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Oct 25, 2024

The 11 Best Lunch Containers of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Consider these when you're brown-bagging it Allison Wignall is a staff writer for

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Consider these when you're brown-bagging it

Allison Wignall is a staff writer for The Spruce Eats who focuses on product reviews. She has also contributed to publications such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.

In This Article

The Spruce Eats / Sharon Lehman

Packing a lunch doesn’t have to be a drag, especially when you’ve got the right gear to ensure that your meals and snacks stay food-safe, fresh, and secure. Whether you're sending a kid off to school with lunch or packing your own food for work, homemade lunches can help save money and time while providing a completely customized meal.

Even the most thoughtful meal planning and cooking can result in a disappointing lunch if it’s packed in the wrong vessel. We tested a variety of styles—including traditional lunch boxes, bento boxes, kids' lunch boxes, and plastic-free—to find the best lunch containers for different types of meals. Since not all lunches are created equal (and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the perfect lunch container), we also evaluated specific factors like design, size, versatility, and insulation.

Large capacity

Multiple compartments

Leakproof

Easy to carry handle or strap

Top-heavy when bottom compartment is empty

May be too large for kids

This well-designed, dual-compartment tote has everything you need for taking your meal on the go—especially if you don't have access to a refrigerator. While it's probably larger than what most children would need, we love its capacity and versatility for adult-sized lunches. Two insulated areas are lined with food-grade PEVA, which is easy to wipe clean should you have any spills, and they let you store hot and cold foods separately. In testing, food stayed cold for several hours, but if you want it to stay cool all day, you can throw an ice pack in as well.

The upper compartment is perfect for snacks, cookies, or fruit. The bottom is leakproof and large enough to house drinks, sandwiches, and other entrees. You could easily pack multiple meals or snacks for a long workday or outdoor picnic. We were impressed with how much we could fit in both compartments and had no problem fitting multiple water bottles, canned seltzers, food storage containers packed with leftovers, and a full-size tub of hummus inside. We preferred placing heavier items, like water bottles and canned drinks, in the bottom compartment and more delicate items, like crackers and berries, in the top compartment so it didn't get top-heavy.

The easy-access zipper exterior compartment can be used for stashing utensils and napkins, while a pair of side pockets provide extra storage for miscellaneous necessities. It comes with a detachable cross-body shoulder strap and is available in both medium and large sizes. We found the padded strap comfortable, but the lunch box is a bit bulky to wear over your shoulder. Not to worry, though. There’s also a built-in carrying handle.

Includes: Two-compartment fabric lunch bag with a front zipper compartment for utensils

Three separate compartments

Simple design

Leakproof

Included fork is small

This budget-conscious bento box keeps your lunch organized with three separate compartments and an included fork that attaches to notches inside the container. It's safe to put in the microwave and freezer (but not the dishwasher), and it's leakproof. The main section fits larger entree items, while the two smaller compartments are perfect for sides or desserts. We tested it out with an adult portion of spaghetti and meatballs, a large slice of garlic bread, and a side of vegetables—all of which fit comfortably. In total, it fits about 38 ounces.

The entire container is easy to close and leakproof, so you won't have to worry about it spilling in your bag. And although it comes with a matching plastic fork, we found it to be too small for adult hands (not a problem if you're using the bento box for kids' lunches). It's available in several colors as well as a slightly smaller model that includes a knife, fork, and additional round compartment for sauces or dips.

Includes: 8.6 x 5.9 x 2.2-inch container, removable divider, fork, and lid

The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik

Over 20 colors and patterns available

Easy for small hands to carry

Insulated soft body design

Coordinating gear sold separately

Kids and kids-at-heart love the bright, fun patterns of these lunch boxes, and parents appreciate the durable, high-quality design. In fact, the Wildkin brand has won a prestigious Mom’s Choice Award.

This kid-sized lunch box features an easy-access zipper front pocket—ideal for grab-and-go recess snacks—and an interior mesh pouch to stash utensils, napkins, or an ice pack. It’s made from materials that are 100 percent BPA- and phthalate-free, and the food-safe PEVA liner is quick and easy to wipe clean.

The interior is spacious enough for an adult-sized lunch and compatible with lunch containers from Wildkin (not included) or other brands. It’s insulated to help keep temperatures food-safe, but Morford says you’ll still want to include an ice pack or fill up a water bottle and freeze it overnight to keep perishables safely chilled. The bottle will act as an ice pack as it thaws and will be drinkable come lunchtime.

During testing, we successfully fit sandwiches, fruit, cheese sticks, and other snacks in this lunch box without having to cram anything in. It fits comfortably into a backpack-style diaper bag and would easily slide into a child’s backpack for school lunches, too. The print is fun and colorful, and the spacious interior can fit a bottle of water or juice box along with regular food items.

Includes: One children's-sized fabric lunch box; coordinating bags and accessories sold separately

Spacious and includes divider

Includes silverware

Dishwasher- and microwave-safe

Not insulated

Lids can be difficult to open

A bento box makes it easy to carry everything you need for lunch in a multi-compartment carrier, and this model is particularly well-made, earning our top spot after we tested a full lineup. One of the selling points of the bento box style is that it encourages a variety of foods by design—and this one is quite spacious. This bento box contains three separate compartments for storing food: There are two large compartments (one features an adjustable divider) and another smaller lidded container where you can put sauces or small snacks, like sweets or nuts.

We appreciated the compact shape of this bento box during testing. It easily fits in the bottom of a tote or backpack, and it has gaskets around the edges of the lids to ensure that the containers are leakproof. (This makes it a bit tricky to open the lids, though.) While it's not insulated, one standout feature of this box is that you can pop it in the microwave because of the vents in the lids. It's also dishwasher-safe and very durable, coming out unscathed after a few drops.

This set comes with utensils (a fork, spoon, knife, and mini chopsticks), and the entire set is held together with a thick elastic band. You can choose from several stylish color options.

Includes: Adjustable divider, sauce container, chopsticks, fork, knife, spoon, sealing strap

Compostable

Cute prints

Limited materials

Durable

Doesn't create an airtight seal

Can only use with cold foods

These plastic-free reusable wraps are made using just four ingredients: organic cotton, responsibly sourced beeswax, organic plant oils, and tree resin. The result is a durable, food-safe alternative to plastic wrap that's completely compostable at the end of its life (each wrap will last about a year with regular use and proper care).

The Bee's Wrap starter set became one of our favorites during our beeswax wrap testing thanks to its sustainable materials and attractive prints. It includes one small 7 x 8-inch wrap, one medium 10 x 11-inch wrap, and one large 13 x 14-inch wrap. Simply use the warmth of your hand to mold the wrap around your food to create a breathable seal. We love these wraps for packing snacks like crackers and cheese, but they're also great for wrapping the tops of bowls or jars to store leftovers, though they are not entirely airtight. Because they are moldable thanks to heat, these are really only suitable for cold or room-temperature foods.

To clean, rinse the wrap in cold water with mild soap and air dry. The brand also makes item-specific products that are perfect for lunch, including a sandwich wrap and snack bag set.

Includes: (1) 7 x 8-inch wrap, (1) 10 x 11-inch wrap, (1) 13 x 14-inch wrap

Perfect for difficult-to-transport salads

Leakproof compartments and dressing cup

Dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe

Dressing container is on the small side

If you like to pack a salad for lunch, you know that finding a container that isn’t too small or too large can be a challenge. Spacious and versatile, this container lets you separate proteins and crunchy toppings from your salad base or fruit from your yogurt or overnight oats. Nothing shifts around in transit, so the result is a fresher meal with ingredients that retain their original texture.

During testing, we liked keeping proteins in the stacking tray so the weight of them didn’t damage any lettuce. It was also helpful for keeping crisp items, like breaded chicken and croutons, away from the moisture of salad veggies so they were still crunchy at lunchtime. The container includes a rather small 2-ounce container with a lid to hold your dressing, which helps keep salads fresh and crisp (since salads that are dressed in advance can get soggy). We wish this container was larger but it isn't a deal-breaker.

The lid features a removable silicone gasket for deep cleaning and locking tabs to ensure that nothing leaks. With 6.3 cups of capacity, you’ll have plenty of space for big, hearty salads. On days you might not want a salad, you can use it to carry fruit slices and yogurt, among other combinations. When you’re done, just toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Includes: Two-level hardshell leakproof lunch box and one leakproof salad dressing container

Multiple size options

Microwave- and dishwasher-safe

Nonporous glass won't absorb flavors and colors

Not fully leakproof

For those who don’t like using plastic storage containers, this set of glass containers will meet all of your lunchtime container needs. It includes three containers in 7-cup, 4-cup, and 2-cup capacities plus matching BPA-free plastic lids.

Although the 7-cup size might be useful for building big salads, we thought the large container was a bit oversized for most lunch items and lunch bags. The 4-cup size is ideal for packing leftovers for lunch, like chicken breast or salmon with a pile of roasted veggies, and the 2-cup size could be used for soup, stew, fruit and yogurt, or a few hard-boiled eggs. They are spacious, can be reheated in the microwave, and stack neatly in the fridge or in a lunch bag. We also noted that the lids are tight-fitting, but they aren’t 100 percent leakproof, so you'll want to be sure to keep the containers upright if you’re transporting broths and sauces.

Although glass is breakable, Pyrex’s durable high-tempered glass isn’t exactly fragile. You might encounter some chips if you’re rough with these containers, but they don’t break easily. The glass is also nonporous, so it won’t pick up flavors, colors, or smells from lunches. The containers are microwave-safe so they can go from your fridge or lunch box straight to the microwave for reheating. The containers nest inside of each other for compact storage, and both the containers and lids are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Includes: (1) 2-cup container with lid, one 4-cup container with lid, and one 7-cup container with lid

Ideal for small servings

Leakproof for dressings and liquid foods

Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning

May be hard for kids to open and close the lids

When it comes to packing sides, these 4-ounce containers from LunchBots are a perfect size. They are made from durable stainless steel, so they're excellent for keeping small delicate foods, like berries or pretzels, separate and intact in a lunch box. While the colorful containers are great for kid-friendly snacks, adults who bring their lunches with them will find many uses as well. You could stash potato or pasta salad in them or a handful of nuts, potato chips, pretzels, cheese cubes, edamame, or olives. The options are only limited by what you have at home.

The lids are made of BPA-free plastic and have silicone seals to help them close tightly. During testing, we found the lids easy to grip and open, although very small hands may need help twisting them on and off. They’re also leakproof, so you don’t have to worry about any drips or spills if these containers shift around inside of a lunch box, but they are not insulated, so you’ll want to keep cold items in the fridge or an insulated carrier. They’re dishwasher-safe, but we opted to hand-wash them to prevent premature wearing of the lids.

Includes: (2) 4-ounce round stainless steel containers with lids

Robust set with multiple sizes

Dishwasher, microwave, freezer safe

Airtight seals

Can be hard to clean

There’s something satisfying about a good, solid snap. When it comes to food containers, that snap means a lid is nice and secure. This set from Rubbermaid comes with seven food containers and accompanying snap-lids. With different sizes, you can just as easily box up a small side of jalapeño poppers as you can a hearty serving of pork milanese. Rubbermaid’s containers are airtight and leakproof, perfect for transporting in a lunch box or jostling backpack.

We love that these are stackable and easy to store while not in use. During testing, we experienced no leakage, and the containers kept all of our food very fresh (especially blueberries). Likewise, there was no staining from notorious foods like curry and tomato sauce.

They’re also microwave and dishwasher-safe for easy reheating and cleaning, but some small crevices in the lids make them a bit harder to get totally spick and span. But even after a few runs through the dishwasher and uses in the microwave, there was no visible damage or food stuck in any part of the lid. Thanks to the sturdy plastic material and durable, tight-locking lids, we think these containers will last a long time.

Includes: (2) 0.5-cup containers, (2) 1.3-cup containers, (2) 3.2-cup containers, and (1) 9.6-cup container, plus all lids

Wide variety of shapes and sizes

Durable glass

Strong lids

Heavy

This set was one of the best performing in our glass food storage container tests, earning extra points for super strong construction and versatility, although it does make them much heavier than other options. Use the smaller containers for sauces or sides and the larger ones for leftovers and marinades. The durable glass set includes round, square, and rectangular containers with matching lids, and they are safe to use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher.

During testing, these containers kept our food fresh and distributed heat evenly in the microwave when it came time to reheat our leftovers and lunches. We especially love the lids, which maintained a secure seal while still being easy to open and close. The glass material is heavy yet sturdy and won't retain any residual stains or scents from your food. For cleaning, simply stick them in the dishwasher—but we recommend drying the lids by hand to keep water spots from forming.

Includes: (1) 6.3-cup rectangle, (2) 3.5-cup rectangle, (1) 1.6-cup rectangle, (1) 3.3-cup square, (1) 1.5-cup square, (1) 3.1-cup round, (1) 1.6-cup round, and (1) 0.7-cup round, plus all lids

Airtight seal

Lightweight

Can be closed with one hand

Capacity is printed on each container

Lids are hard to clean

These lightweight and durable plastic food storage containers boast a completely airtight seal thanks to the snapping lids. We appreciated the semi-opaque lids for being easy to open and close during testing (even with one hand), which was surprising considering the super strong seal.

The set comes with eight different square-shaped containers, including 3 oz (0.46 cups), 6 oz (0.84 cups), 9 oz (1.14 cups), 15 oz (1.9 cups), 19 oz (2.4 cups), 28 oz (3.5 cups), 37 oz (4.6 cups), and 47 oz (5.9 cups) sizes. Each container has the measurement etched onto the bottom, so you'll always know which size is which—and if your food will fit or not. We stored everything from leftover pasta to pesto sauce to cucumber slices and found them incredibly versatile and easy to stack, store, and organize. These are freezer, microwave, and even dishwasher safe—but we did find that the lids can be hard to clean/dry.

Includes: (1) 0.46-cup square, (1) 0.84-cup square, (1) 1.14-cup square, (1) 1.9-cup square, (1) 2.4-cup sqaure, (1) 3.5-cup square, (1) 4.6-cup square, and (1) 5.9-cup square

The Spruce Eats / Linnea Covington

If you are looking for a versatile lunch tote that will last, go with the Mier Insulated Adult Lunch Box. It was spacious and easy to carry during our tests, and it can even serve as a small beverage cooler on a picnic. For a kids' lunch box, we recommend the Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box, which features toddler-approved designs, a roomy interior, and is easy to carry.

We researched lunch containers of varying types and sent top-rated models to our at-home testers to evaluate with real lunches. They packed everything from sandwiches to salads to soups to snacks and rated each lunch container on its design, versatility, size, and insulation. They even performed durability tests, like throwing the Thermos option down the stairs, and assessed whether the kids' lunch box would leak in a child's backpack.

The Spruce Eats / Ashley Ziegler

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to lunch containers anymore. Lunch containers are as diverse as the people using them, and they're suited for everything from a small snack to a full day’s worth of food and drinks. Keep in mind whom this container is for when shopping, and look for descriptors like “kids” and “adults” to get a quick idea of how much food it will hold. An ample container with an adjustable divider, like the Miniso Bento Box, is useful for organizing larger meal components. Next, consider how much food the person using the container will need to fit into it. If necessary, choose a container that will accommodate a drink, ice pack, or additional sealed container inside. If you consistently eat a specific style of food (for example, salads, dry snack foods, or soup), look for a container made especially for that type of food.

When buying a lunch container, consider how long it will keep your food hot or cold. A high-quality insulated container will indicate how long it can hold food at a warm or cold temperature, and some containers will specify whether an ice pack is needed to help preserve foods. Lunch containers with padded insulation usually keep foods at moderate temperatures for several hours but often need the help of an ice pack or frozen bottle.

Hardshell lunch containers made of plastic, glass, or stainless steel offer the best protection for foods that may be damaged during transit, but they are often heavier than the softshell options. Softshell lunch containers are sometimes easier to fit into a bag or safer for kids who may swing the bag around more. Many softshell and hardshell options come with leakproof seals, which come in handy when transporting foods that may defrost, or carrying the container in a purse or backpack. Most softshell containers can only be wiped out, whereas many hardshell containers can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

The Spruce Eats / Linnea Covington

A good lunch box should be made of insulating materials, and it should also be durable and easy to clean. If it has compartments, consider the size and what foods and drinks it accommodates. You also should factor in whether these compartments are necessary for you or your child.

Typically, lunch boxes will be made of an outer layer of vinyl, polyester, or nylon, which is durable and can be wiped clean easily. The interior is usually made of a water-resistant and easy-to-clean material such as plastic, aluminum, vinyl, or even foil.

The food stays safe if the container is well-insulated. You can ensure that in several ways. Pack the lunch the night before, and store it in the fridge. Add a cold pack to the lunch container before leaving the house, especially if it contains yogurt or cheese. Finally, if applicable, keep the container out of direct sunlight or heat.

Sharon Lehman is a registered dietitian nutritionist, product tester, food writer, and mom. She personally tested five of the items on this list.

Jenny Kellerhals is a freelance writer covering food and beverage. She is also a pastry chef and an active recipe developer with more than a decade in the industry.