If there’s one thing I’ve learned after packing a ton of lunches, it’s that the lunch box you choose actually makes a huge difference. I’ve tried lunch boxes that leaked yogurt all over backpacks, boxes that were impossible to clean, and some that were way too heavy for little kids. Whether you’re shopping for preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school, I’ll help you choose the best lunch box for your family’s needs.
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In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to look for when choosing a lunch box, compare my favorite options side by side, and help you decide which one is the best fit for your child’s age, eating habits, and your family’s routine.
Once you’ve picked the perfect lunch box, the next challenge is figuring out what to pack in it. Don’t worry, I have plenty of school lunch ideas for that too.
Before You Buy: How to Choose the Right Lunch Box
With so many lunch boxes on the market, it can be hard to know which one is actually worth buying. The truth is, there isn’t one perfect lunch box for every family. The best choice depends on your child’s age, appetite, school routine, and the types of lunches you pack most often.
Before you add one to your cart, here are the features I always look for.
Leakproof Design
If you’re packing yogurt, applesauce, dips, pasta salad, or juicy fruit, a leakproof lunch box can save you from a backpack disaster. Keep in mind that most lunch boxes are leak-resistant, not completely leakproof.
Look for:
- Silicone seals around each compartment
- Secure, easy-to-close latches
- Leak resistant lids for thicker foods
The Right Size and Capacity
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is buying a lunch box that’s either too small or much larger than their child needs.
A preschooler usually needs smaller portions and lighter lunch boxes, while older kids often need extra space for larger sandwiches, wraps, pasta salads, and additional snacks.
Think about:
- Your child’s appetite
- Their age
- Whether they bring snacks separately
- How much food they typically eat at school
East to Clean
You’ll be washing this lunch box almost every day, so choose one that’s easy to clean.
Look for:
- Dishwasher-safe trays
- Smooth interiors
- Removable silicone seals (if applicable)
- Minimal hard-to-reach corners
A lunch box that’s simple to wash is much more likely to become your everyday favorite.
Kid-Friendly Latches
A lunch box isn’t very helpful if your child can’t open it on their own.
This is especially important for preschoolers and kindergarteners who may not have an adult available to help during lunchtime.
Tip: Practice opening and closing the lunch box at home before the first day of school.
Material (Plastic vs. Stainless Steel)
Most lunch boxes are made from BPA-free plastic or stainless steel.
Plastic lunch boxes
- Lightweight
- Usually more affordable
- Often come in fun colors and prints
- Easy for younger kids to carry
Stainless steel lunch boxes
- Extremely durable
- Plastic-free food compartments
- Resistant to stains and odors
- A great long-term investment
The best choice really comes down to your family’s priorities.
Insulation and Temperature Control
If you mostly pack sandwiches, wraps, fruit, and cold lunches, a standard bento box paired with an insulated lunch bag and an ice pack is usually all you need.
If your child loves leftovers, pasta, soup, or warm lunches, consider a lunch box with a built-in thermos, like the OmieBox, which keeps food warm until lunchtime.
Fits in Lunch Bag
This is one detail that’s easy to overlook.
Some lunch boxes are surprisingly bulky and won’t fit inside every insulated lunch bag. Before purchasing, check the dimensions or make sure the lunch bag you’re planning to use is compatible.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: buy the lunch box that fits your child’s stage of life—not the one with the most features.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Before choosing a lunch box, ask yourself:
- How old is my child?
- Do I mostly pack hot or cold lunches?
- Do I want stainless steel or plastic?
- Can my child easily open the latches?
- Do I need a larger lunch box for bigger appetites?
- Will it fit inside the lunch bag I’m using?
- How important is dishwasher-safe cleanup?
I also share all of my favorite lunch-packing supplies in my guide to Everything You Need to Pack School Lunches.
The Best Lunch Boxes for Kids
Best Overall Lunch Box: OmieBox
I think the OmieBox is the best overall lunch box because it gives you the best of both worlds. You can pack hot leftovers one day and a cold lunch the next without needing a completely different lunch box. The removable thermos makes it incredibly versatile, and there is still plenty of room for fruit, veggies, and snacks. Plus you can get additionally dividers to separate foods and its leakproof.
Best Lunch Box for Preschool: Bentgo Kids Prints
This is one of my favorite lunch boxes and also the one we use the most. It’s lightweight, the latches are easy for little hands to open, and the compartments are perfectly sized for preschool appetites. If your little one is just starting school, this is such a great place to start.
Best Lunch Box for Kindergarten: Bentgo Stow & Go
Kindergarten is often when kids are ready for a lunch box with a little more room than a preschool bento, but they still need something that’s easy to use on their own. The Bentgo Stow & Go is lightweight, has roomy compartments, and the latches are simple enough. One of my favorite features is the built-in fork and spoon, so you don’t have to remember to pack utensils separately every morning.
Best Stainless Steel Lunchbox: Planetbox Rover
If you’re looking to invest in a lunch box that can last for years, PlanetBox is hard to beat. The stainless steel is incredibly durable, it’s easy to clean, and I love knowing I can use it year after year without worrying about it wearing out. It also holds a good amount of food.
Best Lunch Box for Cold Lunches: Bentgo Chill Max
This is my go-to when I’m packing sandwiches, wraps, pasta salad, or snack-style lunches. The built-in ice pack is one less thing to remember in the morning, and the larger compartments make it perfect for bigger appetites.
Best Budget-Friendly Lunch Box: Amathley Bento Box
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great lunch box. The Amathley Bento Box offers many of the same features as higher-priced options, including divided compartments, a leak-resistant design, and plenty of space for a balanced lunch.
My Honest Reviews of the Best Lunch Boxes for Kids
Now that you’ve seen my top picks, let’s take a closer look at each lunch box. I’ll cover the features, what I love, what I don’t, and who I think it’s best suited for after using them in our own home.
Bentgo Kids Prints Lunch Box
What You’ll Love
- Five divided compartments
- Leak-proof design
- BPA-free material and no PFAS
- Removable dishwasher-safe tray
- Fun prints and colors kids love
- Rubber-coated edges help protect against drops
- Fits most standard insulated lunch bags
Why I Chose It
This wis one of my favorite lunch boxes for daughters. The portions are perfect for preschoolers, it’s lightweight, and I love how easy it is for young kids to open on their own. If your child is just starting school, this is such a great first lunch box.
Good to Know Before You Buy
- The compartments are best suited for preschool and younger elementary kids.
- Larger sandwiches may need to be cut into halves or quarters to fit comfortably.
- The outer shell should be hand washed to help preserve the leak-resistant seal.
OmieBox
What You’ll Love
- Built-in 8.5 ounce insulated thermos for hot lunches
- Removable thermos for added flexibility
- Separate compartments for hot and cold foods
- BPA-free and Phthalate-free
- Leakproof seals keep everything in its place
- Carrying handle for easy transport
Why I Chose it
If I could only own one lunch box, this would be it. I love that I can pack hot leftovers one day and a cold lunch the next without needing two different lunch boxes. The removable thermos makes it incredibly versatile, and I still have plenty of room for fruit, veggies, and snacks.
Good to Know Before You Buy
- Heavier than traditional bento boxes because of the thermos
- Takes up a little more room inside a lunch bag
- Hand washing is recommended for best results
Planetbox Rover Stainless Steel Lunch Box
What You’ll Love
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Five divided compartments
- Eco-friendly
- Dishwasher safe
- Built to last for years
- Customizable with magnets and accessories
Why I Chose It
If you’re looking for a lunch box that will last for years, PlanetBox is hard to beat. The stainless steel construction is incredibly durable, and I love that it doesn’t stain or hold onto food odors. It feels like an investment, but it’s one that can easily grow with your child through multiple school years.
Good to Know Before You Buy
- Not designed for hot lunches
- No Leakproof
- More expensive than others
- Accessories are sold separately
Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Lunch box
What You’ll Love
- Stainless steel food tray
- Leak-resistant design
- Lightweight and durable
- Top-rack dishwasher safe – though hand washing is recommended
- 3 Divided compartments for balanced lunches
- Option silicone container for more compartments
- BPA-free lid
Why I Chose it
This is a great option if you love the durability and eco-friendliness of stainless steel but still want something lightweight and practical for everyday lunches. It’s easy to clean, holds up well, and gives you the benefits of stainless steel in a compact, kid-friendly design.
Good to Know Before You Buy
- Best for cold lunches
- Thin liquids should be packed separately
- Outer color on the lid peels over time
Bentgo Stow & Go Lunch Box
What You’ll Love
- Built-in fork and spoon
- Spacious divided compartments
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Leak-rproof design
- Dishwasher and microwave safe tray
- Suitable for age 3+
Why I Chose It
I think this is such a great lunch box for kindergarten because it’s simple, practical, and easy for kids to use. I especially love that it includes a built-in fork and spoon, it’s one less thing to remember when packing lunches in the morning. The roomy compartments also make it easy to pack a balanced meal as kids start eating a little more.
Good to Know Before You Buy
- Doesn’t include a built-in ice pack
- Best for cold lunches
- Hand wash the outer shell to help preserve the leak-resistant seal
Bentgo Chill Max Lunch Box
What You’ll Love
- Built-in ice pack keeps lunches colder longer
- Larger compartments for growing appetites
- Leak-proof design
- Easy-to-open latches
- Dishwasher-safe tray
- Great for sandwiches, wraps, and pasta salads
Why I Chose It
As my daughter has gotten older, I’ve found myself reaching for the Chill Max more often. The larger compartments make it easier to pack more food, and I love having the built-in ice pack. If you’re packing cold lunches every day, this one makes the whole process a little simpler.
Good to Know Before You Buy
- The ice pack needs to be frozen overnight (don’t forget it)
- It’s a little bulkier than a traditional bento box.
- Designed specifically for cold lunches, not hot meals.
Amathley Bento Box Review
What You’ll Love
- Budget-friendly price point
- Five divided compartments
- Leak-resistant lid
- Lightweight design
- Dishwasher-safe tray
- Available in several fun colors
Why I Chose It
If you’re looking for a more affordable lunch box, this one offers a lot of value for the price. It has many of the same features as more expensive options, including divided compartments and a leak-resistant design, making it a great choice for families packing lunches on a budget or needing a second lunch box.
Good to Know Before You Buy
- Durability may not match premium brands
- Larger sandwiches may need to be cut to fit
- Best for cold lunches
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best lunch box for kids?
The best lunch box depends on your child’s age and how you typically pack lunches. If I could only recommend one, I’d choose the OmieBox because it’s versatile enough for both hot and cold lunches and can grow with your child. If you’re packing mostly cold lunches, the Bentgo Chill Max is another excellent option.
Are stainless steel lunch boxes better than plastic?
Both have their advantages. Stainless steel lunch boxes are incredibly durable and won’t stain or absorb odors over time. Plastic lunch boxes tend to be lighter and often include leak-resistant lids and fun designs kids love. The best choice depends on your family’s priorities.
Can you pack hot food in a bento lunch box?
Most traditional bento boxes are designed for cold lunches. If you regularly pack leftovers, pasta, soups, or other warm meals, I recommend choosing a lunch box with a built-in insulated container, like the OmieBox, or pairing your lunch box with a food thermos.
How do you keep a school lunch cold?
Pack lunches with an ice pack whenever possible and keep the lunch box refrigerated until it’s time to leave for school. If your lunch box doesn’t include a built-in ice pack, adding a slim reusable ice pack helps keep food cold until lunchtime.
Need Ideas for What to Pack?
Now that you’ve found the best lunch box, here are a few more resources to make back-to-school lunch packing even easier:
- School Lunch Ideas for Kids
- Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids
- Easy Hot Lunch Ideas for School
- Everything You Need to Pack School Lunches
