Test Kitchen Showdown: Which Lunch Box Food Storage System is Right for Your Family?

Today, there are so many more options for healthy lunch packing than the traditional brown bag. The question is, which one is right for you? (image courtesy of eHow.com)

Packing a lunch that’s healthy, and holds up by the time your kids are ready to eat it, doesn’t have to be a challenge. There are so many great products on the market that provide a safe, efficient and eco-friendly way to make healthy lunch-packing fun!

Below are just a few of the reusable lunch storage systems that I’ve tried with my personal opinions about their benefits and drawbacks. So if you’ve been searching for the right lunch storage system for your family, I hope this helps make it a bit easier.

Why reusable? I admit that there are times I do use disposable baggies, plastic wrap and the like, but I believe it’s important to do our part in being good stewards. And the great thing is, reusable lunch containers not only accomplish this goal, but are also much better for keeping your family’s food fresh and delicious!

Again, there’s lot of options out there – some more eco-friendly and easier-to-use than others. Just remember to look for reusable food storage products that are BPA free and preferably dishwasher and freezer safe. Additionally, lunch boxes, totes and bags should also be free of harmful toxins, as well as easy to clean, either in the sink or via the washing machine.

And before you purchase a lunch box system, it’s super important to be sure it’s the right fit for your child! As my friend Laura at MOMables points out, many schools require that children be able to open their own lunch containers. So depending on your child’s age, some of the systems I’ve commented on, as well as others out there, may be more difficult for little hands to open and close properly.

P.S. I’ve got a fun way to say I Love You! These little Lunchbox Love Notes are absolutely precious, and are such a heartfelt way to let your kids know how much you love and care about them.

Whether you have preschoolers, elementary age kids or teens, SayPlease.com has an amazing line of “love notes” for kids of all ages, even adults. The notes include an inspiring message along with cool trivia and funny jokes.

I love putting these thoughtful little notes into my boys’ lunchboxes, because I know it makes them feel loved and special!

Battle of the Lunch Box Food Storage Containers

This test kitchen showdown isn’t so much of a battle, as it is a *review of some of the popular lunch food storage systems on the market.

As mentioned, each of the products reviewed below are ones that my family has personally used. I’ve outlined my thoughts and experiences with each of these systems in an effort to help you better determine which system(s) might work best for your family’s needs. And if you’d like to share your thoughts about these, or other reusable lunch storage systems, please do in the comments below.

Please note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you opt to purchase via a link from this site, The Nourishing Home will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Funds provided to The Nourishing Home help to support the costs associated with operating this site/ministry. Of course, you are never obligated to make a purchase, but if you do, please know your support is much appreciated! Thank you!

 Versatile Food Storage Products

Bento Lunchbox / Lunchbox Tote / Bento Buddies
Overview: Laptop Lunches provides a variety of safe, efficient and fun Bento-Ware options for packing healthy lunches. The Bento Lunch Box requires a special tote (or an equivalent style tote) in order to fit the system. However, Bento Buddies can be used in virtually any lunch box/bag.

Benefits: All of their products are made in the USA from recycled products, and are free of lead, BPA and phthalates/PVC. Their lunch totes are machine washable and their storage containers are dishwasher/freezer safe. And, their containers are leak-proof when properly sealed – an important feature when packing liquid ingredients such as yogurt, dips and condiments. In addition, if you opt for their lunch box/kit, the box and tote are specially designed to keep all of the containers in place – creating less opportunity for mess or a dismantled lunch.

Drawbacks: The only potential drawback may be the price. However, we’ve owned and used our Bento Lunch Boxes and Bento-Ware Containers for several years now and they’re still just as reliable, as the day they arrived. So the quality of these highly durable products is excellent and over time they do pay for themselves by saving you from the expense and waste associated with disposable food storage products.

Rubbermaid LunchBlox Kits
Overview: Relatively new on the market, this system provides the convenience of individual storage containers with the added benefit of a unique locking system that keeps them all in place.

Benefits: Rubbermaid’s LunchBlox containers can be purchased individually or in kits. The LunchBox Sandwich and Salad Kits come with a custom-designed ice pack that works specifically with the system. The containers are BPA free and dishwasher/freezer safe. They’re also leak-proof when properly sealed – an important feature when packing liquid ingredients such as yogurt, dips and condiments. In addition, LunchBlox containers have a uniquely designed locking system that allows the flexibility of multiple configurations to keep the containers securely in place – creating less opportunity for mess or a dismantled lunch.

Drawbacks: The LunchBlox kits and accompanying ice pack are designed to lock to together and if used as such, may not fit some lunch box styles. However, there are many square-style lunch bags on the market that will work with this system. And of course, Rubbermaid provides a custom LunchBlox Lunch Bag that is free of PVC, BPA and lead, and is specifically designed to work with their lunch kit/ice pack systems.

Fixed Food Storage Products

EasyLunchboxes Bento Lunch Box with Insulated Cooler Bag
Overview: The EasyLunchbox System comes with four 3-compartment bento-style containers and a coordinating insulated cooler bag is also available separately.

Benefits: All of EasyLunchboxes products are free of lead, BPA and phthalates/PVC. Their lunch totes are machine washable and their storage containers are dishwasher/freezer safe. The containers are designed to be stackable for easy storage in the frig and they also conveniently nest for space-saving storage, when not in use. EasyLunchboxes containers are much more durable than the typical reusable containers sold in department and grocery stores, which is just one reason why they’re one of the most popular bento-style containers on the market.

Drawbacks: EasyLunchbox containers are not leak-proof, and it’s recommended by the manufacturer that these containers be carried upright (not sideways) in their specially-designed cooler bag. However, if you carry the EasyLunchbox container upright as directed, and follow their leak-proof tip, you can include certain liquidy-foods such as yogurt. Another option is to simply add a couple of leak-proof side containers to store any liquid sides. (Note: Their insulated cooler provides ample space to accommodate a couple of small leak-proof containers, as well as a water bottle and ice pack.)

Ziploc Divided Container
Overview: Ziplock’s divided rectangle kit comes in a set of two 3-compartment bento-style containers that are designed with a special lid-locking system that helps to keep food in its place.

Benefits: Ziplock’s containers are readily available at most major department and grocery stores. They’re BPA free, as well as freezer and dishwasher safe (although, I recommend hand washing so they’ll last a bit longer). Additionally, due to the lid’s special locking technology, the individual compartments are leak-proof when properly sealed – an important feature when packing liquid ingredients such as yogurt, dips and condiments.

Drawbacks: As with most fixed storage designs, there isn’t a lot of flexibility. You’re limited to just three compartments, which may result in the need for additional types of containers, if you’re packing larger or multiple side-dish lunches. The large rectangular size of this container requires finding just the right size tote.  In addition, durability in my opinion is low, and with consistent use, as well as dishwasher exposure, these containers need to be replaced more frequently than other high durability products. So the lower price may not really be worth it if you’re having to constantly replace them.

Other Eco-friendly Reusable Lunch Packing Options

Graze Organic Reusable Lunch Baggies

LunchSkins Reusable Lunch Baggies
Although I haven’t personally used the two products shown above, I am impressed with both the concept and design of reusable food storage bags. So I’m including these as examples of the various types of eco-friendly reusable bags that are available, since some families may prefer bags to containers, or want to use a mix of both. (If you’ve had experiencing using reusable food bags such as these, we’d love to hear your thoughts!)

Let the healthy lunch-packing begin …

Joyfully Serving Him, Kelly

*Please note: This is a completely unbiased review. I did not receive free or discounted product or compensation from any brand mentioned. This post represents my personal opinion after using these products. Your opinion may vary, so I encourage you to decide for yourself which product(s) you prefer. Also note: Most of these brands sell their products via their websites and through other retailers and online sources. Although this post does contain some affiliate links, I always recommend shopping around to find the best price. Wishing you a very blessed back-to-school season!