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The Best Lunch Bags


It’s time to ditch standard brown bags and go for something durable enough to last time and time again. The best lunch bags provide a reusable option with premier insulation to keep your food fresh and at the right temperature. Adding a little style just makes them even more appealing. There is no doubt you will find a lunch bag that best fits your needs. 

Best Lunch Bag Overall:
Best Lunch Bag with Shoulder Strap:
Best Lunch Bag for Kids:
Best Lunch Bag Container:
Best Lunch Bag Container for Kids:


Best Lunch Bags

The LOKASS Lunch Bag is insulated with aluminum foil allowing food to stay either warm or cool for 6.5 hours; whereas the PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag can be put in the freezer so the frozen bag will keep your food cool for hours.

LOKASS Lunch Bag 

LOKASS Lunch Bag Women Insulated Lunch Box Wide-Open Lunch Tote Bag Large Drinks Holder Durable Nylon Thermal Snacks Organizer for Men Adults Work Picnic Hiking Beach Fishing,Grey
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The LOKASS Lunch Bag could easily pass as a classy handbag, which is part of the reason why I like it so much. 

Firstly, the lunch bag features a long-term preservation time of 6.5 hours. Food can either be kept warm or cool. The wide opening allows you to take your lunch container in and out of the bag horizontally, preventing accidental spills. I really like the wide-open design because you wouldn’t know how spacious it was from looking at it when it’s zipped up. 

In addition, the aluminum foil interior lining ensures it won’t melt easily when holding hot foods. The large opening also makes it easy to clean up in case there is a leak. 

Secondly, sturdy handles, reinforced connecting, and a genuine leather zipper pull all provide extra durability for the bag. In addition, there is a front zippered pocket for extra storage. 

The lunch bag is ideal for everyday use or when going on a hike or picnic. You can fit two bottled drinks and two lunch containers inside. The carrying handles are reinforced with double rivets, aiding in its durability. 

Thirdly, LOKASS takes pride in the fact that the lunch bag can handle more than 5,000 times irregular machine shaking, ensuring your food stays sealed, and nothing spills out. The strong linen handles and heavy-duty nylon provide you with a durable lunch bag. 

Finally, you can choose from 7 color and design patterns including gray, leopard, and black. The lunch bag measures 10.5 x 6 x 11 inches. You can easily fit 2 standard size lunch containers and two 11 OZ bottled drinks. 

PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag 

PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag with Zip Closure, Gray Stripe, 8-Inch
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The PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag is unique in its ability to keep your food cold. Out of all the best lunch bags on my list, it’s the only one that you can put directly in the freezer. 

Firstly, a non-toxic freezable gel is built into the frame of the bag. You can put the bag into the freezer, and the entire lunch bag freezes. The bag easily folds, so it doesn’t take up much space in your freezer. After 12 hours, you are ready to go. 

The freezable bag keeps foods cooler longer, making it ideal for a day at the beach or a picnic. In addition, there is a zipper top to make sure the cool air stays trapped in. 

Secondly, the interior easily wipes clean if there are any spills. The exterior can be spot cleaned as well. The buckle handle makes it easy to clip onto a backpack or stroller for easy carrying. It’s a great option to keep baby bottles cool. 

Finally, there is no shortage of color choices. 28 choices, to be exact. If you’re like me, you likely will have a hard time choosing just one. My two favorite prints are the mermaids and watermelons. However, you can stay simple with solid colors like black, blue, and pink.

The lunch bag measures 10 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 5 inches deep when open. It can fold flat, so it doesn’t take up much space when not in use. The last thing I need is one more thing taking up space in my freezer. 

HANGO Insulated Lunch Bag

The HANGO Insulated Lunch Bag comes in a two-pack with two different sizes, allowing you to pick the one that best suits your needs day today. 

Firstly, the rectangular-shaped lunch bags are made from high-density polyester canvas and are durable enough for everyday use. 

In addition, the lunch bag is equipped with a double zipper providing a secure closure. The lunch bags are 100% leak-proof, ensuring nothing spills out of the bag. 

Secondly, the foam insulation offers an ideal place to keep your food cool. Adding an ice pack will always help keep your food cooler for a longer period of time. 

Finally, you can choose from black, gray, or pink. The smaller bag measures 5 x 5 x 7.5 inches, and the larger one is 6 x 6 x 10 inches. The bags can be cleaned by hand or even thrown in the washing machine. Hello, convenience. 

While useful, the bags are simple and don’t offer any extra pockets or compartments. In addition, there are no shoulder straps like some of the other lunch bags on the list. However, you are getting two lunch bags for the one price of one, and that’s always a good deal. 

Wildkin Insulated Lunch Bag 

Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Box Bag for Boys & Girls, Reusable Kids Lunch Box is Perfect for Early Elementary Daycare School Travel, Ideal for Hot or Cold Snacks & Bento Boxes (Dinosaur Land)
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The Wildkin Lunch Box is one of my favorites when it comes to kids’ lunch bags. As a mom of three, I’m particularly fond of lunch boxes that keep my child’s lunch cool and fresh. 

Firstly, the lunch bag is insulated and can help maintain hot or cold temperatures. The durable exterior is made from polyester fabric and can easily be wiped clean. 

Secondly, the interior is made from a moisture-resistant nylon lining. Inside, you also will find a mesh pocket, perfect for a snack for sweet napkin notes. I enjoy writing jokes on my son’s napkins. You could even slip in a thin icepack in the pocket. 

In addition, the lunch bag is BPA and phthalate-free, so you can feel comfortable putting fresh foods directly inside the bag. 

Thirdly, while the bag fits a standard bento box easily, you’ll have trouble also fitting in a drink for your child. You can, however, stick a water bottle in the front pocket. 

Finally, there are 17 fun patterns to choose from, including dinosaurs, camo, sports, space, and zoo animals. Your child is likely to have no problem finding the one perfect for them. The lunch bag measures 9.75″ x 3.25″. 

If you are looking for a water bottle to send with your child to school, we have you covered with a list of the best water bottles for kids. 

Lekesky Lunch Bag 

Lekesky Lunch Bag for Women Insulated Lunch Box Leakproof Lunchbox for Adult Work, Grey
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The Lekesky Lunch Bag is another one that gets points for style. I really like the arrow print and button closure. It reminds me of a handbag I’d buy for everyday use. I can see myself combining it with the contents of my purse so I only have to carry one bag. 

Firstly, the lunch bag is equipped with 4 layers of insulation: 300D water-resistant fabric, 5mm EPE foam, 100g non-woven fabric, and an aluminum foil liner. The large capacity makes it ideal to use for multiple people. It’s perfect for a picnic or a day at the beach. 

Secondly, the bag comes with front and side pockets, allowing for additional storage. The cross-shaped stitching on the handles provides durability. I do wish the bag had shoulder straps. 

In addition, it can keep food warm for 4-6 hours and keep things cold, with the use of an ice pack, for up to 12 hours. 

Thirdly, the bag is 100% leakproof, ensuring all liquids stay inside and don’t leak all over your desk or car. The exterior is easy to clean with a damp cloth. 

Finally, the lunch bag measures 9.8″ x 6.5″ x 10.2″ and has an 11L capacity. The bag is lightweight at just over 15 ounces. 

VAGREEZ Lunch Bag

VAGREEZ Lunch Bag, Insulated Lunch Bag Large Waterproof Lunch Tote Bag For Women Men Adult
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If you are looking for a simple reusable bag for lunch, look no further than the VAGREEZ Insulated Lunch Bag. While I really love the stylish lunch bags on the list, I also appreciate simplicity. 

Firstly, the bag comes at a very reasonable price, one of the lowest of any of the best lunch bags on my list. While the price may be low, the quality is not. The exterior is made with a waterproof cloth, making it easy to clean in case you spill any of your lunch on it. 

Secondly, layered in the middle is pearl cotton, providing thick insulation. You find sturdy aluminum to help keep your food hot or cold for several hours on the interior. Keep in mind, throwing an ice bag in your bag will help things stay cool longer. 

In addition, the lightweight bag has a handy carrying strap and folds up for easy storage. It even has a built-in silverware pocket. The lunch bag has a capacity of 14 liters. 

Finally, you have 17 colors to choose from, like pink, purple, grey, and green. The lunch bag measures 11″H x 10″L x 6.6″W and weighs only 7.7 oz. The VAGREEZ lunch bag proves that simple can also mean perfect. 

BALORAY Lunch Bag Tote 

BALORAY Lunch Bag for Women Men Insulated Lunch Box for Adult Reusable Lunch Tote Bag for Work, Picnic or Travel (Solid Black)
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The BALORAY Lunch Bag is bringing style to lunchtime. Who says you have to use a brown paper bag to carry your lunch?

Firstly, the lunch bag has durable handles, making it comfortable to carry around. I love the stylish design and feel like it could double as a purse. The water-resistant exterior is made from non-toxic aluminum foil and durable oxford cloth. 

In addition, the insulated lined interior can keep your food warm or cool for up to 4 hours. The bag is also 100% leakproof, so any spills that occur will stay inside. The double zipper also helps keep everything on the inside secure. 

Secondly, there is a handy pocket in front where you can keep your phone or other small personal items. The bag is capable of holding a lot. You can pack your lunch and even several snacks for the day. Even Mary Poppins would be impressed. 

Finally, you have 15 color and print designs to choose from. From flowers to cheetah print, you can easily express yourself with the BALORAY lunch bag. The stylish lunch bag measures 10 x 6.6 x 3.3 inches.

I am a fan of the fancy lunch bag; however, there are complaints about the handle ripping, which could quickly spoil a lunch date. 

Best Lunch Bags with Shoulder Strap

While the MIYCOO Lunch Bag has maximum amounts of storage and is made of waterproof material, the Meal Prep Lunch Bag is not only spacious but it has 3 food containers, a drink shaker, and 2 reusable ice packs.

MIYCOO Lunch Bag

MIYCOO Lunch Bag for Women Men Double Deck Lunch Box - Leakproof Insulated Soft Large Adult Lunch Cooler Bag for Work, (Grey,15L)
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There is no shortage of storage space with the MIYCOO Lunch Bag. The bag can easily fit enough food for your whole family. 

Firstly, the lunch bag offers a double-decker concept. There are two separate main compartments, allowing you to keep the food on top fresh and the bottom cold. The bottom part is large enough to fit 12 cans. The lunch bag is 100% leakproof so that you can put ice right into the bottom compartment. 

In addition, the top compartment can expand for extra space. The bag gains 1.5 inches when fully expanded. You also get two front zippered pockets, a back pocket, and two side mesh pockets. 

Secondly, the exterior of the lunch bag is made from a waterproof, durable cloth. The interior is made of a PEVA foil to help keep foods cold or warm. Pearl cotton helps provide for thick insulation. 

Finally, while the only available color is grey, I really like the lunch bag’s sleek design. You can either carry it from the handle strap or the adjustable shoulder strap. You can also remove the strap if you should want to use the handle straps. The bag measures 11 x 10.5 x 8 inches. 

I have to say, I really like the look of this lunch bag. While it does look a bit like a cooler, the exterior fabric also gives it a handbag feel. You can easily store your wallet, keys, and phone with the extra pockets and just ditch your regular purse for the day. 

Lifewit Large Lunch Bag

Lifewit Large Lunch Bag 24-Can (15L) Insulated Lunch Box Soft Cooler Cooling Tote for Adult Men Women, Grey
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The Lifewit Large Lunch Bag is the perfect choice for a picnic with friends or family. Its large capacity allows space for 24 cans. 

Firstly, the high-density fabric exterior is water-resistant and makes for easy cleaning. In addition, the lunch bag has a wide top opening allowing for easy access to your goods. There are two side net pockets for extra storage. 

The strong linen handles and high-quality zipper help make the lunch bag extremely durable. I’m a big fan of the adjustable padded shoulder strap. It allows you to keep your hands free. The lunch bag is made with seamless hot pressing technology to ensure it is 100% leakproof. This allows you to put ice directly into the lunch bag. 

Secondly, the bag is lined with a food-grade PEVA foil so you can directly place food inside. The 4 layers of insulation can keep your foods either cold or warm for 5 hours. 

Finally, you can choose either a black or gray lunch bag. The bag measures 13.8 x 11 x 11 inches and weighs just under one pound. 

Venture Pal Lunch Bag

Venture Pal Insulated Lunch Bags for Women/Men - Large Resuable Leakproof Lunch Box with Removable Shoulder Strap,Durable Cooler Tote Bag for Work Picnic Beach-Black
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Don’t let the simplicity of the Venture Pal Lunch Bag fool you. The 4mm EPE foam helps keep your food both warm and fresh. It can even hold up to 12 soda cans!

Firstly, the seamless hot press technology ensures the bag is 100% leakproof. You can comfortably add ice to the main compartment without the worry it will leak once it melts. The exterior is made from a water-resistant dirt-proof Oxford fabric. 

In addition, the bag has pockets on each side, the front, and the back, for extra storage. It also has an inner mesh pocket for utensils. You will clearly never run out of places to put things.

Secondly, it has both a handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying. The durable double zipper helps keep your food at the ideal temperature for 6-8 hours. The lunch bag is BPA-free so you can feel comfortable putting fresh food directly inside without being wrapped. 

I appreciate how light the bag weighs. At 12 OZ, it’s portable enough to use daily. 

Finally, there are plenty of color and pattern choices to choose from, including black, blue flower, grey, navy, green, and more. The lunch bag measures 10″ L x 6.7″ W x 8″ H. 

MIER Adult Lunch Box 

MIER Large Lunch Box for Men 24 Cans Insulated Lunch Bag Leakproof Soft Side Cooler Bags with Multiple Pockets Adults Big Lunchbox Heavy Duty for Work Travel Beach Picnic Office(Navy, 15L)
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The MIER Lunch Box comes with two separate insulated compartments, making it easy to keep snacks and fresh foods apart. Dads, this one is for you, too! 

Firstly, the lunch bag is leakproof and BPA-free, so you can feel comfortable putting your fresh foods right inside. The top compartment is ideal for dry snacks, while the bottom portion does a stellar job of keeping foods fresh and cool/warm. It’s insulated with a soft PEVA liner to ensure maximum insulation. 

As a note, the top compartment is not leak-free. It’s meant for foods that won’t seep through. Keep those in the bottom compartment. 

Secondly, the adjustable, padded strap can be removed if you do not want to use it. The strap can be adjusted between 31.5″ and 55.5″. The silicone handle allows you to have a good grip on the lunch bag easily. 

In addition, the lunch bag has a convenient front pocket, perfect for stashing your utensils. There are also two small side pockets. 

Meal Prep Lunch Bag 

Meal Prep Lunch Bag/Box For Men, Women + 3 Large Food Containers (45 Oz.) + 2 Big Reusable Ice Packs + Shoulder Strap + Shaker With Storage. Insulated Lunchbox Cooler Portion Control Set (Black)
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The Meal Prep Lunch Bag is an ideal choice for those who like planning their lunches out for the week. 

Firstly, the set consists of the lunch bag, 3 large food containers, 2 reusable ice packs, and a drink shaker. It really sets you up to have everything planned out. The lunch bag is more than large enough to fit everything. The containers and shaker are dishwasher safe, which I always appreciate. 

The food containers are leakproof and BPA-free, making them an ideal choice for packing lunches in. The included 22-ounce shaker even has built-in compartments for protein powder and vitamins. 

Secondly, the lunch bag is extremely durable and is made with tough PVC material. It comes with thicker insulation than standard lunch bags and can keep your food cold for up to 10 hours. On the inside, you have a mesh pocket to hold utensils or napkins. 

In addition, the bag comes with both a carrying handle and a padded, adjustable shoulder strap, making it easy to get around. The strap can be adjusted up to 53″ long. The reinforced bottom helps provide a secure hold for the large lunch bag. 

Thirdly, there are two large zippered pockets on either side, which are insulated as well. There is plenty of room for water bottles and extra snacks. 

Finally, the lunch bag measures 16.5 x 7 x 10.6 inches and is only available in navy blue. The bag is a bit heavier than most standard lunch bags, coming in at just over 5 lbs. 

KIPBELIF Lunch Bag

KIPBELIF Insulated Lunch Bags for Women - Large Tote Adult Lunch Box for Women with Shoulder Strap, Side Pockets and Water Bottle Holder, Gray, Standard Size
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With a handbag/diaper bag feel to it, the KIPBELF lunch bag provides plenty of storage for your lunch and other snacks throughout the day. 

Firstly, the insulated lunch bag can keep foods either warm or cold for up to 8 hours with its premium aluminum foil liner. You will find a durable nylon fabric that sits on top of the thick interior foam on the exterior. In addition, the seamless hot pressing helps provide a 100% leakproof lunch bag. 

Secondly, there is no shortage of extra storage with the lunch bag. You get a front, back, and two side pockets. I really am a fan of any lunch bags that offer extra storage. The side pockets are perfect for water bottles and you can stash utensils or extra snacks away in the front and back pockets. 

Thirdly, the bag comes equipped with both a carrying handle and a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is securely attached to the lunch bag with a sturdy metal buckle and can be adjusted up to 56″. 

Finally, you can choose from their normal (10.24 x 6.3 x 9.45 inches) or extra-large (12 x 7 x 9.45 inches) size. In addition, there are several pretty prints to choose from, like rose, light blue plum, and blue, pink flower. The bag weighs just over one pound. 

Elvira Lunch Bag

To finish up my list is the Elvira lunch bag. I’m not sure when lunch bags got so stylish, but I’m here for it.

Firstly, the patterned lunch bag offers a large main compartment, plenty big to fit everything you’d need for lunch out. You even have enough space for a lunch for two. It can also hold 12 cans and be used as a cooler. 

In addition, the bag is equipped with both front and back pockets, allowing extra space to hold essentials like utensils, napkins, your phone, you name it! 

Secondly, it is built with an eco-friendly waterproof polyester lining and seamless hot press technology, ensuring zero leaks from the lunch bag. The 4mm padded foam allows for foods to be kept either hot or cold for 4-6 hours.

Thirdly, the exterior is made with a waterproof oxford fabric making it durable and long-lasting. The high-quality fabric also helps prevent it from tearing. 

Finally, the bag comes equipped with an adjustable shoulder strap and a carrying handle. You can choose from 7 stylish prints, including peony blue, black lily, and chrysanthemum blue. The bag measures 11.8″ x 5.9″ x 9″ and is incredibly lightweight at only 8 ounces. 

Best Lunch Bag Containers

The Bentgo Classic is a set of 2 containers that can easily organize your lunch plus it comes with flatware and a strap to hold the boxes together, while the MIRA Stainless Steel Lunch Thermos is perfect for keeping hot or cold foods at the right temperature until lunchtime.

While the best lunch bags offer a great, reusable option for carrying your lunch, you may find you need something to hold your food. Here is where the best lunch bag containers come into play. Finding reusable storage options helps you save money in the long run, and Mother Nature will thank you as well. 

Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit

Instead of going through boxes of Ziploc bags, invest in something like the Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit

Firstly, the kit includes 2 snack containers (.5 cup capacity), 1 side container (1.2 cup capacity), and one sandwich container. What I really like about this kit is each piece fits together when stacked. It even includes a blue ice freezer tray the containers snap right into. It helps keep things cool while they are in your new lunch bag. 

In addition, the containers are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe. Each piece is also free of BPA and is made with non-toxic plastic. 

Secondly, the lids securely fit onto the containers to ensure there are no leaks. Make sure you do completely snap them into place; otherwise, you will be unhappy when it comes time for lunch. 

Finally, you can choose the standard blue/green combo or pick the purple/pink/green option. 

MIRA Stainless Steel Thermos

MIRA Insulated Food Jar Thermos for Hot Food & Soup, Compact Stainless Steel Vacuum Lunch Container for Meals To Go - 13.5 oz, Pearl Blue
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The MIRA Stainless Steel Thermos allows you the opportunity to transport liquids, all while keeping them at an ideal temperature. Features include a triple wall and vacuum insulation. 

Firstly, the thermos can either hold hot or cold foods and liquids. It can keep things cold for up to 10 hours and hot for up to 5. The sweat-proof and leak-proof thermos are perfect for soup, oatmeal, fruit, or even hot chocolate. 

Secondly, the wide mouth of the thermos makes it easy to eat from or drink from. The matte finish allows you to carry around hot foods without the concern of burning your hand. The slip-free grip and easy-to-twist-off top make it an ideal choice for children as well. 

Thirdly, it’s important to not over-fill the thermos or store anything in it for over 24 hours. 

Finally, the 13.5-ounce thermos comes in various colors like purple, cactus green, pumpkin, and olive green. It sits 5 inches tall and 3.25 inches wide.

Freshmage Lunch Container

Freshmage Salad Lunch Container To Go, 52-oz Salad Bowls with 3 Compartments, Salad Dressings Container for Salad Toppings, Snacks, Men, Women (Green)
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The Freshmage Lunch Container comes equipped with three different compartments making it easy to separate foods you don’t want mixed together. 

Firstly, the bottom compartment holds 52 ounces, with it topped with a three-center compartment and includes a 2 oz dressing container. The dressing container comes with its own lid to prevent any leakage.

In addition, the lunch container includes its own spork. Yep, they still exist! It’s really the perfect setup for all parts of a salad and ensures nothing gets soggy. 

Secondly, the tight locks ensure nothing leaks from your container. It easily locks and unlocks. The container is BPA-free so you can feel comfortable putting your foods inside. 

Finally, there are various colors to choose from, including blue, green, and pink. The lunch container measures 7.6″ x 7.2″ x 3.7″. As a note, you are able to microwave the container but don’t put it in for longer than 3 minutes. 

Bentgo Classic

Bentgo Classic (Blue) - All-in-One Stackable Lunch Box Solution - Sleek and Modern Bento Box Design Includes 2 Stackable Containers, Built-in Plastic Silverware, and Sealing Strap
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The Bentgo Classic is a simple, yet efficient place to store your food. It makes it easy to keep your whole lunch in one, convenient place. 

Firstly, the set comes with two stackable containers. The top container has two separate compartments, each holding 3/4 cups of food. The bottom container has a single compartment holding 2 cups. Each compartment nestles on top of one another for easy storage and transportation. The top lid has an extra spot that includes a spoon, fork, and knife. 

In addition, the container is BFA-free and made with eco-friendly materials. All parts, minus the center divider, are microwave and dishwasher safe.

Secondly, the Bentgo Classic is odor-free and stain-resistant, so clean-up is a breeze. You can take comfort in knowing there is no lead, vinyl, PVC, or phthalates in your lunch container. 

The sealing strap makes it easy to keep your containers sealed. You can use the strap on one or both containers. Keep in mind, the containers aren’t meant to keep liquids in, so it’s not 100% leakproof. 

Finally, there are several colors to choose from, including Blush Marble (my favorite), Coastal Aqua, Purple, and Blue. 

Bentgo Kids Bento-Style Lunch Box

Bentgo® Kids Prints Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box - Ideal Portion Sizes for Ages 3 to 7 - BPA-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Food-Safe Materials (Safari)
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Finally, we can’t forget the kiddos when it comes to finding a lunch bag container. The Bentgo Kids Bento-Style Lunch Box has 5 different compartments for storing your child’s lunch. 

Firstly, the kid-friendly design makes it easy to put your child’s complete lunch in one container. It’s made with rubber-coated edges to protect the box in case little hands drop it. In addition, the 2 latches to keep the box secure are also easy for small fingers to open. 

Secondly, I know my kids don’t like their foods to touch, so I appreciate the various compartments. You can fit in the majority of food groups and keep them separated all at the same time. The main compartment can fit half a sandwich or a main dish. I do wish it was large enough for a whole sandwich. 

In addition, other compartments can easily fit fruit, veggies, and snacks. You can even have liquids like applesauce and dressings without worrying about it leaking or getting into the other compartments. 

Finally, your little one will enjoy picking out their favorite design. In fact, there are 12 to choose from, including rocket ships, mermaid scales, dinosaurs, flamingos, and unicorns. The bento box measures 8.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″. 

Comparing the Best Lunch Bags

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


How We Selected the Best Lunch Bags

Large Storage Capacity

The best lunch bags allow for plenty of space to fit your lunch, drink, and snacks. In addition, if you are using it for a day at the beach or bringing it along for a picnic, you want to make sure you can fit food for multiple people. 

Even the lunch bags used for lunch at the office should at least have enough space for your meal and a drink. It also doesn’t hurt to have some extra space for snacks during the day. 

High-Quality Insulation

If you don’t have a refrigerator to keep your lunch bag during the day, you want one that provides high-quality insulation to ensure your food stays at the ideal temperature. While keeping an ice pack with your lunch will keep things stay cool, having thick insulation provides an extra layer of protection for your food. 

Extra Pockets

I love the lunch bags that don’t just have the standard one compartment. The more pockets, the better in my mind. It makes it easy to keep things you want cool from things that don’t need to be kept cool. It also gives you a place to keep utensils and napkins. No need for everything to be in one tight space. 

100% Leakproof

My son’s water bottle was in his lunch bag last year, and it leaked. It then leaked all over the inside of his backpack. I quickly upgraded to a better lunch bag. While I don’t believe anything is 100% foolproof, the best lunch bags offer a superb amount of protection from anything leaking out. This is especially important if you fill it with ice to keep your food or drinks cold. 

FAQs – Lunch Bags

How long should you use the same lunch bag?

While reusable lunch bags certainly get their money’s worth, is there an expiration date for them? Believe it or not, you can use the same lunch box for two years, pending it doesn’t fall apart on it. The best lunch bags offer a durable, long-lasting option for carrying your food, and quality ones will last. 

With that being said, it’s important to clean out the inside daily to prevent anything from growing inside. 

Do I need to use ice packs in my lunch bag?

Ice packs certainly aren’t required to keep food cool, but they will help foods stay cool and safe to eat for a longer period of time. I also recommend sticking your lunch bag in the fridge the night before using it to help the insulation get cold. Between that and ice packs, there’s no chance of your lunch going bad. 

How long do foods stay cold in lunch bags?

While some lunch bags boast the ability to stay cool for 6 hours, the reality is closer to 2-3 hours. It will be even less if you are outside, especially at the beach. While the insulation in the best lunch bags offers a superb place to keep your food cold, it’s no match for a hot summer day. 

What’s the best way to clean a lunch bag?

Since not all of the best lunch bags can be thrown into the washing machine, it’s important to care for them correctly. Using warm water and a washcloth, you can easily wipe the lunch bag clean. The insides will typically clean up easier, although you will want to check all the crevices for crumbs. The exterior of lunch bags can be spot cleaned if you get any dirt or grime on them. 

Sources

  1. Use an Insulated Lunch Bag to Keep Meals Safe, www.usda.gov

Kelly O'Lone    

I am a stay-at-home mom with three little ones, ages 6, 5 and 3. They certainly keep me on my toes for the majority of the day. My favorite way to parent is through humor and making my kids laugh. In my spare time, I enjoy writing about my parenting experiences and finding DIY projects around the house.



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