Enter the bento box! Japan’s answer to diverse, portion-controlled meals on the go. Bento boxes are an elegant solution to kids’ lunchtime.
They have multiple compartments to keep food separated, making them perfect for picky eaters and for providing a variety of options for lunch. Some even have thermal components to keep food hot or cold.
We went on a quest to discover the best bento boxes for kids, looking at nine school-friendly options, and what makes these boxes so popular.
In this article:
What is a bento box?
Compact and convenient, bento boxes make great on-the-go lunch containers. Their style has become popular stateside, though they originated in Japan nearly 1,000 years ago. They’re a pick that focuses on both variety and portion control.
So what, exactly, makes a bento box unique?
- It’s a single unit container that’s either divided into 3 or more sections, or features small, removable containers which can be filled with food, then easily washed
- They’re typically made with food-safe plastic or metal, though in their country of origin, they can still be made of wood
- Some bento boxes can be microwaved, while most can be refrigerated or frozen – additionally, some have a thermal component that can keep food hot or cold
Why do your kids’ need a bento box?
It’s hardly a struggle to find lunchboxes for our kids, with companies tripping over themselves to market them as yet another school supply.
And they’re not wrong, as a good lunch box can make a real difference in how well a lunch keeps, which can be a day maker or breaker. So, what makes a bento box a good option?
- They’re great for portion control: Because bento boxes are divided into individual sections, it’s easy to make sure that kids are getting the right amounts of the right foods; picks that are higher in fat and calories can be placed in the smaller portions of the bento, while fruits, veggies, nuts and healthy proteins can occupy larger spaces.
- They prevent food from touching: Okay, we know that a lunchbox isn’t a dinner plate, so it’s less of an issue for picky eaters; however, for those kids that don’t even want their carrot and celery stick in the same baggie, a bento box is perfect for food organization.
- They prevent food and plastic waste: For a lot of parents, packing a traditional lunch box means using at least a few disposable plastic bags for food storage, some of which hold portions of food that are too large and don’t get finished. Bento boxes allow parents to offer smaller portions of a variety of foods, meaning less food is wasted and there’s no plastic waste as a result.
What materials should bento boxes be made of?
While any food-safe, leak-proof material would technically be fine, research has shown which materials work best for making these ancient lunchboxes. Wondering what material your bento box should be made from?
- Plastic picks are some of the most popular bentos available now, as food-safe plastic cleans easily without retaining the smell or color of foods, or affecting their taste. Just make sure it’s PVC and vinyl free
- Metal bento boxes are also popular, some providing thermal features to preserve hot and cold temperatures for food. Check for indications that it’s lead-free
- When they were first created, wood was often the material of choice for bento boxes. These are still commonly used in Japan today
What qualities should savvy shoppers look for in a good bento box for kids?
Choosing gear for our kids can often be challenging, and especially so when we’re unfamiliar with what we’re shopping for. So, what qualities should a kid’s bento box possess?
- Easy to wash / dishwasher safe: They’re kids, which means they’re already messy! Add food to the mix, and things get messy fast. Bentos that wash quickly, or are top rack dishwasher-safe, are winners.
- It’s made for transporting food: Not all bento boxes are actually made for carrying food from place to place, some are just serviceware. Unless it indicates that it’s designed to be a portable lunchbox, assume it’s not.
- Not too many pieces: A lot of bento boxes come as a single piece with non-removable dividers, ideal for kids because there are no small pieces to lose or accidentally throw away. If you do pick a bento box with removable containers, stick with those like the stacking pick on our list, which includes pieces that are big and easy to keep track of.
Our picks of the best bento boxes for kids
Editors choice
Our opinion
Material: Non-toxic plastic
Color: Purple
Number of compartments: 5
Microwave safe: Yes
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Temperature control: None
The lid of Bentgo Kids Bento Box (check price on Amazon) is leak-proof but isn’t as difficult to latch as those tightly-sealed bento boxes designed for adult use. There are five small compartments, designed for appropriate portion sizes for kids from ages three to seven.
Cooler still — Bentgo, the manufacturer of this bento box, is a proud supporter of Feed The Children. This means that, when you buy this item, you’re not just feeding your own kids, but making a difference to children around the world.
At a glance
- There are no thermal features, but it can be microwaved or placed into a bag with an ice pack
Upgrade choice
Our opinion
Material: Non-toxic plastic, silicone, aluminized mylar-lined tote
Color: Blue
Number of compartments: 6
Microwave safe: Bottom portion only
Dishwasher safe: Yes, but lid should be hand-washed
Temperature control: Insulated tote
One of the trade-offs between some bento box designs and traditional lunchboxes is the lack of a convenient carrying handle. The Kinsho Bento with Insulated Bag (check price on Amazon) features the best of both worlds thanks to an insulated carrying bag that keeps food hot/cold while also making it easier to transport.
The box itself is leakproof and features individually sealed sections, so it’s possible for kids to enjoy soups, yogurts, and other favorites, without worrying about a mess. There’s even a convenient center compartment for utensils, plus extra room in the insulated carrying bag for an ice pack to keep cold foods chilled.
What we love
- The five food compartments are individually sealed with a lid that latches tightly – making it leakproof, so foods that were once considered too messy to pack can be enjoyed
- It comes with an insulated carrying bag that keeps hot food hot, with added room for an ice pack to keep cold food chilled
At a glance
- Because the seal of this lid is so tight, it needs to be perfectly aligned with the container in order for it to latch, so parental help may be needed when starting out
Best budget buy
Our opinion
Material: Non-toxic plastic
Color: Champagne gold
Number of compartments: 3
Microwave safe: Yes
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Temperature control: None
There are lots of fancy lunch kits and bento boxes out there, but the basic concept persists from the simplest picks to the fanciest.
This Jeopace Bentos (check price on Amazon) is hardly spartan, featuring a three-compartment design including flatware and a lid that snaps to seal. Can be microwaved, frozen, or put into the dishwasher, (including cutlery) without risk of damage.
The individual compartments aren’t water-tight within the container, but the compartments are big enough to accommodate smaller sealed containers easily. The top lid is both leak and shock-proof.
What we love
- It has the portion control and convenience of a bento box at a budget price
- The whole unit, including cutlery, can be microwaved, frozen, or placed in the dishwasher
At a glance
- The individual compartments within the container aren’t water-tight, so smaller sealed containers are needed for liquids
Best thermal bento box
Our opinion
Material: Non-toxic plastic, metal Thermos insert
Color: Pink
Number of compartments: 3
Microwave safe: No
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Temperature control: Two temperature zones keep food both hot and cold.
A lunchbox that keeps food both hot and cold was, until now, unheard of – at least in our household! We’re in awe of this product from OmieBox (check price on Amazon), which features two temperature zones, allowing kids to enjoy a hot entree with cold sides or vice versa.
A real Thermos insert is perfect for storing mac and cheese, hot soup, or even a warmed half-wrap, while the two cold compartments remain unaffected by the unit’s heat, staying cool as a cucumber (or celery stick!)
The design of this pick can offer kids exceptional lunch variety, and the Thermos insert is ideal for offering them hot food on demand, with no microwave necessary.
What we love
- It boasts a unique Thermos insert that can be filled with their favorite hot foods and which also slides out easily to make an all-cold bento box if desired
- It features two cold compartments which remain chilled, thanks to distinct temperature zones in the box
At a glance
- The individual compartments within the container aren’t water-tight, so smaller sealed containers are needed for liquids
Best for toddlers
Our opinion
Material: Non-toxic plastic
Color: Blue, green, clear
Number of compartments: Four pack contains three containers with three compartments and one with four compartments
Microwave safe: Yes
Dishwasher safe: Bottom portion only
Temperature control: None
If you’ve got the organizational skills to meal-plan your kiddos’ lunches for the week, or even beyond today, you’ve got a gold star from our team!
This multipack of easy-to-wash, leak-proof bento boxes from Kinsho (check price on Amazon) is ideal for parents who like to plan ahead, letting them stock up lunches for daycare or school during weekend downtime so they’re ready for the week ahead.
Two of the containers featured here are ‘mini’, making them ideal for smaller kids and snacks, while the other two are larger, perfect for full lunches. Parents should note that only the bottom portion of these boxes can go into the dishwasher, while lids must be hand-washed to avoid melting.
What we love
- It’s a four-pack, which makes meal planning for toddlers and kids a breeze
- It comes with both snack-size and full-size bento boxes, so it’s easy to pack for the day’s needs
At a glance
- The lids of these picks can’t go into the dishwasher, as they can warp or melt
Best for cooling
Our opinion
Material: Non-toxic plastic
Color: Pink
Number of compartments: 5
Microwave safe: Yes
Dishwasher safe: Yes, and the tote is machine washable
Temperature control: Insulated tote with freezer gel pack
Classic lunch tote convenience and the variety and portion control of a bento box meet in the middle with this fun bento from East World (check price on Amazon). Featuring its own flatware, as well as a freezer gel pack to keep cold food cold, the convenience factor is significant.
Each area of this five-compartment bento box is hermetically sealed, which means it’s safe to pack liquid and dry foods side by side without the risk of leaks or a ruined lunch.
The conveniently handled lunch tote is insulated for temperature control and can be simply wiped clean or put in the washing machine.
What we love
- It comes with five individual compartments that hermetically seal when the lid is attached, so wet and dry foods can be packed together
- It’s stored in a thermal tote that maintains food temperature and is easy to wash
Best stainless steel
Our opinion
Material: Stainless steel
Color: Stainless steel
Number of compartments: 5
Microwave safe: No
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Temperature control: None
Food-grade stainless steel is one of the most hygienic materials to make a lunch box from because it isn’t porous and won’t discolor or absorb bacteria or scents.
It also looks pretty sharp, and this five-compartment bento box from LunchBots (check price on eBay) is non-toxic, lead-free, and “virtually indestructible” by its own description.
That means drops, bangs, booms, tosses and other childhood interactions won’t cause any damage to this pick, either inside or outside a backpack. Parents should note that this box isn’t leakproof or water-tight, so liquids will need their own small container within the box.
What we love
- It’s made of stainless steel, so won’t hang on to bacteria or nasty odors
- Because of its sturdy steel construction, it’s dishwasher safe and can take a serious beating
Best leak-proof bento
Our opinion
Material: Non-toxic plastic
Color: Green, navy, white
Number of compartments: 3
Microwave safe: Yes
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Temperature control: Insulated tote
Leak-proof and super cute, the Komax Lunchmate (check price on Walmart) is something of a hybrid between a traditional lunch tote and a bento box. The fun navy tote has jazzy green accents as well as a green zipper and strap, plus it’s insulated, so is great at keeping cold foods chilled and preventing hot foods from cooling off.
It features two individual leak-proof containers, one of which features two separated compartments, as well as a set of stainless steel cutlery and chopsticks for eating.
The containers can be frozen, microwaved, or put in the dishwasher for all-around convenience, but make sure the cutlery, chopsticks, and tote stay away from the microwave oven.
What we love
- Secure, portion-controlled containers
- Comes with both stainless steel cutlery and chopsticks, plus the containers can be frozen, microwaved, or put in the dishwasher, so it’s super convenient
At a glance
- The cutlery, chopsticks and tote must never be microwaved (we know you know – just make sure the kiddos do), and the tote should be washed with gentle detergent only
And the winner is…
Portion control plays a huge role in making sure our kids eat a healthy diet. Bentgo’s Kid-Friendly Box (check price on Amazon) boasts the perfect portions for both toddlers and elementary school-aged kids.
It’s also extremely easy to operate, distinguishing it from other picks that younger kids might struggle to open and close.
We’re also impressed that Bentgo supports Feed The Children, an important organization devoted to ending childhood hunger, making this fun little Bento our Editor’s Choice.
