasant chemical smell. I appreciated the inclusion of two power cords—one for home or office use and another for a car’s power outlet—which could provide a warm meal on a long car trip. However, using the lunch box didn’t instill confidence in its long-term durability.

W&P Lunch Box: The W&P Lunch Box looks stylish but shares some common issues with other plastic or silicone containers. Despite being dishwasher-safe, I found it difficult to get rid of the lingering smell of tofu curry from the walls and removable divider. I appreciated the lightweight design and the attached silicone closing strap, reducing the risk of misplacement. But for a daily-use lunch box, I’d be inclined to invest an extra $10 or $15 in a stainless steel alternative that consistently achieves a sparkling clean after each wash.

Here are the criteria and methods I used to decide which lunch boxes (and bags) for adults were top-tier.

Regardless of your lunch choice, preventing leaks into your purse, backpack or gym bag is undoubtedly a priority. While some models didn’t claim full leakproof status and suggested upright holding in the manual, I put the others professing leakproof capabilities through a “shake test.”

After filling them, I securely closed the lids and vigorously shook the containers for 30 seconds, simulating the jostling they might experience during a typical commute. Upon opening them, I assessed which ones effectively held everything in place and which ones either allowed the sauce to leak from the sides or permitted food from different compartments to migrate inside the box.

According to Stacie Billis and Meghan Splawn, co-hosts of the family food podcast Didn’t I Just Feed You, “You want to make sure that your lunch box is large enough to carry enough food to satisfy, but you’ll also want to think about layout.” The ideal lunch box or bag strikes a balance, offering space to accommodate a generous amount of food without becoming cumbersome to carry around. I assessed this by noting how well the lunch boxes performed in real-world scenarios. In other words, I wanted to assess their ability to comfortably hold an actual lunch of leftovers, a sandwich with chips or a substantial salad.

With the smaller lunch boxes that could fit into my shoulder bag or backpack, I tossed them in and took a stroll around the block. This exercise allowed me to gauge how they felt while in motion. I found the lunch boxes most impressive when I could hardly feel them while walking.

For the larger lunch boxes and bags that couldn’t be easily tucked into another bag, I sought out lightweight materials that would only contribute a little to the overall bulk of my lunch. Bonus points were awarded to those with handles for convenient carrying.

For folks who prefer the extra food safety assurance of insulation, or who travel long distances without access to refrigeration, I made sure to test several insulated food jars and bags that claimed to keep foods hot or cold for an extended period.

To test the heat retention of insulated food jars, I poured in boiling water while making my morning coffee, measured the water’s temperature (207 degrees Fahrenheit), securely screwed their lids on and placed them on the counter. Checking in five and eight hours later, I measured the water temperature again to assess the heat loss.

Conversely, to evaluate each jar’s capacity to retain cold temperatures, I filled the bottom of each with ice cubes and monitored throughout the day to observe the extent of melting. For insulated bags, I placed a pint of ice cream and an ice pack into each one, zipped or buckled them shut, and waited several hours to determine if the ice cream remained firm or noticeably melted.

A two-week testing period is insufficient to accurately evaluate long-term durability. However, drawing from my experience with previously owned lunch boxes that wore out, I looked for specific characteristics to make an informed prediction about each lunch box or bag’s longevity.

I examined the hinges for boxes held together with snaps or a buckle to assess their strength and sturdiness. Given that these hinges will be snapped closed and open many times each week, it is crucial that they feel robust. Additionally, I subjected the lunch boxes (unfilled) to drops and scrunched up the lunch bags to simulate the wear and tear of typical use, identifying any noticeable damage in the process.

To assess how well each lunch box handled the “sauce factor,” I filled one section of each bento container or reusable salad bowl with salsa, tomato sauce, salad dressing or veggies roasted in olive oil and left them in my fridge overnight. In the morning, I subjected them to a thorough, soapy scrub and rinse, or placed the lunch boxes into my dishwasher to determine which ones cleaned away perfectly and which retained lingering stains or smells.

Lunch boxes come in a variety of materials, from plastic and silicone to glass and stainless steel. Plastic and silicone are often lighter in weight, and glass and stainless steel are the easiest to keep clean and odor-free. Amy Palanjian, the founder of Yummy Toddler Food and author of the New York Times best-selling cookbook Dinnertime SOS, shares that when packing a family meal, she tends to opt for durable plastic options that won’t break if dropped or tossed around in the back seat of a car. However, when she is toting along lunch on her own, glass—which is environmentally friendly and easy to clean—is her top choice. (She also notes, “I don’t love stainless steel since most can’t be warmed up.”)

Stainless steel is similarly durable to plastic, lighter than glass and easily washes clean of saucy foods (marinara, curries, chili, dips and dressings), leaving no trace of stain, oily residue or scent behind. If you typically pack sauce-free foods like sandwiches or a bagel, plastic lunch boxes offer a lightweight and generally inexpensive option. But if you tend to pack leftovers from dinner for lunch, stainless steel is the way to go.

The lunch box that best suits your needs is the one that most efficiently holds the types of foods you like to pack and eat. If you are someone who brings a lot of soups and stews for lunch, a rounded container with a leakproof, screw-top lid—like the W&P Seal Tight Glass Bowl—is a perfect fit. If you need food to stay warm without a microwave, an insulated lunch box like the Stanley Classic Legendary Food Jar or an insulated bag like the Hydro Flask Insulated Lunch Tote should fit the bill. And for meals with a lot of different components, a bento-style lunch box is key.

I have been a food writer for more than 15 years. My writing and recipes have been published in Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, the Washington Post, New York Magazine and Food52, among other publications. I am also the author of seven cookbooks.

I regularly contribute to Forbes Vetted, and I have published several rigorously tested reviews for appliances like rice cookers, hand mixers and ice cream makers and conducted in-depth reviews of cookware sets.

I am also the primary cook for my household of four. Every morning, while my husband helps our two children get dressed, fed and ready for school, I pack lunches for him and the kids. Over the years, we have used a variety of lunch boxes and containers—some sized for kids and others geared towards grownups—so I have strong opinions about which characteristics make a lunch box or bag most useful.

Beyond my expertise, I reached out to three experts:

One of the most popular types of lunch boxes is the bento box. Originating from Japan, the term “bento” roughly translates to “convenient.” What sets bento boxes apart is their design, featuring multiple individual compartments inside to keep different components of a meal separate. This segregation helps prevent the mixing of flavors, allowing you to include a variety of foods in the same lunch without requiring additional containers. Bento boxes come in single-, double- or even triple-layered configurations and typically include a lid that snaps or latches onto the base or an elastic band to secure the boxes together.

Insulated lunch boxes and bags are designed to maintain the temperature of your food, either keeping it warm or cold for several hours (sometimes aided by an ice pack for chilled items). The FDA has defined the temperature range of 40 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit as the “danger zone” for bacterial growth. Therefore, to ensure food safety, foods must remain below 40 degrees or above 140 degrees.

Insulated lunch boxes from brands like the Thermos and Stanley often guarantee eight hours or more of heat or cooling retention, making them suitable for extended trips such as all-day work or camping excursions. Other brands may provide around three or four hours of temperature retention, which is typically sufficient for daily commutes to and from the office.