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Finding The Best Kids Lunch Box In 2023

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Last Updated: 21 March 2023
lunchbox with thermos for kids

In recent years we are becoming increasingly aware of what kind of impact poor diet leaves on our health. Junk food and all other things that are super delicious and convenient and that we above all, like very much, are the main culprits for diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, and so on. Therefore, it is clear that maintaining good physical condition means having to prepare and plan our meals and regular exercise.

Since kids will eat at least one of daily meals in school, it is critical to make sure that they get food that is packed with nutrients that can provide the energy they need to concentrate, learn and be active. One way to make sure that your children have a well-balanced meal while they are in school is to prepare kids lunch box. Kids can, however, be complicated and fussy with what they eat, so making and packing school lunch box isn't what we can call a piece of cake. There are a lot of school cafeterias that sell healthy food options these days, so another way could be to give them money simply, so they buy what they like. But, children are much more likely to eat pizza or other things that aren't really good for them than to buy something nutritious.

So, preparing kid lunch container is, in fact, the best way to ensure they get everything they need to be on top of their game.

As if planning what to put in kids school lunch box to be sure that your child will eat isn't a challenge of its own, you also need to be careful with choosing the adequate type. Keep in mind, kids spend half of the year in school, and each of those days, they are eating their lunch there. So you need to pick kids lunch pails that are durable, attractive, regulate temperature well, and so on. If you manage to find the right lunch box, there is a chance that they will be happier about eating home-prepared lunch at school and might even participate in planning what to put inside.

We know that the idea of searching for the best option can seem scary because there are many models out there, and you don't have those extra hours necessary to find something that will satisfy both yours and your kids needs.

Don't worry; that's where we jump in. We've been there, and we know how frustrating it can be when you buy products that don't do what they are made for and finish collecting dust. That's why we did the job for you and researched to find some of best kids lunch box 2023 models.

TOP 9 Best Kids Lunch Box: Comparison Chart

Here you will find kids lunch box reviews for the models we researched and tested. Besides this, you will find a detailed explanation of the most important factors to consider when choosing kids lunch box. Let’s see how to make the best lunch combination your kids will enjoy.

Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag
Bentgo Kids Prints Kids Lunch Box
Thermos Novelty Soft Lunch Kit
Rubbermaid LunchBlox Kids Lunch Box and Food Prep Containers
DaCool Lunch Box for Kids
Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag for Boys and Girls,Lunch Bags Ideal Size for Packing Hot or Cold Snacks for School and Travel, Mom's Choice Award Winner,BPA-Free,Olive Kids(Trains, Planes and Trucks)
Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box - Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box - Ideal Portion Sizes for Ages 3 to 7 - BPA-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Food-Safe Materials (Purple)
Thermos Novelty Soft Lunch Kit, Firetruck
Rubbermaid LunchBlox Kids Tall Lunch Kit, Blue/Orange/Green, 1866739
Lunch Box for Kids Bento Box BPA-Free DaCool Upgraded Toddler School Lunch Container with Spoon 5-Compartment Leak Proof Durable, Meal Fruit Snack Packing for Picnic Outdoors, Microwave Safe - Pink
$24.99
$24.99
$12.99
$11.49
$17.99
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-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Item size
10 x 5 x 8.5 inches
8.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
4 x 10 x 7 inches
4.81 x 5.25 x 5.63 inches
8.1 x 6.2 x 2.2 inches
Item weight
0.3 Pounds
1.25 Pounds
0.35 Pounds
14.8 ounces
1.11 pounds
Age range
3 years and above
3 and Up
5 and up
-
age 3~9
Material
BPA Free, Phthalate Free
BPA Free
PVC Free
BPA Free
BPA Free
Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag
Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag for Boys and Girls,Lunch Bags Ideal Size for Packing Hot or Cold Snacks for School and Travel, Mom's Choice Award Winner,BPA-Free,Olive Kids(Trains, Planes and Trucks)
$24.99
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-
Item size
10 x 5 x 8.5 inches
Item weight
0.3 Pounds
Age range
3 years and above
Material
BPA Free, Phthalate Free
Bentgo Kids Prints Kids Lunch Box
Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box - Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box - Ideal Portion Sizes for Ages 3 to 7 - BPA-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Food-Safe Materials (Purple)
$24.99
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-
Item size
8.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
Item weight
1.25 Pounds
Age range
3 and Up
Material
BPA Free
Thermos Novelty Soft Lunch Kit
Thermos Novelty Soft Lunch Kit, Firetruck
$12.99
-
-
Item size
4 x 10 x 7 inches
Item weight
0.35 Pounds
Age range
5 and up
Material
PVC Free
Rubbermaid LunchBlox Kids Lunch Box and Food Prep Containers
Rubbermaid LunchBlox Kids Tall Lunch Kit, Blue/Orange/Green, 1866739
$11.49
-
-
Item size
4.81 x 5.25 x 5.63 inches
Item weight
14.8 ounces
Age range
-
Material
BPA Free
DaCool Lunch Box for Kids
Lunch Box for Kids Bento Box BPA-Free DaCool Upgraded Toddler School Lunch Container with Spoon 5-Compartment Leak Proof Durable, Meal Fruit Snack Packing for Picnic Outdoors, Microwave Safe - Pink
$17.99
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-
Item size
8.1 x 6.2 x 2.2 inches
Item weight
1.11 pounds
Age range
age 3~9
Material
BPA Free
Bentgo Kids Childrens Lunch Box
Bento Lunch-box for Kids Boys Girls
Bizz Bento Lunch Boxes with Spoon
OmieBox Bento Box for Kids
Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box - Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box - Ideal Portion Sizes for Ages 3 to 7 - BPA-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Food-Safe Materials (Purple)
Bento Box Lunch-Boxes for Kids Adults | Kid Snack Container | Leakproof School Bentobox 6 Compartment Portion Containers for Boys Girls Womens Lunches | BPA-Free Kit | Blue
Bizz Bento Lunch Boxes with Spoon (2-Pack) 3-Compartment Leakproof Food Storage Container, Work, Home, School, Meal Prep, Portion Control, Dry or Liquid, Men, Women, Kids
Kids Lunch Box, OmieBox Bento Box, Insulated Bento Lunch Box with Leak Proof Thermos Food Jar, Meal Prep Container, Two Temperature Zones - (Blue Sky) (Single)
$24.99
$17.59
$24.98
Price not available
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-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Item size
8.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
9.13 x 6.85 x 1.81 inches
9 x 6.7 x 1.7 inches
7.9 x 7.9 x 2.5 inches
Item weight
1.25 Pounds
0.99 Pounds
2.3 Pounds
1.75 Pounds
Age range
3-7
7+
-
-
Material
BPA Free
BPA Free
BPA Free
BPA Free
Bentgo Kids Childrens Lunch Box
Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box - Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box - Ideal Portion Sizes for Ages 3 to 7 - BPA-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Food-Safe Materials (Purple)
$24.99
-
-
Item size
8.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
Item weight
1.25 Pounds
Age range
3-7
Material
BPA Free
Bento Lunch-box for Kids Boys Girls
Bento Box Lunch-Boxes for Kids Adults | Kid Snack Container | Leakproof School Bentobox 6 Compartment Portion Containers for Boys Girls Womens Lunches | BPA-Free Kit | Blue
$17.59
-
-
Item size
9.13 x 6.85 x 1.81 inches
Item weight
0.99 Pounds
Age range
7+
Material
BPA Free
Bizz Bento Lunch Boxes with Spoon
Bizz Bento Lunch Boxes with Spoon (2-Pack) 3-Compartment Leakproof Food Storage Container, Work, Home, School, Meal Prep, Portion Control, Dry or Liquid, Men, Women, Kids
$24.98
-
-
Item size
9 x 6.7 x 1.7 inches
Item weight
2.3 Pounds
Age range
-
Material
BPA Free
OmieBox Bento Box for Kids
Kids Lunch Box, OmieBox Bento Box, Insulated Bento Lunch Box with Leak Proof Thermos Food Jar, Meal Prep Container, Two Temperature Zones - (Blue Sky) (Single)
Price not available
-
-
-
Item size
7.9 x 7.9 x 2.5 inches
Item weight
1.75 Pounds
Age range
-
Material
BPA Free
Best Overall: Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag Review

It is an attractively designed insulated lunch box for kids and a recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award. Your boys will be thrilled about taking their lunch in this box as it is covered with pictures of planes, trucks, and trains. There is enough space in the main compartment to pack everything you want for a little one. Plus, there is a place for the bottle, and you can secure it, so it doesn't squeeze the food. It is very easy to clean it – you can just wipe it with a wet cloth or put it in the machine.

Boys will be thrilled to carry their food in this lunch box with vehicle pattern

Why We Like It

  • Insulated
  • Cool design
  • Spacious
  • Travel friendly
Sale
For Lunch in Style: Unicorn Lunch Box Review

Your kids school meal will be magical if you pack it in this kids divided lunch box. The unicorn design makes it stylish and exciting for children. You can easily pack a sandwich, veggies, fruit, and other food that you want because there are five different compartments. It is leakproof, so there is no risk that something goes wrong on the way to school. Additionally, it is made of durable and shockproof materials; therefore, it won't get damaged no matter how many times the kid drops it. This food container is designed in a way that it is effortless for kids to open and close it.

Carrying food in this bag will make children feel like they are going to Hogwarts.

Why We Like It

  • Stylish
  • Five compartments
  • Easy to open and close
  • Leakproof
  • Drop-proof
Good for Preschoolers: Firetruck Thermos Lunch Kit Review

There is no better way of making your little preschooler eat healthily than packing her or his food in some of the cool lunch boxes for kids, and this firetruck bag is maybe the coolest you will find. Besides the fact that it's cool, it is also insulated and super comfortable to carry. Opening and closing are straightforward. It has a lot of space inside – it can hold 3-4 food containers plus a water bottle. There is also space to put ice packs so the food can be at the right temperature throughout the day.

Fantastic little lunch container, both you and your kids will adore.

Why We Like It

  • Cool design
  • Comfortable to carry
  • Insulated
  • A lot of space
Budget-Friendly: LunchBlox Food Container Review

If you want to add some colors and make your kid's school meals more beautiful, this is an ideal option for you. Besides being affordable, we can say that this is one genuinely convenient kit. It allows you to arrange all the foods separately in four different containers. Another reason why we like it is that it is very simple to pack the vessels in the bag without worrying about occupying a lot of space. It is an excellent kids plastic lunch box that adults can also use, but it has one downside. While it is perfectly easy to open the big container, you might run into difficulty opening smaller ones.

You will never have to worry about your lunch getting messy.

Pros

  • Separate food containers
  • Affordable
  • Doesn't take a lot of space
  • Adults can use it

Cons

  • Hard to open small containers
Microwave Safe: DaCool Lunch Box for Kids Review

This is a nice kids lunch box set that comes with five different food compartments. If your kids want a variety of food to choose from, this is the right solution. The great thing about it is that even if they don't eat everything, you can freeze it and put it in the microwave the next morning. It has two latches that make it super simple for kids to open and close. Another thing that we like is that our tests showed it is entirely leakproof, and the separated food remains like that no matter how bumpy a ride to school or work. We found it to be a very durable kids food tray but a tad heavy.

If your kids like to have different options on the menu, this is a great item for you.

Pros

  • Five compartments
  • Great for picky kids
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Microwave safe

Cons

  • Heavy
Sale
Durable: On the Go Meal Box Review

What we especially like about this thermal lunch box for kids is the removable tray that you can put in a microwave if you need to reheat the food. Also, it is dishwasher safe; therefore, you can clean it without any effort. Another feature that caught our attention is the rubber coating, which makes this kids hot lunch container fall resistant. Also, it has five separate compartments to satisfy the needs of a fussy eater. The only issue is that even if there are a lot of compartments they are a bit small, so you can't put a lot of food. However, if your kid doesn't eat a lot, it will be a faithful companion for many years.

Your fussy eater will be happy with his food package.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Five compartments
  • For picky eater
  • Dishwasher and microwave safe

Cons

  • Small compartments
Sale
For Boys & Girls: Small Portion Containers Review

This preschool lunch box will be an excellent choice to pack food for your proud kindergartener because of its size. It has three food compartments, and it comes with a spork. The entire product is an eco-friendly lunch box for kids because it is made of BPA free materials. Although small in size, the compartments are quite spacious so you can choose the size of your kids portions. Lead seals tightly so there is no risk of leaking. It is a cute little box, but it can be difficult to close it.

If you get this product, you are thinking about your kid's health, and your planet's likewise.

Pros

  • Leakproof
  • BPA free
  • Spacious
  • Three compartments

Cons

  • Difficult to close
Sale
Sturdy: Lunch Box with Spoon Review

It is an excellent hot lunch box for kids and adults alike since it comes with three plus three compartments, so whether the need is to have a variety or larger quantities, it will be satisfied. FDA approved it as a completely toxin-free kids’ lunch tray. It sustains low and high temperatures, so it is possible to freeze the food and reheat it in the microwave. Because the compartments are insulated, you can put a hot meal and cold drink next to each other, and they will stay that way for some time. The biggest issue is that it is not dishwasher safe.

This product is fantastic for children and adults alike.

Pros

  • A lot of compartments
  • FDA certified
  • Sustains high and low temperatures
  • Insulated

Cons

  • Hand wash only
Built to Last: OmieBox for Kids Review

This kids metal lunch box is a fantastic option when you want to send your kids to school with a hot homemade meal. It is insulated, so it allows you to pack mac cheese and fruit salad right next to each other without worrying that they will impact each other. It is a lunch box with thermos for kids, which means that you can also pack hot cocoa or tea. It is a bit heavy and expensive but, at the same time, one of the best stainless steel lunch boxes for kids.

If you are looking for a product that will last for a long time, you can't go wrong with this one.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Stainless steel
  • Anti-bacterial

Cons

  • Expensive

Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About the Best Kids Lunch Box

Some of you out there might have thought – what is there to know, it’s a simple container to keep food. Well, as you could notice, things aren’t as straightforward when you want to make sure to choose the best kids lunch box. There are plenty of things that need to be considered, and now we will discuss some of them since only reading kids lunch box reviews is far from enough.

You also might be interested in checking out our suggestions for best water bottle for kids, so they stay hydrated while in school.

kids school lunch box

WHEN DO KIDS NEED LUNCH BOX?

It’s up to you to decide when to start packing lunch for your child. We think that it is best to do it as soon as they reach preschool age since it is never too early to introduce healthy living habits. But, there are people who wait a bit longer to start preparing kids lunch box which is also okay.

HOW MANY KIDS LUNCH BOXES DO YOU NEED?

There isn’t any rule of thumb how many of them you need. For instance, if you don’t want to prepare new each day, you can take several lunch boxes and keep them in a freezer. Also, it depends on the capacity of the kids lunch box. If your kid eats a lot, you might need two or an extra container to go along with a lunch box.

CAN I WASH LUNCH BOX IN A DISHWASHER?

The majority of best kids lunch box models are dishwasher safe. However, check with the manufacturer what the situation is regarding your specific product to make sure that you don’t have to wash it by hand.

How to Choose the Best Kids Lunch Box

BPA FREE

Keep in mind that materials for kids lunch box have to be high quality to prevent any risks of contamination. Thankfully, even if they are mainly made of plastic, the manufacturers use excellent BPA and other toxins free plastic to keep your kids and you safe and healthy.

SIZE AND STORAGE

They come in different dimensions. The size and storage capacity you are looking for depends mainly on how much your child eats and your kids lunch ideas. In any case, you will probably need a larger kids lunch container than you think, because as your children grow, they will eat more.

CLEANING PROPERTIES

Plenty of best lunch boxes for kids can be washed in a dishwasher. This is the simplest method because you practically don’t have anything to do. Some need to be washed by hands, though. In this case, it is crucial to look for a product that is easy to clean because you don’t want to spend an hour daily cleaning kids lunch box.

kids lunch box set

AESTHETICS

Although the appearance has nothing to do with the functionality, it is essential to find one that your child sees as attractive. If you manage not only that, they will enjoy taking their meal to school, but they might participate in preparing it as well.

LEAK-PROOF

You don’t want your perfectly packed lunch combo becomes a mess nobody wants to eat, do you? We guess not, so it is essential to check the leak resistance capacities of best kids lunch box you are thinking to buy before making the decision.

Best Kids Lunch Box Types

BENTO

Bento lunch boxes are initially from Japan and are still very popular there as they are in Western countries. These are single portion lunch boxes with one big and three or four smaller compartments. You can put a sandwich or meal, fruit, veggies, nuts, and so on.

insulated lunch box for kids

INSULATED

This type of kids lunch box is pretty popular because it is possible to put cold and hot food in compartments next to one another without worrying that something can go wrong. Hot food will stay warm, and the same counts for cold food. They are also called thermal lunch boxes.

HEATED

There are bestkids lunch box models that can be plugged into a power outlet, so it is possible to heat the food inside. This is a great option to have, especially when you are traveling. You just need access to electricity, and regardless of how long ago you prepared the food, you can eat a warm meal within minutes.

VERDICT AND OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR 2023

Funnily, many of us would never think that there are so many factors to consider when choosing kids lunch box. But if you think about it, each of them is important, and that’s why selecting the adequate model isn’t so simple as it might seem. Even if it wasn’t an easy choice after all the tests, we picked Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag as the best kids lunch box 2023. Of course, we let you choose the one you like the most for yourself. In the end, we want to remind you that parenthoodroutine.com always puts you and your kids first. On that note, you can also read about best toddler backpack on our website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes. Most of the lunch bags for kids are easy to open and close. This is an essential feature, so manufacturers generally pay attention to make it right. Kids would be pretty frustrated if they would have to ask a teacher or someone else to open their lunch box each time. But who wouldn't?

Some models are, others are not. Generally, if the product you are looking at is made of plastic, then for it to be microwave-safe, it needs to be heat resistant. Keep in mind that you should put stainless steel in a microwave. You need to check with the manufacturer if the product you want to buy is microwave safe.

Not only that, they are safe, but it is said that keeping food in insulated containers is one of the most reliable ways to make sure that your food stays edible. As far as durability goes, it depends on the material and your child and you. Most lunch boxes will last a year or two depends on how well you take care of it. If you want something that is guaranteed to last long, then you should look for a stainless steel kids lunch box.

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PRODUCTS TESTED BY Parenthoodroutine.com
How We Tested

Our primary focus was to test how these products do they are designed to perform. So we tested the storage capacity, insulation, and leaks. We also check how materials impact the quality of the product. We discussed with experts and parents to hear their opinions. Finally, we compared our findings with other reviews.

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