-
Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.
The Best Bento Boxes of 2024
Do you like to carry a complete lunch consisting of salads, sandwiches, desserts, fruits, and vegetables to maintain your diet? If you said yes, a regular lunch box might not be a good option because most of them are meant to carry two to three items. To overcome this issue, you should get your hands on a bento box! Perfect for packing different food items of your choice, it helps you manage the portions and ensure your diet is well-maintained. They also have a compact size and leak-proof design, especially the Umami Bento Box, which is the #1 choice on our list of the best bento boxes of 2024.
Our Top Picks For Bento Boxes
View all ContentsThe Best Bento Boxes
Best Overall
With two stackable containers, this Umami Bento Box is ideal for packing a three-course meal with ease, from starters to desserts. It comes with two adjustable spacers to help you resize the compartments for better portion control and keep food items separate. Featuring a tight strap and silicone seal, it is 100% leakproof and prevents food or liquid spills. It also includes a wooden cutlery set consisting of a spoon, knife, fork, and chopstick, allowing you to savor your lunch on the go. Plus, you get two separate screw-top jars for carrying condiments or dry fruits with your lunch.
Featuring BPA-free polypropylene containers and bamboo wood lids, this bento box is quite long-lasting and durable. It is safe for a microwave and a freezer, ensuring you can enjoy a hot or cold meal according to your requirement. Cleaning it is also a breeze because it is dishwasher-safe. Thanks to the sustainable and recyclable materials, significantly large container, and a full cutlery set, this bento box is the best overall on the list.
Pros
- Easy to wash in a dishwasher
- Made from safe materials with no BPA
- Easier portion control with adjustable dividers
Cons
- The cost is a bit high
Best for Kids/Teens
The Fenrici Bento Box is a safe and practical bento box that will help your kids, teens, or even yourself to have a delicious and healthy meal ready when on the go. Made with natural and renewable wheat straw and BPA-free, food-grade silicone, these bento boxes are not only safe but also meet or exceed all nine CSPC standards and regulations for children ages 3 and up.
Measuring an impressive 8.7 x 7.2 x 2.7 inches, this bento box has plenty of room even for larger meals. With its five leak-proof, well-proportioned compartments, including a special sauce tray, you or your kids are bound to have a mess-free and less stressful mealtime. This bento box is completely dishwasher safe, while the bottom tray and inner lid are both microwavable for hot or cold food – just remember to take out the outer lid before microwaving! Additionally, this lunch set comes with a fork and spoon that are made with the same food-safe material as the box.
Pros
- BPA-free and spill-proof
- Contains five compartments
- Includes a fork and spoon
Cons
- May be hard to open
Outstanding Material
Unlike its competitors, the Miss Big Bento Box is constructed from wheat fibers sourced directly from nature. Its material is highly durable and long-lasting, ensuring you can easily carry your lunch and savor the delicacies on the go. It also comes reinforced with rubber-coated edges to make it shock- and drop-proof, so it will retain its shape with no cracks or dents even if you drop it. Containing no BPA or chemical dye, this lunch box does not allow leakage of food or liquid kept inside your bag, giving you peace of mind.
This bento box features a single, large-sized container with three independent sections for precision portion control and for carrying three dishes of your choice. As it is microwave-safe and freezer-safe, you can reheat your food or keep it in the refrigerator for the next day. What’s more, its outer body is stain-proof which reduces cleaning hassles significantly.
Pros
- Made from natural fibers
- Long-lasting and drop-proof
- Airtight seal keeps food fresh
Cons
- Comes with a fork only
Unique Design
With a transparent lid, the Lovina Bento Box is perfect for adults and kids. It features three separate compartments to help you add your favorite dishes, including fruit salad, sandwiches, bacon strips, and eggs. Between the main container and the top lid is a tray for storing a spoon and fork, so you don’t have to carry them separately or rummage through the bag to find them.
Made from high-quality plastic free of BPA and chemicals, this exceptionally durable bento box lasts for years. You can put it inside the microwave and enjoy the deliciousness of warm food. As it is safe for the freezer, storing leftovers won’t be a hassle anymore. On top of this, you can toss it inside the dishwasher for convenient cleaning and eliminate any odor.
Pros
- Can resist drops and shocks
- The flaps make it easy to open
- Compatible with the dishwasher
Cons
- Fixed dividers can’t be adjusted
Most Affordable
Though this bento box is budget-friendly, Sistema hasn’t compromised its quality at any cost. It is crafted using premium-quality plastic to keep your food safe and edible for a long time. This material also adds to its durability while keeping the box lightweight. Its top transparent lid comes with easy locking clips to prevent food spills and an airtight seal to keep food fresh and crispy.
This bento lunch box comes with two built-in compartments, a stackable sandwich tray, a hinged tray, and a yogurt container. So, carrying a complete meal to achieve your fitness goals won’t be a problem anymore. It also helps you control the portions and keep the food items separate from each other. To clean it, you can use the top rack of your dishwasher and get rid of the pungent smell of food.
Pros
- Can be kept in a microwave without lids
- Multiple compartments for a complete lunch
- BPA-free material keeps food safe
Cons
- Not safe for conventional oven
Maximum Capacity
With plenty of space, the Bentgo Bento Box helps you pack multiple food items in the required portions. Its bottom container is suitable for packing larger portions as it doesn’t have any divider, while the top container has a middle spacer that allows you to carry smaller portions. It also comes with a cutlery tray in between to accommodate a built-in fork, spoon, and knife.
Since both the containers come with individual lids, you can carry only one container instead of two for a light meal. In case you want to carry both, you can stack the top container on the bottom one for compact storage. Its tight lid and adjustable strap also ensure no food spillage and leakage while carrying in the bag. Plus, this lunch box is resistant to stains and odor and can easily be cleaned in a dishwasher. On top of everything, it is backed by a two-year warranty, making it a no-brainer purchase.
Pros
- Has a flexible design
- Free of lead, phthalate, and vinyl
- Comes with built-in cutlery
Cons
- The cutlery tray is not suitable for microwave
The Best Bento Boxes: A Buying Guide
A bento box is perfect for taking multiple food items to your office or school. But when you have so many options in hand, investing in the ideal product becomes daunting. So, we have curated a comprehensive buying guide to help you select a bento box that can meet your requirements with ease.
Benefits of a Bento Box
- Have multiple compartments inside to help you carry different food items
- Eliminate the need to use foil wrappers because they are sealed tightly when closed
- Help kids and picky eaters have a balanced diet
How To Choose an Ideal Bento Box?
Type
Bento boxes are available in two types — single and double layered. If you want to carry two meals like breakfast and lunch, go for a double-layered product. It comes with two stackable containers to keep the food separate from each other. A few products are convertible, allowing you to use only one container to carry a single meal instead of two. You can also go for a single-layered bento box if you always carry a one-time meal.
Compartments
One of the key features of bento boxes is the compartments. In single-layered products, you will have three compartments divided by fixed spacers. One compartment is usually large, while the other two are small and have the same size. In a few single-layered boxes, you can have a sandwich tray, a yogurt container, and a small hinged tray.
In stacked bento boxes, either both containers will have two compartments each or the upper one has two sections, while the lower one is undivided. You should choose the bento box based on how you want to carry your lunch and your diet requirements.
Material
Most bento boxes are made from high-quality plastic as it is durable, long-lasting, and lightweight. Since this material is free from BPA (Bisphenol A), chemical dyes, and phthalates, you can rest assured about the safety of your food. You can also find bento lunch boxes crafted using natural wheat fiber that not only adds to their longevity but also makes them safe for daily use.
Appliance compatibility
Most bento boxes are compatible with microwaves and freezers, so you can easily reheat food and savor hot meals or store the leftovers in freezers for the next day. A few products are not compatible with convection ovens. So, check whether your chosen box is safe to be used with the oven and freezer type you have.
Cutlery
Most bento boxes come with cutlery to avoid the hassle of carrying them separately or borrowing from someone. This way, you can have your meal on the go anywhere. Most products come with a spoon and fork while some have a knife also. If you love Japanese food, get a product with a spoon, fork, knife, and chopsticks. Also, make sure they are made from BPA-free plastic because BPA is a harmful chemical that can penetrate your food when exposed to heat.
Washability
You should ensure the bento box you pick is safe to be washed in the dishwasher. This reduces the hassles of cleaning and ensures no smell or stain is left behind.
Leakproof
It is important to check if the bento box is leakproof or not. Most products feature lids with airtight sealing that prevents food from spilling and leaking. Also, make sure that the lunch box you choose has high-quality flaps or adjustable straps to avoid leakage.
Price Range of Bento Boxes
Bento boxes might look the same from the outside but they have varied features. So, their price ranges from $10 to $30 based on multiple factors like:
- If your chosen product is made from bamboo wood or natural wheat fibers, its cost will be higher. On the other hand, plastic boxes are cheaper.
- Double-layered bento boxes are costlier than single-layered products.
- The larger the space, the higher the price will be.
What Should You Pack in a Bento Box?
- For the starter, you can pack small chicken nuggets, potato nuggets, bacon strips, roasted asparagus and Brussel sprouts, charred butter corn, or fried shrimp
- As the main course, you can add a bacon and ham sandwich, rice with curry, burrito rolls, crepes, pancakes, noodles, pizzas, sliders, or burgers
- You can also include salads like Greek salad, Persian salad, Caesar salad, sprout salad, or a corn salad
- For desserts, add two to three cake slices, cupcakes, sweets, candied bacon, or a brownie
- You can even add yogurt if the bento box comes with a separate container
People Also Asked
How should I clean my bento box?
Cleaning your bento box is convenient. All you need to do is put it in the dishwasher. More specifically, place it on the top rack. You can wash it by hand instead if that's what you prefer.
Do I need to carry my bento box in a different bag?
No, you don't have to carry your bento box in a separate bag. Bento boxes are compact, so they are small enough to fit inside a school backpack or an office bag.
Will my food stay warm in my bento box for five hours?
Yes! Your food will stay warm for five hours when packed in your bento box.
