A bento box is a practical method to carry and enjoy several meals when you’re not at home, whether you’re preparing lunch for your child’s first day of preschool or your teen’s final year of high school. Although the bento box was created in Japan in the sixteenth century and has been used there ever since, it has only been during the past ten years that it has gained increasing popularity in the United States.
We looked at many various practical aspects of bento boxes, such as how easy they are to carry and use and what sizes and shapes work best for different age groups and food varieties. Here are our top choices for bento boxes:
Children’s Lunchbox – BENTGO
There are several reasons why this bento box is the most popular. First of all, you may thoroughly clean it because it is dishwasher-safe. It’s also spacious enough to fit a full-sized meal while yet fitting into a typical backpack or lunchbox with ease. Although it locks firmly, which makes it helpful for avoiding accidents, younger kids could find it more challenging to open on their own.
Bento-To-Go Container – SNAPLOCK BY PROGRESSIVE
The perfect portable snack container is this little bento box. Our experts discovered that this bento is little but formidable and stores more than it appears to. It also snaps shut securely on either side. Our tester discovered that a three-year-old was unable to open the box on their own, therefore it is better suited for older kids unless there is an adult to assist.
Recycled Bento Box – POTTERY BARN KIDS
Our specialists observed that the bottom compartment of this box has a decent depth, preventing your sandwich from being squashed. If you’re concerned about something seeping out into a backpack, it’s recommended not to store anything with liquid in this box because the seal isn’t as tight as some of the other types that were tested. Its use of recycled plastic that is BPA-free is another benefit.
Grow Bento Box – MINIWARE
This adorable bento box has detachable silicone bowls and is rather small. For babies and toddlers, the compact dimensions and reduced weight are ideal. Due to the fact that they are completely detachable, one might add or remove any necessary containers (which also makes them easy to clean).
Bento Lunch Box – KINSHO
This stylish box is ideal for older children or even adults because it will keep a substantial meal organized. It contains a set of washable, reusable cutlery and is available in a variety of stylish colors. While this box may be cleaned in the dishwasher, the lid did get somewhat distorted after several washing, according to the product testers. It’s also rather large, so you’d need to transport this box separately because it probably won’t fit inside a typical lunchbox.
Rover Stainless Steel Lunch Box – PLANETBOX
Two spherical containers in this metal box with five divisions are ideal for dips, soups, and salad dressing. The best feature of this bento is that it can be customized; your child may personalize their box by selecting one of 42 magnetic patterns, which range from dinosaurs to unicorns. The stainless steel is more costly than the other alternatives on our list, but it will also probably last longer.
OmieBox – OMIE
You have more lunch alternatives than just a cold sandwich with this futuristic-looking box since it contains an insulated, detachable container that keeps meals like spaghetti, mac & cheese, or chili hot. Despite the fact that this is a fantastic feature, our testers observed that it did make the bento box heavier, making it unsuitable for smaller children who are carrying their own bags or backpacks.
Kids Lunch Bento Box – SUNNYLIFE
For a high school sophomore’s midday meal, this straightforward box is definitely not the best option because it is on the smaller side, but for a toddler, this adorable tiny container is wonderful for outings to the playground. Our tester’s child adored the adorable jungle animal design, and the three-layer construction is perfect for keeping fruit apart from dry foods like pretzels and crackers. Additionally, because it is constructed of lightweight plastic, it won’t add weight to mom’s diaper bag or park backpack.
Bento Box – OZAZUCO
This package is for you if you want a larger dinner one day and a smaller meal the next. This bento can be layered as a one-, two-, or three-layer lunch box, making it the most adaptable one we discovered. In addition, it includes a lovely, matching lunch bag and reusable serving pieces.
Bento Box for Adults & Kids – LOVINA
The only bento box with a separate, sealed section for utensils is this one, while some of our top selections include washing forks and spoons. It also has lots of storage with five sections. Since these boxes only come in solid colors, children may not find them as intriguing as certain versions with more elaborate designs.
How to find the best kids’ bento boxes
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for youngsters, and the models might differ. When purchasing items for your child, keep the following in mind:
- Material: Typically, bento boxes are made of glass, metal, or plastic. It’s a good idea to take into account their weight, especially if a youngster will be wearing them in their bag. Glass is often the heaviest material, followed by metal and plastics, depending on whether or not they are insulated. It’s also important to consider how robust the boxes are in case the bag is handled forcefully.
- Layout: Models range in size and number of layers; some are stacked, while others have only one level and several compartments. Depending on the sorts of food you’ll be packing and how it will fit and be delivered, this is a crucial factor to take into account.
- Functionality: The box may be simple, consisting only of pieces, or it may have insulated portions that are intended to keep meals hot. Some just snap closed more gently and effortlessly, while others have an airtight seal to stop leaks. It’s wise to think about the sorts of food you’ll be bringing for lunch and if they may become squished.
- Ease of use: How simple is it to open the bento box? Although opening the lid may appear simple, can your toddler do it by themselves? Before sending your child to school with it, it’s a good idea to have them practice opening it at home.