10 Questions You Should to Know about 5-Compartment Lunch Box

A classic bento box: Takenaka Bento Bite Dual

Top pick

This cute, two-tiered bento box is ideal for multi-part lunches, and it comes in a variety of appealing colors. It isn’t leakproof, but we think that’s okay for the types of foods you’re likely to use it for.

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Buying Options

If you find yourself packing thoughtful lunches made of distinct components, and you place equal value on function and style, the Takenaka Bento Bite Dual could be a good lunch box for you.

While the double-decker container is great for carrying a small sandwich and a few snacks, like fruit and chips, its compartmentalized layout inspires a more traditional bento treatment. It’s not fully leakproof, so you’d want to favor drier foods, such as dumplings, rice, or steamed vegetables.

It’s well designed. The bento’s larger top tier fits the bulk of a meal, and a removable divider provides the option for two separate zones. (Since the divider doesn’t seal or suction to the bottom, it’s best for non-liquidy items.) A smaller compartment is nestled underneath, with a silicone lid separating the two. The woven elastic strap that keeps them together performed well in our drop tests: Besides a few nicks, all of the components remained together and intact.

It can fit a hearty meal. We were able to pack a filling lunch of grain salad, dolmas, and sliced cucumber. We also like that the top tier is deep enough to fit a whole plum or a small peach, and either container can be used on its own if you want to pack a smaller meal.

It’s easy on the eyes. The Bite Dual comes in eight colors and features smooth lines that are attractive and convenient (no sharp corners for food to get stuck in). We also tested the Monbento Original Bento Box, which comes in 28 stylish colors and patterns, but we preferred the feel and function of the Bite Dual.

It’s pretty easy to clean. The Bite Dual is top-rack dishwasher safe, except for the thin plastic lid that separates the two tiers. For longevity, we’d also recommend hand-washing the top lid, which has a silicone gasket. You can detach the gasket before dishwashing if you prefer and easily pop it back in afterward. (The PlanetBox Explorer has a similar removable gasket, but it’s trickier to work back into place.)

Tomato sauce didn’t stain the Bite Dual during our testing, though it left a faint reddish tint on the OXO Salad Container and the W&P Porter Bowl.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s not entirely leakproof. A few drops of water escaped during our leak test, and the movable divider doesn’t completely separate the foods. Some dressing from the grain salad made its way to the dolmas in our testing. While that didn’t negatively impact the meal, it may be an issue if you’re separating sweet and savory foods or flavors that don’t mix. If you’re looking for a leakproof bento, you can try the Bentgo MicroSteel Lunch Box

It’s a little involved. For such a sleek, compact container, there are a lot of parts: a large compartment, a smaller compartment, a top lid, a gasket for the lid, a silicone lid with a plastic fork attached, a divider, and a woven elastic band. These felt like a lot to keep track of, especially when unloading the dishwasher in the morning.

If that seems like too much, you may want to try the Bentgo MicroSteel or the W&P Porter Bowl, which have far fewer components. Takenaka does sell replacement parts, so all is not lost if you lose any of them. They do not offer a warranty on their products, though, which is unfortunate for a lunch box that costs around $40.

The fork is flimsy. The Bite Dual comes with a plastic fork attached to the inner plastic lid. Though it works in a pinch, the small tines aren’t strong enough to spear hard foods or scoop up a large bite, so you may want to pack your own eating utensil.

A streamlined stainless steel bento box: Bentgo MicroSteel Lunch Box

Top pick

This stainless steel bento box is streamlined, leakproof, and plastic-free. It has one removable divider and works just as well for a sandwich as it does for heating leftovers.

If you find yourself frequently reheating leftovers for lunch, you may like the Bentgo MicroSteel Lunch Box. (An older version was a previous pick, but it wasn’t microwave-safe.) It’s also attractive and is easy to clean.

It’s microwave-safe and plastic free. This metal bento is microwave-safe for up to 10 minutes. We used it to reheat spaghetti Bolognese without incident. According to Bentgo, the low levels of copper and silicone in the material, combined with the container’s rounded edges, prevent the stainless steel from sparking. It also gets bonus points for being plastic-free.

It’s a good size. With the silicone divider, the Bentgo MicroSteel can fit a full meal consisting of two components, like pasta and a salad, or a large sandwich plus a side. You can forgo the divider and fill the single compartment—we liked it for rice and beans.

Despite being able to fit a big lunch, it’s compact enough to fit in all of the insulated fabric bags we recommend, which is helpful when you don’t have access to refrigeration. And if you’re trying to avoid plastic, you’ll find that most glass food storage containers are quite heavy, whereas the Bentgo MicroSteel weighs a relatively light 18 ounces.

It’s leakproof. The Bentgo MicroSteel aced our leak tests, and the divider did a great job keeping separated foods, like a sandwich and cut fruit, from mingling. It was the only stainless steel model we tested that performed this well.

It’s pretty durable. When we dropped the Bentgo MicroSteel onto asphalt, the lid dented, but we were still able to close it properly. It also didn’t show any stains from our tomato sauce test. The Bentgo MicroSteel is also covered for two years under Bentgo’s warranty. But at around $30, it costs significantly more than basic food storage containers.

It has style. With five metallic colors to choose from and pleasing rounded corners that make it easy to scoop out every bite, the Bentgo MicroSteel is decidedly more elevated than an average food storage container.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It may peel. According to Amazon reviews and long-term testers from Wirecutter, the exterior coating on the colored versions of the MicroSteel starts to peel over time. If that concerns you, you can opt for the plain stainless steel color.

It requires some hand-washing. Bentgo says that the container itself is top-rack dishwasher safe, while the silicone divider and the lid (which has a silicone seal) must be washed by hand. However, repeated dishwasher use may contribute to the problem of the peeling coating, so you might be better off hand-washing the whole thing.

A roomy salad bowl: Bentgo All-in-One Salad Container

Top pick

This multi-component container makes it easy to pack greens, toppings, and dressing separately, ready to be mixed at lunchtime. It’s bulky, but it fits in all of our insulated bag picks.

The Bentgo All-In-One Salad Container might be niche, but if you’re a salad-as-a-main-course person, you can’t beat its convenience and organization. It could work for other meals, too, but its layout creates the perfect conditions for a fresh, crisp salad, even if it’s packed hours before. The bowl is pleasant to eat from, and it comes in eight appealing color choices.

It has thoughtful, tidy compartments. The Bentgo All-In-One Salad Container has an ample main compartment, a leakproof dressing container, and a divided tray that nestles into the larger bowl. Together, they’re ideally suited for a generous serving of greens, dressing, and mix-ins that should stay separate until it’s time to eat. A chicken caesar worked perfectly in this setup: romaine in the bowl; croutons, parmesan, and chicken in their own nooks in the tray; and dressing in the container.

When it was time to eat, we combined the ingredients in the main compartment, popped the lid back on, and gave it a shake. (The only downside to this method is that the tray needs to be in place for the lid to close, so it will get covered in dressing.)

It’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe. If you end up packing leftovers in the Bentgo All-In-One Salad Container, it’s easy to reheat them, and the bowl can go straight from the microwave to your desk.

Unlike the Bentgo MicroSteel or the Takenaka Bento Bite Dual, it’s fully dishwasher-safe, and a cycle removed all traces of tomato during our stain tests. But its many components take up a lot of space in the top rack. If you prefer a more streamlined lunch container, you might like the W&P Porter Bowl.

It’s affordable. At around $15, the Bentgo All-In-One Salad Container is the cheapest of our picks, and Bentgo offers a two-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It has some superfluous parts. The Bentgo All-In-One Salad Container comes with a small plastic fork that fits in the top lid, but we found it too small and preferred to use our own fork. And the clear plastic lid that fits over the fork often falls off and seems destined for the landfill.

It’s prone to breakage. Though most of the online reviews are positive, several mentioned that the clasps on the lid break easily and, unlike Takenaka, Bentgo doesn’t offer replacement parts.

When we dropped the Bentgo All-In-One Salad Container from waist height onto asphalt, nothing broke, but every component came apart, which would have resulted in a sad spilled lunch if it were full of food.

It’s not leakproof. Water flowed freely from the main bowl and the tray during our leak test. While we found the small dressing container to be leakproof, some online reviews say otherwise.

A streamlined and compact lunch bowl: W&P Porter Bowl

Top pick

This lightweight lunch bowl strikes a balance between aesthetics and practicality. Its single compartment makes it best suited for pre-mixed, ready-to-go lunches, like grain salads or pasta.

Buying Options

We like the W&P Porter Bowl as an elevated alternative to a basic food storage container. It’s a pleasure to eat out of and a cinch to wash—but tomato sauce stained the one we tested, which happened to be white.

It’s modern and minimalist. The Porter bowl would be at home in a trendy restaurant, with its clean lines and svelte shape. It comes in six subdued colors, and is constructed with matte plastic and silicone that is both elegant and practical (the bowl doesn’t slide around on the counter). A gasketed lid is held in place by a flexible but sturdy silicone strap

It’s durable. Wirecutter editors have been using the Porter bowl for years and have reported very little wear. According to them, neither the silicone strap nor the removable gasket have stretched out over time, and the bowl and lid have remained perfectly intact, with just a few scratch marks from repeated use.

When we dropped the Porter bowl from waist height onto asphalt, the bowl suffered only a few tiny nicks, and the silicone strap held the lid in place. It’s also microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It stains easily. When we smeared tomato sauce on the Porter bowl and let it sit overnight, it retained a faint but undeniable reddish hue after washing. To be fair, the bowl we tested was white. Buying a darker bowl might help.

It is not fully leakproof. During our leak testing, some water escaped the silicone seal, and when we opened the gasketed lid, drops sprayed as the suction released. But a well dressed grain salad did not leak, and we don’t recommend packing soup or brothy foods in this bowl, anyway. For added protection the Porter bowl fits nicely in all of our insulated bag picks (we like it with the Baggu for added chic factor).

It has only one compartment. The Porter lacks the divided sections of many of our other picks, which may be a plus, depending on your needs. For all-in-one meals, the Porter is perfect. But if you want to keep elements of a dish separate before eating, you may prefer the Bentgo All-In-One Salad Container.

A classic insulated bag: L.L.Bean Expandable Lunch Box

Top pick

This roomy, soft-sided insulated lunch box is made of rugged materials and features an expandable zipper system that offers extra depth and versatility.

The L.L.Bean Expandable Lunch Box has been one of our picks since , and there are plenty of reasons why. It can fit a hearty lunch, plus drinks and ice packs, and does a great job keeping food cold. Because it’s adjustable, it feels like you get two lunch boxes for the price of one: Keep it zipped up and compact for a bike commute, or unzip and expand it to fit more food.

It has two size options. In compact, fully zipped mode, the L.L.Bean Expandable Lunch Box can fit a slim ice pack and a generous lunch. When it’s fully expanded, you can add a few drinks, more ice packs, and a snack or two. It can accommodate all of the bento boxes and lunch bowls we recommend.

You can also fit up to eight soda cans in it—so it works well as a mini cooler on the weekends. An interior mesh compartment fits an ice pack, while an exterior one is convenient for utensils, napkins, or slim snacks like jerky or granola bars.

It’s durable and easy to clean. The hard-wearing nylon exterior that L.L.Bean uses for its lunch boxes is the same weatherproof material they use for their durable backpacks. Wirecutter editors reported that their kids have used both this lunch box and the original L.L.Bean lunch box, which we recommend in our guide to kids lunch boxes, with little signs of wear. If they can survive a school cafeteria or a summer camp mess hall, they can definitely handle an office or a jobsite. L.L.Bean also offers a one-year satisfaction guarantee.

The streamlined, single compartment is easier to clean and air dry than models with lots of crevices, like the OXO Insulated Lunch Tote, but tomato sauce left a stain on the white nylon lining.

It insulates well. The L.L.Bean Expandable Lunch Box kept yogurt packed with freezer blocks cool for 4.5 hours. (Though the interior mesh pocket can fit a cooling element, it’s probably more effective placed underneath the food.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It stains easily. Tomato sauce left a noticeable stain on the L.L.Bean Expandable Lunch Box’s white interior. The lining can be challenging to keep spotless.

It can be cumbersome. We wish this insulated bag had a shoulder strap, like the Carhartt 12-Can Two Compartment Lunch Cooler—when it’s fully expanded and loaded with food or drinks, it’s heavy and the handle feels awkward.

A splashy, stylish option: The Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag

Top pick

This uncomplicated lunch bag comes in six charming prints and does a great job keeping food cool. Its soft, flexible sides help it fit in most backpacks, but it may not protect your lunch from getting squashed.

If design and aesthetics are at the top of your priority list, you can’t do much better than the Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag, with its orchid, orange tree, and strawberry prints (among others). It also feels sturdy and well made, and it did well in our insulation tests. But the lack of pockets may feel limiting to some.

It’s super chic. Baggu is known for its reusable shopping bags, which are offered in a rotating cast of delightful prints, and they give the same treatment to their insulated bags. The patterns brought us more joy than any other bag or container we tested, none of which could compare with Baggu’s sunny aesthetic.

Its single compartment is the ideal size. The Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag can accommodate most of the bento boxes and lunch bowls we tested, as well as a sizable lunch composed of a sandwich, yogurt, chips, an apple, a cheese stick, and a granola bar, plus an ice pack. But its single compartment and lack of pockets may be inconvenient if you like to keep things separated. The L.L.Bean Expandable Lunch Box has zippered and velcroed pockets that could work better for you.

It keeps food cold. In our insulation tests, we found that the Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag did a better job keeping yogurt cool than most of the lunch boxes we tested. After 4.5 hours in the Baggu bag with ice packs, a cup of yogurt was 42 degrees, which is pretty close to fridge temperature.

It’s easy to clean. The shiny silver polyester interior is impermeable and water repellent. It was the only insulated lunch box we tested that wasn’t stained by tomato sauce, and the single compartment is easy to wipe down and air-dry.

It’s flexible and travels well. Because of its soft sides, the Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag was easy to stuff into a larger backpack or commuter bag. One of our testers said he liked to press the extra air out of the bag, almost suctioning it around the food. But more delicate food is at risk of being squashed. The Coleman 9-Can Cooler has a plastic insert that offers more protection, but its rigid shape makes it harder to fit into backpacks or totes.

Baggu offers a one-year limited warranty on all of its products.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It doesn’t have a shoulder strap. The Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag can fit six cans plus an ice pack, so it can do double duty as a small beach cooler, but you might find yourself wishing for a shoulder strap when it’s carrying extra weight. Both the OXO Insulated Tote and the Carhartt Insulated 12 Can Lunch Cooler feature shoulder straps (and can fit twice as many cans).

An extra-large bag: Carhartt Insulated 12 Can Two Compartment Lunch Cooler

Top pick

Some smaller coolers make great lunch boxes. We think the Carhartt lunch box also makes a great cooler. But it’s the biggest of our picks and may feel unwieldy to some.

Buying Options

If you need reliable insulation and lots of space for lunch, snacks, drinks, and ice packs, the Carhartt Insulated 12-Can Two Compartment Lunch Cooler could be a great choice. It’s well-built, with durable fabric and high-quality hardware, and a tough layer of mesh that separates the two compartments. Its heft means it can hold food for more than one person, but it likely won’t fit in a backpack or larger bag.

It’s extra roomy. At what size does a lunchbox become a cooler? One of Wirecutter’s cooler picks, the RTIC Soft Cooler 20 Can, is recommended as a great option for a lunch box. Inversely, we think the Carhartt Lunch Cooler works just as well as, well, a cooler.

We packed it with a hearty sandwich, drinks, ice packs, and multiple snacks, with room to spare. All of the bento boxes and bowls we recommend fit into it, too, with extra space for drinks, snacks, and ice packs. And, of course, it can fit 12 cans. Though when it was fully loaded, we wished the shoulder strap was padded and adjustable, which would have made it more comfortable to carry for long distances.

It’s heavy-duty and easy to clean. This lunch box is highly rated on Amazon, and many of the reviews mention its durability. The exterior fabric looks like Carhartt’s signature duck canvas, but it’s actually water-repellent polyester (there are five colors to choose from—we liked the classic Carhartt brown.) The plastic interior lining is fairly taut and easy to wipe down, but tomato sauce left a faint stain.

It’s effectively designed. The two compartments are separated by a tough layer of mesh, so an ice pack in either compartment will cool the whole lunch box (though the USDA recommends using two ice packs). Fragile foods like fruit or chips can be stored separately from ice packs or tupperware, whereas the Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag’s single compartment offers little protection. It’s easy to access drinks or snacks from the top compartment of the Carhartt Lunch Cooler.

It’s well insulated. It performed well in our insulation tests, and we like that there’s plenty of space to accommodate extra ice packs. It would be harder to fit multiple ice packs in the L.L.Bean Expandable Lunch Box or the Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag, each of which has more limited capacity.

Carhartt doesn’t have a warranty policy, but the company’s website suggests that defective or damaged products might be replaced or refunded through credit.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s bulky, with soft sides. The Carhartt Lunch Cooler is too big to fit into most backpacks, so if you commute by bike, foot, or subway, it may not be the best fit for you. And with soft sides, it doesn’t protect squashable food as well as other lunch boxes. If firm sides are important to you, the Coleman 9-Can Cooler has a removable rigid plastic insert, but we found its layout less convenient than the Carhartt Cooler’s.

A comfortable and versatile tote: OXO Prep and Go Insulated Lunch Tote

Top pick

This generously sized insulated lunch bag has two parallel shoulder straps that make it convenient to carry. It zips closed and can hold a lot of food, but it’s difficult to clean and dry.

Many of us are used to slinging multiple bags over our shoulders all day, every day, and we think the OXO Prep and Go Insulated Lunch Tote integrates well with diaper bags, grocery bags, messenger bags, and the like. Though it’s more difficult to clean out than other insulated bags we tested, we found ourselves reaching for it frequently for real-life use.

It’s extra spacious. You need to layer things carefully in its single compartment, with the heaviest foods on the bottom, and the lightest, most fragile foods on the top. But it can easily fit a generous lunch, several ice packs, multiple drinks, and snacks. It can also fit up to 12 cans, and while the shoulder straps aren’t padded, we still found them comfortable, even with a heavy load.

It’s versatile. The zippered top can be expanded if you need even more room, and the exterior pockets that encircle the bottom half of the bag are handy for packing napkins or utensils. But unlike the Carhartt Lunch Cooler or the L.L.Bean Expandable Lunch Box, the exterior pockets use velcro instead of zippers, so tucked away items are slightly less secure.

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It keeps food cold. With a single ice pack, the OXO Lunch Tote kept yogurt at 41 degrees after 4.5 hours, which was the lowest number we measured during our insulation testing.

It’s convenient to carry. While the OXO Lunch Tote is too big to fit into most backpacks or commuter bags, its dual straps make it comfortable to wear, either over the shoulder or in the crook of an arm. It also works as a handheld bag. It feels more stylish and streamlined than the Carhartt 12-Can Insulated Lunch Cooler, but we wish it came in more than one color (navy blue).

It’s simple but well built. The wide base makes it possible to fit large bento boxes or food storage containers, and the non-skid fabric on the bottom keeps it secure while you’re packing it up. There’s also a helpful pull tab on the zipper.

This bag is covered by OXO’s limited lifetime warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s a challenge to clean and dry. The nature of a zip-top tote bag means you have to pry the bag open to access the interior, and the lining is loose and wrinkly, which makes it hard to wipe. We ended up hosing it down in the kitchen sink and propping it open with a wooden spoon to ensure that it dried properly.

Bentos and bowls

PlanetBox makes some of our favorite kids lunch boxes, but we didn’t love the Explorer, their adult model. The leakproof lid relies on a silicone seal that comes loose easily and is hard to fit back in.

Slightly smaller than our pick, the Takenaka Bento Snack Dual is best for snacky meals and can’t fit a sandwich. The Takenaka Bento Flat Dual is the plant-based version of our pick. It is essentially the same, but it shattered in our drop tests. You can also purchase the single-tiered version of our pick, the Takenaka Bento Bite, for smaller amounts of food, but we prefer the Bento Bite Dual for its versatility. The Takenaka Bento Bowl is cute, but the locking tabs broke in our drop tests.

The W&P Ceramic Porter Bowl is as nice-looking as the plastic option, but it’s heavy, and it shattered (duh) during our drop tests.

Monbento’s MB Square comes in several appealing patterns and fits a huge amount of food, but the plastic feels cheap, and part of the lid broke off during our drop test. The MB Original is made of the same plastic, which showed unappealing fingerprints after we packed it with food.

The OXO Prep and Go Salad Container was the same affordable price as the Bentgo All-In-One Salad Container when we tested it, but it felt cheaper, stained easily, and broke during our drop tests. Similarly, the OXO 4.1 Cup Divided Container felt cheaper than other bento boxes we tested.

The shallow, one-tier, stainless steel Onyx Divided Airtight Storage Container feels basic for the price, and the compartments didn’t do a great job separating foods.

Wet or messy foods seeped from section to section in the PackIt Mod Lunch Bento Food Storage Container—despite its three dividers.

The basic, stainless steel EcoLunchbox 3-in-1 Classic has a separate container for dressings or dips and multiple tiers to stack foods. We wished it had a gasket or lining on the lid to prevent major leaks.

Insulated bags

The Bentgo Deluxe Lunch Bag has dual compartments, like the Carhartt Insulated 12-Can Lunch Cooler, but it showed stains easily. It’s smaller, which could be appealing to some commuters.

The Built Prime Lunch Bag, a previous pick, also has two compartments, but we didn’t like the insulated velcro divider that separated them. We also found it unintuitive to pack.

The L.L.Bean Flip Top Lunch Box is as durable and well made as the L.L.Bean Expandable Lunch Box, but it was harder to fit into a backpack or commuter bag, despite holding the same amount of food or cans.

Though we loved the design features on the Hydro Flask 8 L Lunch Tote, this bag was the hardest to fill and clean of any we tested. The Hydro Flask 5 L Insulated Lunch Bag, a former pick, didn’t perform well in our insulation testing, and it couldn’t easily fit most of our bento box and bowl picks.

We tested Yeti’s Daytrip Lunch Box and Packable Lunch Bag, but at $80 each, we expected better performance during our insulation testing. And we found them awkward to carry around.

The Baggu Lunch Box is just as cute as the company’s Puffy Lunch Bag, but we found its size to be better suited for a kid’s lunch.

The PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box is bulky, heavy, and hard to fill. And it takes up valuable freezer space compared with a stackable, thin ice pack.

The Fulton Bag Co. Upright Lunch Bag is most similar to the L.L.Bean lunch box in size and features. But the liner on the Fulton bag ripped when we tried to clean it with a sponge, so we dismissed it.

This article was edited by Gabriella Gershenson and Marguerite Preston.

Packing a nutritious and yummy lunch for your child can sometimes feel like a puzzle, right? You want their meals to be fresh, tasty, and easy to grab. That’s where a great lunch box comes in handy! A high-quality lunch box can keep their food insulated, leak-proof, and nicely organized.

With so many options out there, finding the perfect lunch box can be a bit tricky. But don’t worry; we’ve put together a list of the 10 best kid’s lunch boxes that are both practical and stylish! 

In this guide, we’ll talk about the key features to look for in a fantastic lunch box, like good insulation, leak-proof compartments, and easy-to-clean materials. We’ll also share what makes each of our top picks special so you can choose the best fit according to your child’s likes and needs.

So, whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, let us help you explore the best lunch boxes to keep your little one happy and ready for a great day!

Best Kid’s Lunch Boxes Comparison Table 

1. Kirby - Cute Kirby Lunch Box

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

If your kid is a foodie and a video game lover at the same time, we are sure you’re aware of Kirby. It is one of the best-selling Nintendo games, with 39 games and over 40 million units sold. If your little one is excited to gobble up their lunch just like everyone’s favorite pink puffball, then say hello to the Kirby Lunch Box, one of the best insulated lunch box for kids​!

It's the perfect partner for their lunchtime fun, as this officially licensed lunch box is packed with Kirby charm. It features a vibrant design of the lovable pink puffball and is sure to spark your child's imagination and make eating fun.

Why We Like It

The Kirby Lunch Box features several key attributes that make it both practical and adorable. Designed to resemble Kirby, the beloved video game character, it showcases his round face, ears, pink background, and little red shoes. Its spacious design is perfect for packing a variety of meals and snacks, just like how Kirby inhales everything around him. The lunch box is insulated to keep food at the perfect temperature, whether it’s a hearty sandwich or a refreshing fruit salad. Made from easy-to-clean polyester, it’s simple to maintain, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away any mess. Additionally, the lunch box is lightweight and portable, making it the ideal size for kids of all ages to carry.

2. Disney: Lilo & Stitch - Decorative 3D Insulated Lunch Box

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Another favorite cartoon character among kids and adults alike is Stitch, from the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch. Stitch was originally supposed to be a grumpy intergalactic alien but was changed into the cuddly and lovable character we all adore! And that’s why Bioworld decided to use his cute face and turn him into the Disney: Lilo & Stitch - Decorative 3D Insulated Lunch Box!

This lunch box is one of the best insulated kids lunch box​ because it's not a basic-shaped container; instead, it is shaped like Stitch! It has all the details that make it stand out, including cute pointy velvet ears, large oval-shaped eyes, and a small rounded nose. But that’s not all! While most character-themed lunch boxes have just one compartment, the Lilo & Stitch 3D Insulated Lunch Box has 3 compartments: 1 large one, a small one to keep extra goodies, and a mesh pocket at the back.

Why We Like It

The Lilo & Stitch lunch box boasts several standout features that make it both fun and functional. The 3D Stitch ears add a playful and cuddly touch, making it instantly recognizable and loved by fans. It comes with built-in insulation to keep your child's food at the perfect temperature throughout the day. Made from durable polyester, this lunch box can withstand everyday wear and tear. It also offers plenty of storage with three compartments for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, along with a second compartment for additional snacks and a mesh pocket on the backside for bottles and cutlery. Plus, the easy-to-clean polyester material ensures maintaining the lunch box is a breeze.

3. Minecraft - Diamond Pickaxe Insulated Lunch Box

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Next up on our list of the best kids insulated lunch box​ is the Minecraft - Diamond Pickaxe Insulated Lunch Box. If you have tweens and teens, we are sure they are uber Minecraft fans! And why shouldn’t they be? It's one of the most played games, with more than 173.29 million active players as of September . And for all Minecraft players, a lunch box emblazoned with the iconic Minecraft pickaxe is one of the best gifts ever!

This thermally insulated lunch box has 2 zipped compartments and 1 mesh pocket, which means that you can easily organize your kid’s lunch. You can keep the hot or cold items in the insulated part and cutlery, bottles, and other items in the regular compartments. How convenient is that?

Why We Like It

The Minecraft - Diamond Pickaxe Insulated Lunch Box features several key elements that make it both functional and fun. Designed with a pixelated diamond pickaxe, it’s perfect for any Minecraft fan. The lunch box has a thermal insulated interior, ensuring that food and drinks stay hot or cold, providing a fresh meal for kids. Made from durable polyester, it’s ideal for everyday use and can withstand wear and tear. With three compartments, it offers ample space to store a variety of food items, including fruits, snacks, drinks, and yogurt. Additionally, cleaning the lunch box is easy, as it can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

4. Harry Potter - Hogwarts Express Trunk Lunch Box

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Calling all young witches and wizards! Get ready for a magical lunchtime adventure with the Harry Potter - Hogwarts Express Trunk Lunch Box! It's one of the best thermal lunch box for kids​, which is officially licensed and shaped like a cute little trunk. Your kids will definitely feel like The Chosen One as they walk into class with this trunk-shaped lunch box, complete with the Hogwarts logo and the Hogwarts Express tag with Platform 9 ¾ in bold text. Combine it with the thrill of opening this lunch box and discovering a treasure trove of tasty treats.

The Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Trunk Lunch Box is truly a magical way to start the day!

Why We Like It

The Harry Potter - Hogwarts Express Trunk Lunch Box offers several enchanting features that make it both magical and practical. Shaped like a miniature Hogwarts Express trunk, it adds a charming touch of wizarding world magic. The lunch box includes an insulated interior to keep food and drinks at the perfect temperature. Although it has just one compartment, it's spacious enough to hold snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. Made of sturdy faux leather, it’s durable enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of school life. Additionally, cleaning the lunch box is easy—just wipe it with a damp cloth, and it’s as good as new.

5. SpongeBob SquarePants - The Krusty Krab Lunch Box

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Calling all fry cooks and Krabby Patty enthusiasts! First up on our list of the best lunch boxes for kids is none other than the SpongeBob SquarePants - The Krusty Krab Lunch Box. 

If your child is a die-hard SpongeBob SquarePants fan, who loves Krabby Patties and everything that has to do with it, then look no further than the Krusty Krab Lunch Box by Bioworld! This officially licensed lunch box brings the underwater world of SpongeBob to your child's lunch routine, making their lunchtime a fun and exciting adventure. What’s more? It is shaped like the Krusty Krab, complete with doors, windows, banners, and the iconic Krusty Krab sign right outside.

It comes with a zipper on the side, so you can conveniently place your kid’s lunch inside. And with a length of 11 inches, it is spacious enough to place meals, boxes, and bottles easily without running out of space.

Why We Like It

The SpongeBob SquarePants Krusty Krab lunch box stands out with several unique features. Shaped like the iconic Krusty Krab, this lunch box is a miniature replica of the beloved fast-food joint, making it a fun and creative way for kids to carry their meals. It’s also insulated to keep lunches at the perfect temperature, ensuring Krabby Patties stay hot or cold throughout the day. For easy access, the lunch box includes a convenient side zipper. Additionally, it’s constructed from tough PU material, making it durable enough to withstand the rough handling that comes with daily school life.

6. Harry Potter - Hogwarts Houses Lunch Box

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Continuing with the best kids' lunch boxes​ in the Harry Potter theme, we have the Harry Potter - Hogwarts Houses Lunch Box. If your kid is a Harry Potter fan and would like something with a bit more color, this Hogwarts Houses Lunch Box is the perfect pick. Why? Because it has the logos of all 4 houses, complete with their respective colors and house emblems. 

Moreover, it is insulated, which means the lunch will stay warm, and it also has a small clear window on the left side to place a name label or school ID. In short, the Harry Potter - Hogwarts Houses Lunch Box is the ideal lunch box, fit for a Potterhead! 

Why We Like It

The Harry Potter - Hogwarts Houses Lunch Box boasts several standout features that make it both stylish and practical. It features the iconic crests of each Hogwarts house—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—along with the main Hogwarts logo on the back, complete with the Latin motto “Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus.” The lunch box also has a thermal insulated compartment, ensuring food stays warm and beverages remain cold. While it has a single compartment, it offers ample space to hold multiple lunch items. Made from high-quality polyester, it’s built for daily use and won’t easily wear out. Additionally, the easy-to-clean interior can be wiped with a damp cloth, eliminating the need for scrubbing.

7. Sonic the Hedgehog - Classic Sonic Head Lunch Box

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Are you looking to add some fun to lunchtime? Then check out the Sonic the Hedgehog - Classic Sonic Head Lunch Box, the best insulated lunch box for kids. Perfect for fans of Sonic, aka the speedy blue blur, this lunch box is designed to look just like Sonic’s iconic head, complete with his playful quills, pointy ears, and that oh-so-determined expression. With a cozy, insulated interior, your child’s food will stay fresh and tasty all day long. 

Whether you are packing a yummy chicken sandwich or a colorful fruit salad, this lunch box is sure to make mealtime fun for kids of all ages!

Why We Like It

The Sonic the Hedgehog - Classic Sonic Head Lunch Box features several unique and practical attributes. Designed to resemble Sonic’s head, its eye-catching shape makes it stand out from other lunch boxes. Equipped with built-in thermal insulation, it helps maintain the temperature of food and beverages. Despite having a single compartment, it offers ample storage space for various lunch items. Made from sturdy synthetic leather, the lunch box is constructed to withstand daily use and wear. Additionally, its wipeable leather surface makes cleaning easy and hassle-free.

8. My Hero Academia - Izuku Midoriya Lunch Box

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

If you think that the Sonic head lunch box was amazing, you’ll be thrilled to learn about My Hero Academia - Izuku Midoriya Lunch Box! It's another round lunch box featuring Izuko Midoriya, aka Deku, the main character from My Hero Academia. 

It's one of the best children’s lunch box​ because of its standout design consisting of Izuko and his signature green spiky, messy, and untamed hair. The hair is sticking out from the top of the lunch box, giving it a 3D look. 

The lunch box has a zipper to lock everything in, which, when combined with its built-in insulation, keeps your child’s lunch warm and fresh for hours. It's a colorful and vibrant lunch box that is a great choice for fans of My Hero Academia.

Why We Like It

The My Hero Academia - Izuku Midoriya Lunch Box offers several standout features that make it a must-have for fans. Its die-cut design is shaped like Deku’s iconic green uniform and spiked hair with green highlights, making it instantly recognizable. The lunch box includes an insulated compartment to keep food fresh for hours. It also has an easy-access zipper that opens and closes smoothly, allowing for quick access to lunch. Made from high-quality faux leather, it’s durable enough to withstand the bumps and bruises of everyday school life. Additionally, its easy-clean material ensures that any spills or messes can be wiped away effortlessly.

9. My Hero Academia - All Might Lunch Box

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

While there are many fans of My Hero Academia, not all want an Izuko-themed lunch box. Therefore, for kids who watch the series but are more interested in All Might, aka Toshinori Yagi, we have the My Hero Academia - All Might Lunch Box, one of the best lunch box for kindergarten​ and above.

Even if you have a teen on your hands, this would make the best lunch box for teens because who doesn’t love anime? The design features All Might right on the front, showcasing him in his iconic hero costume with his arms proudly flexed out to the sides, radiating confidence and strength. You can’t miss his bright, cheerful smile and those signature blonde "antennae" in his hair! 

Furthermore, the All Might design has his name and a “Symbol of Peace” text around it, written in English and Japanese. This lunch box has a fun trapezoidal shape that looks a bit like a bucket! It is designed with a narrow base that widens at the top, giving it a sturdy feel and plenty of room inside for all your lunch goodies. 

Plus, it has a handy zippered closure to keep everything secure. Also included is one strap that makes it super easy to carry around, making lunchtime a breeze.

Why We Like It

The My Hero Academia - All Might Lunch Box boasts several key features that make it both functional and stylish. Its unique bucket-type design showcases a vibrant image of All Might, making it a must-have for any fan. The lunch box has an insulated interior, ensuring that food and drinks stay at the right temperature, keeping meals fresh and delicious even after several hours. With a spacious compartment, it offers plenty of room for a variety of food items. Made from high-grade polyester, it's built to withstand daily use and is highly durable. Additionally, the lunch box features a convenient strap holder, making it easy for kids, even kindergartners, to carry around with ease.

10. Marvel Comics - Retro Superheroes Metal Lunch Box

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

And finally, we have saved the best for last! If you’re looking for the best metal lunch box for kids, we have just the thing for you: The Marvel Comics - Retro Superheroes Lunch Box. This is one of the sturdiest and durable lunch boxes because it is made of metal. It features classic artwork of all your favorite heroes. The front panel showcases a bright and exciting line-up of Marvel characters, combining both beloved classic styles and fresh modern looks. 

In the center of the group, you can see the characters with fiery effects, like the Human Torch engulfed in bright flames and Ghost Rider with his flaming motorcycle. Surrounding these 2 characters are other Marvel heroes, including Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Woman, and She-Hulk, to name a few. 

So, pack your kid’s lunch in this vibrant metal lunch box and make their lunchtime adventures extra special and anything but ordinary!

Why We Like It

The Marvel Comics - Retro Superheroes Lunch Box is designed with several standout features that make it both practical and eye-catching. Made of metal, it offers durability and sturdiness, making it a great option for Marvel fans. The lunch box has a kid-friendly rectangular shape with rounded edges, ensuring safety by preventing scratches. For easy carrying, it includes a metal handle and a secure latch that ensures the lid stays tightly closed. The vibrant artwork features a colorful lineup of some of the most iconic Marvel characters, while the fun color scheme of bright reds, oranges, greens, and shiny metallic hues captures the exciting spirit of the Marvel Universe. The simple, light-colored background allows the vibrant characters to stand out even more.

Buying Guide for the Best Kid’s Lunch Box 

When you go to buy a lunch box for your kids, choosing the perfect one can be a bit of a hassle as there are tons of options to choose from. Therefore, to help you make an informed decision and get the best lunch box for kids, here are some factors to consider:

1. Insulation

When picking a lunch box, choose one with good insulation to keep your kid’s food hot or cold for a long time. Look for lunch boxes made with strong insulation materials, like polyurethane foam, to help maintain the right temperature.

2. Leak-Proof Design

When you choose a lunch box, make sure to pick one with strong seals to keep spills and leaks at bay. Also, look for lunch boxes with separate compartments to keep wet and dry foods apart. Because, to be honest, nobody likes a soggy sandwich!

3. Durability

When it comes to the lunch box material, go for something strong, like stainless steel or high-quality polyester. These options can handle daily use and occasional drops. 

4. Size and Weight

When picking a lunch box for your child, choose a size that fits their age and how much they usually eat. Also, make sure it’s lightweight so they can carry it easily.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning a lunch box can be quite a hassle sometimes. Look for lunch boxes with removable parts that are easier to clean and safe to use in the dishwasher. Plus, choose materials that resist stains and odors and can be wiped clean easily. This way, the lunch box will stay in good shape over time.

6. Additional Features

While most lunch boxes have all the basic features, you can also consider getting one with built-in ice pack compartments to keep food extra cold. Look for side pockets to store utensils, snacks, or drinks. 

And lastly, choose a design that your child will love to take to school!

By keeping these factors in mind, you can select the best lunch box containers for kids​ that will keep their food fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts on the Best Kid’s Lunch Boxes

Whether you have a kindergartner or a high schooler, getting a lunch box with their favorite cartoon or video game character is very important. With so many different kinds of lunch box designs out there, choosing one can be quite a hassle. 

Therefore, to make things easier, we have hand-picked 10 of the best kid’s lunch box designs for you. From Harry Potter to Anime and Marvel, we have covered all the famous character-themed lunch boxes for your kids. 

For more information, please visit Custom Burger Boxes.