The Best Bento Lunch Boxes

Buying Guide for Bento Lunch Boxes

Why buy a bento lunch box?

Bento boxes were built on the idea of balanced nutrition while marrying in kawaii, the Japanese culture of cuteness. A bento lunch box offers multiple compartments, so you won’t have to throw away plastic baggies to keep your food separate. Since many options are stackable, they can pack a lot of food into a small space. Not only do they make a great lunch box for everyday use, but they also make a sweet mini picnic box for special occasions.

What should you consider in a bento lunch box?

• Compartments: Every bento box offers several compartments to promote balanced eating. Take a look at your caloric needs and decide how many compartments you’ll need to build the ideal healthy lunch.
• Accessories: One thing that’s great about most bento lunch boxes is that they come with accessories. These can range from a simple pair of chopsticks to a full tray of flatware. Some even offer insulated wraps and leakproof covers.
• Color Options: Bento box lunch boxes come in a variety of bright colors and styles. Classic bamboo with basic black may suit your sleek style, while other members of your family or your little ones may prefer a bright green or a fun pattern.

Can using a bento box lunch box help you live a healthier lifestyle?

Since bento box lunch boxes are built with portion-controlled compartments, they make it easier to build the most nutritious lunchtime meals. Utilizing your bento box for healthy eating can help you avoid empty calories and enjoy a brighter variety of foods. They also create a more eco-friendly option by filling each compartment with food instead of using multiple plastic bags or containers to keep your food separate.

Our Picks for the Best Bento Lunch Boxes

Pros: This bento box set comes with two stackable containers that come together to create a complete meal. The top container holds 3/4 cups of food while the bottom holds 2 cups. These nest together with a strap. It comes with a three-piece utensil set in its own compartment to keep it firmly in place during transit. You’ll also love that this entire set is made of BPA-free materials and is dishwasher safe.

Cons: This bento box is not insulated.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a compact bento-style lunch box that’s simple to clean and easy to store, this may be a great choice for you.

 

Pros: Here’s a triple-tiered lunch box with lidded bowls that stack and slide into an insulated bag. The containers are pretty spacious, so you can pack a good amount of food. It’s easy to clean, and it’s easy to carry since it has a comfortable handle on top of the bag.

Cons: This bento box is not leakproof.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a large, stackable bento box that can fit enough food for an adult, this may be the best choice for you. It comes with a carrying case and flatware. Plus, there are several color choices to choose from.

 

Pros: First, this bento box is pretty durable as long as you hand wash it. It has three rectangular compartments for your food that stack, and the bottom one is nice and deep for thicker foods like sandwiches or sushi rolls. It comes with a spoon, fork, and chopstick combo and comes in a lot of fun colors.

Cons: This bento box is hand-wash only.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a bento box for three smaller portions for a lunch, snack, or kids’ lunch, this may be a great option for you. It comes with flatware and snaps shut easily for secure transport.

 

Pros: This bento box is totally leakproof, so don’t worry about spills during transport. It also has great portion control sizes if you’re trying to eat a bit healthier. It comes with utensils, and it’s dishwasher and microwave safe for ultimate convenience. Another great thing about purchasing this lunch box is that a portion of the proceeds goes to Feeding America.

Cons: The elastic band that holds the utensils may become a little loose.

Bottom Line: Here’s a super stylish and practical bento box lunch box. The included utensils are a good size for most people, and it’s easy to wash.

 

Pros: This kid’s lunch box is a parent’s dream because it’s made from thick, durable, food-safe plastic. It has proper portion sizes for kids, and you can say goodbye to using plastic baggies because it keeps your child’s food separated and contained in a more eco-friendly way.

Cons: While this lunch box is leakproof, purees or creamy food items may seep into other compartments.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an adorable bento-style lunch box for your child, this may be a great option for you. It comes in a variety of fun prints that kids love, and it seals shut to avoid mishaps.

Final Thoughts

Bento boxes have become very popular because they do a fantastic job of separating your food items. They also promote healthy eating by focusing on portion control in each compartment. Finally, they’re great to have because they’re perfectly portable, and most come with flatware, too!