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 have gone through our fair share of lunch box disasters.
We decided we needed to find the perfect solution. So we spent weeks testing dozens of 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.
- Five removable containers
- Many colors and prints
- Additional pockets
- Has compartments
- Hinged lid
- Dishwasher safe
- Rubber-coated edges
- Microwavable
- Leakproof seals
- Large bag
- Insulated
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Extra storage
- Easy to clean design
- Includes a food-safe liner
- Eco-friendly
- Easy stacking
- Machine washable
- Wide-necked
- Easy to clean
- Long heat retention
- Lightweight
- Compact & easy
- Extremely durable
- Whimsical design
- Easy to pair with various Skiphop products
- Safety seal to prevent mess
- 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 that 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
User Experience
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.
The set includes two stainless steel “dipper” containers with lids that fit into the bag’s pockets. 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 hinged lid can’t get lost.
- The lunch box is dishwasher safe, so it can be easily cleaned.
Cons
- The compartments aren’t leakproof.
- It’s 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
Personal Perspective
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 allow little hands to manage the box easily, so it’s ideal for promoting independence.
The simple, bright colors appeal to those under 5 years old, and it’s 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
Community Feedback
Alaza Large Freezable Lunch Box Bag
Best Freezable Lunch Bag
With over 6.5 quarts of interior space, this insulated lunch bag from Alaza is roomy enough for even the biggest 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 | 8 designs |
Dishwasher safe? | Yes |
Our Ratings
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 throughout the school day, ensuring the food remains high-quality, fresh, and tasty when it’s time to eat it.
Besides the insulated feature, your kid will love the many different designs available. This includes options such as “Under Construction,” “Big Fish,” “Gray Camo,” “Monsters,” and much more.
Pros
- Front and interior pockets for extra storage.
- Easy-to-clean design is excellent 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 foods defrost, it may cause leaks.
- It’s 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
User Experience
Ecolunchbox, 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-inch x 4.5-inch base |
Colors/designs available | Six sea designs |
Dishwasher safe? | Yes |
Our Ratings
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.”
This is our go-to hot lunch jar for the kids. It has two sizes to accommodate a range of appetites, and it comes complete with a foldable spoon that fits into the lid.
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 younger and older kids.
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
Community Feedback
Violet Mist Neoprene Lunch Bag
Best Lunch Bag for Kids
Made from the same material as a wetsuit, this lunch bag retains heat or 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 smaller kids to use, and it has the added advantage that you don’t have to use a lunch box inside.
Pros
- The lightweight design is easy for toddlers to manage.
- The bag is compact when empty and easy to store in a drawer or flat on a shelf.
- These bags are highly durable.
Cons
- You have to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent it from freezing the food.
- You’ll 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
First-Hand Impression
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 with fun and quirky matching inner boxes.
The lunch box holds enough for a smaller child’s lunch, such as a sandwich, apple, snack, and juice box. It also has a secure seal to prevent leaks. The interior is easy to wipe clean, and you can purchase matching sippy cups, snack cups, or toddler backpacks.
Pros
- Whimsical design appeals to toddlers and younger children.
- Safety seal prevents messes.
- It provides flexibility, as you can add a lunch box or thermos and still squeeze in some snacks.
Cons
- Not the biggest option, so it’s best suited to preschool kids.
- 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
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.
Pros
- Flexible with a range of air-tight and liquid-tight containers.
- The set is dishwasher safe, and 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 challenging to use.
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
Personal Perspective
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 |
Alaza 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 |
Ecolunchbox, 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 available kids lunch containers 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.
Let’s take a look at the main options.
Plastic Vs. Stainless Steel Options
Stainless steel has a lower negative environmental impact than plastics, but you can’t use it in the microwave. Stainless steel is easy to wipe clean and is 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 dropped.
Bento Boxes
Bento boxes come as either individual boxes that sit within a larger box or as a tray divided into multiple sections into which you can place a variety of foods. The tray-style boxes come with a large lid to cover the entire tray. The multi-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
- May not accommodate larger items such as a whole sandwich.
- It 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. They are 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 some of the best options for kids in preschool or elementary school.
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 for transporting hot or cold food. It is usually constructed with a metal inner container, some insulation, and a final outer container. Some styles come with foldable utensils, and most have a lid that 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 category 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’s make-up 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 won’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. You can use them 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 the 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 choosing the best kids lunch boxes.