At Workweek Lunch, we get a lot of requests for no-reheat meals. We understand that when you’re on the go without microwave access, it’s essential that your food is just as tasty cold or room temperature as it would be hot. Beyond the right recipes, you also need the right lunch box to carry that meal you’ve prepped. You want to keep your food fresh. Fortunately, there are so many great lunch boxes out there that can keep your food cold while being portable, affordable, and stylish.
Check out our list below for our best lunch boxes, whether you need a bag for work, school, travel, or camping.
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag
If your top priority is keeping your food cold for longer, this is the lunch bag for you. You freeze the bag overnight, then pack your lunch the next morning. I would have loved this when I was still working in an office and fridge space was limited.
Lunch Bots Duplex Bag
This one is for the bento lovers. It features two zippered sections: one on the bottom to fit a flat container, and the top where you can put a drink, thermos, or other snacks. You can also use this lunch box with the short handle or an adjusted shoulder strap.
L.L. Bean Lunch Box
This is a solid lunch box for office workers and students. It’s small enough to slip inside a backpack, but spacious enough for your lunch and snacks — and just about the most perfect option if you’re fighting for fridge space. It also comes in a bunch of different colors and patterns so you can find one that’s perfect for your style.
Kichirou Lunch Bag
This bag is a great option if you’re looking for something that doesn’t look like other lunch boxes. It features an across the body strap, making it a great option if you’re commuting or hiking (picnic time anyone?). It’s a bit pricier than the others on this list, but according to the reviews, it lasts for years.
Coleman 9-Can Soft Cooler
This is technically a cooler, not a lunch box, but is a great choice if you need something that is bigger and can accommodate more than just a sandwich and some snacks. This would be super helpful on a road trip or if you are packing lunch for more than one person.
Rubbermaid LunchBlox Lunch Bag
This is a really popular lunch bag. Reviewers love that it is super spacious, features a water bottle holder, and is very durable. Many reviews say it has lasted them for years! For that price point and longevity, this is the most cost-effective option on this list.
Insulated Meal Prep Bag and Containers
If you’re in need of both meal prep containers and a bag to carry them in, this is a great deal. It includes six meal containers, a pill dispenser, shaker cup, and two ice packs, plus a large tote to carry them all. You’ll be ready to make lunch in no time.
Sunny Bird Insulated Rolltop Lunch Bag
This lunch box is wildly popular — it has nearly 5,000 ratings and an average rating of 4.7 stars on Amazon! It’s easy to see why. It looks smart, and the size can be expanded if you unroll the top. The interior is roomy enough and the shoulder straps are detachable. Ideal for adults, it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
BUYING GUIDE
Of course, all of these lunch boxes don’t just look great—they’re functional and adaptable, too. As you browse the listings for the ideal lunch box for your meal prep, however, always put your needs first.
When you’re buying your lunch box, think of how you’ll prepare your meals and the kind of meals you’ll have. As much as possible, choose one that can handle the number of containers you plan to bring and preserve the temperature of your food.
Size Matters
How many meals do you plan to have? A lunch box for meal prep containers of all sizes is a great idea—it’ll fit anything you put into it. But if you only plan on bringing a small meal, that big lunch bag might just be too bulky to carry around.
And if you get one that’s too small, you’re limiting yourself to preparing smaller portions which may not be enough to last you through the day.
Portability
The first question to ask: are you planning on hand-carrying your lunch box? If not, opt for one that has a handy strap that you can pull on along with your backpack, so you’re not juggling lunch and a coffee cup. Or do you need something that fits inside a backpack or other bag more seamlessly? Opt for one of the more compact models on this list without big straps.
Insulation
Some lunch bags are advertised as better for hot food, while others are better for keeping things cold. Choose the one that you feel you’d get more use out of. Otherwise, look for a bag that says it can do both. This option provides the most flexibility.
Note that bags that offer extra insulation are often bulkier. You’ll want to remember that when you think about stuffing that lunch box into a backpack already full of your term papers and textbooks.
More Lunch Inspiration!
- The Easiest Lunch to Prep and Bring to Work
- 25 Easy Lunch Preps for Teachers
- No-Reheat Lunch Ideas for Under $2 a Serving
We hope that these lunch boxes help you to eat well and save money when you’re on the go. If you need something to prep for your new lunch box, check out our post about cheap no-reheat meals. The Workweek Lunch Meal Prep Program has many lunch-box friendly meals; try it out with a 7-day free trial today!
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