The Best Lunch Boxes for Adults
Instead of eating food out of flimsy takeout containers or opting to buy your lunch every day, a lunch box is a better—and more eco-friendly—alternative. That way, you can pack up your delicious at-home favorites and bring them with you on-the-go and enjoy a tasty meal at the office, at school, at your local park, and just about anywhere else. From simple, soft styles to more elaborate lunch kits, we've done some digging to find our favorites that elevate traditional kids' lunch boxes. This diverse range of styles will make you excited every day as the clock ticks towards noon, so you can grab your lunch box and enjoy your meal in style.
MaxForce Insulated Lunch Bag
Keep it Simple
This lunch box blends the best of form and function. The sleek exterior has minimal design details, making it a modern interpretation of the lunchroom staple that’s well-suited for adults. The insulated technology will keep your food cool for hours, ensuring that you can take it on-the-go without worrying about your food spoiling if you’re away from a fridge. Plus, the roomy interior has inside mesh pockets to keep things organized and an exterior drink pocket so you have easy access when you need it.
Pros:
- Designed for busy professionals, the lunch box is sleek and stylish so it blends in with professional wear
- The inner lining is leak-proof to help you avoid messes
- It’s free of PVC, BPA, phthalate, and lead materials for a safe way to store your food
Cons:
- When you add a full water bottle or thermos to the side pocket, it can cause the lunch box to tip over
- The lunch box doesn’t come with any ice packs or storage containers, and just the bag itself
Forabest Electric Lunch Box Food Heater
Some Like it Hot
If you don’t have easy access to a microwave but want a warm and comforting meal, this set is the answer you’ve been looking for. Simply plug in the electric lunch box into an outlet or car charger, and your meal will be ready in just 25 to 50 minutes. The set comes with the warming base, stainless steel utensils, an insulated carry bag, a plastic container, and a power cord, so you have everything you need in one easy purchase. Perfect for those with jobs that keep them on-the-go, this heated lunch box is an innovative way to enjoy healthy, homecooked meals in any environment.
Pros:
- Instead of relying on shelf-stable food like sandwiches, this makes it easier for people who are always out and about to enjoy hot food
- The stainless steel removable containers are dishwasher safe, so they’re easy to clean
- You can use the heater with a wall outlet or a car charger for ultimate versatility
Cons:
- Depending on the meal, it may take nearly an hour to heat up which requires you to think in advance
- The full kit is large, so it’s not as easy to transport as a traditional lunch box
Stanley Classic 10-Quart Lunch Box
With five quarts of storage space, this lunch box can hold everything you need for a full day’s work. Modeled after a 1950s-style lunch box, this timeless design is a tough and durable way to transport both hot and cold meals. Designed with single-wall insulation and sturdy hinges and latch, it keeps food at the right temperature and prevents leaks for a practical approach to food storage. Plus, thanks to the durable design, you can take it everywhere from the office to the campsite without worry.
Pros:
- It’s designed to withstand even the harshest wear and tear, ensuring it will last
- The spacious design fits a lunch, snacks, and insulated water bottle comfortably
- You can easily use the metal design for both hot and cold meals
Cons:
- Because of the high-quality materials, it’s more expensive than other lunch box styles
- The back corners have small gaps, which can let it dust and dirt in outdoor environments
Asebbo Insulated Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag
Made from waxed canvas and leather, this roomy lunch bag is the perfect spacious accessory for commuters. While the exterior is defined by artfully distressed details, the interior has thick aluminum insulation to keep food cold, even when it’s left out of the fridge. The waterproof style even has a back zipper compartment to give you an easily accessible place to store daily must-haves like your phone, or even a set of reusable silverware for maximum practicality.
Pros:
- The waxed canvas style is waterproof, making it a durable option perfect for those who commute on public transit
- It has a genuine leather handle that is double layered for extra strength
- The interior has extra-thick aluminum insulation to keep food cold for up to four hours
Cons:
- Water droplets may cause discoloration on the waxed canvas
- The top strap only closes when the bag is fully rolled down and can’t be secured if filled to the top
A2S Complete Meal Prep Lunch Box
Instead of dealing with mix and match containers and plastic utensils, this set instantly upgrades your entire lunch box experience. The insulated kit has all the essentials you need, including three reusable, bento-style containers, a thermos, and a silverware set so you can meal prep like a pro. That way, it’s convenient for you to pack up all the essentials for lunch on-the-go, giving you a healthier alternative to fast food or takeout.
Pros:
- The meal containers are leakproof, BPA-free, and microwave and dishwasher safe
- It’s insulated to keep your food cold, even when it’s out of the fridge
- The side has a large insulated pocket for your thermos or a water bottle, so you have space for both food and drinks
Cons:
- Because it’s a full set, it’s more expensive than a standard lunch box
- The insulation isn’t as thick as other lunch boxes, so food doesn’t stay cold for extended periods
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lunch boxes keep food hot?
Insulated lunch boxes help to prevent energy from dissipating, which can keep food both hot and cold. The thicker the insulation, the longer food will stay at the desired temperature.
Are lunch boxes microwavable?
Typically, no. Some lunch boxes include plastic containers that may be microwave-safe to heat up your food. Be sure to check the specifications of your containers before putting them in the microwave to ensure they don’t melt.
Are lunch boxes smell proof?
When carrying potent-smelling food, some lunch boxes may contain the odor, especially if thickly insulated. Over time, however, the lunch box itself may absorb smells. To clean it and eliminate the odor, add white vinegar or baking soda in the lunch box overnight to absorb the unwanted smell.