Whether your kid is heading to school or daycare, lunch boxes and bags are a staple of the packing list. There are plenty of reusable options these days, from insulated lunch bags to bento lunch boxes and more. Now is the time to rid of those brown paper bags and go green-friendly for one of our options for the best lunch boxes and bags for lovely children. Pair that with the best backpacks for kids or the best rolling backpacks for kids.
Instead of a big hard box, we’ve got a whole new range of lunch boxes built to fit the increasingly complex, multi-component meals that we’re packing these days. With several styles, designs, and varieties on the market, picking the right lunch box and lunch bag for your kid can be confusing. This is why we’re helping you make the correct call. Throughout this article, we curated a list of 10 best lunch boxes and bags for kids that you may consider for your kid.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 7 hrs of research
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag – Best Lunch Bag
Why is it better?
- It freezes solid and keeps everything cold for several hours
- Very lightweight
- Comes in a large variety of colors
- Compact
Bentgo Kids Lunch Box – Best Lunch Box
Why is it better?
- It definitely holds the liquids in place
- Super easy to clean
- Easy to open
- Pretty design
Best Lunch Boxes & Bags for Kids – Overview
Purchasing a decent lunch box & bag will also make your life a lot simpler. Choose the kid’s best lunch box, and they’ll be happier to get lunch. Maybe they will also help you prepare it. Who knows, your kid might start eating more vegetables as well if they did not like it before. And if you can afford it, by ordering a few lunch boxes and prepping them at the start of every week, you can save money on preparing lunches.
Lunch Boxes & Bags for Kids Reviews
1. PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag – Best Lunch Bag
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag is the original bag with built-in cooling that keeps anything you pack cooler, longer. The secret is PackIt’s patented cooling technology. Freezable gel is permanently built into the lunch bag so you’ll never need to buy separate freezable ice packs or gel packs again! This soft lunch bag is made from nontoxic poly canvas and has a food-safe, water-resistant lining. Like all Packit products, the Freezable Lunch Bag is made from PVC-free, BPA-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free and lead-free materials.
To use, fold the PackIt Freezable Lunch bag flat and store it in the freezer overnight (12 hours). In the morning, the walls of the lunch bag will be completely frozen and ready to chill items for hours. PackIt Lunch Bags chill food longer, letting you pack healthy foods that would spoil in other bags such as yogurt, deli meat, milk, fruits, and veggies. A zippered closure locks in cool, dry air and a buckle handle easily clip onto totes, backpacks or strollers.
Key Features:
- Built-in freezable gel keeps items cool for hours
- Fits a sandwich, snack and a 12 oz (340ml) drink
- Made from the nontoxic poly canvas; food-safe water-resistant lining
- PVC-, BPA-, phthalate- and lead-free
Specifications:
- Brand: PackIt
- Dimensions: 10″ H x 8″ W x 5″ D
- Weight: 1.25 lbs
- It freezes solid and keeps everything cold for several hours
- Very lightweight
- Comes in a large variety of colors
- Compact
- The top just has a Velcro flap holding it down so if there is too much weight in the bag, when you lift the bag by the handle, it opens
2. Bentgo Kids Lunch Box – Best Lunch Box
Bentgo Kids Lunch Box has upgraded America’s favorite children’s lunchbox with fun patterns that showcase your child’s personality. 5 practical compartments portioned perfectly for a child’s appetite to encourage a healthy and balanced meal (recommended for ages 3-7).
Bentgo Kids is thoughtfully designed with drop-proof, rubber-coated edges and sturdy construction that is ideal for active kids on the go. All components are made with BPA-free and FDA-approved food-grade materials. Bentgo Kids is also microwave and freezer-safe. You may also be interested in some cool backpacks for boys from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- 5 perfectly portioned compartments
- Durable, rubberized edges
- Leak-proof lid
- Dishwasher safe
Specifications:
- Brand: Bentgo
- Dimensions: 2.25″ H x 7″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 0.61 lbs
- It definitely holds the liquids in place
- Super easy to clean
- Easy to open
- Pretty design
- The closing mechanism is a bit flimsy
3. LONECONE Kids’ Insulated Lunch Bag
In addition to their original lunch bag, the LONECONE Kids’ Insulated Lunch Bag is perfect for insulating bento-style lunch boxes; Both sizes are available in the new back-to-school patterns, including monsters driving trucks, mythical creatures, pink unicorns, and dinosaur camo. Large zippers and a wide opening making it easier for little kids to manage mealtime on their own.
An adjustable buckle handle allows the lunch bag to be clipped to the outside of your child’s backpack. A mesh panel inside the lid securely holds an ice pack or separates out snacks. Lastly, it is made with durable canvas, quality zippers, and thick insulation to ensure your little one’s lunch does not get crushed.
Key Features:
- Available in several designs
- Large zipper and wide opening
- Thick insulation
- Machine-washable materials
Specifications:
- Brand: LONECONE
- Dimensions: 3.5″ H x 8″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 0.5 lbs
- The print is super cute
- The zipper is sturdier and it seems well made
- Inside and outside pockets
- A quick spin through the washer and it’s all clean and ready to go for the next week of lunches
- Insulation is not as thick
4. Wildkin Insulated Lunch Bag
Packed with personality, Wildkin Insulated Lunch Bag is designed to help you and the environment by offering a fun and reusable option for lunch and snack time. Apart from the roomy main compartment which features an interior mesh pocket for storing napkins, utensils, or an ice pack, this lunch bag has a zippered front pocket that is perfect for hiding a surprise treat or securing sweet notes.
For this kind of quality and superior design, you honestly cannot beat the price. This lunch bag will last a long time, but you’ll find that with all of Wildkin’s fun color and pattern options you’ll be ordering whenever you’re in the mood for a new look. Each lunch bag is rigorously tested to ensure that all parts are PVC, BPA, and Phthalate-free, and conform to all rules and regulations set forth by the Consumer Products.
Key Features:
- Durable top handle
- Insulated interior
- Zippered front pocket
- Interior mesh pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Wildkin
- Dimensions: 3.25″ H x 7″ W x 9.75″ D
- Weight: 0.45 lbs
- Keeps food and beverages cold for hours
- A mesh pocket makes it easy to store an ice pack
- Firm but soft enough to collapse a bit if stacked under other lunch boxes or while in a backpack
- The outside zippered pocket makes it easy to insert a piece of cardboard for extra reinforcement to prevent crushed or broken contents
- The netted pocket on the inside of the top lid has no closure
5. Rubbermaid LunchBlox Kids Lunch Box
The Rubbermaid LunchBlox Kids Lunch Box is designed to make taking lunch to school easier, more convenient, and more organized for your child. The colorful sandwich container is large enough to bring a full-size sandwich, and the two Side Containers are perfect for fruit, side salads, and desserts.
All lunch box containers snap together around the Blue Ice freezer block to keep food cool for up to four hours. Designed to work together to save space, the kit will stay organized in most lunch bags. All BPA-free LunchBlox containers are leak-proof, microwave-, dishwasher-, and freezer-safe. Be sure to also check out our list of cool backpacks for girls for more great items like this.
Key Features:
- Sets come with multiple container sizes for a well-balanced lunch
- Perfect plan-ahead meal prep containers or for quickly packing a lunch box on the go
- Containers stack compactly for easy organization and accessibility
- BPA-free and made with non-toxic plastic
- Easy care and cleaning
Specifications:
- Brand: Rubbermaid
- Dimensions: 4.81″ H x 5.25″ W x 5.63″ D
- Weight: 0.99 lbs
- Leak proof
- Great portion control
- Microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe
- Comes with a little ice pack that fits perfectly
- Can be a pain to open the smaller containers
6. Waggind Stacking Bento Box Lunch Box
The Waggind Stacking Bento Box Lunch Box makes it easy to liven up your lunch with a little variety. Prepare delicious, wholesome lunches for work, school, or when traveling – saving money and the environment too! With three compartments and cutlery included, you have everything you need to have a yummy lunch on the go!
All individual food containers are equipped with a leakproof lid, which has a handy steam release tab so you can reheat your food safely in the microwave. The containers lock together into a single lightweight carrying unit. A plastic fork and spoon are included which clips into the lid, so convenient for eating on-the-go! Manufactured with premium FDA food-grade PP plastic and silicone, this bento box is super durable and freezer, dishwasher, and microwave safe too.
Key Features:
- 3 compartment
- Stackable, leakproof food containers
- Steam release tab
- Manufactured with premium FDA food-grade PP plastic and silicone
Specifications:
- Brand: Waggind
- Dimensions: 4.6″ H x 4.1″ W x 6.2″ D
- Weight: 0.66 lbs
- Fits easily into most insulated lunch boxes and bags
- Seals well
- There’s space between the tops of the small containers and the bottom of the lid, perfect for sliding a little treat in (like a chocolate for dessert!)
- The containers are microwaveable, and the silicone vents in the lids work perfectly
- The fork and spoon are tiny and aren’t practical for many meals
7. SAMERIO Kids Insulated Lunch Bag
SAMERIO Kids Insulated Lunch Bag is made with top of the range 600D Polyester padded with 5mm PE foam and insulated with high-grade Aluminium foil to keep your food fresh for long. It comes with a detachable/adjustable padded shoulder strap. A great insulated front pocket for all your extras like; headset, nuts, fruit, snacks, and accessories.
A wide zippered opening design on top makes packing easy and thick insulation keeps lunch, snacks, and drinks cool and fresh for several hours depends on the weather. Big enough to hold the lunch container for your kids, keep in the packed state, and small enough for your kids to carry easily with the lightweight design.
Key Features:
- Made with durable 600D Polyester
- A wide zippered opening design on top
- Water-resistant
- Padded grab handle
Specifications:
- Brand: SAMERIO
- Dimensions: 7.5″ H x 6″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 0.4 lbs
- Has a netting in the top of the inside lid for utensils
- Plenty of space inside
- Handy pocket inside the flap and in front
- Great color
- The liner doesn’t appear to be very durable
8. Lille Home 48oz Stackable Compartment Lunch Box
When you want to eat healthier or make it easier to enjoy different foods when you’re at work or for your kids at school, eating fast food or settling for a traditional lunch box simply won’t do. That’s where the Lille Home 48oz Stackable Compartment Lunch Box comes! Complete with an insulated carry bag, this all-in-one lunch box comes with everything you need to enjoy pasta, meats, salad, and so much more!
Between each stackable insulated compartment are heavy-duty silicone seals to lock in freshness, leaks, and odors. Each layer also has an individual lid which not only reinforces its leak-proof feature but also prevents messy food on the bottom of the above layer. The exterior layer is also microwavable. Pairing this lunch box with the best backpacks for kindergarten will make your kid happy.
Key Features:
- Stackable insulated compartment
- Leak-resistant seals
- Insulated lunch bag included
- BPA free, non-toxic
Specifications:
- Brand: Lille
- Dimensions: 4.4″ H x 4.4″ W x 10.7″ D
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- The case for it is nice
- It comes with a spoon that folds up into the lid
- It’s easy to wash up/clean because you can reach inside it well
- Seems durable
- There is only 1 top/lid to it
9. FRINGOO Multi-compartment Kids Lunch Bag
The FRINGOO Multi-compartment Kids Lunch Bag benefits from having lively exterior, spacious, fully insulated interior and sturdy zip and zip puller. The unique designs featuring the latest trends like – unicorns, pandas, pugs, pizza, aliens, and other fashion-forward characters. Open the double zipper and explore the large capacity interior. Each lunch bag features two spacious compartments allowing you to store hot and cold food separately. The deep interior is ideal for large lunch boxes, drink bottles/cartoons, fruit, snack bars, and packets as well as other daily essentials.
Each bag benefits from having sturdy double zip closure on both compartments. The smooth zippers are very easy to open and close – you won’t have to worry about their durability and life span. These lightweight lunch bags are equipped with a soft, padded top handle for easy carrying.
Key Features:
- Fully insulated interior
- Double zipper
- 2 spacious compartments
- Padded top handle
Specifications:
- Brand: Fringoo
- Dimensions: 6.3″ H x 5.51″ W x 9.84″ D
- Weight: 0.35 lbs
- The zips and stitching, as well as the material are of the highest quality
- The ice packs + lunch box stay cool for a 9 hour day
- Easy to clean
- Perfect size for kids
- Top is a bit smaller compared to the bottom
10. ICOLOR Thermal Neoprene Waterproof Kids Insulated Lunch Bag
The ICOLOR Thermal Neoprene Waterproof Kids Insulated Lunch Bag is made of fine neoprene material, vinyl-free, PVC-free lunch bag keeps your food cold or hot depending on your needs, the fabric keeps food hot/cold for 2-4 hours, if used with an ice pack, it will be insulated a longer time, so you can enjoy perfect tasting meals whenever it’s time for lunch.
Folds flat for storage, but expands to fit a variety of containers, and they can fold flat or roll up when not in use. This bag is also easy to clean and is machine washable. Both adults going to work and children going to school can find great use in this versatile lunchbox. Having the best backpacks for elementary school is a great way to encourage your kid to eat their lunch.
Key Features:
- Cute designs
- Large capacity
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight
Specifications:
- Brand: ICOLOR
- Dimensions: 11.8″ H x 11.2″ W x 6.5″ D
- Weight: 0.33 lbs
- The material and the zipper seem very sturdy
- This has enough space for the “three compartment bento” containers
- Zipper seems durable
- It folds almost flat, but the bottom unfolds so that it rests upright like in the picture when it has stuff in it
- No structure
Buying Guide
Capacity
You can be shocked by how much difference there is in the volume that may contain food lunch boxes. We weighed the overall amount of food each age group consumes when deciding our choices and our suggestions are not too big for little ones or too small for older children.
Insulation
It is crucial to keep the food at the correct temperature for your kid’s lunch to taste good and keep it healthy. Many of our choices have ice packs or insulated containers installed into them. If your kid’s lunch wants to remain hot or cold, make sure to include them with options that don’t have insulation material.
Style
This is another important feature that would make a difference. Younger children will be more inclined to consume their lunch because it’s in a nice cute design of their favorite character and older children wouldn’t be bored in a disposable lunch box.
Durability
A great lunch box and bag should be able to stand up to the daily abuse of kids throwing in at the floor, their locker, classroom. Make sure to check for reviews of the lunch box or bag you plan on purchasing
Price
Luckily, most lunch boxes and bags are pretty affordable while having good quality materials. As this is a kid’s bag, you do not have to worry much about not getting the best bang for your buck as you’ll find most of the bags justifiable on the price.
Frequently Ask Questions
What can I pack my kids for lunch?
Sandwiches, Baby carrots, sliced bananas, berries, sliced apples, and grapes, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, pasta salad are some great choices for your kid’s lunch.
What kids should not pack for lunch?
Avoid everything that the school doesn’t authorize, like peanut butter and nut items, candies, gummy/fruit treats, soda, juice, chips. Basically most unhealthy foods like junk foods and sweets.
How do I keep my kid’s lunch box warm?
Heat the food to high in the oven. After microwaving, wrap the hot food in an aluminum foil to help hold the heat in. Put the wrapped food inside the lunch box for your child. This works with things like pizza, which can be eaten cold, hot, or at room temperature.
How do you keep a sandwich fresh in a lunchbox?
You can keep them fresh by not placing any wet food beside the sandwich. You can use large pieces of lettuce to cover the sandwich from any wet ingredients. This is the best way to prevent sogginess.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best lunch boxes and bags for kids as well as our guide on features to look for in a lunch box and bag for kids. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.