Lunchbox and bag options to consider for meal prepping, as recommended by professionals in the field
Preparing a packed lunch for work or school can be a stressful task, but choosing the right lunch box can make all the difference. Meal prep experts recommend several top insulated lunch boxes for adults that prioritize durability, insulation, and convenience.
Durable and Insulated Lunch Boxes
Yeti Daytrip Lunch Box
Highly praised for its durable build and proprietary Coldflex insulation, the Yeti Daytrip Lunch Box keeps food chilled for a long time. Available in two sizes—3L ($65) and 6L ($80)—this lunch box is known for its quality and longevity. Users report excellent ice retention and sleek design options that match Yeti's outdoor gear.
Mealami Unisex Executive Meal Prep Bag
Designed with meal prep in mind, the Mealami Unisex Executive Meal Prep Bag features a spacious insulated compartment with a hard shell ice pack, adjustable shoulder strap, and multiple pockets for organized storage. The vegan leather bag includes BPA-free containers and is sized to fit multiple meals comfortably.
L.L.Bean Insulated Lunch Box
A more budget-friendly option, the L.L.Bean Insulated Lunch Box is praised for its tough construction and easy-to-clean BPA- and PVC-free lining. It is compact, fits well in backpacks, and holds ice packs to keep food cool, making it a classic, reliable choice.
Bento-Style Lunch Boxes
For those interested in bento-style lunch boxes that offer organized compartments, medium to large bento boxes (500–1000 mL capacity) are useful for portion control and packing varied meals.
OmieBox Bento Box for Kids
Parents love the OmieBox Bento Box for Kids, which features multiple compartments and a removable, dishwasher-safe interior tray. It also comes with a built-in ice pack that keeps the contents cold for hours. A larger version of the OmieBox is available for adults.
Yumbox Tapas box
The Yumbox Tapas box has five separate food compartments and is suitable for teens and adults. It is made from BPA-free plastic and is easy to clean.
Other Considerations
When choosing a lunch box, consider the size, number of compartments, durability, and insulation. A durable outside will keep things from breaking, especially if you use glass containers. Prepping individual ingredients and putting them together when you're ready to eat can help preserve their freshness. Use ice packs when you can, either with a lunch box that has a built-in ice pack or by placing individual ice packs on top of and below food containers.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who test, research, and recommend products carefully. Choosing the right lunch box can eliminate some of the stress of meal prep, so take your time and find the one that best suits your needs.
- Incorporating cooking into a healthy lifestyle often involves prepping meals in advance, and the right lunch box can make this process easier by providing durable and insulated storage for food-and-drink.
- Alongside convenience, one might also find joy in presenting food in attractive and stylish lunch boxes, adding a touch of home-and-garden aesthetic to their food-and-drink preparation.
