Safe & Reliable Lunch Box Options
The Best Lunch Boxes for Your Kids
Selecting a lunch box for my son was harder than I expected. I had a pretty big check list of needs to meet. It had to be practical and easy to clean, safe (meaning non-toxic and plastic-free at least where hot food was stored), and versatile to incorporate a wide selection of meal offerings.
My Top-Choice
After much (too much?) deliberation, I went with the OmieBox Bento Lunch Box. Even though it wasn’t perfect (it is still made of plastic) the plastic they use is high quality, BPA-Free & Phthalate-free. Most importantly, it comes with a stainless steel thermos for hot food. When it comes to plastic, heating food is the most important thing to avoid because the chemicals leach into your food at higher temperatures. The stainless steel thermos therefore made this an overall acceptable choice.
Why I chose the OmieBox:
Variety: Design allows for a wide-variety of meal options. My son eats mostly Asian meals and leftovers from home so keeping hot foods insulated is essential. The THERMOS INSERT keeps food hot and safe, without plastic contamination
Easy to Clean: Just one piece that I can quickly wash it with soap and water and leave it to dry. Then i throw the thermos in the dishwasher.
Versatile: I can remove the thermos and use it on its own. The different compartments can be filled with drinks, snacks and sandwiches. It also comes with a variety of accessories for added customization.
Faster Prep: I can send hot and cold food together in one lunch box
High Quality: It’s light weight for my son and I know that the materials are high quality and safe. Even though it is made of plastic, the plastic is BPA-Free & Phthalate-free and doesn’t come in contact with any hot food.
Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes
Stainless steel is often considered the gold standard for durability and safety. While I didn’t end up going with this option because I preferred the versatility that a removable steel thermos offered, these lunch boxes are robust, resistant to corrosion, and don’t retain odors or stains. They’re ideal for parents seeking an option that can withstand the rigors of daily lunch preparation.
A popular choice is the PlanetBox Rover, which features multiple compartments for portion-controlled meals. It's dishwasher safe, making clean-up a breeze, and is known for its long-lasting quality. The ECOlunchbox Three-in-One is another superb choice, offering a stacking design that’s perfect for packing a variety of foods.
Glass Containers
Glass containers, when packed securely inside a lunch bag, are excellent for keeping food fresh without any plastic exposure. Many glass lunch boxes come with silicone or bamboo lids, enhancing their eco-friendly credentials. These are a great choice for older kids, but not ideal for my toddler for obvious reasons.
The Wean Green Lunch Cubes are small but mighty, providing the perfect size for snacks or mini meals. Their tempered glass design is incredibly durable. If you’re looking for something larger, the Ello Duraglass Meal Prep Set is also leak-proof, dishwasher and microwave safe. Just remember to ensure that your child’s lunch bag offers enough padding to prevent any mishaps!
Silicone Bags and Containers
Silicone is another fantastic alternative to plastic. Free from harmful chemicals, it’s pliable yet strong, making it perfect for little hands. Silicone containers are versatile, often doubling as baking molds or freezer containers.
Stasher Bags are a favorite among many parents. These reusable silicone bags come in various sizes and colors and can hold anything from sandwiches to snacks. They are leakproof and easy to wash, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
Bamboo Lunch Boxes
For those who prefer a more natural material, bamboo is highly renewable and has antibacterial properties. Bamboo lunch boxes are naturally stylish, offering a contemporary look.
The Black+Blum Bento Box combines bamboo with stainless steel, providing a chic yet sturdy lunch solution. The bamboo lid doubles as a cutting board and secures the box with a handy silicone strap.
Making the Switch
Switching to a plastic-free lunch box might seem like a small step, but it's one that carries significant health and environmental benefits. As parents, we have the power to make greener choices that not only protect our kids but also teach them about sustainability. Now’s the perfect time to pack those lunches with peace of mind, knowing they're safe inside a plastic-free container.
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