8 Best Bento Boxes in 2023 [get the Right Lunch Box]

Bento boxes are conquering the world past the boundaries of the anime universe. Famous for their practicality and design, these Japanese lunch containers also let you express yourself through food preparation. And! They inspire your way to healthy eating habits along the way.

Imagine fruits, veggies, and other carbs in one pack. No need to carry a bunch of food containers. No need for zip locks to throw out. How about an insulated lunch box for enjoying your favorite soup without needing a microwave?

There’s a bento lunch box out there for you, whether it’s for your break at work, part of a picnic excursion or it’s for your kid’s lunch and recess.

We know how tough it is to scour the internet for the best bento lunch box. It’s frustrating to go down the market rabbit hole. So we tested some for you and ended up with the top 10. Here’s what we figured out.

Do you have questions bugging your mind? Let us know in the comments below. We’re all out to help you find the best product!

The Top 6 Bento Box in 2023

All the Bento Boxes We've tested

Best Budget & Food Prep

Sistema lunch boxes have been gaining popularity and visibility in cafeterias and around a lot of supermarkets too. The reason for this is an established trust in the brand. Like all their food containers, this Sistema bento box is made in New Zealand with materials that are durable and free of chemicals.

Unlike some other options, there’s little new offered here–not sushi-like features–but the simplicity of its organization is very cultivated and clean. It’s also easy to clean.

The Sistema Clear Bento Box is fairly-priced. Without knowing anything about their corporate profile, we can at least say they make one of the best divider lunch boxes at a very low price.

Specs & Features

  • Material: Food Grade Plastic
  • Dimension: 8.62” x 7.32” x 3.2”
  • Weight: 10.7 ounces
  • Capacity: 42.27 ounces
  • Number of compartments: 5

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.7

Things we like:

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    It’s a 2-level bento lunch box
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    On track to go carbon neutral
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    There are two removable hinged compartments and a 5 oz. round container included
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    Easy to open
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    No harmful chemicals
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    Dishwasher-friendly and microwave-safe (just remove the lid)
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    Very affordable
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Things we don't like:

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    At this price, nothing
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Read full review
sistema-to-go-bento-box

Where to buy:

Sistema Bento Box

Japanese Bento Box

The Umami Bento Box is a dishwasher-safe lunch container that has a strong and elegant, oriental flair. It’s a container that can be best described as a bento sushi set or a more traditional Japanese bento box.

There are two containers, each with air valves, and a top container for the cutlery. Those containers have separation walls that double as chopstick holders. As for cutlery, a full set is included along with two screwable, watertight soya sauce containers.

A unique, yet identifiably Japanese, aesthetic is immediately evident. And while the price will be a little steeper than other lunch boxes, this has another consumer market in its sights. With bamboo and some other sustainability features, the price is reasonable.

The UMAMI All-in-One Bento Box for Adults/Children appeals to many young professionals and parents because it can go in the dishwasher without issues.

This lunch box also works well in the microwave, mainly for reheating food.

Specs & Features

  • Includes: 2 Meal Prep Containers, 4 Pieces Cutlery, 1 Sauce Pot

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.8

Things we like:

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    Visually appealing
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    Isn’t bulky
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    Looks and feels durable
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    Cutlery set is nice to use
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    Compact and portable
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    Relatively good size
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    Excellent portion control
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    Easy to clean
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    Dishwasher-safe
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Things we don't like:

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    Not for getting tossed about in a backpack
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    The cutlery and lid need to be washed by hand
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Umami All In One Product Image

Where to buy:

UMAMI Bento Box

Bento boxes have been discovered outside of Japan and everyone has fallen in love with their compact packability. With nice compartments and an easy open lid, the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box might be the answer to your lunch packing prayers.

It comes in creative prints and has 5 compartments to fill with a healthy variety of treats. You also save some time maintaining it since it’s dishwasher-safe. The Bentgo Kids Luch Box is a durable model specially made for children. It’s reinforced with rubber edges to take a beating.

There are some downsides worth considering. For one, we noticed that although the silicone seal on the shell itself is totally leakproof, the ones for the dividers don’t provide the same functionality.

The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box won’t satisfy everyone. But for many, it’ll be hard to pass on its high-quality construction and cute design.

Specs & Features

  • Materials: Food-Grade Safe ABS, TPE, and PP
  • Weight: 9.9 oz.
  • Dimension: 8.5” x 6.5” x 2”
  • Compartments: 5
  • Colors: Unicorn, Camouflage, Dinosaurs, Fairies, Mermaid Scales, Mermaid in the Sea, Puppy Love, Rainbows and Butterflies, Sharks, Space, Space Rockets, Sports, etc.

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.7

Things we like:

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    Easy to clean, the tray is safe to go in your dishwasher’s top-rack
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    Small portions mean less wasted food
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    Opening and closing the lid is a breeze
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    BPA-free, no worries about your child’s health
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    The rubber-coated edges safeguard the bento box if it's dropped
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    You can reheat the food since the tray is microwave-safe
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    It comes with a two year warranty
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    Leakproof, won’t spill inside your kid’s bag
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    Your purchase helps fight global hunger
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Things we don't like:

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    The tray design wastes a lot of space
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    Compartments can leak into one on another on the inside
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    Rubber seal stains easily
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bentgo-kids-lunch-box

Where to buy:

Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

Best for Everyday Use

Reigning as Amazon’s #1 bestseller bento lunch box, this stackable food container from Bentgo offers you a total of 1,150 mL of volume: 750 mL in the bottom container and 200 mL each in this bento’s two equally portioned top containers.

It’s a great bento box, but it does have a few problems. Mainly the flaws are related to what Bentgo promises and what the product fails to deliver. But its shortcomings aren’t deal breakers because it is a very good box for a very low price.

No breaking or denting due to its durable and chemical-free Food Grade plastic material. You have the green light to reheat your food in your microwave in this Stackable lunch box.

Specs & Features

  • Materials: Food-Grade Safe PP, Silicone, ABS, and LDPE
  • Weight: 12 oz.
  • Dimension: 7.12” x 4.68” x 2.7”
  • Compartments: 3
  • Colors: Blue, Blush Marble, Coastal Aqua, Gray, Green, Khaki Green, Purple, and Slate

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.6

Things we like:

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    It comes with a matching spoon, fork, and knife
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    Great organization
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    It’s free from chemicals
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    You can use just one lunch box
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    Very durable
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    Microwave-safe
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    2-year warranty
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    You help ease global hunger when you purchase
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Things we don't like:

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    Cutlery feels a little flimsy and small
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    It will be useless if you lose the band
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    Not really dishwasher-safe
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    Poor seal design, leaky
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Bentgo Lunch Box Product Image

Where to buy:

Bentgo Lunch Box

Stackable, Transparent


If plastic and stainless steel food containers don’t sound so appealing to you, then you need to check out S SALIENT 3-Pack Glass Bento Box. It will require a lunch bag or strap to hold it together, but its size and design make it an ideal bento system for several people to enjoy.

Crafted using chemical-free borosilicate glass, this bento lunch box can stand a little beating and won’t break like usual glass would. It also doesn’t retain any lingering flavors or stains. You can enjoy your food without unwanted smell and taste.

This stackable lunch box set comes with a stainless steel utensil set, so no worries about your silverware. They have a built-in holder under the lid, which is time and space-saving.

If you’re having problems sticking to your caloric intake, the three dividers of this glass bento lunch box will help you with portion control. It’s an excellent meal-prep food container for 35.5 ounces of refuel.

Specs & Features

  • Material: Borosilicate Glass
  • Dimension: 8.9” x 8.8” x 6.8”
  • Weight: 104 ounces
  • Capacity: 35.5 ounces
  • Number of compartments: 3

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.6

Things we like:

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    It’s a three-pack deal
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    Each bento lunch box comes with its stainless steel utensil set
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    The built-in utensil compartment under the lid saves space
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    Your liquids won’t leak, thanks to the silicone ring and tight lid
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    High-quality build, high impact-resistant
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    Free from BPA and other harmful chemicals
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    Stain-resistant and doesn’t retain any flavors
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    Dishwasher-, microwave-, oven- and freezer-safe
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Things we don't like:

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    A little heavy for a bento lunch box
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    The lid isn't as durable as the glass tray
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S Salient 3 Pack Glass Product Image

Where to buy:

S SALIENT 3-Pack Glass


Ranking among Amazon’s bestsellers, Freshmage Stainless Steel Bento Box Set comes with enough space to satisfy your hunger. It’s a rectangular 3-in-1 stackable bento lunch box with food-grade stainless steel trays, covered with a chemical-free case, sealed with a clasp on each side.

Food-wise, the bottom compartment can carry 800 mL (no divider), the middle one can keep 300 mL (divided equally into two rooms), and the top tray can accommodate 200 mL (100 mL on each divider). That’s 1,300 mL of food! And that’s more than what you would usually find within its price range.

The silicone ring under each bento makes this food container from Freshmage leak-proof. It’s relatively easy to maintain this set. Although you can throw them all inside your dishwasher, remove the top lid, and it’s all good. You can also reheat your leftovers using this bento lunch box (just detach the tray and pour the food into the plastic container, and it’s all good!).

Specs & Features

  • Material: 304 Food-Grade Stainless Steel, PP Plastic, Silicone
  • Dimension: 7.91” x 5.94” x 4.21”
  • Weight: 16 ounces
  • Number of compartments: 5
  • Available colors: Blue, Green, Light Blue, Light Pink, Pink

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.4

Things we like:

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    The silicone ring on the lid helps prevent spills, leak-proof
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    The stainless steel tray is detachable
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    It’s a 3-in-1 deal, can accommodate lots of food
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    The tray is dishwasher-safe (remove the lid), plastic tray is microwave-friendly (remove the tray)
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    A great bento lunch box if you like munching on various options
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    The top compartment can double as a case for your foldable utensil
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    Budget-friendly
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Things we don't like:

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    The clasps are hard to close
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    It could've been better if the lid fits any of the trays for single bento lunch box use.
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    It doesn't keep your food's temperature.
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    Putting back the pieces together after cleaning is quite a challenge.
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Freshmage Stainless Steel Product Image

Where to buy:

Freshmage Stainless Steel

Wooden, Sustainable


If you want to soak in Japanese vibes, the Miraclekoo Wooden Sushi Bento Box provides a more exotic feel. Bento lunch boxes were traditionally wood-made from cypress trees. This one uses cryptomeria (from the cypress family), ubiquitous in Japan.

It’s known for its moisture-retaining property, making it an excellent bento lunch box if you’ll pack in sushi. Miraclekoo Wooden Sushi Bento Box can carry up to 3 cups of food, with detachable dividers to make room for your sandwich.

Super lightweight, affordable, and eco-friendly as well! You might be required to handwash this bento lunch box from Miraclekoo, but that’s how you keep it at its best state and prolong its lifespan.

The lid is slightly oversized compared to the tray’s build. It’s kept in place using a strap and surprisingly does the job correctly. We don’t recommend this if you’ll be moving too much since the strap can still slide due to the round shape of the bento lunch box.

Experience Japan with every sushi slice you take from Miraclekoo Wooden Sushi Bento Box.

Specs & Features

  • Material: Cryptomeria Wood
  • Dimension: 7” x 5” x 2.5”
  • Weight: 5.3 ounces
  • Capacity: 2.5 - 3 cups
  • Number of compartments: 3

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.5

Things we like:

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    Cryptomeria wood makes the food taste better and retains rice moisture (ideal for sushi)
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    Super lightweight and sustainable
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    It needs hand washing but is easy to clean anyways
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    There's coating inside and out, so you won't have trouble with staining
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    It’s aesthetically pleasing
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    Stackable
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    The strap holds the lid tightly
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    Use the lid as a tray
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    You can remove the dividers
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Things we don't like:

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    More mold-prone than plastic and stainless steel bento lunch boxes
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    Not for rugged use, adding clasps for more safety would be nice
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    Not machine-friendly (microwave and fridge)
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Miraclekoo Wooden Sushi Product Image

Where to buy:

Miraclekoo Wooden Sushi

For Hot & Warm Lunches


Your simple yet practical solution to your prepping problems: OmieBox Bento Box for Kids. It’s a durable food container that offers you double-wall insulation at the bottom, a thermos insert, and a utensil set with a casing. Food stays fresh, and there is no need to lose a spoon and fork all the time.

It’s got three dividers, but if you’re not packing some soup for your kids, you can remove the thermos insert and sneak a sandwich instead. But if you decide to send them off with hot corn chowder on their bento lunch box, rest assured it stays hot for up to four hours on end.

Got no space inside the backpack? No problem. This food container from OmieBox has a solid carrying handle as well!

Specs & Features

  • Material: 18/8 304 Grade Stainless Steel, Food Grade Silicone and Plastic
  • Dimension: 8.5” x 7.5” x 3”
  • Weight: 27.2 ounces
  • Capacity: 47 ounces
  • Number of compartments: 3

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.6

Things we like:

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    Removable 8.5 oz. thermos insert is ideal for hot/cold liquids
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    Includes a spoon and fork with a case
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    With double-wall insulation
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    Its solid handle makes it easy to carry
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    Phthalate- and BPA-free
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Things we don't like:

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    Thermos screw-lid is hard to open
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    Could use more divider
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    Tray lid seals at the bottom which feels a little less secure than if it’s near the handle
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Omiebox Bento Box Product Image

Where to buy:

OmieBox Bento Box


Your no-BS thermos for food can keep your food hot/cold for a long time. Not a lunch box, but an insulated bento container, DaCool Vacuum Bento Jar will interest you if you enjoy soups or stir-fried lunches like it’s freshly cooked.

It’s got 6-layer insulation: the electropolishing (for anti-corrosion), the 304 stainless steel, 12-micron copper coating (excellent with thermal insulation), the outer 304 stainless steel, and the pearlite finish. All these are vital parts of this bento’s super insulation.

With a dual lid vacuum sealing, it retains heat pretty well. The silicon inner lid has a vent for easy opening. It’s also where the foldable spoon sits. The outer screw lid can double as an extra container while eating. Enjoy 2 cups of your most-loved soup anytime, anywhere!

Specs & Features

  • Material: Chemical-Free 18/8 304 Stainless Steel, Silicone
  • Dimension: 5.8” x 3.7” x 3.7”
  • Weight: 12 ounces
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Number of compartments: 1

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.6

Things we like:

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    It's leak-proof. You can toss it inside your bag with peace of mind
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    The screw-lid can double as a bowl
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    Durable build
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    BPA- and PVC-free
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    With a wide mouth, so it's easy to clean it manually
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    There’s a foldable spoon included sitting at the top of the inner silicone lid
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    Can keep your food hot for hours and hours on end
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    Anti-skid silicone base ensures your bento jar won't slip.
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Things we don't like:

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    Lid is the weak point
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    Spoon not the best quality
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Dacool Vacuum Product Image

Where to buy:

DaCool Vacuum


From one of the more recognizable names in foodware, an insulated food container for saucy or soupy meals, that might be the best you can get. The Thermos King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar has the stainless steel construction that seems a little more impressive than cheaper options.

For a few extra bucks you won’t have to worry about tossing this around. Though it might go against the general zen-like culture of a chilled bento box lifestyle, the King food jar will keep your miso soup warm as well as it will keep your coffee contained.

This one impresses and exceeds the other food jar models in terms of keeping the contents inside. That integrity, more than anything else grants it high praise and is deserving of a bento piece place in anyone’s curated and cultivated lifestyle.

Specs & Features

  • Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel
  • Includes: Foldable Spoon
  • Dimension: 3.7” x 3.7” x 5.5”
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Number of compartments: 1

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.7

Things we like:

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    robust and survivable
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    heat retention is among the best for bento jars
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    leakproof quality on par with the best water bottles
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    nice wide mouth
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    lid and cap combo allows for drinking soup and eating noodles separately
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Things we don't like:

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    It’s not as elegant as other bento pieces
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Thermos King Vacuum Product Image

Where to buy:

Thermos King Vacuum


For you all Sanrio fans out there, you can’t miss this super cute polypropylene-made food container from Skater! It’s too small to be a bento lunch box, but enough for 300 mL of dry snacks.

It’s a gimmick to which your kids might get somewhat attached. But it also works and could inspire a nice approach to snacks. It’s simple easy to clean and pretty cheap–though made of safe materials.

It’s a super simple Hello Kitty bento box that won’t melt and add unwanted taste to your food when put into the microwave. There’s also a removable tray half the bento size as a divider. The lid is held tightly by a red elastic strap so your M&Ms won’t spill.

Your little ones will surely love this Hello Kitty bento box from Skater. Slip it into your purse or their bag and have yummy munch within reach.

Specs & Features

  • Material: Polypropylene
  • Dimension: 1.65” x 6.1” x 5.67”
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Capacity: 300 mL
  • Number of compartments: 2

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.6

Things we like:

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    The red elastic strap holds the lid tightly
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    Super cute design
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    Safe to go inside the microwave
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    You can remove the tray when needed
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

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    Handwashing the hard-to-get places hard–needs soaking
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    Too small (adults like Hello Kitty as well, yanno!)
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Skater Die Cut Hello Kitty Product Image

Where to buy:

Skater Die-Cut Hello Kitty


Think about saving lots of time and money, keeping up with your caloric intake, and savoring yummy food anytime, anywhere. That’s EZ Prepa 32 oz. 20-Pack Meal Prep Bento Box for you.

It can go head-on with the best food containers in the market. Each plastic bento lunch box has three compartments that give you 32 ounces of food in total. It’s safe to go inside your microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. And no, your food won’t welcome you with plastic taste after reheating leftovers in the microwave.

It’s an excellent option for gym-goers or if you’re too busy to worry about preparing your food daily.

Specs & Features

  • Material: : Food Grade Plastic
  • Dimension: : 9.5” x 7.5” x 2.25”
  • Weight: : 16 ounces
  • Capacity: : 32 ounces
  • Number of compartments: : 3

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.5

Things we like:

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    It comes in a set of 20 for a low price
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    Dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe
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    Portions are enough for a satisfying meal
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    It doesn't leave any plastic taste after reheating food in the microwave
Click to see more

Things we don't like:

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    Not suitable for liquids since it leaks
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    Oil- and stain-prone
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    Lid hardly fits
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    “Reusable” but might break after first use
Click to see more
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Ez Prepa 32 Oz 20 Pack Product Image

Where to buy:

EZ Prepa 32 oz. 20-Pack Meal Prep

Related Reviews

Bento Boxes: Buyer’s Guide

Both traditional and modern bento lunch boxes offer versatility. But having one that ticks all your needs can be a challenging journey. You don’t want to fork out money for a food container that will only last a single use or have it sitting at the corner of your pantry.

From design to unique features, here are vital points worth noting down to save you some time and money:

  • Design: How do you want your bento box to look? What shape and color do you want it to be?
  • Material: Will it be made of wood, aluminum, stainless steel, glass, or plastic?
  • Capacity: How many servings do you usually pack? Will it be a stack-up set for bigger servings and shared meals?
  • Features: Do you need insulation? Is it leak-proof? Does it come with a utensil set or a bag?
  • Ease of Use: Does it have a hinged lid with a single clasp, or do you need to undo each for all sides? Can you carry it by the handle? Is it safe to throw your bento lunch box inside the microwave? How about the oven and freezer?
  • Ease of Care: It must be dishwasher safe, or are you ok with handwashing?
  • Price: What price range can you afford?
Bentgo lunch boxes are popular because of their quality and ease of cleaning. Not only dishwasher safe, but also microwave safe.
Bentgo lunch boxes are popular because of their quality and ease of cleaning. Not only dishwasher safe, but also microwave safe.

Design

Bento boxes are highly versatile. Its practicality made it easier to carry a meal anywhere you go. They come in different shapes and colors and can be bought as a stack-up set like the Bentgo Classic or just as a single bento lunch box. The latter can also be a thermos for food like the King Vacuum by Thermos.

Identifying which one speaks for your personality and needs is one of the few factors you can control when looking for a food container. Insulated containers like the DaCool or King Vacuum are great for soups and meals with sauces for keeping them warm and the contents inside. Whereas the typical bento boxes we also call lunch boxes often have compartments.

More commonly found in the market are bento lunch boxes either in a circle or a rectangular shape. Some modern designs are adventurous as well.

Are you looking for a printed or plain bento? Do you prefer it to be brightly colored or neutral-hued? How many dividers do you need when packing your food on a day-to-day basis?

How about the lids? Do you want them to be fully detachable or not? Should their color go along with the tray or be in a different tone?

Your eyes can usually see on the spot if the design of a bento lunch box ticks your interest. But take a little closer look at the little details, so you don’t end up disappointed.

Material

A Bento lunch box was initially hand-crafted using bamboo before it transitioned to other materials such as plastic and stainless steel. Again, your personal preference will come into play when choosing which material you want the Japanese bento box to have.

The Umami bento box is a Japanese lunch container with bamboo lid and cutlery. The drawback is that the bamboo should be washed by hand while the rest can go in the dishwasher.
The Umami bento box is a Japanese lunch container with bamboo lid and cutlery. The drawback is that the bamboo should be washed by hand while the rest can go in the dishwasher.

Wood

The traditional bento lunch box is bamboo-made. Not only because it was the most accessible material but also for its natural features. Wooden lunch containers help maintain your rice’s moisture level at optimal. Even restaurants are now using them to add some flare to their customer’s dining experience.

Bamboo-made bento lunch boxes are also lightweight, and of course, eco-friendly. But! You need to have time to handwash them. You need to clean it up after every use to avoid staining.

Aluminum

An aluminum bento box is also a must-try if you want one that can last for a long time. Not only is it dishwasher-friendly, but it also won’t easily give up as traditional bento lunch boxes do.

Keep in mind that, like other aluminum products, denting is a common dilemma along with corrosion.

Glass

Glass-made, a bento lunch box that’s safe to go in your microwave and dishwasher. A real-time-saver! It adds a more plate-like feeling while you’re eating. Glass and ceramics are famous for their elegance and stain-resistance. It’s ideal if you want it for a special occasion but not for outdoor use.

On the other hand, a glass bento lunch box requires you to be extra careful, or you risk breaking it.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials due to its durability.  These bento lunch boxes are frequently insulated. Meaning they can retain your food’s temperature for a certain amount of time.

Remember to read cleaning instructions since not all stainless steel bento lunch boxes are good to go inside your dishwasher. It may be the case that some parts need removing first or that the entire food container needs handwashing.

Just like aluminum, it’s notorious for dents and fingerprints but can keep up with your everyday demands.

It’s also the best option if you’ll be out in the wilderness camping.

Plastic

A plastic bento lunch box is what you’ll generally see in convenience stores. They can be disposable or reusable. Lightweight, although not as durable as stainless steel. And since plastic is highly flexible, many designs and shapes consistently flood the market. It won’t break like glass would as well.

The Sistema Bento Box is made in New Zealand, a promise of responsible quality. Even though it's a plastic bento box.
The Sistema Bento Box is made in New Zealand, a promise of responsible quality. Even though it's a plastic bento box.

Remember to double-check the properties of the plastic used in the bento lunch box. Is it free from any harmful chemicals? There’s also a chance that, over time, stains will accumulate.

Reusing disposable bento lunch boxes is a big no-no! Unless it’s the apocalypse and you have no choice. But other than that, get a reusable food container for your safety. These types are dishwasher-friendly, too, so no stress about manually washing them.

Capacity

Identify your bento lunch box’s purpose. It’s easy to pick one with an eye-catching design but doesn’t meet your practical needs.

How much food do you plan to pack up?

Is it a single serving for lunch at the office?

Maybe a stacked bento set for a family picnic at the lakeside?

Or it’s a small food container for your kid’s school break?

Are you on a diet or a caloric surplus?

A bento lunch box’s capacity can range between 400 mL to 800 mL, where every hundred mL translates to roughly a hundred calories. Or, 240 mL equals 1 cup. And that’s per bento box. You’ll quickly find this info either on the product description or at the bottom of the food container.

Features

They all might look the same, a food container. But it’s worth checking what unique and valuable features each has to offer. Taking a closer look at these tiny ticks in design can lead you to the best bento box.

How sealed is your bento lunch box? Can it keep your food fresh after hours with double-wall insulation? Is it spill-proof? Will it stand being tossed inside your backpack without leaking?

Can you re/move the dividers? Any built-in compartment for spoon, fork, and chopsticks? Is there any additional coating to make it last longer?

Landing on a reliable bento lunch box is worth the effort. Take a bit of time to check out these features and get the best value for your money.

Ease of Use

Owning a bento lunch box is supposed to make your life easier. But if, unfortunately, you end up with one that looks good but not as functional, it’ll be a nightmare (and a waste of money!).

Take some time to look at customers’ reviews before getting one. It’s better to scour the internet for in-depth reviews that weigh every detail of the bento lunch box.

Some questions worth asking include:

Is the lid a hinged unclasp-and-eat type, or do you need to undo the clasp on every side to open it up? If it’s a bento lunch box stack-up set, is it held together by a quick-release strap, or do you need to wrap it up in a cloth the traditional way? Or does it come with its bag?

A bento lunch box means you save time and effort. Look for these details to make the most out of your purchase.

Ease of Care

How you maintain a bento lunch box depends on the material used. Wood, bamboo, and stainless steel usually need manual cleaning. But most times, there’s a care instruction in the box itself.

A dishwasher-safe food container is a good choice if you’re a busy person. Be aware that some companies advertise their product to be dishwasher-friendly. But in reality, they’re not. Check the reviews to confirm the truth.

But for most cases, handwashing is still the best way to preserve your bento lunch box in pristine condition. Investing a few minutes will extend your bento lunch box’s lifespan.

Price

Some only care if the product is expensive (yes, they do exist!), those who need the cheapest, and those who want the best bang for their buck. And, of course, joining the third category is the wisest.

Although, it’s not always the case that a cheap bento lunch box also has inferior quality. Or a high-end bento has superior construction (you’re probably paying for the brand name, and that’s that).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a bento box?

Japan’s traditional lunch box, bento, is a full single-serving meal or a shared picnic (stack-up sets) on the go. Its primary purpose is to keep a healthy balanced diet no matter who you are, what you do, and where.

How do I make a bento lunch box?

Sticking to healthy meals is the purpose of your bento lunch box. And for that to happen, you need some fruits, veggies, carbs, and protein in your tray. Creativity is also another factor why bento lunch boxes are popular. You can prepare a meal dazzled with cute characters or stick to all-Japanese food.

Silicone molding cups and colorful dividers make the bento-making process a breeze.

How do I make a bento lunch box?

Sticking to healthy meals is the purpose of your bento lunch box. And for that to happen, you need some fruits, veggies, carbs, and protein in your tray. Creativity is also another factor why bento lunch boxes are popular. You can prepare a meal dazzled with cute characters or stick to all-Japanese food.

Silicone molding cups and colorful dividers make the bento-making process a breeze.

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