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10 Best Kids Lunch Boxes of 2024

Updated
Provide nutrition anywhere with the best lunch boxes for kids.

It can be hard to know whether a child’s lunch box suits their needs until they’ve tried it for a few days or even weeks. We’ve packed thousands of lunches for our kids and gone through our fair share of lunch box disasters.

So we’ve spent weeks testing many new products and analyzing feedback from thousands of other parents. We’re confident that these 10 options are the very best kids lunch boxes on the market.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Bentology Lunch Bag and Box Set
Best Kids Lunch Kit
Bentology Lunch Bag and Box Set
  • Five removable containers
  • Many colors and prints
  • Additional pockets
Product Image of the PlanetBox Rover Bento Lunch Box
Best Stainless Steel Lunch Box
PlanetBox Rover Bento Lunch Box
  • Has compartments
  • Hinged lid
  • Dishwasher safe
Product Image of the Bentgo Kids Children's Lunch Box
Best for Toddlers
Bentgo Kids Children's Lunch Box
  • Rubber-coated edges
  • Microwavable
  • Leakproof seals
Product Image of the WHBag Freezable Lunch Box Bag
Best Freezable Lunch Bag
WHBag Freezable Lunch Box Bag
  • Large bag
  • Insulated
  • Adjustable shoulder strap
Product Image of the Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box
Best Insulated Lunch Box
Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box
  • Extra storage
  • Easy to clean design
  • Includes a food-safe liner
Product Image of the Eco Lunch Box, Splash Box Kit
Best Eco-Friendly Lunch Box
Eco Lunch Box, Splash Box Kit
  • Eco-friendly
  • Easy stacking
  • Machine washable
Product Image of the DaCool Stainless Steel Thermos
Best Thermos
DaCool Stainless Steel Thermos
  • Wide-necked
  • Easy to clean
  • Long heat retention
Product Image of the Violet Mist Neoprene Lunch Bag
Best Lightweight Lunch Bag
Violet Mist Neoprene Lunch Bag
  • Lightweight
  • Compact & easy
  • Extremely durable
Product Image of the Skip Hop Kids Bento Lunch Box, Ages 3+, Zoo Butterfly
Most Budget-Friendly
Skip Hop Kids Lunch Box
  • Whimsical design
  • Easy to pair with various Skiphop products
  • Safety seal to prevent mess
Product Image of the Tupperware “The Best Lunch Set”
Best Tupperware Lunch Box
Tupperware “The Best Lunch Set”
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Insulated carry bag
  • Sturdy & durable


The Best Kids’ Lunch Boxes of 2024

Here are our favorite lunch box picks for kids.

Bentology Lunch Bag and Box Set

Best Kids’ Lunch Kit

The Bentology lunch bag and box set provides a simple solution to the age-old problem of buying multiple items in which to pack your kid’s lunch.

There’s no working out “Does this box fit in this bag?” or “Will I need to buy an ice pack?”

Instead, everything you need for flexible lunch packing is here for you in one beautifully coordinated package.

Use it as a bento box, a larger, undivided lunch box, or as a soft lunch bag.

Pros

  • Five removable containers which fit within the larger lunch box.
  • Available in a wide variety of colors and prints.
  • Additional pockets on the soft lunch bag, large enough for water bottles or additional snacks.

Cons

  • While the containers are dishwasher safe, the lids are not.
  • Does not come with a water bottle or thermos.

Product Specs

Weight 1.6 pounds
Dimensions 10.3 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches
Colors/designs available 12
Dishwasher safe? The boxes are. The lids and bag aren’t.

Our Ratings

Design
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

I recently purchased this lunch kit for my son, and he absolutely adores the fun pattern on the outside. The durability and design have held up throughout the school year, and the bento box style makes it easy to portion out food and keep everything organized. However, the included ice pack was a bit flimsy and leaked inside the lunch bag, so I would recommend using a sturdier alternative for keeping food cool.

PlanetBox Rover - Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box

Best Stainless Steel Lunch Box for Kids

This stainless steel bento box with a matching, insulated carrying bag is durable enough to last from toddlerhood through childhood, and beyond.

Included in the set are two stainless steel “dipper” containers, with lids that fit into the pockets of the bag. That means you don’t have to use up a bento compartment for dips to go with your veggies.

Outer pockets provide room for additional treats, hand wipes, and more.

Pros

  • The compartments are designed to prevent foods from touching when the lid is closed.
  • The lid is hinged so it can’t get lost.
  • The lunchbox is dishwasher safe so it can be easily cleaned.

Cons

  • The compartments aren’t leakproof.
  • A little heavier than some other lunch boxes.

Product Specs

Weight 3.06 pounds
Dimensions 12 x 9 x 2.5 inches
Colors/designs available 4
Dishwasher safe? Yes

Our Ratings

Design
4.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Size
4.5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm thrilled with this stainless steel bento box and its matching insulated carrying bag, which has proven to be quite durable and versatile for all ages. The set includes two stainless steel "dipper" containers that fit perfectly into the bag's pockets, allowing me to save bento compartments for more substantial food items. I appreciate the well-designed compartments that prevent foods from touching when the lid is closed, and the fact that the lid is hinged, so I don't have to worry about losing it. I also love the customizable magnetic designs on the lid. However, I did notice that the compartments aren't completely leakproof, and the box is slightly heavier than other lunch boxes I've used.

Bentgo Kids Children's Lunch Box

Best Easy Open Lunch Box for Toddlers

This is a smaller lunch box, specifically designed for toddler-sized portions. The easy-to-open latches are made for little hands to manage with ease, which makes it ideal for promoting independence.

The simple, bright colors appeal to those under 5 years old, making it a good choice for those who are not fans of cartoon prints or gender-specific designs.

The tray in which the food sits is removable, making it easier to wash by hand, or you can place it on the top shelf of the dishwasher.

Pros

  • Rubber-coated edges protect the box when it slips from little hands and hits the floor.
  • The removable food tray can be microwaved.
  • Leakproof seals prevent mixing between compartments or dripping from the box.

Cons

  • No room for ice packs.
  • Only good for a toddler-sized appetite.

Product Specs

Weight 1.23 pounds
Dimensions 8.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
Colors/designs available 3 colors
Dishwasher safe? Removable tray can be washed in the top rack only.

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Size
3.5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

When I first purchased this bento box for my young child, I was torn between Bentgo Kids and Yumbox. After using both, I find Bentgo Kids to be the better option for younger children. Its durable rubber trim, heavy-duty latches, and impressive leak-proof gasket make it perfect for little ones. Although it doesn't hold a large amount of food, it provides enough for my child's appetite and fits well in their lunch bag.

WHBag Large Freezable Lunch Box Bag

Best Freezable Lunch Bag

With 6.5 liters of interior space, this insulated lunch bag from WHBag is roomy enough for the biggest of appetites.

School-aged kids can pack their lunch, a couple of snacks, a drink, and any utensils they might need, all in one bag.

Pros

  • An unusually large lunch bag.
  • No need to buy separate lunch bags for hot or cold food.
  • Adjustable, padded shoulder strap and a handle.

Cons

  • You still have to buy boxes or bags for your individual items.
  • Can be difficult to clean.

Product Specs

Weight 1 pound
Dimensions 9 x 3.5 x 10 inches
Colors/designs available 24 designs
Dishwasher safe? Yes

Our Ratings

Design
3.5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Size
4.5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
2.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Best of both worlds, this insulated lunch bag from WHBag offers a generous 6 liters of interior space, perfect for those with hearty appetites. I found it convenient for packing my lunch, multiple snacks, a drink, and even utensils all in one place. The adjustable, padded shoulder strap and handle provide comfortable carrying options. However, I did need to purchase separate containers for my individual items, and cleaning the bag can sometimes be a challenge.

Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box

Best Insulated Lunch Box

This lunch box, in all its cool designs, is perfectly insulated. It keeps your kid’s food hot or cold, depending on what you’ve made them that day, throughout the school day. This ensures the food is quality, fresh and tasty when they come to eat it.

Besides the insulated feature, your kid will love the different designs of the lunch box. It’s available in 15 different designs so they can choose one they love. This includes Under Construction, Big Fish, Gray Camo, Monsters and much more.

Pros

  • A front pocket and interior pocket for extra storage.
  • Easy to clean design which is great for busy parents.
  • It includes a food-safe liner.
  • The insulated design will keep food hot and cold throughout the day.

Cons

  • The lining isn’t great, so as some things defrost, it can cause leaks.
  • It’s a bit flimsy and not very durable.

Product Specs

Weight 6.2 ounces
Dimensions 7 x 3.25 x 9.75 inches
Colors/designs available 20 designs
Dishwasher safe? No

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

As a parent, I found this lunchbox to be a mixed bag in terms of quality and functionality. On one hand, the vibrant colors and cute pattern appealed to my child, and it kept food cold effectively. However, after about a year and a half of use, the interior corners began to rip, causing the zipper to frequently catch. The size was also a bit small, fitting only a bento box, thin ice pack, and travel flatware set, requiring us to send a water bottle and snack separately.

Eco Lunch Box, Splash Box Kit

Best Eco-Friendly Kids' Lunch Box

If you are looking for a lunch box or bag that does not have any plastic or rubber involved in its construction, this kit could be just what you need. The stainless steel bento box has a silicone lid and fits inside an organic cotton carrying bag. And the set is rounded off with a bamboo spork.

If you are looking for a child-friendly, more sustainable alternative to the majority of lunch containers, then this lunch box and bag kit ticks all the boxes.

Pros

  • You can purchase additional items individually.
  • The boxes are shaped on the bottom, and the lids are recessed, allowing for easy stacking.
  • All items are machine washable.

Cons

  • The silicone lid can be turned inside out causing damage.
  • The bamboo spork did not last long with our compulsive chewer.

Product Specs

Weight 1 pound
Dimensions 10.5 inches high with a 7 x 4.5 inch-base
Colors/designs available Six sea designs
Dishwasher safe? Yes

Our Ratings

Design
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm impressed with this eco-friendly stainless steel bento box and organic cotton carrying bag combo. The lunch box features a silicone lid, is easily stackable, and everything is machine washable, making it a convenient and sustainable option. However, the bamboo spork's durability was a slight disappointment, as it didn't withstand my child's compulsive chewing habit.

DaCool Stainless Steel Thermos For Hot Or Cold Food

Best Thermos Kids' Lunch Box

If your kids love soups, stews, and noodles, then you absolutely must have a wide-necked thermos container.

This thermos from DaCool allows your child to eat directly from the flask. But it also has a two-stage lid that will allow your little one to pour out their food and eat from the “lid bowl.”

Complete with a foldable spoon that fits into the lid, this is our go-to hot lunch jar for the kids. It has two sizes to choose from to accommodate a range of appetites.

Pros

  • The thermos keeps food hot for a full 12 hours.
  • The wide mouth makes it easy to clean.
  • A range of colors and finishes make this suitable for little ones and older kids alike.

Cons

  • Our kids found it a little awkward to eat out of the jar, with the spoon.
  • A foldable fork or some camping chopsticks would have been appreciated.

Product Specs

Weight 1.05 pounds
Dimensions 8.1 x 4.2 x 4.2 inches
Colors/designs available Five colors and two sizes
Dishwasher safe? No

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

In my experience, this thermos has an appealing shape and size, with the added bonus of an integrated spoon and pressure relief valve. However, its smooth surface can sometimes make gripping it a bit difficult. I've found that following the recommended method of pre-heating the container with boiling water helps keep the food warm until lunchtime. My kids have been enjoying taking home-cooked meals to school, and they are quite happy with these thermoses. One minor drawback is the length of the included spoon, which could be longer for easier use, but overall, this product has been effective in providing warm meals for my family.

Violet Mist Neoprene Lunch Bag

Best Lunch Bag for Kids

Made from the same material as a wetsuit, this lunch bag retains the heat or the cold, holds in any spilled liquids and can be run through the washing machine with the rest of your laundry.

The simple zipper closure makes this a breeze for the smaller kiddos to use, with the added advantage that you don’t have to use a lunch box inside of it.

Pros

  • Being lightweight, it’s easy for toddlers to manage.
  • The bag is compact when it is empty, easy to store in a drawer, or flat on a shelf.
  • These bags are extremely durable.

Cons

  • You have to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent it from freezing the food.
  • Have to buy bags or boxes for the food.

Product Specs

Weight 4.8 ounces
Dimensions 11.4 x 5.5 x 10.4 inches
Colors/designs available 42 designs
Dishwasher safe? Can be washed in the washing machine.

Our Ratings

Design
3.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Size
3.5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I recently purchased this lunch bag for my grandson and he absolutely loves it! The design is adorable and it's lightweight, making it easy for him to carry to school. It has ample space for his bento box, an ice pack, and even a frozen water bottle that thaws perfectly by lunchtime. What's more, this lunch bag is machine washable, making it super easy to clean. The only downside is that it can sometimes keep things too cold, but a simple fabric napkin placed between items easily solves this issue.

Skip Hop Kids Bento Lunch Box

Most Budget-Friendly Lunch Box

The Skip Hop box is actually a lunch bag with rigid sides. Designed to appeal to the younger child, these lunch boxes are cute animal heads, complete with fun and quirky matching bento box.

The lunch box will hold enough for a smaller child’s lunch, such as a sandwich, apple, snack, and juice box. It also has a secure seal to prevent any leaks. The interior is easy to wipe clean and the design can easily be matched with a sippy cup, a snack cup, or a toddler backpack.

Pros

  • Whimsical design appeals to toddlers and younger children.
  • Safety seal to prevent mess.
  • It provides flexibility as you can add a lunch box or thermos and still squeeze in some snacks.

Cons

  • Not the biggest of lunch boxes so really best suited to the preschool set.
  • Not insulated.

Product Specs

Weight 20.8 ounces
Dimensions 8.5 x 2.0 x 6.5 inches
Colors/designs available Blue, citrus yellow, coral, fuchsia, green, orange, purple seafoam
Dishwasher safe? Yes

Our Ratings

Design
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Size
3 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Tupperware “The Best Lunch Set”

Best Tupperware Kids' Lunch Box

Tupperware has made many lunch boxes and kits over the years, many of them specifically for children.

These days, however, the selection is significantly more limited.

This set is everything you would expect from a Tupperware product — no-frills, sturdy, durable, and it does exactly what it says it will.

Pros

  • Flexible with a range of air-tight and liquid-tight containers.
  • Dishwasher safe. The insulated carry bag is easy to wipe clean.
  • Easy to find and buy replacement boxes or cups.

Cons

  • No capacity for color choice — they will send you a random color.
  • Smaller children may find the lids difficult.

Product Specs

Weight 12.6 ounces
Dimensions 4.3 x 1.6 inches
Colors/designs available Random color sent — no choice available
Dishwasher safe? Yes

Our Ratings

Design
3.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

Definitely a bit smaller than expected, but this product has been great for portion control. My daughter loves the cute design, and I've found it helpful for managing my restricted diet. Despite the long shipping time and subpar packaging, the product itself is satisfactory and serves its purpose well.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Weight Dimensions Dishwasher safe?
Bentology Lunch Bag and Box Set Lunch Kit 1.6 lbs 10.3 x 9.5 x 3.5″ Boxes only
PlanetBox Rover – Bento Lunch Box Stainless Steel Box 3.06 lbs 12 x 9 x 2.5″ Yes
Bentgo Kids Lunch Box Toddlers 1.23 lbs 8.5 x 6.5 x 2″ Removable tray only
WHBag Freezable Lunch Box Bag Freezable Bag 1 lb 9 x 3.5 x 10″ Yes
Wildkin Insulated Insulated Box 6.2 oz 7 x 3.25 x 9.75″ No
Eco Lunch Box, Splash Box Kit Eco-Friendly 1 lb 7 x 4.5 x 10.5″ Yes
DaCool Thermos Thermos 1.05 lbs 8.1 x 4.2 x 4.2″ No
Violet Mist Neoprene Lunch Bag Lunch Bag 4.8 oz 11.4 x 5.5 x 10.4″ Yes
Skip Hop Bento Lunch Box Budget-Friendly 20.8 oz 8.5 x 2.0 x 6.5″ Yes
Tupperware The Best Lunch Set Tupperware 12.6 oz 4.3 x 1.6″ Yes

Different Types Of Kids’ Lunch Boxes

The sheer variety of kid’s lunch containers that are available can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to choose between styles and shapes, but there are many materials and sizes to factor into your choice.

So, let’s take a look at the main options.

Plastic Vs. Stainless Steel Options

Stainless steel, as a material, has less of a negative environmental impact than plastics but it cannot be put into the microwave and is not suitable for use with hot foods.

On the other hand, stainless steel is easy to wipe clean. It’s also durable, lasting for many years.

Most plastics can go into the dishwasher so they are easy to keep clean, but some can become brittle over time and crack. Plastics also tend to break more easily when they are dropped.

Bento Boxes

Bento boxes come as either individual boxes which sit within a larger box, or as a tray with a number of depressions into which you can place a variety of foodstuffs. The tray style comes with a large lid to cover the entire tray. The box style may have lids for the individual boxes, plus a lid for the larger box, or just a lid for the outer container.

Pros

  • Promotes trying a variety of foods.
  • Natural portion control.
  • The presentation is more appealing.

Cons

  • Can’t accommodate larger items such as a full sandwich.
  • Can be awkward to clean.

Lunch bags

Lunch bags are readily available at most retailers and come in a wide variety of materials, from plastic-lined cotton to neoprene. Lightweight and easy to carry, team them up with an ice pack and they can usually keep food chilled for a couple of hours. These are one of the best toddler and elementary school options.

Pros

  • Their soft body makes them easy to squeeze into a school bag.
  • Simple to clean.

Cons

  • Limited protection for the food.

Thermos

A thermos is an insulated container in which you can transport hot or cold food. They are usually constructed as a metal inner container, then some insulation and a final outer container. Some styles come with foldable utensils, and most have a lid which can also be used as a bowl or a cup.

Pros

  • Provides an option for hot meals.
  • Lightweight and easy to clean.

Cons

  • You’ll need a separate container for items such as sandwiches.

Freezable Bags

This is a category which is distinct from regular lunch bags. You can place freezable bags in your freezer overnight. Then, in the morning the bag will be deep chilled and able to keep the contents cool for up to 12 hours, depending on the bag and the outside temperature.

Pros

  • Keeps the entire lunch cold.
  • Doesn’t take up freezer space when not in use.

Cons

  • You have to remember to freeze the bag the night before, or it doesn’t keep food cold.

Tupperware/Plastic Containers

Plastic containers can be as basic as disposable Ziploc style boxes or as sturdy and long-lasting as Tupperware boxes. Plastic containers can be used on their own or in conjunction with lunch bags and ice packs for added flexibility. If you choose a plastic lunch box, look for one with a hinged lid to prevent your kids from losing lids.

Pros

  • Most can be washed in the dishwasher.
  • Lightweight, easy to find, inexpensive to replace.

Cons

  • Some plastics break easily.

How to Choose the Best Kids’ Lunch Boxes

To save you the time, trouble, and expense of going through several options before you find “the one,” here is a list of things to consider when you’re trying to choose the best kids’ lunch boxes.

Ease of Opening

This is especially important when your child is in preschool or daycare. Choose a lunch box that can open and close independently.

Weight

The best kids’ lunch boxes are lightweight when they are empty. While a two-and-a-half pound bag and box combo might not sound too bad, by the time you fill it with food it may be too much for your toddler.

Durability

This might be the single most important factor when choosing a lunch box for your child. It has to be able to handle daily use when they are in school.

Capacity

Make sure the lunch box is big enough to accommodate your child’s appetite now, and for some time in the future. You may also want to ensure there is room for a water bottle, ice pack, or similar.

Temperature Control

Do you need to keep foods hot or cold? If you’re packing lunch items that need to stay chilled from a food safety perspective, you need to make sure your lunch box stays cold long enough (1).

Aesthetics

If you don’t think the look is important, try persuading a stubborn toddler that they want to go to daycare with the new elephant lunch box you bought for them. That can be quite a feat when they have decided they’ll only eat out of a lunchbox decorated with spaceships.

Ease of Cleaning

This might be one of your top criteria to save yourself some time. Whenever possible, choose a lunch box or bag you can throw into the dishwasher or washing machine.

If your lunch box is not dishwasher safe, make sure it can be easily wiped clean with hot soapy water and a cloth.

Leakproof

Unless you want your child to open their lunch box to find a gooey mess, or have their lunch leak all over the other contents of their bag, make sure it is leakproof.

Eco-Friendliness

If the environmental impact of your kid’s lunch box is important to you, avoid items that are made of plastic or require you to place the food inside disposable bags.


Don’t Forget

Buying the best kids’ lunch boxes is a delicate balancing act between choosing something your children will like and buying an item that will do the job. You also want it to last longer than one term at school or the first three months at daycare.

When buying a lunch box for your child, make sure to consider all the buying tips we shared so you can avoid buyer’s regret.

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Headshot of Patricia Barnes

About the Author

Patricia Barnes

Patricia Barnes is a homeschooling mom of 5 who has been featured on Global TV, quoted in Parents magazine, and writes for a variety of websites and publications. Doing her best to keep it together in a life of constant chaos, Patti would describe herself as an eclectic mess maker, lousy crafter, book lover, autism mom, and insomniac.