Our 10 Top Lunch Boxes for Back to School

Getting ready for the start of school means new backpacks, new sneakers, and new lunch boxes. Our lunch box expert tested some of the new seasons best containers for kids who like sandwiches, those who snack, and those who must have a hot lunch.

Bentology Bento Box

The Bentology Bento Box encourages variety at lunch time with an outer tray and five smaller inner containers that fit inside it. The boxes are removable so they can be configured to fit what you are packing for lunch on any given day. Pull one out to include a juice box or remove two for a large sandwich. Several of the boxes have leak-resistant lids that help contain wet or juicy items.

Available in four colors, $12.99, bentology.com

Got a kid who wants hot lunch every day but won’t eat what they serve at school? The OmieBox is the lunch box you’ve been searching for. This large bento box features an integrated thermal jar that allows you to pack hot soup, pasta, casseroles or stews in one part of the lunch box with room temperature items in the other compartments. The insulated jar is wide and shallow which makes it easy to eat the food inside and its lid features a chunky handle so even small kids can open it. The side compartment is designed to hold most drink pouches and boxes so a lunch bag isn’t necessary but the box is small enough that it fits in many bags with no trouble.

Available in five colors, $39.50, omielife.com

The Yumbox Original is a dream come true for kids who don’t eat sandwiches and the parents who have to figure out what to feed them for lunch. The inner tray of the box is divided into five half cup sections, plus a smaller sixth section for a treat or a dip for veggies. Adorable illustrations in each compartment feature fun emoji, astronaut or Paris-themed artwork that prompts lunch-packers to include a variety of types of food. The outer shell seals tightly over each area and prevents leaks from one section to another.

Available in five colors and three tray styles, $28, yumboxlunch.com

Designed with healthy eating in mind, the Rubbermaid Balanced Meal Kit includes an outer box and individual containers that are color-coded, labeled and sized to encourage you to pack the major food groups in the suggested portions. Kids will enjoy matching their favorite foods to the icons on the containers and adults will appreciate the friendly reminders to pack a balanced meal.

Available in three colors, $19.99, rubbermaid.com

Definitely designed with kids in mind, the Rubbermaid LunchBlox line has bright colors and easy-to-open lids that appeal to youngsters and the different sized containers make packing a variety of foods easy for parents. The largest container easily fits a full-sized sandwich and a side dish and the two smaller containers are perfect for a side of veggies and a treat. All three containers snap onto the included ice block to keep food safely chilled and neatly organized in the lunch bag.

Available in two colors, $14.99, rubbermaid.com

ECOlunchbox Splash Box and Pods are a solid, environmentally conscious lunch box choice. The boxes are made from high quality stainless steel and the unique silicone lids provide a leak-proof seal for messy foods. Wide tabs on the side make it easy for little hands to pull the lids off the containers and the flexible silicone stretches slightly to accommodate bulkier items. The Pods nest inside the larger Splash box so they can be used to divide it into two areas, or they can be used separately for sides.

Pods and Splash Box also available separately; $42, ecolunchboxes.com

The Takenaka Expanded Double Bento Box is a traditional Japanese bento box with a modern sensibility. Each set features two stacking trays and a divider with an integrated fork. The beautiful colors, sleek design and generous size of the box would be well-suited for a teen who has outgrown the cuter bento box styles and needs a little more food at lunch time.

Available in 15 colors, $37.99, takenaka-global.com

Russbe Snack and Sandwich bags are stylish and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable plastic food storage bags. Available in 20 adorable designs, each set includes two snack bags and two generously sized sandwich bags. Gusseted bottoms minimize spills and allow for easy packing and cleaning.  The locking seal and reinforced seams offer a secure closure, but the wide tabs at the top allow young kids to tug the bags open without tearing them.

Available in a variety of colors and designs, $7.99, russbe.com

Perfect for mid-morning or pre-sports snack breaks, the Russbe Snack Bento holds up to 18 ounces of treats in two sections. Place fruit or veggies in one box and crackers in the other, then stack them up and lock them tight with the clasps on the lid. We had good luck packing yogurt and hummus with no leaking in the lunch bag.

Available in five colors, $7.99, russbe.com

The LunchBots Classic Trio 2 may be small, but it holds a surprising amount of food. The largest of the three sections easily fits a half a sandwich and the two smaller sections are just the right size for a couple of sides. The compact size and lighter weight of lunch box makes it ideal for younger children and the stainless steel construction holds up well to the being jostled in a backpack.

Available in eight colors or plain stainless steel, $25.99, lunchbots.com