Bento boxes originated in Japan, but have become popular across the globe for the stylish way they keep every item separate and organized. Kids and adults love to use colorful and cute bento boxes to pack lunches and snacks for school and work. Bento boxes are also a great eco-option as they reduce plastic bag usage, and can be helpful for portion control. All of the bento boxes we include in our round-up feature a variety of differently-sized compartments, which will hold portions for the main attraction and sides.
What to Consider
Materials:
You'll obviously want your lunch box to be made of food-safe material—all of our recommended bento boxes are. We’ve noted which ones are BPA-free, and we’ve also included a few completely non-plastic options. For cleaning, heating, and storing purposes, you'll material that is microwave-, dishwasher-, freezer-, and oven-safe. We've identified which of our recommendations have these qualities.
Design:
Some bento boxes are nothing more than convenient food transportation systems, which may be fine for a short ride to school. But if you're a heavy commuter, look for options that are leakproof or lock in heat or cold. Beyond that, other models are designed for salad lovers, grazers, or those who just want a simple sandwich and a side.
Age:
Bento boxes that are ideal for adults are generally not going to be the same ones that are best for elementary school-aged children. We’ve made notes of age recommendations when applicable.
How We Selected
We reviewed hundreds of bento boxes, keeping a range of lifestyle and dietary needs in consideration. We looked at professional and consumer assessments of the products when making our final selections, and ultimately only included options from well-established companies selling highly rated bento boxes.