Latest news with #lunchbox
New York Times
a day ago
- General
- New York Times
Our Kids' Pick Award Winners
Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Most of the testers were familiar with the Bentgo Fresh Lunch Box, one of our favorite kids lunch boxes. With four deep compartments, the bento box holds a good amount of food (about 5 cups total) and keeps foods separate. Our testers liked the bright, bold colors and versatile layout, which includes a divider in the main compartment that you can remove to fit a sandwich or a larger entrée. The Bentgo box 'has enough space, and it's wide enough,' said 10-year-old Julieta G. And Sahara S., age 8, said she found the compact plastic box 'easy to open and close.' Also tested: Lunch Box, PlanetBox Launch Stainless Steel Lunch Box, PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunch Box, Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Classic Lunch Box Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The Thermos Funtainer Food Jar with Spoon came out on top for one critical reason: A compartment in the lid snaps open to reveal a foldable spoon. (The animated exchange between Addison F., 8, and Chase H., 8, as they popped open the lid: 'Bro! It has a spoon!') It's a new version of the (spoon-less) Thermos Funtainer Food Jar, which is a recommendation in our food thermos guide. This durable jar keeps food hot and comes in kid-friendly designs, from Minecraft to rainbows. And did we mention the spoon? It 'has a mini spoon inside, so you don't even have to pack a spoon!' said 9-year-old Charlotte C. The Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Food Jar and the ThermoFlask Food Jar were close contenders, with kids particularly appreciating the extra-wide opening and sturdy handle of the ThermoFlask model. Said 6-year-old Wren H. of the ThermoFlask jar: It 'fits a lot of food, and I always like the pasta my mamma gives me.' Also tested: Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Food Jar, PlanetBox Food Container, ThermoFlask Food Jar, Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter It was almost a tie between the Lihit Lab PuniLabo Pen Pouch and the Zipit Clear Top Pencil Box, with the Lihit Lab cases winning by the narrowest of margins. Kids adored how they looked like animals, with a distinctive head and tail, plus a long body. 'The cat and penguin are so cute,' said 7-year-old Annalise G. 'Penguins are my favorite animal,' said 6-year-old Charlie C. The case is compact and easily transportable but fits plenty of pencils and pens. 'It has space, and it's not too big,' said Emi E., 10. And the silicone material felt 'smooth' and 'squishy,' said 7-year-old Miles M. The Zipit Clear Top Pencil Box is a larger container, the kind where kids might toss in extra school supplies such as glue sticks, scissors, and markers. It features a clear, hard-shell top with a design inside. Kids especially liked the basketball version, since it had a ball that rolled around so they could pretend to shoot and score a basket. Also tested: KPX Standing Pencil Case, Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Pencil Case, Zipit Clear Top Pencil Box, Zipit Monster Pencil Case Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter With tiny bumps along its triangular length, the Faber-Castell Grip 2001 Graphite EcoPencil with Eraser stood out from the more traditional-looking pencils we tested and was the top vote-getter by far. 'I like the dots,' said almost-6-year-old Caleb W. Kids appreciated how the bumps helped them hold the pencil: It 'has grip,' noted 9-year-old Margaret T. The design also added a tactile sensation: 'I liked the little bumps, and it felt good on my fingers,' said Joanna D., 8. And the Grip 2001, one of our favorite pencils for schoolwork, wrote smoothly, too. 'It writes well, and it feels good,' said 10-year-old Nico A. Then again, not everyone loved it, with some kids finding the bumps unappealing: The 'texture was not comfortable,' said Nathan P., age 10. Also tested: Dixon Ticonderoga Classic Yellow Wood-Cased Pencil, Mitsubishi 9850 HB, Oriental Trading Personalized Pastel Pencils, Palomino Golden Bear USA Blue #2 Pencil Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Our junior test squad found the soft white Staedtler Mars Plastic Vinyl Eraser to be the most effective at removing their scribbles, requiring minimal effort and leaving little trace of their writing behind. It was 'fast and efficient,' said 7-year-old Adoma A. After writing and then erasing her name, Charlotte C., 10, said that the eraser 'worked so well, you couldn't even see my name!' The Paper Mate Arrowhead Pencil Cap Erasers were a close second. Kids appreciated that the eraser cap was firm and not annoyingly wobbly and bendy, which made it easier to use. 'The eraser is thick, so it will not break or fall off,' said 10-year-old Rosemary M. Also tested: Amazon Basics Rectangular Eraser, Paper Mate Arrowhead Pencil Cap Erasers, Pentel Hi-Polymer Cap Erasers, Staples Cap Erasers Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The only pair to come with a protective cover, the Livingo 5" Kids Scissors were the best ones, according to our junior test squad. Many testers pointed out the sheath: 'If you're handing the scissors to a person, they won't get injured,' said 9-year-old Charlotte C. They also have a 'good grip,' said 7-year-old Leo K. Left-handed Ryan B., age 8, said this pair 'felt the most comfortable.' (The scissors are meant for both left- and right-handed children.) And most importantly, the Livingo scissors make crisp cuts and are a snap to open and close. 'It is easy to cut with, so you can cut faster,' said 9-year-old Clara F. A few kids, however, complained that the holes of the scissors were too small to fit their fingers. Also tested: Fiskars Softgrip 5" Scissors, Lakeshore Blunt-Tip Scissors, Target Up&Up Kids' Blunt Tip Scissors, Westcott 15968 Right- and Left-Handed Scissors Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter When it came to glue sticks, one of the, ahem, sticking points was the cap. Kids complained that some were frustratingly hard to unscrew and screw back on. Ultimately, the Avery Glue Stic, the chunkiest stick of the bunch, was the most satisfying to use. It's the 'best because it's easy to open and close, and I like that it's big,' said Sasha G., 6. It 'was my favorite because it glides well, and it's really big, and it covers lots of the paper,' said 7-year-old Victoria J. The glue also kept pieces of paper in place: It 'doesn't move an inch,' said 9-year-old Jemina F. Also tested: Amazon Basics Purple Washable Glue Stick, Elmer's All Purpose School Glue Stick, Scotch Glue Stick, Uhu Stic Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter We recommend the Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener in our guide to colored pencils, and our junior test squad agreed. Kids found that it sharpened pencils efficiently, making the tip satisfyingly pointy: 'It made my pencil super sharp, super fast,' said 10-year-old Lily H. The two-holed sharpener was larger than the others in our pool, but that was a plus: The Prismacolor model 'is bigger, which makes it more likable, because I don't have to get up to empty it out that frequently,' said 10-year-old Emma C. Also tested: Fiskars Squeeze Sharpener, KUM AS2M Sharpener, Ooly 3-Hole Pencil Sharpener, Staedtler Double-Hole Tub Sharpener Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter The Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, the budget pick in our colored pencils guide, was the favorite set among our junior testers. The pencils are 'really smooth and easy to color with,' said 9-year-old Miles K. Kids found that they could make the color on the paper lighter or darker depending on how hard they pressed and said that using the pencils felt 'precise,' which let them color with detail. But some complained about the Prismacolor set's red pencil, which came out more orange than red: It 'is not red, like, at all,' said 8-year-old Yuil J. Also tested: Crayola Colored Pencils, Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Staedtler Ergosoft Triangular Colored Pencils, Target Mondo Llama Colored Pencils Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter 'Smell this!' was something we heard a lot at the marker testing station. And that's because Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, the runaway favorite, had an unfair advantage: Each marker smells sweet, like cherry, grape, raspberry, and other appealing scents. It 'reminds me of blueberries,' said 6-year-old Yara W. of one marker. It 'writes and smells and looks good,' said 9-year-old Margaret T. Several kids, however, noticed that the Mr. Sketch markers tended to bleed and were darker in pigment than the other contenders. Also tested: Amazon Basics Broad Line Washable Markers, Crayola Broad Line Washable Markers, Cra-Z Art Classic Super Washable Markers, Target Mondo Llama Broad Tip Classic Washable Markers Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Long, pointy, and almost as thin as a pencil, the BIC Kids Crayons were a surprise hit. 'It doesn't make a mess, and it's really sharp,' said 9-year-old Hudson S. Kids also found that the crayons colored smoothly, making vibrant shades. As for the worst performers, we couldn't help but note that the Target Mondo Llama Classic Crayons broke several times — including with our first group of testers of the day. Also tested: Crayola Crayons, Cra-Z-Art Jumbo Crayons, Ooly Brilliant Bee Crayons, Target Mondo Llama Classic Crayons Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter If there was one item the kids wanted to take home, it was 'bling' for their backpack — fun, decorative tchotchkes that can attach to a bag's zippers, straps, and other hooks. We won't name names, but let's just say there was a lot of begging. Although our testers had a tough time picking just one favorite ('I like all of them,' said 6-year-old Rowan K.), the 3.5-inch Squishmallows Clip-On Plush toys — particularly the mint-green axolotl — ultimately won the most hearts and the most requests to keep. Kids couldn't resist their adorableness and cuddle factor. 'These are good because if you're having a bad day, you can give it a squeeze, and they're just on your backpack,' said 8-year-old Liel G. The most entertaining bling option was the Kikkerland collection of light-up, noise-making keychains, which include a duck, an electric guitar, a unicorn, and a black cat. ('This cat is mythical!' said Yuil J., 8, as the cat's eyes lit up.) But several kids acknowledged that their teachers would probably get pretty annoyed if they started playing with the keychains in class. Also tested: Funko Pop Keychain, Kikkerland LED & Sound Keychain, Lego Key Chain, Cuberspeed GAN 330 Keychain In July 2025, we put 100 junior testers to work. (Did I say work? I mean play.) We recruited kids ages 6 to 10 from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut through The New York Times's newsletters and social media. (None of the junior testers' parents work for the company.) They joined us at The Times's offices in Times Square, where each child spent about two and a half hours rotating through stations (plus a 15-minute snack, bathroom, and cartwheel break). Each testing station was dedicated to one product category, such as backpacks or glue sticks. For each station, we selected five high-quality contenders based on picks in our current guides, such as our recommendations for the best kids backpacks, kids water bottles, and kids lunch boxes. In categories without existing Wirecutter guides, we researched popular options and selected those that we thought would be durable and reliable (such as those with good reviews or made by a reputable brand). For most categories, particularly those where look and design really matter, we presented two versions of each item, with contrasting colors and designs. For instance, for the Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpacks, we had a lavender tie-dye heart pattern and a dark blue school of sharks print. We gave each child a booklet and asked them to mark their top picks as they moved from station to station. We tried our best to conceal brand names, labeling each item as A, B, C, D, and E. (Kids are smart, though. One held up a marker and noted the distinctive wavy lines, proclaiming, 'I know this is Crayola!') Some examples from our testing stations: For backpacks, we first wrapped each one with black and blue rain covers so that the kids could not see too much of the color or pattern. We filled the backpacks with 4 pounds of dried pinto beans to mimic the approximate weight of a supplies-filled pack. Kids put on the backpacks and marched around the room to gauge comfort. (A suggestion to make them climb up and down flights of stairs while wearing them was nixed.) We then removed the rain covers so that the kids could see and inspect the backpacks' zippers, pockets, and other features. For health and safety reasons, we did not ask kids to drink or eat from the water bottles, lunch boxes, or food thermoses. Instead, they opened and closed each one several times and packed the lunch boxes and food thermoses with food-shaped squishies. For colored pencils, crayons, and markers, we gave each child five of the same color and asked them to color with each one in their booklet. (It turned out that not all reds were alike — a few even bordered on orange.) Yes, beans! Kids were surprised and flummoxed to find a 4-pound bag of pinto beans inside each backpack. Questions ensued. (Mainly, 'Why?!') The answer: We wanted them to test what a packed bag felt like. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter We presented kids with two versions of each lunch box contender to account for color and pattern preferences. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter Kids compared colored pencils by filling in five pictures of apples inside their booklet, one for each pencil. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter We gave our testers a bunch of blunt pencils to sharpen. Not pictured: all the shavings that ended up on the floor. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter We labeled each glue stick as A, B, C, D, or E with a sticker, but observant kids could still distinguish certain brands by their distinctive colors. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter Kids and adults found Target's Up&Up scissors comfortable for large hands, though the Livingo 5" Kids Scissors ultimately came out on top. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Yes, beans! Kids were surprised and flummoxed to find a 4-pound bag of pinto beans inside each backpack. Questions ensued. (Mainly, 'Why?!') The answer: We wanted them to test what a packed bag felt like. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter Our junior test squad was impressively dedicated, thoughtful, and articulate. Occasionally kids picked a winner based on something besides function: They liked the letter B, recognized a familiar brand, or loved sharks, for instance. In some cases, if they had trouble narrowing it down to just one favorite, they selected two. But for the most part, they carefully weighed why they preferred one item over the rest. To determine the winners, we tallied the kids' votes; for those who picked two, we awarded half a point for each. We also reviewed the kids' comments and noted their least-favorite items. In several instances, the contest was neck and neck, but ultimately we found a clear winner in every category. This article was edited by Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
6 Best Kids' Lunchboxes, Based on Testing
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Your school kid's lunchbox takes a beating with near-daily use, so you'll want a durable one. But a kiddo's lunchbox should also be easy for them to use, and cute, too. Above all, you want a lunchbox to keep the healthy lunch you made intact, keeping the food either warm or cold, depending on the type of food. Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested dozens of lunchboxes and bags in the past eight years. The top performers in our tests keep sandwiches, snacks and fruits chilled throughout the morning and often feature extras like Thermoses for soup or built-in ice packs. We evaluate style, weight, size, seal and other additional features to find options suitable for all needs and budgets. Freezable Lunch Box ✔️ BEST FOR: Keeping lunch food cold. In our Lab test, the PackIt was the only lunch bag to keep its contents below 40˚F (a safety benchmark for perishables) for 5.5 hours. ✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Who needs an ice pack when you have an insulated lunchbox? PackIt's freezable gel liner eliminates the need to jam a separate ice pack alongside all that food: Simply pop the whole bag into the freezer overnight, and it will keep food chilled throughout the school morning. ✔️ TESTING NOTES: While the gel liner makes it heavier than a standard lunchbox with an ice pack — one of our Lab directors felt it added too much weight to her young kid's backpack — it's still lighter than the stainless steel options on our list. The lunchbox folds flat, making it easy to fit in your freezer while it gets cold for the next day. Your kid can also easily pack it back into their backpack to bring home. When unfolded, we found it to be spacious enough for packing a good amount of food, too. We love the rainbow design, but there's also an astronaut, shark, dinosaur and a cupcake design. PackIt's original Freezable Lunch Bag has a more adult design, but it could also be suitable for teens. RELATED: We Tested 24 Food Storage Containers to Find the Best $19.19 at Go With Yogurt Pot ✔️ BEST FOR: Separating foods, bento-box style, on the cheap. ✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Two removable trays nestle together to form this compact, lightweight bento box. The round container features a screw-on lid to keep up to five ounces of food, such as yogurt, hummus or fruit salad, contained. Every piece can be popped in the freezer or used in the microwave (without a lid). It can also be cleaned in the dishwasher. ✔️ TESTING NOTES: Our Lab pros especially appreciate the Sistema clamp, which forms a tight seal on the outer box to help prevent spills. We think the price, at about $10, is a great deal. On Amazon, you can buy a two-pack, ensuring one is always available while the other is being washed. Note that this box does not come with a drink compartment, so kids will need to store drinks separately. RELATED: The Best Kids' Water Bottles $10.28 at Insulated Lunch Box ✔️ BEST FOR: Anyone looking for a traditional lunchbox that can handle lots of use and washing. ✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: There's a zip pocket on the exterior for stashing cash or a lunch card if your child buys a drink each day or something from the vending machine after school. Inside, there's a mesh pocket that can hold a snack separate from everything else or an ice pack to keep food chilled. ✔️ TESTING NOTES: The lightweight, durable nylon lunchbox is a longtime favorite amongst GH staffers. It can hold up to 4.6 quarts, and we found the smooth plastic interior easy to clean, even when grape juice was left in it overnight. Online reviews praise this lunchbox as a "workhorse." One of our contributors reports that she ran her child's lunchbox through the dishwasher every Friday at the end of the school week. It only needed about a day to dry on a dish rack afterward. The box is large enough to fit both a Hydroflask insulated food jar and a stainless steel water bottle on the inside. But the drink can take up a lot of room, so your kid may want to carry their drink separately. RELATED: The Best Kids' Backpacks, Tried and Tested $19.95 at Cold Pack Lunch Box ✔️ BEST FOR: Kids who want their lunchbox to look cool. The Mackenzie comes in a bunch of kid-bait patterns including Bluey, Glow-in-the-Dark Minecraft, Glow-in-the-Dark Spider-Man and a Disney Princess Adaptive Lunchbox that can snap onto a wheelchair or walker. ✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Personalize your child's lunchbox with this spacious option from Pottery Barn Kids, which allows you to add a name or monogram to the front for an additional $16. It'll make it easy for your child to spot (or for you to retrieve from lost and found!). A water bottle or drink can fit neatly in the mesh side pouch. There's a wipeable interior and rigid walls that keep delicate foods from getting crushed. ✔️ TESTING NOTES: While the Classic version is slightly less expensive, we also like the Cold Pack option because it features two insulated compartments inside, as well as a larger interior mesh pocket for a matching ice pack. In our Lab tests, we confirmed that the main double zipper won't come open if the bag is shaken or dropped. Pottery Barn Kids also sells matching backpacks. $29.00 at Steel Lunch Box ✔️ BEST FOR: Folks who want a plastic-free option. Stainless steel is easy to clean and extra durable, but it is heavier than nylon or plastic. This is a small bento box, made for preschoolers and kindergartners, kids with small appetites and kids who only pack snacks. ✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: It's got three compartments, with the option to add silicone containers, sold separately, for further separation. It opens and closes with two latches that the brand says are leak-resistant. ✔️ TESTING NOTES: It doesn't hold a lot — it's got the smallest capacity of all the boxes on our list. That said, it's enough for the littlest school kids, and for kids who generally don't eat much at school. For $10 more, you can get this stainless steel bento box in one of four prints. And if you like the bento box idea but aren't as sold on stainless steel, Bentgo still sells their popular, less expensive plastic bento box as well. RELATED: Easy, Healthy Snacks for Kids $49.99 at ✔️ BEST FOR: Packing a hot lunch. This insulated bento box–style comes with a removable, Thermos-like container meant to hold hot (or cold) foods. It's perfect for toting last night's reheated leftovers or some warm mac and cheese for a picky eater. ✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: The screw-on lid for the Omiebox's hot food container is designed for a child to be able to open on their own at lunchtime, thanks to a handle that pops up. If you aren't packing the stainless steel container, its square compartment can be used for a sandwich instead. The rectangular compartment has a movable divider that allows you to adjust the size to fit your foods. ✔️ TESTING NOTES: When packed with the food container, this box becomes one of the heaviest lunchboxes on our list. For cleaning, the brand recommends removing the box's leakproof rubber seal and washing it along with all the other parts. While we found it a bit tricky to reinstall the seal, we appreciate that this feature helps prevent spills. $49.95 at Kids can carry their Bentgo box — or any bento box, like the Omie — inside the Bentgo Lunch Tote, an insulated tote designed to keep food warm or cool for up to four kids' lunchboxes we tested and recommend ✔️ Planetbox Launch's stainless steel bento box (shown) comes with a carrying case and magnets for decorating. The Planetbox brand was one of the first to introduce both stainless steel and bento-style compartments to the lunchbox crowd, with the idea that parents can use the same, durable box year after year. ✔️ Thermos Dual Lunch Box (Pokemon version) is a well-made favorite with separate, zippered top and bottom containers. Thermos also makes rectangular lunchboxes with popular licensed characters like Super Mario Brothers. ✔️ Munchkin Bento Box for Kids is great for toddlers in nursery school or daycare. It comes with a spoon and kid-safe we test lunchboxes We test a wide range of food storage options at the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. The picks in this guide are based on data from testing over 50 lunchboxes and bags over the last eight years. When testing, we consider: ✔️ Ease of use: We ask adults — as well as a 6-year-old and a 5-year-old — to open and close the bags and boxes to ensure they're easy to open and close. (The 5-year-old found zippered, soft-sided bags easier to handle than latched, rigid boxes.) We also experiment with packing various amounts of food in each box. ✔️ Durability: We drop each lunchbox to check if it stays closed. We also test for staining. All of the lunchboxes in this story can be cleaned, but we found that those with a smooth plastic or metal interior are easiest. ✔️ Performance: Our testers add an apple, a juice box, a sandwich and an ice pack to each lunch bag before performing a temperature-evaluation test (pictured) to determine how long each can maintain a safe temperature over a six-hour period. (Our best overall pick performed the best in this test.) We also add two tablespoons of apple juice to each lunchbox to determine if it is leak-resistant. ✔️ Real-world experience: Our Lab pros survey real-life consumers, scour online reviews and evaluate lunchboxes with the kids in their own lives to make sure we aren't missing to consider when buying the best kids' lunchbox ✔️ Type of lunchbox: You have choices! • A bento box is a hard-sided plastic or stainless steel box with small compartments inside. You can tuck a different food into each compartment, and when your child opens up the box, all the food is displayed and ready for grabbing. You can put a bento box directly into a backpack or store it in a bag, so if there are any leaks, you're covered. • A lunchbox with semi-firm sides is more traditional. Nylon and polyester bags are lightweight, open with a zipper and pack flat when empty. They are often the easiest for kids to open. However, you may need to fill them with food containers, which means kids will have some unpacking to do. Many of these have built-in insulation to help keep food warm or cool. • A lunch bag is a reusable version of the old brown bag, often with added insulation. We don't have any on this list, but they do appear when discussing the best lunchboxes for adults. A lunch bag is best carried separately (because it can get squished), and since most kids need to fit their lunch in a book bag, cubby or locker, we've left them off the kids' list. ✔️ Storage needs: The kind of food you intend to send to school helps dictate your lunchbox. If you want to send your kid off with yogurt or warm mac and cheese, you might want a lunchbox with a built-in container, or one that can fit your favorite food storage container. If you know you'll be sending a drink each day, it's nice to have a lunchbox that can carry a water bottle on the side. Inside pockets can hold items such as pocket money or napkins. ✔️ Insulation: An insulated lunch box helps keep food warm or cool. If you know you want to keep food cool, having a mesh pocket and an ice pack is smart. If you're using a bento box, consider placing it in a bag with an ice pack. ✔️ Your child's age: The fewer steps required to open a lunchbox, the quicker a small child can start eating. Have your child practice opening and closing the lunchbox at home before sending it to school with them. ✔️ Weight and size: Consider whether the lunchbox fits in your child's backpack or if you'll need a separate tote. If your child has a short walk or is driven to school, the size and weight of a lunchbox may be less of a concern for you. ✔️ Materials: Stainless steel is durable, plastic-free and easy to clean in the sink or dishwasher, though it is the heaviest lunchbox material. A rigid plastic bento box is lighter and usually dishwasher-safe. Many fabric lunchboxes can be washed in the sink or placed in the top rack of a dishwasher, but they require some time to trust Good Housekeeping? The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing consumer products for over 100 years, and our experts specialize in everything families need for the back-to-school season. Lead reviewer Nicole Papantoniou directs the Kitchen Appliances Lab, overseeing all testing related to cooking products, including lunchboxes. She has been testing cooking tools, gadgets, gear and appliances since 2019, often involving her family members. Trained in classic culinary arts, Papantoniou is also a professional recipe developer. This guide was written by , a mom of two and a former editor at Parents magazine. A contributing writer for GH, she brings decades of experience evaluating products for babies and children, including back-to-school gear. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
CNN
4 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.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
25 easy lunch-box snacks approved by moms, dietitians — and kids!
Between hunting down runaway shoes, packing backpacks and negotiating over breakfast, getting out the door in the morning can feel like a full-on Olympic event. And then — just when you think you're in the home stretch — you remember the lunch box. Suddenly, that victory lap becomes another hurdle, but it doesn't have to be. Packing a lunch that's healthy and kid-approved can feel like an impossible task, especially when you're crunched for time. Luckily, the pros have your back — and your kid's lunch box. As a mom and a registered dietitian, I get the struggle. That's why I teamed up with two fellow RDs who specialize in kids' nutrition to round up 25 of the best grab-and-go lunch-box staples. These picks are quick, nourishing and, most important, stuff your kid will actually eat. From protein-packed snacks to fiber-filled sides, everything on the list is designed with growing bodies and picky palates in mind. Looking for a little more support? We've got you. Read on for tips to help you build a balanced lunch in minutes, what to look for on food labels — and a few time-saving tools that make lunch-packing way less chaotic whether you're prepping for a preschooler or middle schooler. Dietitians' picks of the best grab-and-go options to add to school lunches Best snack packs and dips Pouches Bars Fruits and vegetables Proteins Other snacky foods Prepared meals How to choose healthy snacks for kids Ellis and Miller both agree: The secret to a healthy lunch-box snack is picking something that helps keep your kid full for longer — think a little protein, healthy fats, fiber or a winning combo of all three. Watch the added sugar. "When it comes to packaged snacks, I try to choose options with little to no added sugar, ideally about 5 to 8 grams or less per serving," says Miller. Prioritize protein and fiber. "I also look for snacks that have some protein and fiber," says Miller. A good target is 3 to 5 grams of protein and 2 to 5 grams of fiber for young kids. Look for a short, recognizable ingredient list. When possible, aim for snacks with a short list of ingredients you actually recognize — and keep artificial additives, like food dyes, to a minimum. Think about packaging. "Check that your child can open any snack packages independently," says Ellis. "This is especially important for younger children or in situations where lunch support may be limited." Account for allergies and food policies. If your child has a food allergy or attends a nut-free school, make sure your snack picks are truly safe. Some products may be nut-free but made in facilities where cross-contamination is possible. Whether that's a deal breaker depends on your child's allergy severity, but when in doubt, it's smarter to play it safe and choose something else. Need help finding safe options? Check out the Kids With Food Allergies database. Be realistic: Most packaged snacks won't check every nutritional box, that's why Miller suggests focusing on offering variety and "meeting your kid's nutrient needs across the day, rather than all in one snack or meal." How to build a healthy lunch on a time crunch Don't let those expertly curated bento boxes on your Insta feed fool you. Miller assures that there's no need to pack the "perfect" lunch box. "Your child doesn't need a brand-new, gourmet lunch every single day," she says. "Some kids are totally fine eating the same core lunch daily, and you can still introduce variety through different pairings and sides while sticking to familiar options." Now that a little pressure is off, here are a few additional tips Ellis and Miller shared for pulling together a healthy lunch on busy mornings: Follow simple formula: Protein, fiber-rich carb, healthy fat, fruit, veggie — plus one "yum food." Some A+ options include chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt or beans for protein; whole wheat bread or brown rice for a good-for-you carb; guacamole or sunflower butter for healthy fats. And, yes, it's OK to include a "treat." Miller recommends adding one that's "something fun or sweet that your kiddo is sure to love and helps round out the meal." Plan around leftovers: "Build lunches around what you already have on hand," says Ellis. "Leftovers can serve as a great foundation, then you can build on from there with a few additions." Stock up on prep-free items: "Keep grab-and-go items like yogurt pouches, hummus packs and granola bars on hand makes it easy to round out a lunch without having to make everything from scratch," says Ellis. She recommends keeping these grab-and-goes in a dedicated spot in your fridge or pantry to help up lunch-packing efficiency. Prep ahead of time: While "meal prep" feels daunting, know that a little planning goes a long way, especially on hectic mornings. Miller suggests making a large batch of items like whole grain pasta salad and muffins in advance — and packing lunches the night before. Stick to just a few fruits and veggies each week: Pick two or three types of fruits and vegetables and rotate them throughout the week, says Miller. This makes lunch prep way simpler — and can cut down on food waste. A little novelty goes a long way: To help make her kids' lunches more engaging, Miller likes to add fun extras like colorful sprinkles on top of yogurt or novel dips. And, when time allows, she sometimes even busts out the cookie cutters to turn sandwiches or fruit into playful shapes. Get your kids involved: "It's one of the most effective ways to boost buy-in," says Miller. "When they help choose what goes into their lunch box, they're much more likely to actually eat what's packed." Helpful tools for making lunchtime easier Here are some of our favorite go-to tools to help streamline the whole lunch-box-packing process: Meal planner: "I'm old school, so I still use a written weekly meal planner to stay organized and keep lunch packing less chaotic," says Miller. You can print a free lunch box version (and meal version) on her website — or order a bound one, like this Decorably option with tear-off grocery lists for smoother shopping. Bento-style lunch box: "I love the separate compartments in a good bento-style lunch box," says Ellis. "They provide a helpful visual for building out a balanced lunch." Plus, they're great for preventing food from mixing, something many kids appreciate. Whatever lunch box you choose, make sure your child can easily open it on their own. "If they're struggling, it can really impact their ability to eat their lunch," says Ellis. My pick? Bentgo lunch boxes. My kids have been using them for years. While it's not completely spill-proof (there was that one ranch dressing incident), it's otherwise been near-perfect for lunches away from home. Reusable pouches: "Yogurt and smoothies can be quite messy, so I love being able to pour them into reusable pouches, making them easier for kids to manage on their own," says Ellis. "They've been a lifesaver in our house." I recommend mushie Silicone Puree Pouches. While a tad more expensive than other reusables, I like then for their durability and food-grade silicone, which is free of harmful chemicals, like PVC, BPS and BPA. Plus, they're easy for small hands to hold and dishwasher-safe. Sandwich cutters and sealers: "They're a favorite, especially for making homemade Uncrustables, which are always a big hit," says Ellis. Besides sandwiches, I use smaller cookie cutters to make shapes out of fruits, cheese slices and even certain veggies. This sandwich cutter and sealer kit includes four large cutters and sealers — a star, heart, mouse and dinosaur — along with eight smaller cookie cutters. Reusable freezer bags: For prepping food in advance, you'll want to invest in a set of reusable freezer bags. I like these silicone ones from IdeaTech, which comes in a set of seven gallon-size and five quart-size bags — perfect for stashing leftover muffins, pancakes, empanadas and any other foods you like to keep on hand for easy lunches (or breakfasts). They're dishwasher-safe, though some reviewers say they're hard to get sparkling clean. Ice packs: Keeping perishable food at a safe temperature is super important. "I recommend using two: one on top of your child's lunch and one underneath to help keep everything cold," says Ellis. Clearly a brand loyalist, my go-to is Bentgo's Reusable Slim Ice Packs. They come in standard rectangle packs or fun, kid-friendly designs. (Dinos! Unicorns! Rocket ships!) Meet our experts Alicia "Chacha" Miller, RD, LDN, founder of the Cardamom Nutrition Alison Ellis, MSc, RD, founder of the Toddler Kitchen Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Daily Mail
02-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Parents are raving about this GENIUS meal hack that makes back-to-school a breeze - and it's 30% off right now
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more It is almost that time of year again when lunches and backpacks are being packed on a daily basis, and we know for many parents, back to school can feel like a chore (especially when it comes to meal prep). We just found what we think to be the smartest and most affordable solution to lunchbox stress, and the best part is you can access it from your phone. Sign up today for scheduled FREE deliveries if your family's favorite go-to healthy meals, snacks, and more! If you have never heard of Thrive Market, prepare to be amazed! The online grocery and goods destination has everything from sweet treats to dog shampoos. With an innovative business model, the platform connects shoppers to incredible healthy brands around the clock at a fraction of the in-person store price. This back-to-school season, Thrive Market is going to be a parent must-have with easy access to delicious yet 'good for you' meals that kids go wild for. Explore everything from plant-based chicken nuggets to organic popcorn and design your kids' lunches without the hassle! We know when it comes to fueling your children, finding nutrient-packed items that they will actually enjoy (or at the very least not refuse!) is so crucial. Thrive Market understands this, too, which is why most, if not all, of their offerings focus on key features such as high protein and low sugar. Signing up for a membership on Thrive Market is simple and unlocks a plethora of perks, too! Members get access to top-rated brands at a better price point, allergy-friendly finds, and Daily Deals that can range from 20-50 percent off! Plus, every new user gets 30 percent off their first order and a free $60 gift as well. What we love about the genius grocery destination is its insane variety. The platform has everything you could dream of for the entire family, from fresh produce to fiber-rich energy bars, and everything is hand-tailored by you for you. Shoppers can not believe the difference their Thrive Market subscriptions have made, with one saying: 'Super easy and convenient to use. I literally didn't have to get out of bed, and my shopping was done in a snap!'. The 2025 to 2026 school year is going to be the most epic yet on Thrive Market with new snacks, new meals, and more fun than ever before! Your kiddos can expect to see top-selling brands hit the platform, including YumEarth Organic Fruit Snacks and Partake Mini Crunchy Confetti & Chocolate Chip Cookies. Trust us, once you try Thrive Market, you will never go back. Take this school year into your own hands and make your life easier with meal prepping delivered straight to your door for less! Sign up now to get 30 percent off your first order and a free $60 gift.
