As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your kids. When it comes to food, you’ll want your little ones to consume nutritious food, right? But have you thought about the containers that store your kid’s food? Plastic lunch boxes are toxic. They can cause extreme health issues like cancer and high blood pressure. That’s why we highly recommend using eco friendly lunch boxes! These lunch boxes aren’t only better for the Earth, but they’re also free of harmful chemicals, allowing your kid to enjoy their lunch without worrying about the side effects. However, there are so many different models available on the market. This makes it a bit hard to differentiate which one is good and which one only claims to be good. Lucky for you, we’ve done the research and handpicked some of the best options on the market. Keep on reading to find out!
Table of contents
- ecozoi Stainless Steel Lunch Box
- Bentgo Kids Lunch Box
- Fun Life Bento Box
- ECOlunchbox Splash Box
- PlanetBox ROVER Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box
- Klean Kanteen Food Box Set
- TO GO WARE 2-Tier Stainless Steel Tiffin Lunch Box
- OmieGo Bento BIO
- MINCOCO Bento Lunch Box
- Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag
- U Konserve Stainless Steel Bento Box
- LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Box
- Eco-Life Home Design Bento Box
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Eco-Friendly Lunch Boxes
- Which lunch box material is best for kids?
- Is a metal lunch box better than plastic?
- Are plastic bento boxes bad?
ecozoi Stainless Steel Lunch Box
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The first lunch box for kids on this list is the ecozoi Stainless Steel Lunch Box. Made of 201 stainless steel, this lunch box is one of the most durable options on the market. But aside from its durability, we also love its commitment to making Earth a better place. Even the packaging is plastic-free!
This lunch box features five different compartments. It offers more than enough space for hot meals, salad, fruits, snacks, and others. And if the five-compartment model is too much for you, this lunch box is available in three as well as four-compartment models. Additionally, this lunch box is dishwasher-safe, meaning keeping it clean is a breeze.
Pros
- Your purchase will also include an extra sauce container.
- This lunch box is backed by a lifetime warranty.
- It’s leak-resistant.
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey for some people.
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Bentgo Kids Lunch Box
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Up next is the new and upgraded Bentgo Kids Lunch Box. Compared to the old model, the revamped now comes with better latches. We have to admit that it’s a huge upgrade. Thanks to the superior latches, this lunch box now promises an airtight seal. You just have to make sure your kid presses down the clips firmly.
We also love the ideal portion this lunch box offers. With three compartments, you can pack up to three different food for your little one. In addition to that, there’s a removable silicone container to pack even more food! On top of that, the lid is available in two different designs, which include Dinosaur and Unicorn.
Pros
- The compartments are leak-resistant.
- This lunch box is super stylish.
- It’s backed by a five-year warranty.
Cons
- The lid is a bit hard to open.
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Fun Life Bento Box
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Living up to its name, the Fun Life Bento Box will make your kid’s lunch session more fun and enjoyable. Available in several different colors, this lunch box is non-toxic and comes with everything you need. Aside from the lunch box, there’s also a soup container, a smaller container, a sauce container, a fork, a spoon, and a carrying pouch.
What about its durability? This lunch box is designed to last for years. It’s not only freezer-safe but also microwave and dishwasher-safe! Another thing that we love is that the main lunch box comes with five different compartments. If your kid loves having each of their food separated, this is a must-have!
Pros
- This lunch box is leak-resistant.
- It can withstand extreme temperatures.
- It keeps food fresh at all times.
Cons
- It may be too much for those who are looking for a simple lunch box.
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ECOlunchbox Splash Box
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With the ECOlunchbox Splash Box, you can finally say goodbye to your old plastic lunch box! ECOlunchbox is one of the most beloved brands among eco-conscious people. Besides being plastic-free, this lunch box doesn’t contain BPA and phthalates as well. This means it’s perfectly safe to keep in the freezer. So, feel free to freeze your meat inside this box!
How big is this lunch box? Well, with a capacity of 24 oz, it should be big enough for most kids. It’s specifically designed to pack your kid’s main dish safely. Need small compartments to store some grapes or snacks? Luckily, this lunch box is also sold along with the brand’s Splash Pod. It’s a smaller container that can fit inside the lunch box. Watch this video to have a closer look at it!
Pros
- It’s a reasonably priced lunch box that offers superb durability.
- This lunch box is leakproof and dishwasher-safe.
- It’s easy to open, even for kids.
Cons
- The sticker is hard to remove.
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PlanetBox ROVER Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box
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Ditch those plastic bento boxes! It’s time to get the PlanetBox ROVER Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box! This lunch box truly ticks the right boxes. With five compartments, you can pack whatever you want for your kid without mixing everything. We’re sure your kids will have a blast during lunch with this lunch box. After all, it’s specifically designed for kids above three years old!
Additionally, this bento box is toxic-free. It has no lead, BPA, and phthalates. What more could you ask for? Oh, have we mentioned that this bento box is easy to clean? Yep, it’s dishwasher-safe, so you don’t have to handwash it every time your kid comes home. Finally, this lunch box is backed by a five-year warranty.
Pros
- This is one of the most durable options on the market.
- It has no plastic or other harmful chemicals.
- With this lunch box, it’s easy to pack plenty of different food without mixing them.
Cons
- Some people think it’s overpriced.
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Klean Kanteen Food Box Set
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There are so many amazing lunch boxes eco friendly people love. However, the list won’t be complete without the Klean Kanteen Food Box Set! This brand is known for producing plastic-free containers. That said, this set comes with stainless steel containers with silicone lids. Better yet, each container comes in different sizes.
Of course, all containers aren’t only durable but also leakproof and dishwasher-friendly. Because of their material, they’re also good for both hot and cold food. Each container can keep your food warm for up to 11 hours and keep them cold for up to 45 hours! Though they’re not the cheapest, they’re surely one of the most reliable ones!
Pros
- The food-grade silicone lids are leakproof.
- Each container is easy to clean and won’t retain any flavors.
- All containers are dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.
Cons
- You can’t see what’s inside the containers.
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TO GO WARE 2-Tier Stainless Steel Tiffin Lunch Box
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Best Stackable. The best eco-friendly lunch box for kids is one that can last forever and is easy to use. Enter the TO GO WARE 2-Tier Stainless Steel Tiffin Lunch Box! One of the main highlights of this lunch box is its durability. It’s designed to last for years and is dishwasher safe. Not to mention, it can keep your kid’s food hot and cold for hours.
Convenience is the name of the game! This lunch box comes with a top container that latches itself and a lid that can be used as a plate. And if the two-tier set isn’t enough for you, you can consider the three-tier option as well! Also, this lunch box is small enough to be kept inside your kid’s book bag (as long as there aren’t too many books)!
Pros
- It’s lightweight and sturdy.
- This lunch box is dishwasher-safe.
- It’s also reasonably priced.
Cons
- Some people think the clamps are too loud.
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OmieGo Bento BIO
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Best Set. The OmieGo Bento BIO is the best option if you want a set of several containers. Available in a set of three, each container is designed to attach. Because of that, all of them won’t come apart easily! Just slide the smaller containers to the bigger one’s lid and you’re good to go! Best of all, all of them can sit upright in the bag without spills.
According to the official website, this lunch box set is plant-based, so it’s also a better option for the Earth. Though thick and durable, it’s not heavy at all! Plus, each container comes with four clasps, making them 100% leakproof. All you have to do is make sure the clasps produce a “click” sound, so you know they’re fastened securely.
Pros
- This lunch box set is stain-resistant.
- Each container is BPA and phthalate-free.
- It’s available in three different colorways.
Cons
- This lunch box set doesn’t retain heat.
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MINCOCO Bento Lunch Box
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Everything you need the MINCOCO Bento Lunch Box will provide! This lunch box kit comes with a lunch box (obviously), a lunch bag, a sauce jar, a spoon, and a fork. One may think this lunch box is expensive since it has a lot to offer. However, on the contrary, it’s actually one of the more affordable options on the market!
One of this product’s biggest selling points is its Sealing 3.0 Technology, which offers leakproof performance. So, feel free to pack your kid some wet food! Aside from being eco-friendly, this lunch box is also dishwasher and freezer safe. However, for the lid, you’ll want to handwash it to avoid unwanted deformation.
Pros
- It’s available in five different shades.
- There are four compartments, allowing you to pack different kinds of food.
- It’s backed by an 18-month warranty.
Cons
- Unlike the box, the lid isn’t dishwasher-safe.
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Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag
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Most Innovative. No, what you’re seeing aren’t plastic bags! The Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag is the perfect alternative for those who love the practicality of plastic bags. Available in a wide variety of lovely colors, you can use this storage bag to keep chopped fruits, snacks, and quite literally anything! But unlike single-use bags, you can wash, dry, and reuse this bag as many times as you want.
Apart from the different shades, this storage bag is also available in different sizes and shapes. We’re sure your kids will have a lot of fun choosing which variant they love the most. And when it comes to eco friendly lunch boxes for kids, you’ll want them to be safe, right? Luckily, this silicone bag is BPA and phthalate-free!
Pros
- It’s an innovative and versatile option that can be used for anything and by anyone.
- The packaging is eco-friendly as well.
- It’s both freezer and microwave-safe.
Cons
- Not exactly a budget-friendly option.
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U Konserve Stainless Steel Bento Box
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If you want a simple lunch box for your kids that’s reliable and more affordable, look no further than the U Konserve Stainless Steel Bento Box! This leakproof lunch box is designed to keep food fresh without spills. Unlike many other options on the market, this one is plastic-free. Hence, it’s also dishwasher-safe and extremely easy to clean!
Moreover, this sustainable and durable lunch box comes with a silicone lid that’s easy for your kid’s tiny hands to open. What’s more, the lid is available in several bright colors, though our favorite is the Cosmic Blue variant. Speaking of variants, it’s also available in two different sizes. The smaller one is 25 oz, while the bigger one is 45 oz. Best of all, they’re stackable!
Pros
- The 18/8 stainless steel’s durability is hard to match.
- This lightweight lunch box can be used for traveling and outdoor adventures as well.
- It can be put inside a freezer.
Cons
- There’s no divider, meaning you can separate the food into several compartments.
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LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Box
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Best Stainless Steel. Parents who are looking for a durable stainless steel lunch box should look no further than the one from LunchBots! The LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Box is made from 18/8 steel, which ensures its durability. Aside from being non-toxic, it’s also dishwasher-safe! This means you don’t have to spend extra energy to keep it clean.
Featuring five compartments, this lunch box is on the bigger side. Despite that, it still manages to be lightweight. It’s only 16 oz. Two of the compartments are larger, and three others are smaller. The bigger ones can contain around 1.25 cups of food, while the smaller ones can contain 0.5 cups. Feel free to pack as much food as you want! For more details, check out its official product page!
Pros
- The cover is available in many vibrant colors, which can catch your kid’s attention.
- This lunch box’s durability is unmatched.
- It’s free from toxins and other harmful chemicals.
Cons
- Unfortunately, this lunch box isn’t watertight.
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Eco-Life Home Design Bento Box
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Best Overall. Among all of the options on this list, we think the Eco-Life Home Design Bento Box is the best all-rounder. It’s the safest bet for everyone, and better yet, it’s made from a completely biodegradable material. You don’t have to worry about damaging the environment as this bento box can break down almost 100% within two years after you dispose of it. Pretty impressive, isn’t it?
Designed for your convenience, this lunch box can withstand both dishwashers and microwaves! This is such a huge plus as not all lunch boxes can do that. Featuring five compartments, your kid will be able to have an awesome lunch every single day. Not to mention, it comes with a matching fork and spoon. That way, you don’t have to separately get them.
Pros
- Every part of this lunch box feels super sturdy and durable.
- It’s easy to clean and doesn’t smell.
- With five compartments, it can keep everything!
Cons
- It feels a little heavy.
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Our Verdict!
Thanks to the lunch boxes above, your kid will finally be able to enjoy their lunch without worrying about the harmful chemicals! Considering the design, durability, and function, we think the Eco-Life Home Design Bento Box is the best overall choice. However, the others are also just as good! We’ve categorized some of them according to the following criteria, so why don’t you give them a look?
- Best Stainless Steel: LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Box
- Most Innovative: Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag
- Best Set: OmieGo Bento BIO
- Best Stackable: TO GO WARE 2-Tier Stainless Steel Tiffin Lunch Box
How To Choose The Best Eco-Friendly Lunch Boxes
There are some important features that you should keep in mind when looking for an eco-friendly lunch box for your little one. They include:
Material
If you want a solid lunch box that can last for years, you can go with a stainless steel lunch box. It doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, doesn’t retain food flavors, is a breeze to clean, and is fully recyclable. Or, you can also choose a silicone lunch box. It’s more eco-friendly than plastic containers and most silicone lunch boxes out there are food-safe.
Number of compartments
As you can see from our picks, different lunch boxes have different numbers of compartments. If you want to pack a sandwich for your kid, you can use a basic, single-compartment lunch box. However, we highly recommend getting something with at least two compartments. That way, you can pack your little one a variety of different food.
Design
Though not the most important aspect, you should also consider the design of the lunch box. After all, kids love something cute and flashy! So, you should consider getting a lunch box that catches your kid’s attention. There are many cute, colorful lunch boxes on the market. Some of them even come with printed lids!
Which lunch box material is best for kids?
Stainless steel lunch boxes are arguably the best for kids because they’re not only eco-friendly but also safe and extremely durable.
Is a metal lunch box better than plastic?
Of course! Metal lunch boxes, like stainless steel, are BPA and lead-free. They don’t have any harmful chemicals.
Are plastic bento boxes bad?
Yes, they are. Plastic bento boxes can release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, contaminating the food. These chemicals can cause serious health issues like hormonal issues and heart attacks.
