Each day, do you use several plastic bags in your child’s lunchbox?
When kids like to keep their food separate…
…a bento box is definitely a worthwhile acquisition…
…if you’re tired of snack baggies being lost.
There are many compartments in these cute bento boxes for kids…
…allowing you to pack all types of food for your kids.
Many bento boxes are leakproof, so you can pack liquids…
…along with your child’s snacks, such as carrots and ranch dip.
The best kids’ bento boxes you can buy are listed here.
Here’s Amanda’s story before we move on…
It’s one of my favorite purchases! Using a single container
instead of tons of tiny containers has cut lunch packing time in half,
and I don’t have to hunt for lost tupperware lids anymore.
I love that I can see all of my toddler’s food in one place,
and she doesn’t have to ask her nanny to open each container separately.
Visual reminders are helpful for ensuring that you pack the right foods, in the right quantities.
Due to the fact that we can observe everything, her lunches have improved significantly.
She is also happier to pack her lunch in a bento box since her lunch looks awesome.
Now, it’s time to get started…
What to Look for in a Bento Box for Kids
Material
Different materials are used to make bento boxes, each with its own pros and cons.
Plastic is lightweight and easy for kids to handle, since it won’t shatter if dropped.
Metal is more durable and can withstand high heat in the dishwasher.
Both dishwashers and microwaves can use glass, but it is heavy and easily broken.
Size
What amount of food should you pack? The big, bulky bento box you send to school…
…is not necessary, but there should still be enough room…
…for everything your child wants. In general, if you pack fluffy green salads often…
…you’ll need more space than if you pack smaller amounts of denser foods.
Number of Compartments
A bento box with many compartments allows you…
…to keep many different foods separated, as well as sauces and condiments.
In contrast, if your kids prefer larger portions of fewer foods…
…you won’t need as many compartments.
It might look cute to separate carrots and celery…
…but having larger spaces makes packing lunch easier.
Here’s what’s important…
Our Top Picks for Bento Boxes for Kids
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
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) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
EasyLunchboxes - Bento Lunch Boxes - Reusable 3-Compartment Food Containers for School, Work, and Travel, Set of 4, Classic | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
OmieBox Bento Box for Kids - Insulated Bento Lunch Box with Leak Proof Thermos Food Jar - 3 Compartments, Two Temperature Zones (Single) (Packaging May Vary) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
OXO Good Grips Prep & Go Leakproof Salad Container (6.3 Cup) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
PackIt Mod Lunch Bento Food Storage Container, Steel Gray | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Let’s go through them one by one…
Bentgo Kids’ Lunch Box
- PORTIONED FOR KIDS: 5 practical compartments portioned perfectly for a child’s appetite (recommended for ages 3-7). Plus, drop-proof, rubber-coated edges and a sturdy design for active kids.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There are a few extra considerations to make when choosing a bento box for toddlers.
If it slips out of their little hands, you need a product that is more durable…
…and can withstand a few tumbles.
Also, as you might find yourself cleaning up spilled lunches…
…you’ll need a box that is easy to open and close.
This Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box meets all these criteria…
…making it the perfect lunch box for children ages 3 to 7.
The BPA-free plastic bento box has five compartments…
…and can be used in the microwave or dishwasher.
There is a tight seal that keeps the various sections from leaking…
…and you can open and close the box with two kid-friendly latches.
Additionally, the box’s edges are lined with rubber…
…to minimize impact in case of drops, making it the perfect toy for young children.
Even though it is designed for young children…
…it can be used by adults and big kids alike.
The extra security made the lunchbox a touch heavier than other lunchboxes…
…but it was easily manageable and well worth the extra security.
The smooth surface of the box made it easy to clean…
…by hand since there are no small crevices.
Pros:
- Leakproof design
- Rubber sides are extra durable
- Made with BPA-free plastic
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other models
- Exterior scratches pretty easily
EasyLunchboxes Bento Lunch Boxes
- THE ORIGINALS: EasyLunchboxes are often imitated, never duplicated. The original stackable, portable, reusable, and affordable way to prep healthy lunches and snacks for school, work, or on the go
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Having multiple lunch boxes on hand is easy…
…with these bento-style containers from EasyLunchboxes.
A set of four plastic containers comes with a colorful lid…
…and three compartments that are ideal for carrying a main dish and side snacks.
The lunch boxes are made of food-safe, BPA-free plastic…
…and they are microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe.
Stack them in your cupboards for compact storage, and if you have several..
…you won’t have to clean them every night.
Pros:
- Comes in set of four
- Kid-friendly lids
- BPA-free plastic
Cons:
- Not leakproof
Omie Bento Box
- KIDS EAT BETTER -- Your kids will gobble lunch up when it’s their favorite food served warm inside OmieBox. OmieBox bento box for kids with a THERMOS INSERT lets you easily pack hot and cold food. Send their favorite pasta, soup, or last night’s leftovers. Your kids will enjoy healthy lunches with more variety in OmieBox insulated container for hot food.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
You might benefit from a bento box that keeps food warm if you have a picky eater…
…and the OmieBox Bento Box for Kids is one of your best options.
Despite being on the pricey side, this unique bento box is worth the investment…
…thanks to its removable thermos insert…
…which has an easy screw-off top and can hold up to 1 cup of warm food.
With the OmieBox, you can pack both hot and cold foods at the same time…
…giving your kids more variety in their lunches and satisfying picky eaters.
There are four compartments in the box, including the large main compartment…
…which is large enough to hold a sandwich when the thermos insert is removed.
The lunch box is BPA-free and made of impact-resistant materials…
…and the compartment can hold any brand of box drinks.
Some buyers say the OmieBox is great for children who don’t like sandwiches…
…and the lunch box is well-made and versatile.
Furthermore, parents confirm that the hot food container seals tightly…
…to prevent leakage, so you can pack soup or other liquidy foods.
Pros:
- Food stays warm with a Thermos insert.
- The large compartment can hold a sandwich
- Made with BPA-free plastic
Cons:
- Thermos is fairly small
- Expensive compared to other options
“This futuristic-looking box is super cool because it has an insulated, removable container that keeps food like pasta, mac and cheese or chili hot, giving you more lunch options than just a cold sandwich.”
Ingrid Meilan – Writer and Reporter
Keep reading…
OXO Good Grips Leakproof Salad Container
- Seals securely for leakproof salad stashing and storing
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Your child loves to pack salads for lunch? OXO’s leakproof container…
…helps keep wet and dry ingredients separate and has a handy cup…
..with a tight lid for dressings.
It nestles tightly together so they can transport it easily to school.
Tritan is a clear material that is BPA-free and won’t discolor after washings…
…and this container can be cleaned in the dishwasher after a busy day.
Pros:
- Keeps ingredients separate
- Special container for salad dressing
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Fairly bulky design
PackIt Mod Lunch Bento Food Storage Container
If you’ve ever struggled to fit food into too-small bento box compartments…
…the PackIt Mod Bento Food Storage Container is perfect for you.
The food storage container is totally customizable…
…allowing you to change its configuration as needed…
…unlike other lunch boxes with fixed internal compartments.
You snap the leak-resistant dividers into the various channels…
…inside the container to separate food…
…and the leak-proof lid snaps on to prevent spills inside your lunch box.
You can use this container in the microwave, freezer, and top rack of the dishwasher.
It’s the perfect size to fit into the popular PackIt lunch bags.
These bento boxes are especially versatile…
…and many people say they’re ideal for packing snacks.
Several reviewers also point out that the compartments themselves are not leak-proof…
…so you can’t pack a liquid in one without risking it seeping into the other foods.
Pros:
- Ability to change configuration
- Affordable price
- BPA-free and shatter-resistant
Cons:
- Compartments are leakproof
- Grooves make it harder to clean
Sum Up!
Kids can easily see all their lunch options with bento boxes…
…instead of having to open multiple containers.
Every food gets equal attention and the chance to be eaten…
…whether it’s carrots, blueberries, or pretzels!
By using one large container we reduce the use of plastic bags…
…and other disposable packaging, which reduces our environmental impact.
Lunches don’t have to be fancy to be packed in a bento.
The options are all presented in a visually appealing manner…
…without any extra effort, and simple foods like fruit…
…vegetables, protein, and “fun foods” can be packed up for a balanced and healthy lunch.
Conclusion
The Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box has proven to be a tried-and-true favorite…
…thanks to its five compartments that keep contents separated…
…even when jostled in a backpack, and its rubber sides make it extra durable.
For kids who like to bring soup or other warm meals to school…
…the Omie Bento Box comes with a handy thermos insert
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.