Best Insulated Food Jars of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Insulated food jars are the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy a hot or cold meal on-the-go. These jars are designed to keep food at the desired temperature for hours, whether it's soup, chili, or a salad. They are made with high-quality materials that are durable and easy to clean. The lids are usually airtight to prevent spills and leaks, and many models come with a built-in spoon or fork. These jars are perfect for commuters, hikers, or anyone who wants to enjoy a home-cooked meal while away from home. With a variety of sizes and designs available, there is an insulated food jar to suit everyone's needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar Cover #TOP 1
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Food Jar 18 oz Cover #TOP 2
Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Food Jar 18 oz
ftb score rating icon 9.8
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar Cover #TOP 3
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Insulated Food Jars

#TOP 1

THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar

SK3000
Midnight Blue
16 Ounce
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar Cover
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar with Spoon, 16 Ounce, Midnight Blue

The THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar keeps your food hot for up to 9 hours or cold for up to 14 hours due to its vacuum insulation technology. Made of high quality 18/8 stainless steel, it is durable and dependable. The exterior stays cool to the touch with hot contents and does not sweat with cold. It comes with a full-sized spoon that folds for easy storage inside of the lid, which doubles as a built-in serving bowl. Available in 16, 24, and 47 ounce capacities.

What We Like
Excellent heat retention
Leak-proof design
Includes a folding spoon
Durable stainless steel body
Perfect for hearty meals
What We Don't Like
Narrow mouth for thick foods
Flimsy folding spoon
#TOP 2

Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Food Jar 18 oz

10-01287-031
Stainless Steel
18 oz
Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Food Jar 18 oz Cover
Stanley Classic Legendary Vacuum Insulated Food Jar 18 oz – Stainless Steel, Naturally BPA-free Container – Keeps Food/Liquid Hot or Cold for 12 Hours – Leak Resistant, Easy Clean

The Stanley Insulated Food Jar is designed for those who want to keep their meals at the perfect temperature. With its double-wall vacuum insulation, you can enjoy hot or cold food for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for your day at the park or a long road trip. Its lightweight design allows for easy carrying, fitting comfortably in your hand. Plus, the leak-proof construction means you won’t have to worry about spills in your bag. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to its wide mouth opening, and the included stainless steel spork makes it easy to enjoy your meals without relying on disposable utensils.

What We Like
Excellent insulation performance
Durable stainless steel construction
Wide mouth for easy filling
Leak-proof design
Compact yet spacious
What We Don't Like
Heavier than some containers
Initial watermarks upon arrival
#TOP 3

THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar

SK3020
Midnight Blue
24 Ounces
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar Cover
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar, 24 Ounce, Midnight Blue

The THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar is an insulated food jar that can keep hot or cold meals at their desired temperature for up to 14 and 24 hours, respectively. Made with high quality 18/8 stainless steel construction, this food jar is durable and dependable. Its exterior stays cool to the touch with hot contents and sweat-proof with cold. The insulated lid also doubles as a serving bowl and is leak-proof when closed. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Available in 16, 24, and 47 ounce capacities.

What We Like
Keeps food hot for hours
Durable and easy to clean
Good portion size
Leak-proof design
Well-made stainless steel
What We Don't Like
Narrow opening for cleaning
Small lid for use as bowl
#TOP 4

Hydro Flask 20 Oz Food Jar Agave

RF20374
Agave Green
1 EA
Hydro Flask 20 Oz Food Jar Agave Cover
Hydro Flask 20 Oz Insulated Food Jar Agave

The Hydro Flask Food Jar keeps your food hot or cold for hours with its TempShield️ double-wall vacuum insulation. Its leakproof design ensures no spills when closed, making it perfect for on-the-go use. The easy grip lid allows for effortless opening and closing. Being BPA-Free, you can enjoy your meals without any harmful chemicals. This food jar is a convenient companion for maintaining the temperature of your food while offering ease of use.

What We Like
Excellent temperature retention
Compact and portable size
Child-friendly design
Durable stainless steel construction
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Not always hot after 5 hours
Warranty process can be cumbersome
#TOP 5

THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar with Containers

SK3030MSTRI4
47 oz.
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar with Containers Cover
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar with 2 Storage Container Inserts, 47 Ounce, Matte Steel

The THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar is a durable and dependable choice for keeping your meals hot or cold. The vacuum insulation technology retains temperature for up to 10 hours for hot meals and up to 24 hours for cold foods. It includes two 20-ounce, microwave and dishwasher safe containers for keeping food separated, and has a sweat-proof and cool exterior. With a large 47-ounce capacity, it's perfect for group meals on the go. THERMOS has been making everyday life better since 1904.

What We Like
Keeps food hot for hours
Durable and sturdy design
Easy to clean
Convenient size and storage
Does not leak
What We Don't Like
Not as hot after long hours
Minor damage reported on delivery
#TOP 6

Simple Modern Food Jar Thermos

JAR-12-MB
- Midnight Black
12 Ounces
Simple Modern Food Jar Thermos Cover
Simple Modern Food Jar Thermos for Hot Food | Reusable Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Leak Proof Lunch Storage for Smoothie Bowl, Soup, Oatmeal | Provision Collection | 12oz | Midnight Black

The Simple Modern Vacuum Insulated Food Jar Thermos is a reusable stainless steel lunch storage that can keep your soup, smoothie bowl, oatmeal, or any hot/cold food fresh for hours with its double wall insulation. Its wide mouth design provides you with easy eating without worrying about spills. Made of premium 18/8 stainless steel, this food jar thermos is durable and dishwasher safe. With a limited lifetime warranty and patent-pending design, the Simple Modern Food Jar Thermos is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable insulated food jar.

What We Like
Keeps food hot for hours
Leakproof design
Easy to clean
Sturdy stainless steel
Versatile for hot and cold foods
What We Don't Like
One unit may underperform
#TOP 7

Stanley Adventure To Go Food Jar

10-10836-002
Polar
18oz
Stanley Adventure To Go Food Jar Cover
Stanley Adventure To Go Insulated Food Jar - 18oz - Stainless Steel Insulated Food Container with Leak Proof Lid - BPA-Free and Dishwasher Safe

The Stanley Food Jar is designed for easy transport, making it perfect for your outdoor adventures or busy workdays. Its leak-proof lid ensures that your meals stay contained, so you can enjoy your favorite dishes without worries. With Stanley's vacuum insulation, your food will stay hot or cold for hours, allowing you to savor every bite. The durable 18/8 stainless steel construction means this jar can handle whatever life throws at you, while being 100% BPA-free makes it a safe choice for you and the environment. Plus, it's dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

What We Like
Keeps food hot or cold
Dishwasher safe
Durable and sturdy design
Wide opening for easy access
Great value for daily use
What We Don't Like
Hard to open after sealing
Wide lid may be difficult for small hands
#TOP 8

Hydrapeak 25oz Insulated Food Jar

25oz-Foodie-Jar
Iceberg
25 Ounces
Hydrapeak 25oz Insulated Food Jar Cover
Hydrapeak 25oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Thermos Food Jar | Kids for Hot and Cold Food, Wide Mouth Leak-Proof Soup Adults, 10 Hours 16 (Iceberg),(HP-Jar-25)

The Hydrapeak Insulated Food Jar is designed to keep your meals hot for up to 10 hours and cold for 16 hours, making it perfect for both hot soup and cold salads. Made from high-grade stainless steel, it features a durable powder coating that resists spills and leaks, ensuring you can take it anywhere without worry. The wide mouth opening allows for easy filling and cleaning, while the sturdy folding handle makes it convenient to carry. Plus, it’s odor-free, so you can store different foods without lingering smells.

What We Like
Keeps food hot for hours
Durable and easy to clean
Leak-proof design
Attractive colors and design
Spacious for meals
What We Don't Like
May leak occasionally
Temperature maintenance varies
#TOP 9

Goodful 16-Ounce Insulated Food Jar

Goodful
Gray
16 Ounces
Goodful 16-Ounce Insulated Food Jar Cover
Goodful Stainless Steel Food Jar, Double Wall Vacuum Sealed Insulated Food Storage Container with Carry Handle Lid, 16-Ounce, Gray

The Goodful Food Jar is designed to keep your meals at the perfect temperature for hours. With its advanced vacuum insulation, this jar can keep your hot dishes warm for up to 6 hours and cold items chilled for up to 9 hours. Its durable double wall stainless steel construction ensures it withstands daily use while remaining lightweight. The leakproof screw-on lid prevents any spills, making it safe to carry in your bag. Plus, the built-in carry handle makes it easy to take your food anywhere, fitting conveniently in standard cup holders.

What We Like
Temperature retention
Durable construction
Leakproof design
Portable carry handle
What We Don't Like
May not keep food very hot
#TOP 10

Hydro Flask 12 Oz Food Jar

0810096854896
Seaspray
12OZ
Hydro Flask 12 Oz Food Jar Cover
Hydro Flask 12 Oz Kids Insulated Food Jar and Boot Seaspray

The Hydro Flask Food Jar is perfect for keeping your child's meals fresh and enjoyable. Its double-wall vacuum insulation ensures that hot meals stay hot and cold snacks remain chilled for hours, making it ideal for lunches and after-school activities. You won’t have to worry about leaks, as this jar is designed to be leakproof when sealed, allowing you to toss it in their bag without a second thought. Cleaning is a breeze too; both the jar and the lid are dishwasher safe, so you can spend less time washing up and more time enjoying family moments.

What We Like
Easy to clean
Maintains food temperature
Convenient for outdoor use
Attractive color options
Compact and portable
What We Don't Like
Doesn't retain heat well
Smaller size may limit capacity
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are insulated food jars safe?

Insulated food jars are safe as long as you choose a good quality one made from safe materials. Look for food-grade stainless steel inserts to ensure no plastics are leached into hot food. High-quality food jars are durable and can withstand rough handling, making them suitable for kids.

2. How long can food stay in an insulated container?

The duration for which food can stay hot in an insulated container depends on the specific jar you choose. Generally, insulated containers designed for hot food can keep the food hot for around four hours. It is recommended to plan your meals and prepare the lunch the night before to ensure it stays hot for a desired amount of time.

3. What is the best insulator to keep food warm?

Foam insulation is commonly used to maintain the temperature of hot food in delivery bags. It is situated between the outer layer of the fabric and the inner lining of the bag. Foam insulation reduces heat conduction, which is the transfer of heat through a solid, making it an excellent insulator to keep food warm.

4. How long will a thermos food jar last?

The duration for which a thermos food jar can keep food hot or cold depends on the specific model. For example, the Stainless King™ 24-ounce Stainless Steel Food Jar can keep food cold for up to 24 hours and hot soups hot for up to 14 hours. The exact duration may vary depending on the insulation quality and design of the jar.

5. How long do insulated food containers keep food warm?

The duration for which insulated food containers can keep food warm depends on the type of thermos and how you prepare the food. If you properly reheat the food and preheat the thermos, your lunch can stay hot for up to 5-7 hours. Having a double-insulated thermos can also help in preventing heat or cold from escaping, prolonging the warmth of the food.

Editor's Notes

During our insulated food jar research, we found 24 insulated food jar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 260,703 customer reviews through our big data system to write the insulated food jars list. We found that most customers choose insulated food jars with an average price of $21.89.

The insulated food jars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of insulated food jars, including THERMOS, STANLEY, Hydro Flask, Simple Modern, Hydrapeak. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Insulated Food Jars Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand THERMOS STANLEY THERMOS Hydro Flask THERMOS Simple Modern STANLEY Hydrapeak Goodful Hydro Flask
Color Midnight Blue Stainless Steel Midnight Blue Agave Green Matte Stainless Steel Midnight Black Polar Iceberg Gray Seaspray
Material Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Steel
Capacity 16 ounces 18 Fluid Ounces 1.5 Pounds 1 Fluid Ounces 2.9 Pounds 12 ounces 18 Fluid Ounces 1.6 Pounds 16 ounces 354 Milliliters
Material Feature Dishwasher Safe - Dishwasher Safe,BPA Free bpa_free Microwave Safe, Dishwasher Safe Reusable Dishwasher Safe Food Grade BPA Free, Freezer Safe dishwasher_safe
Recommended Uses For Product - Hot Food Food - Hot food, Cold food, Meals, Soup, Nuts, Sauces, Dessert, Bread, Salad, Cake, Noodles, Coffee, Tea, Juice, Milk, Take-Out Soups, Smoothie - - Soup, Cookies, Snacks, Yogurt, Hot food, Meals, Sandwiches, Cold food, Lunch -
Special Feature - Leak Resistant Insulated,Dishwasher Safe,Leak Resistant,Durable - Leak Resistant, Durable, Dishwasher Safe, Sweat Proof, Insulated Leak Resistant - - Vacuum Seal, Leak Resistant -
Item Weight - 250 Grams 0.5 Pounds - 2 Pounds 0.55 Pounds - - 0.71 Pounds -
Product Care Instructions - Dishwasher Safe Hand Wash Only - Hand Wash Only Hand Wash Only - - Hand Wash Only -
Closure Type - Twist Lock Clip-On - Clip-On Twist Lock - - Screw -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
Where to Buy