The 7 Best Lunch Containers Of 2023

Made from the same tough-as-nails materials as its iconic backpacks, the BPA-free L.L. Bean Lunch Box is practically unbeatable when it comes to quality. But don’t just take our word for it, listen to what the 800-plus reviewers on L.L. Bean’s website have to say! One verified buyer assures shoppers they won’t need a new lunch box “for years,” thanks to its durable design.

“The insulation is great and will keep food cold with an ice pack for several hours. It takes a beating from being shoved in a [backpack], being flipped and tossed, and still looks great.”

Some customers did note that this classic lunch container was a bit too small for some of their lunches—if you find yourself in this category, we recommend picking up the expandable version of the L.L. Bean Lunch Box. No matter which option you choose, there are plenty of color options to fit your mood.

Just because you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for a lunch box doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice space. Available in three color options, the Coleman 9 Cans Soft-Sided Cooler is a great budget-friendly option, and with over 6,100 ratings on Amazon, it’s not difficult to see why.

Though it’s not completely leakproof, reviewers found this bag to be surprisingly roomy, with one remarking: “I'm pretty certain I could have added one of the ice blocks in there and still close the lid easily… If [you're] looking for a lunch bag to handle enough food for the entire day, Coleman has you covered.]”

Furthermore, some reviewers found the strap to be a bit too long—but adjusting the strap to your preferred length should take care of any potential issues.

If all the money you’ll be saving on delivery or takeout makes you want to ball out on a fancy lunch container, the MIER Adult Lunch Box is the way to go. It may be too large for most kids, but its 27,400-plus Amazon reviewers didn’t seem to mind—especially since it comes in so many colors and patterns that you’re bound to find a style you like. Plus, who says lunch boxes are just for kids?

One verified buyer said the leakproof MIER was excellent at keeping food fresh for long periods, noting that it can fit their lunch, six 16-ounce water bottles, and plenty of snacks while still having enough room to throw in “some of the thin, blue ice frozen cooler blocks.” All the while, “the frozen water bottles on the bottom of the bag are still half frozen at 5 P.M.”

Talk about a powerhouse!

Who doesn’t remember that iconic scene from The Breakfast Club in which Claire brings sushi for her lunch? While we don’t necessarily recommend copying her exact lunch order (unless there’s a fridge nearby), you can still look just as trendy with the Bentgo Fresh. We don’t know what impresses us more about this compact, leak-proof container—its customizable compartment design; the multitude of bright, cheery color options; or the nearly 10,000 reviews on Amazon.

In addition to praising the two-year warranty, one customer said they own multiples of this dishwasher-safe lunch box because they're “easy to clean, durable, and don't leak."

Ever wish you could do the bare minimum when it comes to meal prep? Whether you’re short on time or prefer to sleep in, gorgeous, gorgeous girls love soup… made in the Zojirushi Steel Food Jar, that is.

This BPA-free, 11.75-ounce container boasts nearly 2,000 Amazon reviews. Says one happy customer: “This food jar not only can keep food warm or cold, but it can cook food like soup and porridge. Put the rice and vegetable and all you want to cook into the jar... pour in boiling water and then, [after] waiting few hours, you can enjoy your soup!”

Though they warn “you must [preheat] your jar… with boiling water] about three minutes" before using it, we think that’s a small price to pay considering its vacuum-insulated design can keep food hot or cold for hours.

Whether you crave a refreshing salad during your lunch break or something a bit more meat-forward, you can pack it up in the Bentgo Salad Stackable Lunch Container. The roomy (54 ounces!) tray features one large and two small compartments for your favorite greens and toppings, plus a secure middle reservoir perfect for storing your favorite homemade salad dressing.

With almost 34,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s no surprise shoppers were quick to sing this lunch box’s praises.

“I love how I can fit a lot of healthy salad in the main compartment then load up the tray with fresh snacks,” said one reviewer, who pointed out how the box “closes up securely, the cover over the fork stays put, [and] the dressing container doesn't leak at all.”

Some customers noted the Bentgo Salad Stackable Lunch Container does have a tendency to break when dropped, but the good news is its two-year warranty will have you covered!

Kids will love the fun patterns and colors of the Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Box, which also boasts a durable, spacious construction and an inner mesh pouch for stowing away utensils and napkins. Among the box's 8,200-plus Amazon reviews, one customer calls it the “PERFECT for school [and] daycare lunches."

The premium insulation helps “keep [my child’s] lunch cool until he is ready to eat,” the review continues, adding that the zipper “zips nice and easily,” and it even has “a little zipper area on the outside of the lunch bag to put silverware.”

The only downside? The Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Box isn’t machine-washable and may stain with tougher messes like ketchup or spaghetti sauce. In the event your kiddo makes a mess (who are we kidding—when they make a mess), Wildkin Kids recommends wiping down the inside with mild dish soap and spot treating the outside of the container.