We Tested the Best Lunch Containers for Soup, Salad, and More

Best Lunch Box

Mier Adult Lunch Box

$24 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Design
  4.5/5
• Insulation
  5/5
• Size
  4.5/5
• Versatility
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

This well-designed, dual-compartment tote has everything you need for taking your meal on the go—especially if you don't have access to a refrigerator. While it's probably larger than what most children would want, we love its capacity and versatility for adult-sized lunches. Two insulated areas are lined with food-grade PEVA, which is easy to wipe clean should you have any spills, and they let you store hot and cold foods separately. In testing, food stayed cold for several hours, but if you want it to stay cool all day, you can throw an ice pack in as well.

The upper compartment is perfect for snacks, cookies, or fruit. The bottom is leakproof and large enough to house drinks, sandwiches, and other entrees. You could easily pack multiple meals or snacks for a long work day or outdoor picnic. We were impressed with how much we could fit in both compartments and had no problem fitting multiple water bottles, canned seltzers, food storage containers packed with leftovers, and a full-size tub of hummus inside. We preferred placing heavier items, like water bottles and canned drinks, in the bottom compartment and more delicate items, like crackers and berries, in the top compartment.

The easy-access zipper exterior compartment can be used for stashing utensils and napkins, while a pair of side pockets provide extra storage for miscellaneous necessities. It comes with a detachable cross-body shoulder strap and is available in both medium and large sizes. We found the padded strap comfortable, but the lunch box is a bit bulky to wear over your shoulder. Not to worry, though. There’s also a built-in carrying handle.

Includes: Two-compartment fabric lunch bag with a front zipper compartment for utensils

Best Budget

Jeopace Bento Box

$10 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Insulation
  4/5
• Size
  4/5
• Versatility
  5/5
• Overall Value
  5/5

This budget-conscious bento box keeps your lunch organized with three separate compartments and an included fork that attaches to notches inside the container. It's safe to put in the microwave and freezer (but not the dishwasher), and it's leakproof. The main section fits larger entree items, while the two smaller compartments are perfect for sides or desserts. We tested it out with an adult portion of spaghetti and meatballs, a large slice of garlic bread, and a side of vegetables—all of which fit comfortably. In total, it fits about 38 ounces.

The entire container is easy to close and leakproof, so you won't have to worry about it spilling in your bag. And although it comes with a matching plastic fork, we found it to be too small for adult hands (not a problem if you're using the bento box for kids' lunches). It's available in several colors as well as a slightly smaller model that includes a knife, fork, and additional round compartment for sauces or dips.

Includes: 8.6 x 5.9 x 2.2-inch container, removable divider, fork, and lid

Best Thermos

Thermos 10-Ounce Funtainer Food Jar

$16 at Amazon $54 at Walmart $23 at Staples

Our Ratings

• Design
  4.5/5
• Size
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Functionality
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

An insulated Thermos is the best way to tote hot soup, stew, or chili to work, school, and beyond, and this one lived up to its insulation claims during testing (it promises to keep your food hot for five hours or cold for seven). This size holds 10 ounces or 1.25 cups of food for the perfect midday portion, so it's lightweight and comfortable for small hands to hold. Additionally, it has a simple twist-off lid that’s easy for kids to maneuver and a large mouth that’s easy to fill, eat from, and clean.

“Kids don’t have microwaves or refrigerators, so you need to put some thought into packing for them,” says Katie Sullivan Morford, MS, RD, and author of "Best Lunch Box Ever." To maximize the time hot food will remain hot, Morford suggests pouring boiling water into the Thermos to preheat it before adding your steaming-hot lunch.

Designed with vacuum-insulation technology, this container is especially good at maintaining food temperature. It’s made from durable stainless steel and will last for many years. While it's safe to wash the Thermos in the top rack of the dishwasher, we chose to hand-wash the Thermos to help retain the finish. However, we found that cleaning out the Thermos lid was a little tedious, requiring you to remove the gasket from the lid to really get all of the food and liquid out.

The Thermos FUNtainer is available in various colors, patterns, and styles. Kids can choose from designs that show their favorite characters, including Batman or the sisters from "Frozen."

Includes: One stainless steel food jar with lid and spoon

Best for Kids

Wildkin Insulated Lunch Box

$20 at Amazon $20 at Walmart

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Insulation
  4/5
• Size
  5/5
• Versatility
  4.5/5
• Value
  4/5

Kids and kids-at-heart love the bright, fun patterns of these lunch boxes, and parents appreciate the durable, high-quality design. In fact, the Wildkin brand has won the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award. 

This kid-sized lunch box features an easy-access zipper front pocket—ideal for grab-and-go recess snacks—and an interior mesh pouch to stash utensils, napkins, or an ice pack. It’s made from materials that are 100 percent BPA- and phthalate-free, and the food-safe PEVA liner is quick and easy to wipe clean.

The interior is spacious enough for an adult-sized lunch and compatible with lunch containers from Wildkin or other brands. It’s insulated to help keep temperatures food-safe, but Morford says you’ll still want to include an ice pack or fill up a water bottle and freeze it overnight to keep perishables safely chilled. The bottle will act as an ice pack as it thaws and will be drinkable come lunchtime.

During testing, we successfully fit sandwiches, fruit, cheese sticks, and other snacks in this lunch box without having to cram anything in. It fits comfortably into a backpack-style diaper bag and would easily slide into a child’s backpack for school lunches, too. The print is fun and colorful, and the spacious interior can fit a bottle of water or juice box along with regular food items.

Includes: One children's-sized fabric lunch box; coordinating bags and accessories sold separately

Best Silicone

Stasher Reusable Bag Starter Kit

$108 at Amazon $68 at Walmart View on Zerowastestore.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Ease of Cleaning
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

The era of single-use plastic is coming to an end. If you like the versatility and convenience of plastic sandwich bags, but want an eco-friendlier option, check out the Stasher’s silicone bags. Reusable and durable, the handy bags in this seven-piece pack come in a variety of sizes–from the tiny snack bag to the large-capacity gallon bag. Unlike standard plastic bags, Stasher’s are safe to use in microwaves, ovens, freezers, dishwashers, and even on stove-tops or with sous vide machines. The bags are heat-resistant up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are a number of color options and palettes to choose from, so you can find a set that fits your style. No matter which you pick, though, you’ll be able to easily see your food inside. These bags are great for school lunches, picnics, road trips, and more.

We tested these bags with kale and chopped green bell pepper; Both stayed crisp and useable even after a couple of days of storage in the fridge. The bags take up minimal space, and the variety of sizes in this set helps cover a range of needs—from sandwiches and carrot sticks to several servings of cookies. We were also pleasantly surprised with the strong pinch-lock seal during testing, so you won't have to worry about leaks or spills while taking them on the go. The performance was so impressive that we named them the top pick in our reusable snack bags test.

Includes: Stand up bag, gallon bag, 2 snack bags, 2 sandwich bags, pocket bag

Best Bento Box

Bentoheaven Bento Box

$30 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Insulation
  4/5
• Size
  5/5
• Versatility
  5/5
• Overall Value
  5/5

A bento box makes it easy to carry everything you need for lunch in a multi-compartment carrier, and this model is particularly well-made, earning our top spot after we tested a full lineup. One of the selling points of the bento box style is that it encourages a variety of foods by design—and this one is quite spacious. This bento box contains three separate compartments for storing food: There are two large compartments (one features an adjustable divider) and another smaller lidded container where you can put sauces or small snacks, like sweets or nuts.

We appreciated the compact shape of this bento box during testing. It easily fits in the bottom of a tote or backpack, and it has gaskets around the edges of the lids to ensure that the containers are leakproof. While it's not insulated, one standout feature of this box is that you can pop it in the microwave because of the vents in the lids. It's also dishwasher-safe and very durable, coming out unscathed after a few drops.

This set comes with utensils (a fork, spoon, knife, and mini chopsticks), and the entire set is held together with a thick elastic band. You can choose from several stylish color options.

Includes: Adjustable divider, sauce container, chopsticks, fork, knife, spoon, sealing strap

Best Eco-Friendly

Bee's Wrap Assorted Set

$17 at Amazon $17 at Walmart $17 at Target

Our Ratings

• Design
  3/5
• Size
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Overall Value
  3/5

These plastic-free reusable wraps are made using just four ingredients: organic cotton, responsibly-sourced beeswax, organic plant oils, and tree resin. The result is a durable, food-safe alternative to plastic wrap that's completely compostable at the end of its life (each wrap will last about a year with regular use and proper care).

The Bee's Wrap starter set became one of our favorites during our beeswax wrap testing thanks to its sustainable materials and attractive prints. It includes one small 7 x 8-inch wrap, one medium 10 x 11-inch wrap, and one large 13 x 14-inch wrap. Simply use the warmth of your hand to mold the wrap around your food to create a breathable seal. We love these wraps for packing snacks like crackers and cheese, but they're also great for wrapping the tops of bowls or jars to store leftovers.

To clean, rinse the wrap in cold water with mild soap and air dry. The brand also makes item-specific products that are perfect for lunch, including a sandwich wrap and snack bag set.

Includes: (1) 7 x 8-inch wrap, (1) 10 x 11-inch wrap, (1) 13 x 14-inch wrap

Best for Salads

Oxo Prep & Go Salad Container

$15 at Amazon View on Wayfair $11 at Kohls.com

Our Ratings

• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Design
  4/5
• Ease of Cleaning
  5/5

If you like to pack a salad for lunch, you know that finding a container that isn’t too small or too large can be a challenge. Spacious and versatile, this container lets you separate proteins and crunchy toppings from your salad base or fruit from your yogurt or overnight oats. Nothing shifts around in transit, so the result is a fresher meal with ingredients that retain their original texture.

We liked keeping proteins in the stacking tray so the weight of them didn’t damage the lettuce. It was also helpful for keeping crisp items, like breaded chicken and croutons, away from the moisture of salad veggies so they were still crunchy at lunchtime. The container includes a small 2-ounce container with a lid to hold your dressing, which helps keep salads fresh and crisp (since salads that are dressed in advance can get soggy).

The lid features a removable silicone gasket for deep cleaning and locking tabs to ensure that nothing leaks. With 6.3 cups of capacity, you’ll have plenty of space for big, hearty salads. On days you might not want a salad, you can use it to carry fruit slices and yogurt, among other combinations. When you’re done, just toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Includes: Two-level hardshell leakproof lunch box and one leakproof salad dressing container

Best Glass

Pyrex Circular Glass Storage Container Set

$18 at Amazon $15 at Walmart $26 at Wayfair

Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Design
  4.5/5
• Ease of Cleaning
  5/5

For those who don’t like using plastic storage containers, this set of glass containers will meet all of your lunchtime container needs. It includes three containers in 7-cup, 4-cup, and 2-cup capacities plus matching BPA-free plastic lids. 

Although the 7-cup size might be useful for building big salads, we thought the large container was a bit oversized for most lunch items and lunch bags. The 4-cup size is ideal for packing leftovers for lunch, like chicken breast or salmon with a pile of roasted veggies, and the 2-cup size could be used for soup, stew, fruit and yogurt, or a few hard-boiled eggs. They are spacious, can be reheated in the microwave, and stack neatly in the fridge or in a lunch bag. We also noted that the lids are tight-fitting, but they aren’t 100 percent leakproof, so you'll want to be sure to keep the containers upright if you’re transporting broths and sauces.

Although glass is breakable, Pyrex’s durable high-tempered glass isn’t exactly fragile. You might encounter some chips if you’re rough with these containers, but they don’t break easily. The glass is also nonporous, so it won’t pick up flavors, colors, or smells from lunches. The containers are microwave-safe so they can go from your fridge or lunch box straight to the microwave for reheating. The containers nest inside of each other for compact storage, and both the containers and lids are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Includes: (1) 2-cup container with lid, one 4-cup container with lid, and one 7-cup container with lid

Best for Snacks

Lunchbots Round Leak Proof Stainless Snack Container Jar

$18 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Insulation
  4/5
• Size
  4/5
• Versatility
  4/5
• Value
  4/5

When it comes to packing snacks, these 4-ounce containers from LunchBots are a perfect size. They are made from durable stainless steel, so they're excellent for keeping delicate sides and snacks, like berries or pretzels, separate and intact in a lunch box. While the colorful containers are great for kid-friendly snacks, adults who bring their lunches with them will find many uses as well. You could stash potato or pasta salad in them or a handful of nuts, potato chips, pretzels, cheese cubes, edamame, or olives. The options are only limited by what you have at home.

The lids are made of BPA-free plastic and have silicone seals to help them close tightly. During testing, we found the lids easy to grip and open, although very small hands may need help twisting them on and off. They’re also leakproof, so you don’t have to worry about any drips or spills if these containers shift around inside of a lunch box, but they are not insulated, so you’ll want to keep cold items in the fridge or an insulated carrier. They’re dishwasher-safe, but we opted to hand-wash them to prevent premature wearing of the lids.

Includes: (2) 4-ounce round stainless steel containers with lids

Best Lids

Rubbermaid Brilliance 14-Piece Container Set

$34 at Amazon $27 at Walmart

Our Ratings

• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4.8/5
• Design
  5/5
• Ease of Cleaning
  5/5

There’s something satisfying about a good, solid snap. When it comes to food containers, that snap means a lid is nice and secure. This set from Rubbermaid comes with seven food containers and accompanying snap-lids. With different sizes, you can just as easily box up a small side of jalapeño poppers as you can a hearty serving of pork milanese. Rubbermaid’s containers are airtight and leakproof, perfect for transporting in a lunch box or jostling backpack.

We love that these are stackable and easy to store while not in use. During testing, we experienced no leakage, and the containers kept all of our food very fresh (especially blueberries). Likewise, there was no staining from notorious foods like curry and tomato sauce.

They’re also microwave and dishwasher-safe for easy reheating and cleaning. Even after a few runs through the dishwasher and uses in the microwave, there was no visible damage or food stuck in any part of the lid. Thanks to the sturdy plastic material and durable, tight-locking lids, we think these containers will last a long time.

Includes: (2) 0.5-cup containers, (2) 1.3-cup containers, (2) 3.2-cup containers, and (1) 9.6-cup container, plus all lids

Best Set

Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Container Set

$53 at Amazon $34 at Target $100 at Wayfair

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Ease of Cleaning
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5

This set was one of the best performing in our glass food storage container tests, earning extra points for super strong construction and versatility. Use the smaller containers for sauces or sides and the larger ones for leftovers and marinading. The durable glass set includes round, square, and rectangular containers with matching lids, and they are safe to use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher.

During testing, these containers kept our food fresh and distributed heat evenly in the microwave when it came time to reheat our leftovers and lunches. We especially loved the lids, which maintained a secure seal while still being easy to open and close. The glass material is heavy yet sturdy and won't retain any residual stains or scents from your food. For cleaning, simply stick them in the dishwasher—but we recommend drying the lids by hand to keep water spots from forming.

Includes: (1) 6.3-cup rectangle, (2) 3.5-cup rectangle, (1) 1.6-cup rectangle, (1) 3.3-cup square, (1) 1.5-cup square, (1) 3.1-cup round, (1) 1.6-cup round, and (1) 0.7-cup round, plus all lids

Best Leakproof

Popit! Plastic Food Storage Containers

$25 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.8/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Ease of Cleaning
  5/5

These lightweight and durable plastic food storage containers boast a completely airtight seal thanks to the snapping lids. We appreciated the semi-opaque lids for being easy to open and close during testing (even with one hand), which was surprising considering the super strong seal.

The set comes with eight different square-shaped containers, including 3 oz (0.46 cups), 6 oz (0.84 cups), 9 oz (1.14 cups), 15 oz (1.9 cups), 19 oz (2.4 cups), 28 oz (3.5 cups), 37 oz (4.6 cups), and 47 oz (5.9 cups) sizes. Each container has the measurement etched onto the bottom, so you'll always know which size is which—and if your food will fit or not. We stored everything from leftover pasta to pesto sauce to cucumber slices and found them incredibly versatile and easy to stack, store, and organize.

Includes: (1) 0.46-cup square, (1) 0.84-cup square, (1) 1.14-cup square, (1) 1.9-cup square, (1) 2.4-cup sqaure, (1) 3.5-cup square, (1) 4.6-cup square, and (1) 5.9-cup square