The Best Bento Boxes I Use to Make My Kids’ Lunches
Published Jul 25, 2024
Looking for the best bento box for your kids’ school lunches? These are my top picks from Bentgo, OmieBox, Yumbox, and more.
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You’ve probably spent hours planning and packing your kids’ lunches over the years. And the container that holds your kiddos’ lunches is almost as important as what foods you cook for them! In my house, we’re all about using bento boxes over typical lunch boxes. And I’ve tried quite a few of the best bento boxes for kids while packing lunches for my own two children over the years.
Bento boxes are incredibly handy because you don’t need to bother with plastic bags to keep snacks, sandwiches, and dips separated. Plus, the compartments allow you to get more creative with your children’s lunches! Younger children may want a variety of snacks, like crackers and fruit, instead of a sandwich, and there’s a box for that.
I compiled this list of the best bento boxes for kids by testing options for my children’s lunches and researching highly rated options that have thousands of rave reviews. These colorful boxes may even encourage your child to make their lunch!
My Top Picks:
- My Favorite Bento Box: Bentgo Fresh 3-Meal Prep Pack – $39.99 at Walmart
- Best Stainless Steel: Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Box – $29.99 at Walmart
- Best Insulated: OmieBox Bento Box for Kids – $44.95 at Amazon
- Best for Young Kids: Bentgo Kids Lunch Box – $27.99 at Walmart
- Best for Snacks: Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box – $24.99 at Walmart
Reviews of The Best Bento Boxes for Kids
1. My Favorite Bento Box: Bentgo Fresh 3-Meal Prep Pack
This set of leakproof meal prep containers is a go-to in my house because it has 3 compartments. The largest compartment fits a sandwich, and fruits, veggies, or snacks can fit in the smaller two. There’s also a removable divider that you can use to create 4 compartments if you’re packing all smaller items.
I relied on this set when my kids were between 6 and 10, but it really works for kids and adults alike, making it a versatile pick for your family. I also love that, for the same price as a single bento box, you get a set of three containers, which is especially handy if you’re batch prepping lunches with foods that’ll last in the fridge for a few days.
The Specs:
- Compartments: 3 or 4
- Size: 9.2 x 7 x 2.4 inches
- Leakproof: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Microwave safe: Yes, up to 3 minutes
- Freezer safe: Yes
What I Like:
- Inexpensive
- Variety of compartment sizes
- Locks to prevent spills
- Easy to clean
What I Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t include utensils
What Others are Saying:
The Bentgo Fresh 3-Meal Prep Pack has more than 2,700 reviews and a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. It was also named one of the best lunch boxes by Scary Mommy and one of the best meal prep containers by CNN Underscore.
Buy the Bentgo Fresh 3-Meal Prep Pack:
2. Best Stainless Steel: Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Box
This stainless steel bento box from Bentgo is another option I can vouch for after using it for my own kids’ lunches. Not only is stainless steel sleek-looking, but it’s more sustainable than plastic options, and it’s stain- and odor-resistant. The simplistic, thin design of this bento box also means it’s smaller in size, but it still fits plenty of food! This box has one large compartment, which is handy for older children who may eat heftier meals, but it also has a removable divider for all those snacks.
The brand also says that, unlike most metals, its micro steel material is safe for the microwave.
The Specs:
- Compartments: 1 or 2
- Size: 7.99 x 5.98 x 2 inches inches
- Leakproof: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Microwave safe: Yes, up to 10 minutes
- Freezer safe: Yes
What I Like:
- Stain-resistant
- Odor-resistant
- Locks to prevent spills
- Easy to clean
What I Don’t Like:
- Metal can be louder in a backpack
What Others are Saying:
Better Homes & Gardens named Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Box the best stainless steel bento box.
Buy the Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Box:
3. Best Insulated: OmieBox Bento Box for Kids
When it comes to keeping food warm, I always reach for this OmieBox bento box! The 3-compartment container includes a removable wall to create a fourth slot and there’s an insulated Thermos insert that’ll keep foods warm, so your kiddo can enjoy leftovers without needing to heat them up. As a bonus, you can even use the Thermos piece on its own because it comes with its own lid. That way, they can enjoy Roasted Tomato Soup with no problem!
The Specs:
- Compartments: 3 or 4
- Size: 8.5 x 7.5 x 3 inches
- Leakproof: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: No
- Microwave safe: No
- Freezer safe: No
What I Like:
- Easy to clean
- Locks to prevent spills
- Has a handle for easy carrying
- Keeps food warm in Thermos insert
What I Don’t Like:
- Hand wash only
- Small capacity (best for younger kids)
- Hard for little kids to open
What Others are Saying:
Good Housekeeping named the OmieBox Bento Box for Kids the “best kids’ lunch box with Thermos” and CNN Underscored praises this as one of the best lunch boxes. Plus, it has more than 10,800 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon.
Buy the OmieBox Bento Box:
4. Best for Young Kids: Bentgo Kids Lunch Box
Little ones aren’t as into sandwiches as they are other food items, like fruits, veggies, or crackers. This cute bento box from Bentgo has ideal portions for tiny hands and tummies. It features 5 compartments, including a small one that’s great for yogurt, dips, and hummus. I love that it’s lightweight and compact with an easy-open latch that kids can manage on their own!
The Specs:
- Compartments: 5
- Size: 8.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
- Leakproof: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes, on top rack
- Microwave safe: Yes, with removable tray
- Freezer safe: Yes
What I Like:
- Easy to clean
- Locks to prevent spills
- Ideal portion sizes for young kids
What I Don’t Like:
- Not big enough for older kids
What Others are Saying:
The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box has more than 58,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon. Better Homes & Gardens, Woman’s Day, and Food & Wine all named it one of the best bento boxes for kids.
Buy the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box:
5. Best for Snacks: Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box
When my kids were in preschool, I used Yumbox to pack their lunches because it has 6 snack-sized compartments for a ton of bite-sized meals. It’s similar to the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box, but this option has an extra compartment, making it even better to use for the snacker in your family who wants variety in their lunch! This is a great option for school lunches, road trips, and playdates.
The Specs:
- Compartments: 6
- Size: 6.7 x 5.1 x 1.8 inches
- Leakproof: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes, on top rack
- Microwave safe: No
- Freezer safe: No
What I Like:
- Great portions for snacks
- Easy to clean
- Locks to prevent spills
What I Don’t Like:
- No removable divider
What Others are Saying:
Huffington Post lists the Yumbox as one of the most durable lunch box options, and SFGate calls it one of the best bento boxes.
Buy the Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Box:
Other Bento Boxes for Kids to Consider
Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box
I love Bentgo boxes and this is another wonderful option from them! If your kid tends to want to pack foods that need refrigeration, this box from Bentgo is a good option. To keep food cold, it has a removable ice pack tray that you can insert underneath the four food compartments. The Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box is available at Amazon for $29.99.
Simple Modern Porter Bento Box
This option from Simple Modern is available in a variety of fun colors and prints, which your kid is sure to love! It’s also similar in design and price to my top picks, but I haven’t tried it out in my own home yet. But reviews say it’s cute and durable, but it can be a bit hard to clean. The Simple Modern Porter Bento Box is available at Walmart for $19.99.
PlanetBox Launch Classic Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box
This stainless steel bento box from PlanetBox is one I’ve been seeing all over social media. It doesn’t have any fun colors compared to others on this list, but some kids might prefer the no frills look. The latch is easy for small hands to open and there are only 3 compartments to pack, but the brand also sells a 5-compartment version. The PlanetBox Launch Classic Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box is available at PlanetBox for $44.96.
MISS BIG Bento Box
This is another affordable, low-frills option that is great if you’re trying out bento boxes for your child’s lunches. Its lid snaps on with side flaps and this set includes a fork. It has 3 compartments, but the dividers aren’t removable, so you won’t be able to customize it the same way you can with most of my top picks. The MISS BIG Bento Box is available at Walmart for $14.99.
LOVINA Bento Box for Adults and Kids
This LOVINA box is pretty popular with more than 11,000 reviews on Amazon! Plus, it comes with a set of utensils, whereas most options on this list don’t. It’s under $15, making it a great affordable pick, but I can’t attest to how well it works like I can with my top picks. The LOVINA Bento Box for Adults and Kids is available at Amazon at $13.99.
Why You Can Trust Me
As the mother of 2 school-aged children, I’ve had plenty of experiences packing lunch boxes over the years. I’ve tried tons of recipes in hopes of serving my kids delicious and nutritious meals that they’ll want to eat and enjoy! I prefer using bento boxes for school lunches because not only do they keep food fresh, but they also make it extra appealing and fun..
Throughout the years, I’ve tried several of the most popular bento boxes for kids to see what works best for my family, and I’ve definitely found my favorites that I’ve shared in this list. For the ones that I haven’t personally used, I did extensive research on other great bento boxes by reading reviews from top cooking sites to decide which ones would also be worth buying. I hope you find one that works best for your kids!
Everything to Know Before Buying a Bento Box for Kids
What to Consider Before Buying a Bento Box for Kids
There are a TON of bento boxes out there, and before buying one there are a few things to think about before you make your decision.
Compartments: The number of compartments you need depends on whether your child eats larger portions of food, like a sandwich or pasta, or if they prefer nutritious snacks, like veggies and yogurt. For the first, I recommend a bento box that includes 1 large compartment and a few smaller snack ones. Snackers should have a bento box that has 4 to 5 smaller ones. Generally, the more compartments a box has, the smaller those spaces are.
Size: You want any bento box you choose to fit well in your child’s backpack or school bag. Knowing how much space you have in the bag will help you make your pick!.
Leakproof: Nobody likes a mess! Look for a bento box that seals and locks well and claims to be leak-resistant. Accidents happen, but double-checking this should help you find a lunch box that prevents spills.
Material: For most busy families, it’s helpful for a bento box to be dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe. Most are made of plastic or steel that are easy to clean with soap or water, but some metal options shouldn’t go in the microwave.
Price: Considering how often you’ll use them, bento boxes are relatively affordable. That said, if you’re not sure your child will like using one for any reason, you may want to opt for a more budget-friendly pick with a simpler design. More expensive options are typically more durable and include features like a thermos or an ice pack.
What Are Bento Boxes?
Bento boxes are compartmentalized lunch containers, so you won’t need plastic bags or tinfoil to keep food separated and fresh. Most traditional lunch bags are made with a soft, collapsible design and have only a single compartment, while bento boxes have a hard shell to keep food in place and contain several compartments.
Do Bento Boxes Keep Food Warm?
A typical bento box won’t keep food warm unless it’s insulated, like the OmieBox Bento Box for Kids, which has a removable Thermos compartment. That said, housing each food in its own compartment may help food stay warmer longer, even without insulation.
The same is true of bento boxes’ keeping food cold: You’ll want to look for one that contains an ice pack tray or another cooling feature, like the Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box, but a regular box may help keep food cool longer.
How Do You Make a Bento Box?
There is plenty of room for creativity when it comes to packing your child’s bento box! For ages 3 to 6, packing a variety of snacks in smaller compartments is a great way to encourage them to try different foods. Ages 6 to 10 may like a sandwich in the larger compartment and fruits or crackers on the side. Older kids aged 9 to 15 may want larger portions of foods like pasta.
How Do You Clean a Bento Box?
All bento boxes can be washed with soap and water. Some can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, but be sure to check if your box is dishwasher-safe and if it needs to be washed on the top rack.
The Best Bento Box Lunch Ideas
I’m a pro at packing bento box lunches, and I’m happy to share my tips with you! To find a variety of nutritious lunch ideas for your kids, check out my 40+ Kids Lunch Box Ideas guide. Here are some other recipes that would make for great meals for lunches.
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
