Best Kids' Lunch Boxes of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Kids' lunch boxes are essential for school-aged children as they provide a convenient and fun way to carry their lunch to school. These lunch boxes come in a variety of designs and colors, catering to the preferences of both boys and girls. Some lunch boxes feature popular cartoon characters, while others are designed to look like animals or sports equipment. Many of these lunch boxes are insulated to keep food fresh and cool until lunchtime. With so many options available, parents can easily find the perfect lunch box to suit their child's needs and style.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Bentgo® Kids Prints Leak-Proof Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box Cover #TOP 1
Bentgo® Kids Prints Leak-Proof Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box - Perfect for Packing Variety in One Slim Lunch Box Cover #TOP 2
Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box - Perfect for Packing Variety in One Slim Lunch Box
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bentgo Pop Cover #TOP 3
Bentgo Pop
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Kids' Lunch Boxes

Bentgo® Kids Prints Leak-Proof Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box

BGKDPT-DNO
Dinosaur
Bentgo® Kids Prints Leak-Proof Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box Cover
Bentgo Kids Prints Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box - Ideal Portion Sizes for Ages 3-7, Durable, Drop-Proof, Dishwasher Safe, & Made with BPA-Free Materials (Dinosaur)

Bentgo Kids Prints is an upgraded lunchbox with fun prints that showcase your child's personality. It has five practical compartments portioned perfectly for a child's appetite to encourage a healthy and balanced meal. The lunchbox is designed with leak-proof technology and drop-proof rubber-coated edges. It is made of BPA-free, food-safe materials that are microwave and dishwasher-safe. Additionally, the purchase supports the Feed the Children nonprofit.

What We Like
Dishwasher safe
Leak-proof design
Durable and sturdy
Perfect portion sizes
Attractive designs
What We Don't Like
Cleaning may be challenging
Some compartments small

Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box - Perfect for Packing Variety in One Slim Lunch Box

BGOCHL-Y
Gray
Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box - Perfect for Packing Variety in One Slim Lunch Box Cover
Bentgo Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box - Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold; 4-Compartment Bento Lunch Container; Microwave & Dishwasher Safe; 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty (Gray)

The Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box is a bento-style lunch solution that is perfect for packing variety in one slim lunch box. It features a removable ice pack to keep food cool longer, a leak-proof design to keep meals and snacks fresh and mess-free during transport, and a portion-perfect meal tray that makes it easy to pack half sandwiches, wraps, fruits, veggies, and more. The outer shell has a rubberized edge for active kids on-the-go, and the latch is kid-friendly for small hands to open and close. Plus, Bentgo is a proud supporter of Feed the Children, a nonprofit that gives hope and resources for hungry children and families.

What We Like
Built-in ice pack
Leak-proof design
Easy to clean
Well-sized compartments
Durable and kid-friendly
What We Don't Like
Latch may break
Limited space for larger meals
#TOP 3

Bentgo Pop

Spring Green/Blue
Bentgo Pop Cover
Bentgo Pop - Leak-Proof Lunch Box & Removable Divider for Ages 8+ & Teens - Lunch Container Holds 5 Cups of Food; 3-4 Compartments; Microwave/Dishwasher Safe; 2 Year Warranty (Spring Green/Blue)

Introducing the Bentgo Pop Lunch Box - a stylish and durable lunch container designed for big kids and teens. This bento-style lunch box features separate compartments to keep your favorite foods organized. The contoured lid ensures a leak-proof seal, making it perfect for active kids on the go. With a capacity of 5 cups, you can easily fit an entree or full sandwich in the main compartment, along with fruit, veggies, or snacks in the smaller compartments. The removable divider adds an optional 4th compartment for even more storage. Made from high-quality, BPA-free materials, the Bentgo Pop Lunch Box is easy to use, clean, and is both microwave and dishwasher safe.

What We Like
Well-sized compartments
Dishwasher safe
Sturdy construction
Leak-proof functionality
Affordable option
What We Don't Like
Compartment size may be limiting
Latch durability concerns

Bentgo® Kids Stainless Steel Lunch Box

BGOSTL-S
Silver
Bentgo® Kids Stainless Steel Lunch Box Cover
Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Lunch Box - 3-Compartment Bento Style Lunch Box with Bonus Container - Eco-Friendly, Dishwasher Safe, BPA-Free, Ages 3+, Patented Design (Silver)

The Bentgo® Kids Stainless Steel Lunch Box is perfect for a child's meal. The upgraded latches make sure that there is an airtight seal when taking meals on-the-go. The patented design has 3 food compartments portioned perfectly to fit a child's appetite, and it comes with a removable silicone container for packing even more food options. The lid is contoured to seal each compartment and prevent leaks. Made with high-quality stainless steel, it is a safe and sustainable alternative to plastic.

What We Like
Versatile compartment sizes
Leak-proof design
Easy to clean
Durable stainless steel
Excellent customer service
What We Don't Like
Heavy for younger children
Potential clasp durability concerns
#TOP 5

Bentgo® Kids 5-Compartment Bento-Style Lunch Box

BGOKIDS-B
Blue
Age 3 to 7 Years
Bentgo® Kids 5-Compartment Bento-Style Lunch Box Cover
Bentgo Kids Bento-Style 5-Compartment Leak-Proof Lunch Box - Ideal Portion Sizes for Ages 3 to 7 - Durable, Drop-Proof, Dishwasher Safe, BPA-Free, & Made with Food-Safe Materials (Blue)

Bentgo® Kids is a leak-proof, durable, and drop-proof lunch box designed for kids aged 3-7. It has 5 compartments that are perfectly portioned for a child's appetite, encouraging a healthy and balanced meal. The 2 kid-friendly latches are easy for small hands to open and close, and the rubber-coated edges are durable and slip-proof. The lunch box is microwave and dishwasher-safe, and made with BPA-free, food-safe materials. Bentgo® Kids is also a proud supporter of Feed the Children, a nonprofit that helps provide resources for hungry children and families.

What We Like
Durable design
Leak-proof compartments
Easy to clean
Kid-friendly size
Variety of food options
What We Don't Like
Outer container not dishwasher safe
Replacement inserts not available

Munchkin Bento Lunch Box for Toddlers and Kids

17949
Green
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Munchkin Bento Lunch Box for Toddlers and Kids Cover
Munchkin® Lunch™ Bento Box for Kids, Includes Utensils, Green

The Munchkin Bento Lunch Box is a colorful and practical solution for parents looking to pack healthy and balanced meals for their toddlers and kids. With 5 compartments, this Bento box allows you to pack a variety of foods without worrying about them touching. The box comes with stainless steel toddler utensils that snap directly to the lid for easy storage. The durable and kid-friendly design includes a handle for easy carrying. Plus, it's dishwasher safe and BPA-free, making it a convenient and safe option for parents.

What We Like
Waterproof seal
Easy to clean
Good compartment sizes
Included utensils
Sturdy and durable
What We Don't Like
Heavy for kids
Not completely leak proof
#TOP 7

Bentgo Kids Meal Prep Tray

Seafoam
Bentgo Kids Meal Prep Tray Cover
Bentgo® Kids Tray with Transparent Cover - Reusable, BPA-Free, 5-Compartment Meal Prep Container with Built-In Portion Control for Healthy, At-Home Meals & On-the-Go Lunches (Seafoam)

The Bentgo Kids Tray is a great solution for busy parents who want to simplify meal prep. You can prepare your child's meals the night before and store them in the fridge, making mornings much easier. With five perfectly sized compartments, this tray allows you to pack a variety of healthy snacks and meals, ensuring your child gets the nutrition they need. The transparent lid keeps everything fresh and visible. Plus, you can mix and match colors with other Bentgo products for added fun. This tray is also perfect for snacks on the go, although it's best used with a Bentgo Kids lunch box for liquids.

What We Like
Durable and easy to clean
Good portion sizes for kids
Variety of color options
Affordable compared to other brands
Convenient for meal prepping
What We Don't Like
Not leak-proof without outer shell
Small compartments for some items
#TOP 8

Thermos Kids Dual Lunch Box, Star Wars BB-8

K317015T
Star Wars BB-8
Standard
Thermos Kids Dual Lunch Box, Star Wars BB-8 Cover
THERMOS Kids Dual Lunch Box, Star Wars BB-8

The Thermos Kids Dual Lunch Box, Star Wars BB-8 is a great choice for kids who need a reliable and stylish lunch box. It features a zippered access that opens and closes the length of the lunch box, a padded handle for comfortable carrying, Isotec premium closed cell foam insulation, and an easy to clean LDPE liner. It is constructed of 400D Polyester and is 100% PVC free.

What We Like
Two compartments for organization
Sturdy and durable design
Easy to clean
Good size and price
What We Don't Like
Seams may come apart
#TOP 9

Bentgo Fresh – 4-Compartment Lunch Box with Removable Divider

BGOFR-2B
Blue
1 EA
Bentgo Fresh – 4-Compartment Lunch Box with Removable Divider Cover
Bentgo Fresh – Leak-Proof, Versatile 4-Compartment Bento-Style Lunch Box with Removable Divider, Portion-Controlled Meals for Teens and Adults On-The-Go – BPA-Free, Food-Safe Materials (Blue)

Bentgo Fresh is a versatile, leak-proof 4-compartment bento-style lunch box with removable divider, perfect for packing balanced meals for teens and adults on-the-go. Each compartment is portioned perfectly to feed the appetite of both older children and adults. The 3-compartment structure can be kept as-is to pack larger main courses or add the optional divider to create 4 compartments. Made with food-safe materials, this lunch box is BPA-free and comes with a 2-year warranty and caring customer support.

What We Like
Durable and well-constructed
Leakproof compartments
Easy for kids to open
Dishwasher safe
Variety in portion sizes
What We Don't Like
Some latches may break
Bulkier than older model
#TOP 10

WONDER FAMILY Kids Bento Box

FXF0031
Salmon
24.3 Fl Oz
WONDER FAMILY Kids Bento Box Cover
Bento Box for Kids with Hot & Cold Packs for Lunch Box Kids - Microwavable Lunch Containers with Compartments - Kids Bento Lunch Box Containers for Kids for School - Lunchbox Bento Snack Box Container

The WONDER FAMILY Bento Box is designed to keep your child's meals fresh and at the perfect temperature. With special compartments for hot and cold gel packs, you can ensure that lunches stay just how your child likes them. This lunch box is made from high-quality plastic, giving you peace of mind about food safety. The five functional compartments allow for a colorful variety of meals, making lunchtime fun and organized. Plus, it’s microwave safe, so you can easily heat up meals or clean it without hassle.

What We Like
Multiple food compartments
Microwave and dishwasher safe
Durable and well-made
Includes soft gel pack
Easy for kids to use
What We Don't Like
Color lighter than expected
Small size may limit older kids
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Kids' Lunch Boxes

Factors to Consider

When it comes to choosing the perfect lunch box for your child, there are several factors to consider. These include the size and shape of the lunch box, the material it is made of, and the type of closures it has.

Size and Shape

Lunch boxes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small bento boxes to large insulated bags. The size and shape you choose will depend on the age and appetite of your child, as well as how much food you want to pack. For younger children, a smaller bento box may be more appropriate, while older children may prefer a larger insulated bag.

Material

Lunch boxes are typically made of plastic, metal, or fabric. Plastic lunch boxes are lightweight and easy to clean, but they are not as durable as metal or fabric options. Metal lunch boxes are more durable, but they can be heavy and may not insulate food as well as fabric lunch boxes. Fabric lunch boxes are a good middle ground, offering durability and insulation, but they may not be as easy to clean as plastic or metal options.

Closures

Lunch boxes typically have some type of closure, such as a zipper, snaps, or Velcro, to keep the contents inside. Zipper closures are the most secure, but they can be difficult for small children to open and close. Snaps and Velcro closures are easier for children to use, but they may not be as secure as a zipper.

Other Considerations

In addition to the size, material, and closures of the lunch box, there are a few other factors to consider. These include the design and color of the lunch box, as well as any additional features it may have. For example, some lunch boxes have compartments for organizing food, while others have built-in ice packs to keep food fresh.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lunch box for your child can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of research and consideration, you can find the perfect option for your child's needs. Consider the size and shape, material, closures, and additional features of the lunch box, and choose one that will be both functional and appealing to your child.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What to pack for kids lunch ideas?

Some lunch ideas for kids include pasta salad, homemade Lunchables, chicken and guacamole, nut or seed butter cracker sandwiches, deconstructed tacos, chicken salad, ham and cheese roll-up, and leftover pasta. These options provide variety and can be enjoyed by children.

Bento boxes gained popularity due to their convenience, ease of preparation, variety of flavors, unique designs, and portability. They offer a practical and appealing way to pack and organize food for kids' lunches, making them a popular choice among parents.

3. What is a healthy lunch box for kids?

A healthy lunch box for kids can include options like peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat waffles, clementines, Swiss cheese sticks, green salad, Mexican bento box with brown rice, corn, cooked chicken, pinto beans, avocado, mushrooms, salsa, and pineapple. These choices provide a balance of nutrients and flavors.

4. What not to pack in a kids lunch box?

Avoid packing cakes, biscuits, lollies high in saturated fat and added sugar, soft drinks, packaged snacks high in salt, saturated fat, or added sugar, nuts or nut butters if the school has a nut-free policy, and high-risk foods for food poisoning in kids' lunch boxes. Opt for healthier alternatives instead.

5. What is a good packed lunch instead of sandwiches?

Instead of sandwiches, consider packing alternatives like chicken drumsticks or fillets, rice or couscous with veggies, sausages, frittata, pizza, or pasta. These options can be enjoyed cold and provide a satisfying and varied lunch for kids. Include an ice pack to keep foods like salad or meat cool.

6. What should I pack my picky child for lunch?

For picky eaters, consider packing ham and cheese roll-ups with apple slices, Greek yogurt with mixed berries and granola, bagel with cream cheese and sliced cucumbers, peanut butter and jelly sandwich with baby carrots, or mini quiche with shredded cheese on top. These options offer a balance of flavors and nutrients.

7. Is a glass lunch box better than a steel lunch box?

Both glass and stainless steel lunch boxes have their benefits. Glass is more transparent and microwave safe, but it is more prone to breakage. Stainless steel is more durable and long-lasting. Choose the material that aligns with your needs and preferences.

8. Are metal lunch boxes better than plastic?

Metal lunch boxes are generally considered more environmentally friendly than plastic ones. They are reusable and have a longer lifespan, reducing waste generated from disposable plastic lunch boxes. Consider metal lunch boxes if sustainability is important to you.

9. Are bento boxes worth it for kids?

Bento boxes are popular for kids' lunches because they can hold and keep separate several different food items at once. They also offer opportunities for creativity and make lunchtime more enjoyable. Consider using bento boxes for your kids' lunches to add variety and appeal to their meals.

Editor's Notes

During our kids' lunch boxes research, we found 24 kids' lunch boxes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 675,754 customer reviews through our big data system to write the kids' lunch boxes list. We found that most customers choose kids' lunch boxes with an average price of $19.54.

The kids' lunch boxes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of kids' lunch boxes, including Bentgo, Munchkin, THERMOS, WONDER FAMILY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 132 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.

Kids' Lunch Boxes Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Bentgo Bentgo Bentgo Bentgo Bentgo Munchkin Bentgo THERMOS Bentgo WONDER FAMILY
Color Dinosaur Gray Spring Green/Blue Silver Blue Green Seafoam Star Wars BB-8 Blue Salmon
Material Food-safe materials (No BPA, Vinyl, Lead, or PVC) Food-safe materials (No BPA, Vinyl, Lead, or PVC) Food-Safe Materials Food-Grade Safe 18/8 Stainless Steel and Silicone Food-safe materials (No BPA, Vinyl, Lead, or PVC) Stainless Steel Polyethylene, Polypropylene Plastic Food-Grade Safe PP, ABS, and TPE Polypropylene, 100% Food Grade Silicone
Special Feature Leak-Proof, Drop-Proof, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe Tray Dishwasher Safe Leak Resistant, Microwave Safe Airtight Lightweight, Dishwasher Safe Durable Leak Resistant Leak Resistant Leak Resistant, Removable Divider Thermal Insulated
Recommended Uses For Product Kids Lunches, School, Daycare, Outdoor Activities, Snacks, On the Go School, Daycare, Sports, Outdoors, On the Go Fruit, Snacks, Meals Snacks, Meals, Children's food Sandwich, Fruit, Cookies, Vegetable School School Travel Vegetables, Salad, Fruits, Meat -
Age Range (Description) Ages 3-7 Recommended 3 and Up Kid - Kid Kid 3 Kid 3 Kid
Capacity 2.4 Cups 3.33 Cups 160.18 Cubic Inches 2 Pounds 2.4 Cups 320 Cubic Inches 1.2 Pounds - 1174 Milliliters 24.3 Fluid Ounces
Theme Animal Gray Sport,Beach,Fruit - Love Food Fruit Star Wars Food Fruit
Item Weight 1.3 Pounds 1.4 Pounds 1.65 Pounds 1.6 Pounds 1.3 Pounds 1.3 Pounds 8.8 ounces 156 Grams 1.3 Pounds -
Product Care Instructions Dishwasher Safe Tray, Hand Wash is Recommended for Outer Shell Dishwasher Safe Dishwasher Safe, Hand Wash Dishwasher Safe - Top Rack Only Hand Wash Hand Wash Hand Wash Dishwasher Safe
Closure Type - Latch - Clip-On - Snap Clip Zipper Flip Top Clip
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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