9 Best Lunch Containers for Work: Keep Meals Fresh

Best lunch containers for work that keep your meals fresh and organized. Find the perfect container for your workplace needs.

The importance of a good lunch container for work cannot be overstated. This article provides a brief overview of what makes a lunch container ideal for the workplace and helps you choose the best option for your needs. But let’s be honest, you want to save time in the kitchen and have a lunch that is still tasty after it has been meal prepped!

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Lunch Container for Work

Let’s face it, choosing the right lunch container for work can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many options out there! But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate through this lunchtime maze.

First things first when choosing the best lunch containers for work, let’s talk about size and capacity. You want a container that’s big enough to hold your favorite meals but not so large that it takes up half your bag. It’s like Goldilocks – you’re looking for that “just right” size.

Now, what about the material? You’ve got plastic, glass, and stainless steel to choose from. Each has its own perks. Plastic is lightweight, glass is microwave-friendly, and stainless steel is practically indestructible. It’s like choosing between a sporty car, a luxury sedan, or a rugged SUV – they all get you there, but the ride is different!

Speaking of organization, how many compartments do you need? Are you a “everything mixed together” kind of person, or do you prefer your foods separated like countries on a map? Some containers come with multiple compartments, perfect for those who don’t want their apple slices fraternizing with their sandwich.

And let’s not forget about the all-important leak-proof design. There’s nothing worse than opening your bag to find your lunch has decided to go for a swim. A good seal is like a lifeguard for your lunch – always on duty.

Microwave and dishwasher safe features are also worth considering. It’s like having a personal chef and a cleaning crew all in one container!

Durability is key too. You want a lunch container that can survive the daily grind better than you do on a Monday morning.

Lastly, think about portability and weight. You don’t want to feel like you’re lugging around a bowling ball just to enjoy your midday meal.

Top 9 Best Lunch Containers for Work

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into our top picks. It’s like a beauty pageant, but for lunch containers!

• Best Overall Winner: Bentgo Fresh Lunch Box – It’s like the Swiss Army knife of lunch containers – versatile, reliable, and gets the job done.

• Best Budget-Friendly: Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage – Proof that you don’t need to break the bank to pack a great lunch.

• Best for Meal Preppers: Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers – It’s like having a personal assistant to help organize your meals for the week.

• Best Bento Box Style: Yumbox Tapas Bento Box – It’s like bringing a little piece of Japan to your office lunch room with it’s cute prints… great for kids and adults!

• Best Glass Option: Pyrex Simply Store Glass Container – It’s crystal clear why this one’s a favorite.

• Best Stainless Steel: LunchBots Large Trio – Tough enough to survive even the most chaotic of commutes.

• Best for Salads: OXO Good Grips Leakproof Salad Container – It keeps your greens crisp and your dressing separate – no more soggy salads!

• Best for Hot Meals: THERMOS Stainless King Food Jar – It’s like having a personal thermos for your lunch.

• Best for Large Portions: Sistema To Go Collection Bento Box – It’s the lunch container equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Features and Benefits of Each Lunch Container

Each of our top best lunch containers for work has its own unique features and benefits. It’s like comparing superheroes – they all have different powers, but they’re all pretty super.

We’ll break down the key features, pros and cons, and best use cases for each container. We’ll even throw in some user reviews and ratings, because who doesn’t love a little peer validation?

1. Bentgo Fresh Lunch Box (Best Overall Winner)

• Pros: The Bentgo Fresh Lunch Box is highly versatile, featuring multiple compartments that make it ideal for carrying a variety of lunch options. It’s durable, leak-resistant, and great for portion control.
• Cons: It’s made of plastic, which may not appeal to those seeking a fully eco-friendly option. While it’s versatile, the compartments might limit the number of larger food items you can pack.
• Ideal for: Someone who values variety in their lunch and wants a reliable, all-around container that’s easy to use and convenient for a mix of foods.

2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage (Best Budget-Friendly)

• Pros: This container offers great quality at an affordable price. It’s leak-proof, microwave-safe, and lightweight, making it perfect for everyday use without the big price tag.
• Cons: Rubbermaid Brilliance is made from plastic, which may wear down quicker compared to glass or stainless steel options.
• Ideal for: Budget-conscious individuals who want a reliable container that doesn’t compromise on quality.

3. Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers (Best for Meal Preppers)

• Pros: These glass containers are perfect for meal prepping because they can handle temperature changes (microwave, oven, freezer safe) and are divided into sections to keep different foods separate.
• Cons: Glass makes these containers heavier, and there’s always a risk of breaking compared to plastic or stainless steel alternatives.
• Ideal for: Meal preppers who prefer a clear, non-toxic glass container that’s highly versatile and great for planning ahead.

4. Yumbox Tapas Bento Box (Best Bento Box Style)

• Pros: The Yumbox Tapas Bento Box is a colorful, fun, and functional container that allows you to compartmentalize different types of foods—great for a variety of small dishes or snacks.
• Cons: The compartmentalized design may be limiting for larger portion meals, and the plastic material may not be suitable for those wanting a more durable container.
• Ideal for: Those who like variety in their lunch, enjoy a traditional bento box approach, and want a creative way to eat smaller portions or several different dishes.

5. Pyrex Simply Store Glass Container (Best Glass Option)

• Pros: Pyrex glass containers are incredibly durable and do not retain odors or stains. They are versatile, allowing you to easily reheat food directly in the microwave or oven.
• Cons: Glass containers are heavier and more fragile compared to other options, which makes portability a bit challenging.
• Ideal for: Those who prefer a durable, non-toxic glass container for reheating meals without the risk of leaching chemicals into their food.

6. LunchBots Large Trio (Best Stainless Steel)

• Pros: LunchBots Large Trio is tough, made from stainless steel, and eco-friendly. It’s durable, safe, and perfect for people who want an alternative to plastic.
• Cons: The compartments are not leakproof, which makes this container less suitable for carrying sauces or liquid-based meals. Stainless steel is also not microwave-safe.
• Ideal for: Those looking for a plastic-free, highly durable, and sustainable container, especially for dry foods or non-liquid meals.

7. OXO Good Grips Leakproof Salad Container (Best for Salads)

• Pros: This container is specially designed for salads, keeping greens crisp and dressing separate with dedicated compartments. It’s leakproof, ensuring your salad stays fresh until lunchtime.
• Cons: It’s relatively large, which can make it a bit bulky if you’re carrying it in a smaller bag. The plastic material might not appeal to those seeking a more sustainable option.
• Ideal for: Salad lovers who want a container that keeps ingredients fresh and maintains the perfect texture for greens and toppings.

8. THERMOS Stainless King Food Jar (Best for Hot Meals)

• Pros: This food jar is perfect for keeping food hot for hours, making it ideal for soups, stews, or hot leftovers. It’s compact, durable, and easy to carry.
• Cons: It’s not suitable for meals with multiple components since it’s a single compartment, and it might not work well for those who want more variety in their lunch.
• Ideal for: Individuals who enjoy hot meals and need something insulated to keep their lunch hot throughout the day.

9. Sistema To Go Collection Bento Box (Best for Large Portions)

• Pros: The Sistema Bento Box is spacious and has multiple compartments, making it perfect for those who like larger portion sizes or have a diverse lunch. The snap-locking lids make it secure and easy to transport.
• Cons: Made of plastic, which may not be as durable as stainless steel or glass, and the larger size can be bulky for some.
• Ideal for: Individuals with hearty appetites who need a lunch container that can carry large portions of different foods while keeping them organized.

For more on container check out:
– Airtight containers for food storage

How to Maintain and Clean Your Lunch Containers

Let’s talk about keeping your lunch container in great shape. Regular upkeep makes all the difference in keeping your container fresh, clean, and ready for use.

General Cleaning Tips: Rinse your container as soon as possible after use. The longer food residue sits, the harder it is to remove, especially with oily or saucy meals:

• Hand Wash When Possible: Hand wash with warm soapy water, even if dishwasher safe. Use a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratches.
• Baking Soda for Tough Stains: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge to lift stubborn stains.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Avoid strong chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the container.

Tricks for Stubborn Stains and Odors: For lingering odors or tough stains, try these tips:

• Lemon and Vinegar Soak: Fill the container with warm water and vinegar or lemon juice. Let it soak for 30 minutes to neutralize odors.
• Sunlight Trick: Leave stained plastic containers in direct sunlight for natural bleaching.
• Baking Soda Paste: Apply a baking soda and water paste to stains, let sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Proper Storage Tips: Proper storage helps extend your container’s lifespan:

• Store with Lids Off: Store containers with lids off or slightly ajar to prevent trapped moisture and mildew.
• Keep Away from Heat: Avoid storing plastic containers near heat, which can warp them.
• Organize by Size: Nest containers by size when dry to prevent moisture buildup.

Extra Care for Different Materials:

• Glass Containers: Check for chips or cracks and let cool before refrigerating to avoid shattering.
• Stainless Steel: Avoid steel wool; use a soft cloth and ensure it’s dry before storing to prevent rust.

Conclusion

best lunch containers for work – we’ve reviewed the best lunch containers for work, providing recommendations based on different needs and preferences. Choose the right container to keep your meals fresh, organized, and enjoyable throughout your workday.