Bento Lunch Boxes can be the best way to store nutritious and tasty lunches until it is time to eat. They are perfect to take along with you to school, work. However, with so many varied options on the market, it’s easy to get confused about which products are great and which are not so great.
In this article we discuss 5 of the best bento boxes on the market today. After our bento lunch box reviews, we list the key things you’ll want to watch out for when choosing one to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
1. Yumbox Original 6 Lunch Box
The Yumbox is made from a bright purple outer shell and six compartment insert. With a kid-friendly latch, the lid is leakproof, enabling you to store a mixture of both wet and dry foods for your lunch. The product is also BPA and Phthalate free so there’s no need to worry about the potential for any chemicals leaking into your food.
Parents will love that the six compartments in this lunchbox for kids are spacious, leaving plenty of room for a nutritious selection of foods for kids to enjoy at school or on days out. Once the product has been used, the inner compartments can be washed in the dishwasher, whilst the silicone outer shell is easily hand washed.
What We Like:
- Spacious six compartments
- Leak-proof lid
- Bright purple colour
- Inner trayl dishwasher friendly
What We Don’t Like:
- Outer shell needs to be hand washed
- Not suitable for thin liquids like soup
2. Little Lunch Box Co. Bento Five
This extremely cute five pineapple Bento Box is made for kids or adults who like to pack a wide selection of foods for lunch. The compartments are not removable, ensuring kids don’t lose parts during use.
The compact design also means you don’t compromise on space and it fits easily inside a kids lunch bag. Instead, the thick barriers between each section enable you to store different food types without any spillage and mixing. The secure safety latch also keeps the contents fresh until it is time to eat. When it comes to cleaning, the lunchbox is dishwasher safe for easy and convenient cleaning until you next use it.
Safety conscious consumers will appreciate that the plastic is BPA free and if you’re eco- conscious too, the reusable aspect of the product will help your household cut down on single-use plastics.
What We Like:
- Cute design
- No removable parts
- BPA free
- 5 compartments for 5 different food types
What We Don’t Like:
- 5 compartments for 5 different food types
- Not suitable for liquids
3. DEj KidS Bitez Bento Lunch Box
The snazzy DEj lunch box is made using a removable silicone inner lid which enables tight suction and the ability to store both dry and wet ingredients separately in the same lunchbox, within the generous 6 compartments. This keeps your food fresher for longer, until it is time to tuck in to your homemade feast.
Hygiene conscious consumers will appreciate the fact it is dishwasher proof and has a mold proof design which prevents mould from growing behind the seal lid. If you’re also trying to be more eco-friendly, you can feel great about the fact this reusable lunch box prevents the need for using foil or single use plastics.
Concerned about BPA? Don’t worry, the plastic this lunchbox is made from is 100% BPA free and also does not contain any Phthalates.
What We Like:
- Mold resistant
- Silicone sealed
- 6 separate compartments
- Attractive design
What We Don’t Like:
- Unsuitable for very thin liquids like soup or water
- Some of the compartments are very small
4. Go Green Lunch Box
The medium Go Green Lunch Box contains four ample-sized compartments all stored with a turn and lock leak-proof lid so foods don’t mix or merge when being stored.
Although you do need to hand wash the lid, once the product has been used cleaning is easy for the main section as it is totally dishwasher friendly.
Concerned about BPA? There’s no need to worry about any potential nasties leaking into your food with the Go Green kids bento, as it is lead, leach and BPA free.
What We Like:
- Holds a massive 6.3 cups of food
- Mainly dishwasher safe
- Colourful bright purple
- BPA free
What We Don’t Like:
- Lid requires handwashing
- Very thin liquids cannot be stored in the box
5. Ozzie Box Maxi 6 Bento Lunch Box
The smart Ozzie Box Maxi 6 has six compartments enabling you to store different types of food for your lunch, with ease.
Easy to clean and leak-resistant, the tray is ideal for helping kids or adults avoid single use plastics and foil on a day to day basis. The innovation of the product reaches beyond its food-holding capabilities as it is 100% BPA free and Phthalate free. Even better, the inner tray is made from a material that is totally recyclable, so even when you have finished enjoying it, you can rest assured it won’t end up in landfills.
If you love to mix both dry and wet textures for your lunch, this bento box is an ideal choice. The silicone lid keeps everything tightly stored in its own compartment without leakage.
What We Like:
- 6 compartments
- Recyclable inner tray
- Easy to clean
- BPA and Phthalate free
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for thin liquids
- Outer shell needs handwashing
Bento Lunch Box Buyers Guide
If you are trying to be more eco-friendly, or you’re trying out a new diet then bento lunchboxes make it easy to pack a delicious selection of foods to safely store until lunchtime. Kids can also benefit from a handy lunch box which stores a variety of tastes and textures separately, encouraging healthy eating habits.
There are lots of options for you to choose from, including many that are a lightweight alternative to stainless steel types.
To help you select the best lunchbox for yourself or your kids, take a look at these handy tips to ensure your lunch is stored in style:
Look For Toxin-Free
Most consumers these days prefer BPA free plastic for liquid and food storage products. Whatever you think about the potential for chemicals to leak into your food and drink, why not buy a product without the risk?
Here’s a handy video about BPA and food containers incase you need more information:
Is It Child-Friendly?
Features like an easy to use lock, non-removable containers and a bright design all make the item more appealing to children. This is especially important if your child needs some encouragement with finding enthusiasm for packed lunches.
Do You Need To Store Liquid?
In most leak-proof bento boxes you can store yogurts or dips without issue. However, if you want to take soups or thin liquids out with you, look for soup flasks to take to work in addition to your lunchbox.
How Much Space Do You Need?
Capacity is important when you want to ensure your child eats enough, or you want to make sure you have enough food stored for the day. Choosing the right capacity means you or your child won’t go hungry with the amount of food stored within the lunch box.
Choosing the right lunchbox is important if you want your packed lunches to be something your family embraces long-term. When it comes to sticking to a diet, lots of compartments are really handy. With helping kids eat a nutritious lunch you’ve created, bright designs and easy to use locks are essential.
Hopefully by following the tips above, you can choose the right lunchbox for your needs, so your family can enjoy fresh, homemade lunches every day.
