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CNN
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Skip the brown bag. These are the 11 best lunch boxes and bags, according to meal prep experts
Lunch box quick picks An alternative to plastic: LunchBots Stainless Steel Lunch Container Something you can take to the office and the beach: PackIt Freezable Hampton Lunch Bag A parent favorite: OmieBox Bento Box for Kids So you don't have to pack a separate ice pack: Bentgo Chill Leakproof Lunch Box You'd think that packing a lunch box becomes less important in adulthood, but if anything, it only gets more complicated. Sure, kids can be picky eaters prone to spilling their meals, but when you have a million other things to check off your to-do list, the last thing you want to think about is preparing your lunch for the next workday and packing it properly so that it stays fresh. One way to eliminate some of the stress is to choose the right lunch box. To determine which lunch boxes are most worth your money, I spoke to three meal prep experts who highlighted features to look for and also shared their favorite lunch boxes for kids. Whether you prefer a bento-style lunch box or an insulated tote with top-notch temperature regulation capabilities, there's something on this list for you. (Bonus: A lot of these picks are pretty cute too.) Calpak Insulated 8-Liter Soft-Sided Cooler 'A lunch box with good insulation will keep your food cold for as long as possible (bonus if you can add an ice pack inside) and keep heat out,' Jenn Lueke, cookbook author and recipe creator behind Jenn Eats Goood, said. She recommends this one from Calpak, which is made from water-resistant polyester and has an expandable design. It is on the larger side, which makes it good for people packing multiple meals (or extra snacks) to take on the go. PackIt Freezable Hampton Lunch Bag This insulated lunch box has built-in ice packs, so it's a good option not only for long work commutes, but also for beach days and other day trips that call for a packed lunch. Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel likes its simple, small-space-friendly design. 'The entire lunch bag is freezable and collapsible (it folds up pretty flat and doesn't take up much space), so I simply pop it in the freezer overnight,' she said. 'By the morning, it's fully frozen and ready to go.' PackIt sells freezable lunch bags in other styles too, like this classic version that has shorter handles and similarly folds our review Hydro Flask 5-Liter Insulated Lunch Bag Lueke also likes this insulated bag by Hydro Flask, which is a smaller size that's good for students or people who don't want to carry a heavy tote on their commutes. Like the Calpak lunch box, it's also made from water-resistant polyester and has an interior lining that's easy to wipe clean. The zippered pocket under the lid is convenient for napkins, utensils and sauce packets. (FYI: It also comes in an 8-liter size.) Nol Natural Organic Lifestyle Insulated Lunch Bag This Amazon find — another recommendation from Lueke — sports a similar design to the Hydro Flask lunch box, though it's a bit less expensive. It comes in three sizes and a bunch of fun colors. What's more, you get a detachable shoulder strap, so you can either wear it like a crossbody bag or carry it normally. Bentgo Modern Leakproof Lunch Bento Box Bento boxes are a solid option for kids and adults alike. 'If you love to snack or prefer smaller, frequent meals, look for boxes with multiple compartments so you can bring a variety of options,' Rossini Perez, cookbook author and recipe creator behind Tina Takes Lunch, said. The brand Bentgo has lots of different styles. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus loves this leakproof, BPA-free box. It has a removable interior tray (with an adjustable divider!) that you can throw in the microwave and dishwasher. Bentgo Kids Leakproof 5-Compartment Lunch Box If you pack lunches for your little ones, Bentgo has thoughtfully designed lunch boxes made especially for kids. Perez recommends this one because it's lightweight and easy for young children to open and close by themselves. '[It's] securely sealed so food doesn't spill even if it's tossed in a backpack,' she said. Plus, your child can choose from lots of playful prints, like fairies, rockets and unicorns. OmieBox Bento Box for Kids Jenny Paliotti, a digital content creator behind Lunch Box Mafia, seconds the assertion that kids' lunch boxes should have big closures that they can easily close by themselves to prevent leaks. She likes this lunch box for that reason, and for its small size, which can help prevent food waste. 'What might be a snack box for a high school kid would be a lunch box for an elementary school kid,' she said. This particular container is also cool because it comes with an insulated stainless steel jar for hot food. Yumbox Tapas 5-Compartment Bento Lunch Box Similar to Bentgo, the brand Yumbox makes several bento-style boxes in different sizes for kids and adults. The Tapas box has five separate food compartments and is a good size for teens and grown-ups. 'Not only do they keep food visually appealing (especially for picky eaters who don't like foods touching),' Perez said of this box's compartments, 'but they help contain smells to their section.' Bentgo Chill Leakproof Lunch Box When it comes to keeping food fresh for as long as possible, Perez likes the Bentgo Chill kids' lunch box, which has a removable ice pack that keeps the contents cold for hours. She also suggests storing the packed lunch in the fridge until the last moment before heading out the door. There's also a larger version of the Bentgo Chill for adults, which Paliotti recommends. PlanetBox Launch Stainless Steel Lunch Box Stainless steel lunch boxes are arguably the best low-maintenance option because they're usually dishwasher-safe and don't take up a ton of space. Perez has used the stainless steel lunch box from PlanetBox, which comes with a leakproof condiment container and a hinged lid that won't get lost. LunchBots Stainless Steel Lunch Container Whereas the PlanetBox lunch box is suitable for younger children, this rec from Paliotti is a better size for teens. Some Amazon reviewers note that they switched to the brand because they wanted a safer alternative to plastic. The snap-on lid adds a fun pop of color too. Features you should consider when choosing a lunch box include the size and number of compartments, as well as durability and whether it's insulated, Lueke said. 'Having enough room and compartments for different containers ensures you can bring everything with you and keep components separate to keep everything fresh, and a durable outside will keep things from breaking (especially if you use glass containers) and be long-lasting,' she added. Above all, Perez said, you should choose a lunch box that fits your lifestyle. She gave the example of people with busy lifestyles who prefer to toss everything in the dishwasher after a long day. In that case, 'go with a durable, dishwasher-safe stainless steel box,' she said. On a more fun note, make sure you like how the lunch box looks. 'A lunch box you find visually appealing and fun to carry around might just get you to bring your lunch versus leaving it behind for an overpriced salad!' Lueke said. The following FAQs have been answered by Jenn Lueke, Jenny Paliotti and Rossini Perez. What is the best way to keep food warm in a lunch box? What is the best way to keep food warm in a lunch box? To keep your meal warm until lunchtime, you'll want an insulated lunch box. Perez also recommends picking up an insulated thermos, which you can use to prevent soup, rice and other eats from getting cold. Are all lunch boxes insulated? Are all lunch boxes insulated? No, not all lunch boxes are insulated. If you're using a plastic or stainless steel bento-style box, for example, it won't maintain your food's temperature. If that is important to you, you should look for a lunch box labeled as insulated. These are usually made from materials like nylon and polyester. How can you keep your food fresh all day in a lunch box? How can you keep your food fresh all day in a lunch box? Both Perez and Paliotti recommend using ice packs when you can — either with a lunch box that has a built-in ice pack or by placing individual ice packs on top of and below food containers to keep the contents cold if you don't have fridge access. Another hack you can try is prepping individual ingredients and putting them together when you're ready to eat. Not only can this preserve their freshness, Lueke said, but it also prevents them from mixing together before lunchtime. 'This means prepping individual components, like cooked proteins, vegetables, grains or sauces, and storing them separately,' she said. 'This also helps with meal prep boredom because you can mix and match components to keep things interesting!' On the flip side, certain ingredients are not ideal when it comes to meal prep. Lueke named avocados, lettuce and seafood as examples because they tend to spoil quickly or turn brown or mushy. 'Opt for cabbage or kale over lettuces like romaine or arugula; use vegetables that stay crisp and crunchy like peppers, carrots and celery; and try incorporating meal-prep-friendly proteins like beans, lentils and shredded chicken,' Lueke said. 'When you can, leave a sauce or dressing on the side until mealtime.' For this article, I consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Jenn Lueke, recipe creator behind Jenn Eats Goood and author of the upcoming book 'Don't Think About Dinner' Jenny Paliotti, writer and digital content creator behind Lunch Box Mafia Rossini Perez, recipe creator behind Tina Takes Lunch and author of the cookbook 'Kids in the Kitchen: 70+ Fun Recipes for Young Chefs to Stir Up!' CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska talked to three food content creators to get their lunch box recommendations.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- General
- Forbes
The Best Lunch Boxes For Kids, According To Editors Who've Packed Them For Years
Packing lunches for my kids is a task I don't always look forward to. After packing hundreds of lunches over the years, I've found that the best lunch box for kids can actually simplify the whole process. The best options are appropriately sized, easy for kids to open and well insulated to help keep their food at the proper temperature. My top pick, the PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box , has built-in ice packs, opens with a zipper little fingers can grasp easily and is available in lots of kid-friendly designs. Here are the best lunch boxes for kids that are cute and easy to use. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS Other top picks include the Bentgo Kids bento box, which is durable and has leak-proof compartments, and the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie , a classic option that's easy to clean and available in a variety of fun prints and colors. Check out more of our top picks for the best lunch boxes for kids. Our Top Recommendations Best Overall Lunch Box For Kids: PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box Best Value Lunch Box For Kids: Thermos Upright Lunch Box Most Durable Lunch Box For Kids: L.L. Bean Lunch Box Best Bento Lunch Box For Kids: Bentgo Kids Lunch Box Best Stainless Steel Lunch Box For Kids: PlanetBox Rover Best Lunch Box For Kids For Hot Foods: Omiebox Up Best Lunch Box For Kids In Preschool: Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Box Best Personalized Lunch Box For Kids: Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Lunch Box Amazon PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box Keeping your child's lunch at the proper temperature is important for food safety, and this can be difficult especially if your child has a late lunch or they're storing their lunch box in a warm area. The built-in ice packs in the PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box solve this problem. 'What I really like about it and why I keep buying these year after year for my three school-age kids—since their preschool days—is that it actually keeps food cold all day even on hot summer camp or classroom days,' says Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala . After years of use, she has also found this lunch box to be durable. The size is generous, especially when you consider that you don't need to add any ice packs. It has a front zipper pocket for napkins or small items as well as a buckle handle so you can clip it to your child's backpack. It's available in lots of fun colors and designs, which is important to kids of all ages. The biggest drawback of this lunch box is that you have to remember to put it in the freezer the night before. If you forget to clean out your child's lunch box until the next morning, it won't be ready to go. You can still use it, of course, but you'll have to add ice packs. Thermos Brand Thermos Upright Lunch Box I've been really impressed with the Thermos Upright Lunch Box after testing it out recently. There's enough room to pack a well-portioned lunch, and the water bottle holder and zipper pocket are nice touches. It's easy to fit and organize everything I need in my daughter's lunch, including her drink and napkins. It's an insulated box that also has a hard liner. As a busy mom who cleans out lunch boxes every day, the hard liner makes it so much quicker to wipe, clean and clear out any crumbs. It also has a buckle handle, so you can attach it to your child's backpack. The only major drawback is that it's only available in six colors, but many of these include fun and bright prints that kids like, such as Black Sport Web and Teal Marble. The L.L. Bean Lunch Box is a staple in many homes, and that's largely because it lasts for years. Part of what makes it so durable is the quality construction and the strong outer material that you'll also find on L.L. Bean backpacks . It has a top carry strap making it easy for your child to grab if it doesn't fit in their backpack. With a front zipper pocket and an interior mesh pocket, there are plenty of spaces to store extras like napkins, cutlery and a special note for your child. You can also use the internal mesh pocket to store an ice pack. It's pretty spacious inside and has an easily wipeable interior liner. Available in 11 colors, the insulated box can also be personalized with your child's monogram. Amazon Bentgo Kids Lunch Box With five leak-proof sections, the Bentgo Kids lunch box makes it easy to add some variety into your child's lunch. My daughter used this lunch box often when she was in kindergarten, and it has held up so well that it hardly looks like it's been used. It has definitely been dropped multiple times, and it never popped open or leaked food from one compartment to the next. I like to pair it with the Bentgo Kids Lunch Bag , which makes it easy for kids to carry to school thanks to multiple straps and clips. The bento box itself has a removable tray that's dishwasher and microwave safe. My daughter has no problem opening and closing the latches on it, though I would definitely recommend practicing with your child before sending them to school with it for the first time. As a 6-year-old, this lunch box held enough food for my daughter, but I doubt it will be large enough for much longer. For older kids, check out the Bentgo Pop , which allows for larger portion sizes. I love using stainless steel lunch boxes because I prefer to stay away from plastic when I can, which is why the PlanetBox Rover is one of my favorite options. It has five compartments and I've found that the largest compartment is big enough to hold a sandwich. Even though it's stainless steel, kids can still customize the look by choosing a magnet set they like as well as a carry bag (sold separately). While it's not a leak-proof option, the box does come with two stainless steel containers with lids, so you can pack dips or sauces that won't spill. Practice opening the box and the containers with younger kids before sending them off to school to make sure they can open them. The dishwasher safe box is sturdy, and I've never had it pop open when I dropped it. Forbes Vetted editor Esther Carlstone likes the Rover because it's so durable and easy to clean. 'All three of my kids have their own Rover and it's their go-to lunch box. One box we've used for 10 straight years and it still looks and acts good as new,' she says. 'Cleaning them is also super easy, we even toss them into the dishwasher.' The Omiebox Up is a bento-style lunch box that's a great option for hot foods because it includes a 12-ounce thermos. It also has another compartment with an ice pack that fits right in the box, so you can pack some cold food, too. The cold side includes a removable divider, allowing you to pack two different options. While the lunch box as a whole is leak-proof, the divider is not. 'I like that it's all-in-one so you're not packing several different containers for one lunch,' says Carlstone, who uses this lunch box to pack items like pasta and soup. The container is easy for kids to open and close, just be careful not to shut the thermos too tight, especially for younger kids. It's available in a few different colors, including Cherry Pink and Cosmic Blue. My daughter used the smaller Omiebox to bring mac and cheese or tortellini to kindergarten, and it was a great size for that age. Older kids will definitely want the larger Omiebox Up, though. Amazon Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Box When choosing a lunch box for your preschooler, think simple. 'Give them practice opening and closing their lunchboxes independently. Find out how long the lunch period is and practice eating in that amount of time, including the amount of time needed to open and close it,' says registered dietitian Jennifer Anderson. As long as they can open a zipper, they should be good to go with the Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Box. There are over 50 fun prints to choose from, helping preschoolers get excited about their first packed lunch experience ( shop other print options here ). My kids have used this lunch box a lot, and it's a great basic option. A front zipper pocket and interior mesh pocket provide plenty of room for packing extras. It also has a top handle to make it easy to grab. The lunch box is the ideal size for preschoolers, and though it's on the smaller side, it can fit some bento boxes. Personalizing school supplies is incredibly exciting, particularly for the elementary crowd. The Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie is available in so many adorable prints, like Iridescent Hearts and Lego, and kids can add their name or initials in a variety of fonts. The insulated bag has a molded liner that makes it easy to wipe clean of crumbs and spills. It also includes an interior pocket, an exterior pocket and a water bottle holder. The top strap is padded, making it comfortable for their little hands to carry to and from school. While the Mackenzie lunch box is ideal for younger kids, older kids might like the more subdued Colby Lunch Box . Sala's tweens prefer this cold pack style over the more cutesy Mackenzie styles. At Forbes Vetted, the baby and kids gear team has decades of experience covering baby and kid topics, testing products and packing lunches for our kids. The author of this article, Alicia Betz , has been testing kids lunch boxes for over five years. She's also a mom to three and frequently tests and reports on kids products, including the best kids luggage and the best kids water shoes . , has been testing kids lunch boxes for over five years. She's also a mom to three and frequently tests and reports on kids products, including the and the . The editor of this article, Esther Carlstone , is an experienced parenting editor and writer. She's also a mom to three and has over a decade of experience packing lunches for her kids in many of the lunch boxes on this list. , is an experienced parenting editor and writer. She's also a mom to three and has over a decade of experience packing lunches for her kids in many of the lunch boxes on this list. I interviewed registered dietitian and founder of Kids Eat In Color, Jennifer Anderson . To choose the best lunch boxes for kids, I relied on expert advice, personal experience and product research. Here's a peek into my process. I've been using lunch boxes for years, including many of the ones on the list. I've seen how they hold up over time and how well they function in the real world, being carted to school, sports, activities and back. I considered input from parenting editors Sala and Carlstone, two moms who have used many of the lunch boxes on the list as well. Anderson provided insight on what makes a good lunch box as well as which ones she has used and found helpful. I compared features of various lunch boxes, considering size, pockets, insulation and more. To cater to a variety of needs and types of families, I included different types of lunch boxes, including bento style boxes and traditional lunch boxes. Your lunch box should be the right size for your child. Some smaller lunch boxes, especially bento boxes, can have a smaller capacity that may not be appropriate for older kids. Age recommendations on lunch boxes are helpful, but consider your child's appetite as well when deciding what size is best for them. Consider how you'll keep your child's lunch cold, too. 'Send packed lunches with two ice packs, one on the top and one on the bottom, inside a sleeve or insulated lunchbag,' says Anderson. Make sure the bag is large enough to include ice packs along with the lunch. Material 'Lunch boxes are typically made from stainless steel, BPA-free plastic and silicone—all excellent options that hold up well,' says Anderson. While plastic tends to be more lightweight, it can be a bit more difficult to clean compared to stainless steel. Many fabric lunch bags are made of polyester or a similar material with a wipeable inner lining. Ease Of Use The biggest consideration when it comes to ease of use is how easily your child can open and close their lunch box. Particularly for younger kids, taking time to make sure they can open their lunch box is very important. You don't want them to struggle to get to their food when they're hungry. Most preschoolers and young elementary schoolers do fine with zippers on traditional lunch boxes, but bento boxes can be more difficult to open. Ease Of Cleaning Packing, unpacking and cleaning lunch boxes can feel relentless. Having a lunch box (or two) that's easy to clean makes life much easier. Some bento boxes are dishwasher safe or have removable compartments that can go in the dishwasher. For lunch bags, look for options that are easily wipeable. What Are The Best Lunch Boxes For Kids? Our top picks for the best lunch boxes for kids include the PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box, Thermos Upright Lunch Box and L.L. Bean Lunch Box. All three options are sized well for kids, easy for kids to open and insulated. What Is The Best Material For A Kids Lunch Box? The best material for kids lunch boxes is easy to clean. Plastic, stainless steel and fabric options are all great. When shopping for bento boxes, look for options that are dishwasher-safe. What Is A Good Packed Lunch For Kids? A good packed lunch for kids is balanced, including protein, fruit, vegetables, grains and dairy. However, it's also important to pack things your child will actually eat so they have sustenance to carry them through the day. It's best to pack safe foods in their lunch and save new or adventurous foods for another time.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PACKIT® INTRODUCES MORE WAYS TO CHILL WITH THE LAUNCH OF TWO NEW COOLERS
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Summer, PackIt® announces two new additions to their line of freezable, soft-sided cooler bags: the Newport Cooler and the 12-Can Tote Cooler. Both products are engineered with PackIt's patented ECOFREEZE® Technology built into the walls of the bag, allowing them to keep food and drinks cool for hours without the need for ice or icepacks. With their large capacity and lightweight-design, the coolers are a great alternative to traditional hard-sided coolers, which tend to be bulky and heavy. PackIt's new offerings are perfect for beach days, picnics in the park, family hikes, or any outdoor adventure. Freezable 12 Can Cooler Tote (SRP $39.99) - Cool, convenient, and built for the journey!Meet the Freezable 12 Can Cooler Tote—your go-to soft cooler for beach days, picnics, road trips, and more. The spacious 10.4L interior fits up to 12 cans, and the leakproof welded liner is easy to clean with built-in antimicrobial protection. A sturdy shoulder strap, zippered closure, and front pocket make it the ultimate hands-free cooler for wherever life takes you. Available in Poppy, Seaside Stripe and City Charcoal. Freezable Newport Cooler (SRP $54.99) – Stay cool wherever you go with this portable cooler designed for comfort and convenience. The Newport Cooler features a wide mouth opening with a lay-back lid for easy loading and unloading, plus a leakproof welded liner and antimicrobial interior to make cleanup a breeze. This 9.9L portable cooler fits up to 16 standard-sized cans and has an interior zip mesh pocket and side slip pocket to keep your essentials organized. It also includes an adjustable crossbody strap, a sturdy top handle, and folds flat for easy storage. Available in Azure Blue, Papaya and Black. "Our goal with the cooler innovations was to utilize PackIt's patented technology to create highly functional and stylish solutions that help simplify our customers' lives," said Nicole Stanley, Product Designer. "Traditional coolers tend to be messy and cumbersome; our coolers' streamlined design and ECOFREEZE Technology enable them to be lightweight, easy to clean, and are a smart and simple way to keep items cool when you're on the go." Product Highlights Include: Patented ECOFREEZE® Technology, freezable gel built into the walls of the bags Proudly made by PackIt®: creator of the ORIGINAL reusable, foldable, freezable lunch bag. Designed in California. Available for purchase at and Amazon About PackIt:PackIt®, a Tenth Avenue Holdings, LLC brand, was established more than a decade ago with a singular mission: to impact health and well-being by delivering solutions-oriented products that empower you to make healthy lifestyle choices. The company's breakthrough innovations in lunch bag cooling technology rapidly expanded into every viable consumer lifestyle segment. PackIt provides smart solutions that encourage eating and drinking well, optimizing routines, and enjoying life's journey. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PackIt
