Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Lunch Boxes and Food Prep Containers

If you're prone to buying your lunch at work, you know that a quick salad or panini can quickly add up financially day after day. Save money, reduce waste, and make something even more delicious (and healthier) at home and bring it to the office in one of these sustainable, reusable lunch boxes. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors, these lunch boxes will make preparing and eating your midday meal something you genuinely look forward to.

We found lunch boxes suited for everyone, no matter their age or what they like to eat. Kids will love the colorful, graphic design of one option we found. The lunch box features five containers for snacks, a small salad, fruit, and/or pasta. Illustrations on the inside are eye-catching and read phrases like "taste," "eat well," and "bon appètit." If you're looking for a box that's a bit more compact with just as many fun colors to choose from, know that we have an idea for you, too. We found a pick that comes in multiple sizes and includes two compartments to keep food separate. 

Lunch boxes can be grown up, too. One of the most aesthetically appealing designs we found is made from either plastic or ceramic (the plastic model is significantly lighter in weight), and it features a bowl that is the perfect vessel for transporting salads, grain bowls, and leftover stir-fry from home to office.

Some of these containers also double as storage containers when you're meal prepping. Store a batch of chili, soup, or marinara sauce in each to have on hand whenever you need (they're freezer-safe, too!).

Save money and bring something delicious to work every day with these stylish and sustainable lunch containers.

Available in a variety of eye-catching, candy-colored hues, all of your colleagues will ask where you got this bento box. Made in Japan from durable plastic, this option is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Shop Now: Takenaka Bento Box, $38, williams-sonoma.com.

Lightweight and large enough to carry a hearty salad or grain bowl, The Porter Bowl is perfect for city commuters who don't want to be weighed down by a heavy lunch container. With 10 different colors available, you may not be able to choose just one.

Shop Now: The Porter Bowl, in Plastic, $25, crateandbarrel.com.

In addition to using it to transport lunch to and from work, we also love the idea of reaching for this lunch box for meal prep and leftovers. It's significantly heavier than the other options we tested, so it's best for food storage or driving commuters.

Shop Now: Bentgo Leakproof Lunch Box, $19.99, crateandbarrel.com.

Though they're lighter than other glass options we tested, these snap and seal containers are just as suitable for meal prep as they are for bringing lunch, snacks, and more to work. We love that this full set of containers offers a variety of different sizes and shapes for all of your needs.

Shop Now: OXO Snap 30-Piece Glass/Plastic Storage Set, $99.99, crateandbarrel.com.

If you're looking to cut down on plastic bags for transporting sandwiches and snacks, stock up on these eco-friendly bags. The reusable silicone material is sturdy and features a tight seal; after using, just quickly wash them (by hand or in the dishwasher) and fill them back up with cookies, carrots, and more.

Shop Now: Stasher Reusable Sandwich Bag, $11.95, williams-sonoma.com.

While many of Yumbox's bento boxes are geared towards kids, they have larger sizes that are perfect for adults, too. The interior design features fun graphics and engaging phrases like "bon appetit" and "local food." With individual compartments, these boxes are perfect for packing foods that you don't want to touch, like blue cheese crumbles and chocolate chip cookies.

Shop Now: Yumbox Panino Bento Lunch Box, $29.99, amazon.com.

Heavier than the plastic version but with the same appealing aesthetic and attractive colors, this ceramic version of The Porter Bowl is great for commuters who are driving to work and want something super sturdy.

Shop Now: The Porter Bowl, in Ceramic, $40, crateandbarrel.com.

Here's a shiny new toy to try. This lunch box features a stainless steel base, wooden cover, and silicone band to keep everything locked in tight.

Shop Now: Black & Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box, $30, bespokepost.com.

The three-in-one design of this sustainable, durable stainless steel lunchbox is ideal for packing a snack, lunch, and dessert without the hassle of using extra containers or bags. The ECO lunch box is dishwasher, but not microwave, safe and is free from harmful chemicals, BPA, BPS, and phthalates.

Shop Now: ECO Lunchbox Three-In-One Classic, $36, anthropologie.com.

Packing your lunch just became a whole lot more fun thanks to these cute and colorful bento boxes. They're weigh less and are smaller than many other designs tested, but just as efficient. Choose from matte hues such as black, white, coral, yellow, and royal blue.

Shop Now: Ekobo Bamboo Bento Lunch Box, $22, madewell.com.