Best for Commuters
RTIC 8-Quart Road Trip Personal Cooler
Pros
- Large capacity
- Durable, easy-to-clean material
- Keeps food cold for hours
Cons
- Locking handle feature is tricky at first
Key Specs
- Capacity: 8 qt.
- Material: Plastic
- Ease of Cleaning: Handwash
“I tested this lunch cooler about two years ago, and it was awesome!” said editor Katrina Cossey. “It’s a great size if you work long hours and need something to keep your food cool all day.” The thick insulated walls maintain cold temperatures even in the sun, and the sturdy design is durable enough for regular use.
Its portability makes it the best option for commuters, whether traveling by train or in a car to work or class. The handle doubles as a lock: lift it to secure the cooler, or fold it down to open it. It’s a handy feature, but it can occasionally be finicky if the handle isn’t fully up or fully down. Once you get used to it, however, it’s easy to operate.
Best Bento Box for Kids
OmieBox Bento Box
Pros
- Multiple compartments
- Built-in insulated thermos
- Leak-proof design
Cons
- No internal ice pack
Key Specs
- Capacity: 8.5 oz.
- Material: Rubber, stainless steel
- Ease of Cleaning: Hand wash
Packing school lunches can get old fast, especially when you’re stuck choosing between hot food or cold food — but that’s where the OmieBox saves the day. It has a built-in insulated thermos and multiple compartments that let you send warm or cold food together, all in one box. “Pasta stays warm in the thermos, and his food stays well separated,” shared editorial director Simone Scully, whose son uses this kid’s bento box. As parents who have experienced leaky lunches many times, we’re thankful this one keeps everything contained.
While we wish it were dishwasher safe, it’s a solid lunchbox for kids. “It's easy to use, can be carried on its own as a lunchbox or fit into a larger lunchbox (which is what my daughter likes to do), and it keeps food hot and cold for hours,” says editor Ashley Ziegler, whose kiddo also uses the lunchbox. Plus, it comes in fun color combinations that our kids loved.
Best Insulated Food Jar for Kids
b.box Insulated Food Jar
Pros
- Removable handles
- Retains heat well
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Wide design
Key Specs
- Capacity: 11 oz.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe
Some insulated food jars we’ve tried either lose heat too quickly or take up too much room in a lunchbox, but this b.box pick is a great balance. It offers reliable insulation and has a nice design that makes it stand out from the rest. The lid features handles and a bumper, making it easier for kids to open while keeping the jar protected in backpacks or lunch bags.
The jar is dishwasher-safe, and we love that the stainless steel doesn’t hold smells, either. While the design is wider than other insulated food jars for kids, we still recommend it because it retains heat well, fits easily in a lunchbox, and helps kids feel independent at school.
Best Insulated Food Jar for Adults
Built Insulated Food Jar
Pros
- Wide-mouth opening
- Soft rubber grip on exterior
- Leakproof
Cons
- Lid can be tough to open
Key Specs
- Capacity: 16 oz.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ease of Cleaning: Handwash
The Built Insulated Food Jar is our top pick for adults due to its large 16-oz. capacity and ability to hold heat throughout the day. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe, which is practically a requirement for busy adults.
We love how well it keeps food warm or cold for hours (yes, it does both!). Our kiddos have also used this food jar when theirs were dirty. Although, just note it might be harder for smaller kids to open. Unless we put the lid on too tightly, however, we had no issues. There’s a soft rubber grip on the exterior, which makes it easier to hold the jar while twisting off the lid. It’s also fully leakproof; we’ve never had our lunches leak from the jar while in our bags. The wide-mouth opening is a useful feature that gives us plenty of room to maneuver a fork or spoon for just the right bite.
Best for Summer Camp
Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel
Pros
- Multiple compartments
- Stainless steel is durable
- Fun prints
Cons
- Material is heavier than plastic
- Latches may be difficult for some kids
Key Specs
- Capacity: 40 oz.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe
If you want a lunchbox container that will last through summer camp and beyond, you get that in the Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Lunch Box. The material is durable, making it suitable for everything from school lunch tables to picnic tables at the zoo. Kids love the playful designs, like unicorns or dinosaurs, which easily make lunchtime more exciting. Its durability, organization, and style are why we chose it as a top pick for summer camp lunchboxes.
The three compartments and a removable silicone container allow you to pack various items, such as a sandwich, fruit, or nuts. “The lunchbox doesn't have any internal cooling features or ice, like some of the others I tried, but it does stay pretty cool if you pack it in a lunch bag with some ice packs,” shared Scully. Be sure to include at least two ice packs to keep perishable foods at a safe temperature until lunchtime.
Best for Work
Easyfun Lunch Bag for Adults
Pros
- Stylish design available in multiple colors
- Keeps food cold for hours with ice packs
- Large capacity holds containers and more
Cons
- Open side pockets
- Slightly bulky
Key Specs
- Capacity: 11 L
- Material: Polyester
- Ease of Cleaning: Handwash
I’ve been using this insulated lunch bag nearly every day for the last two years, and it’s quickly become my go-to for work lunches. It’s the perfect size, and I love that it keeps my food, like a ham sandwich, cold as long as I add ice packs. I also like how cute it looks, which makes carrying it a little more fun than some other adult lunchboxes. Cleaning is simple — I can just wipe it down on the inside for a quick clean.
Packing meals is a breeze with the main compartment offering ample room for my favorite foods and side pockets for other needs like silverware or a piece of gum. I can quickly toss in several items, zip it up, and head out the door each morning. The design makes it easy to grab and go, which saves time when things get hectic.
Best for Little Kids
Bentgo Kids Lunch Box
Pros
- Five compartments of various sizes
- Lightweight design
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Compartments are too small for older kids
- Minimal insulation without ice packs
Key Specs
- Capacity: 19.2 oz
- Material: Plastic
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe
“What I like most is that it's very easy to clean,” shared Sabrina Rojas Weiss, an editor and a parent whose 12-year-old son hand-picked this lunchbox. “Most of the time, you just need to wash the insert, but you should definitely wash the rest of it regularly too.” While they both thought the compartments were too small for older kids, her son “liked the idea of having a lot of different compartments for his food.” Weiss also mentioned that it made him excited to pack different snacks.
Unless you include ice packs in a lunch bag, the lunchbox by itself is not heavily insulated. We recommend using ice packs or packing room-temperature foods that don’t need to stay hot or cold. Still, for preschoolers and early elementary kids who love variety and snack-style lunches, this is a really great option.
Best for Big Kids
OmieBox Up
Pros
- Hot and cold flexibility
- Easy to open
- Roomy compartments
Cons
- Heavy feel
- Bulky
Key Specs
- Capacity: 39.3 oz. (lunch box), 12 oz. (insulated food jar)
- Material: Plastic
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe
“This lunchbox comes with a small ice pack below the compartments that helps keep those berries (or kiwis, grapes, cheese... you name it) cool all day long, even right next to a thermos full of warm pasta,” says Scully. It gives you peace of mind knowing food will remain at a safe temperature until lunchtime.
Our only issue is that only the inner tray is dishwasher-safe; all other pieces must be hand-washed.
Best Stainless Steel
Pura Lunch Containers
Pros
- Durable stainless steel
- Silicone strap doubles as extra lid protection
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Leaky dividers
- Limited sealing
Key Specs
- Capacity: 16.6 oz. (small) and 27 oz. (large)
- Material: Stainless steel
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe
If you want a lunchbox that lasts and is easy to clean, you don’t want to miss the Pura Lunch Containers. The 100 percent stainless steel is durable and safe for daily use. “From a medical and food-safety perspective, stainless steel is one of the safest materials for daily use because it doesn’t leach chemicals, resists bacterial buildup, and can be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized,” said Kristi Ruth, RDN, CNSC, a registered dietitian in Pennsylvania and owner of Carrots and Cookies.
We appreciate the separate containers for various snacks or your main dish and a side. An elastic band secures around the outside to prevent leakage during transport. “However, there were times when it leaked, and my son struggled to get the bands on himself after he was done,” Scully noted. On the plus side, these lunch containers are dishwasher- and oven-safe.
Best Kids’ Lunch Bag
Bentgo Kids Print Lunch Bag
Pros
- Water-resistant fabric
- Multiple pockets
- Insulated interior
Cons
- Slightly bulky
Key Specs
- Capacity: 4.5 L
- Material: BPA-free nylon PEVA polyester
- Ease of Cleaning: Wipe clean
One of the best lunch bags for kids is this Bentgo pick, which comes in a wide range of colorful prints that make it easy for kids to spot and show off at school. “My son has used this lunch bag for school every day for the past two years!” Cossey says. “It's incredibly durable, and I appreciate the carrying options (a top handle and a strap).” The top handle unclicks to attach to a backpack for easier portability.
It also has an insulated interior to keep food at a safe temperature for hours. We just recommend popping in ice packs. It’s also easy to clean. “I prefer machine-washable lunch bags, such as those made by Vera Bradley, or lunchboxes with a smooth lining so they're easier to wipe down,” Ruth says. “Once you notice 'wear and tear' in the lining, it's time to find a new lunchbox.”
There's a side pocket that's big enough for a bottle of water or snacks. We appreciate that it's big enough to hold a lunch container, a thermos, utensils, and maybe some small snacks, thanks to an interior zipper pocket. Although it does feel slightly bulky, and the zipper can be tricky at times, we still think it’s ideal for school-aged kids who pack full lunches.
Why Trust Everyday Health
Jacquelyn Smith
Author
Jacquelyn Smith is a writer who covers parenting, wellness, pregnancy, and general health. She is also a former public school elementary educator, a professional artist, and the current director of a homeschool learning pod, with more than 19 years of experience working with children and families. Her work reflects a strong understanding of how health, behavior, and daily routines affect our everyday lives.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and early childhood education, which she obtained from the University of Phoenix, with formal training in child development and family-centered practices. Her background in education helps her turn health and parenting advice into easy-to-use guidance for families. Outside of work, she enjoys being in nature, lounging by a backyard fire in hammocks with her daughters, and drawing charcoal pet portraits.
Reyna Franco, RDN
Medical Reviewer
Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.
In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.
Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.
She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.
Daniel Oakley
Fact-Checker
Daniel Oakley is a journalist, editor, and fact-checker. He has written, edited, taught, and produced media for Dow Jones, S&P Global, IHS Markit, Third Coast Studios Magazine, and 826 National.
Oakley's path has always been a health-and-wellness-focused one. A competitive triathlete and racing fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, he also spends summer weekends as an ISA-certified surf instructor and Red Cross professional water rescuer with Laru Beya Collective in Rockaway Beach, which helps kids master and delight in their own backyard — the ocean. It has taught Oakley that “optimizing body and mind” flourishes precisely at the wellspring of community.
Katrina Cossey
Editor
Katrina Cossey is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience in broadcast and service journalism. Over her career, she’s covered topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, newborn care, healthy skin-care routines, dental health, and more. She's also tested hundreds of products, ranging from fitness equipment and blood pressure monitors to car seats, toys, and kitchen items.
She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma with a focus on professional media. During her time at university, Katrina served as a reporter for the university’s news channel and webpage.
When she’s not working, Katrina is outside with her family. They love riding their bikes and walking various trails around their community.
Katrina Cossey
Tester
Katrina Cossey is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience in broadcast and service journalism. Over her career, she’s covered topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, newborn care, healthy skin-care routines, dental health, and more. She's also tested hundreds of products, ranging from fitness equipment and blood pressure monitors to car seats, toys, and kitchen items.
She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma with a focus on professional media. During her time at university, Katrina served as a reporter for the university’s news channel and webpage.
When she’s not working, Katrina is outside with her family. They love riding their bikes and walking various trails around their community.
Simone Scully
Tester
Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.
Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.
Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.
Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.
Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Tester
Sabrina Rojas Weiss has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years, 12 of which she's spent in the health and parenting space. Her work has appeared in Parents, Verywell, Yahoo, Greatist, Healthline, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and more. Her real expertise is in diving headfirst down research rabbit holes to see what actual experts have found about any given topic.
Sabrina lives in Brooklyn with her husband, nearly teenage son, and feisty rat terrier mix. She enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, reading too many novels, and visiting museums.
Ashley Ziegler
Tester
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.
Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.