Bento boxes are great for packing meals to take to schools, colleges, or offices. They are also great for picnics, camping, and outdoor adventures. Most have a well-designed structure that prevents leakages and allows you to carry the meals everywhere with you in a mess-free manner. With the best bento boxes, you will be able to consume healthier meals and thus, aim for a healthier lifestyle.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Bento Box
Capacity
If you have a big appetite, you might want to get a bento box that offers a large capacity. A large capacity will allow you to pack a generous amount of food easily. If you are getting the bento box for your children to take to school, you might want to get one with a smaller capacity as you usually do not need to pack a lot of food for young children. It is always best to get a bento box that offers a lot of room so that you can place the food such as sandwiches and fruits without squashing them.
Bento boxes that come with food dividers allow you to pack different types of food in one container. If you want to adjust the portion size of the food, you should get a bento box that comes with removable food dividers.
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Stackable Design vs. Non-Stackable Design
A bento box with a stackable design allows you to pack a variety of food without mixing them together. If you are trying to follow a healthier diet or want to control portion sizes, you might want to get a bento box that offers at least 3-4 different compartments. You will be able to pack a variety of nutritious food in the different compartments, ranging from leafy vegetables to proteins and carbohydrates.
A bento box with a non-stackable design might be more convenient for packing lunch to take to work or school as there may not be enough time to cook a variety of food daily. If you are getting a bento box that does not have a stackable design, make sure that the bento box offers a few compartments so that you can include at least two different types of food without mixing them together.
Quality of Construction
If you want a bento box that will serve you well for a long period of time, you should invest in one that is made using sturdy and high-quality materials. It is important that the bento box is free of harmful substances such as BPA, lead, vinyl chloride, and phthalates among others.
If you are getting a bento box that is made of plastic, make sure that food-grade PP plastic is used so that it does not affect your health. On the other hand, if you are getting a bento box that is made of stainless steel, make sure that 304 stainless steel materials are used so that your bento box does not rust or corrode quickly.
Your bento box should be made of materials that can withstand extreme temperatures so that you can use it in the microwave and freezer. However, you should always read the instructions thoroughly before putting the bento box in the microwave or freezer.
Lid
A bento box with vacuum-sealed lids will allow you to carry liquids and greasy food without creaking a mess. The mouth of the container should be lined with high-quality silicone so that nothing drips, leaks, or spills from the bento box. The lids should be sturdy and easy to open or close so that both children and adults will be able to use the bento box comfortably. If you are using the bento box in the microwave or dishwasher, make sure to take the lids off as they may not be able to resist such high heat.
If you are getting a stackable bento box, it is likely to have either of the two locking systems - the elastic strap system and the buckle system. Most of the elastic straps are adjustable so you might be able to use just one or two containers at a time instead of having to use all the containers. This means that if you are packing less food, you can just use one container. However, securing all the containers using the flexible strap may not be the most child-friendly method.
A bento box with a buckle locking system might be easier to use as you just need to pull the buckles upwards or downwards to use the bento box. Make sure that the buckles on the bento box are sturdy and well-built. For ease of transport, you might want to get a bento box that comes with a carrying handle.
Accessories
The most common accessories that bento boxes come with are cutlery sets, carry bags or lunch bags, and free Ebook recipes, sauce jars, among others. In the cutlery set, you are likely to receive a spoon, a fork, and/or, a knife. In some cases, you may also get a pair of chopsticks. Bento boxes usually have a separate compartment for carrying the utensils. The carry bag or lunch bag should be sturdy, heavy-duty, and well-insulated to keep the food fresh for a long time. The Ebook recipes should be easily accessible so that you can view them on your phone, tablet, or laptop at any time. The sauce jars should have an airtight and leakproof design so that the dipping sauces or salad dressings do not spill everywhere.
Top 15 Best Bento Boxes
| Product Name | Capacity (ml) | Weight (ounces) | Item Dimensions (inches) | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box | 532 | 20.00 | 8.5 x 6.5 x 2 | A |
| Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Lunch Box | 1540 | 12.00 | 7.12 x 4.68 x 2.7 | A |
| Umami Bento Box | 1200 | 14.80 | 7.2 x 4.13 x 4.21 | B |
| GRUB2GO Premium Bento Lunch Box | 2011 | 14.40 | 7.5 x 4.5 x 5 | A |
| Original BentoHeaven Bento Box Bundle | 1183 | 13.40 | 7.28 x 4.02 x 4.29 | A |
| LOVINA Bento Box | 1400 | 09.90 | 8.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 | A |
| Green Bento Boxes By Caleb Company | 1089 | 25.12 | 7 x 4.5 x 2.5 | B |
| Jeopace Bento Box | 1150 | 09.10 | 8.86 x 6.1 x 2.17 | B |
| Itopor Bento Box | 1150 | 10.20 | 7 x 5 x 2 | A |
| Wagindd Bento Box | 1260 | 18.72 | 6.2 x 4.6 x 5.7 | B |
| Japanese Traditional Rabbit Blossom Bento Box Set | 640 | 10.40 | 6.5 x 3.3 x 3.11 | A |
| Freshmage Stainless Steel Bento Box | 1300 | 20.48 | 8.31 x 7 x 4.09 | B |
| MINCOCO Bento Lunch Box | 1800 | 21.12 | 10.6 x 7.4 x 3 | A |
| PlanetBox ROVER Bento Lunch Box | N/A | 40.00 | 12 x 9 x 2.5 | A |
| Komax Lunchmate Bento Lunch Box Kit | 529 | 14.40 | 7.9 x 6.6 x 3.6 | A |
1. Bentgo Kids Children’s Lunch Box
When you think of something that your children are going to use, you would want it to be kid-friendly, fun, colorful, durable, and easy to use. And this lunch box from Bentgo ticks all of those requirements.
The bento box comes in attractive pop colors with a food tray with five compartments, with the portion sizes to fit the appetite of children aged 3-7 years old. The box comes with two latches and an inner wall which make the box leak proof so your children can carry the box inside their bags without creating any mess.
The latches are very easy to open and close and your children will have no trouble to handle the box on their own. There is no guarantee that younger kids will not throw the boxes or turn it into a toy, so the box has been geared with a sturdy construction and a protective rubber lining to make it drop and impact resistant so it will be able to endure any kind of drops and being tossed around without cracking.
Since the box would be used by the precious children, parents would be concerned about the materials that the box has been made of and keeping that in mind, the box has been made with FDA-approved safe materials that do not contain any kind of BPA or PVC. The company has also been thoughtful for the parents and has made it very easy to use for the parents who will be preparing the boxes for their children. The inner tray consisting of the food compartments can be removed and put into the microwave to heat the food, and also can be safely washed in the dishwasher.
Sometimes, many of us think not only about the products that a company makes but also about the morals and ethics of the company itself. This company Bentgo supports a nonprofit organization called ‘Feed the Children’, in the form of donations. If you want to know more about the organization and what it does, you can find it here. This means that when you purchase a bento box from this company, you are contributing to the wellbeing of someone else who is less fortunate, which makes your purchase more meaningful.
The bento box also comes with the privilege to access an E-book that contains more than 30 ideas for making nutritious and fun recipes for your children.Pros
Cons
2. Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Lunch Box
This bento box from Bentgo is an all-time favorite. It not only offers a spacious capacity of 3.4 pounds but also has an elegant blush marble exterior that allows you to enjoy your meals in style. It is perfect for adults who want to eat food in controlled portions.
The top container is divided into two sections. Each section can fit up to ¾ cups of food, making it perfect for holding fruits and salads. On the other hand, the bottom container can easily fit 2 cups of food. You can put a generous amount of pasta, fried rice, steaks, and lots more. There is a divider lid between the two compartments in which you store the fork, spoon, and knife that it comes with.
The bento box is made of high-quality materials that do not include any BPA. It is made using food-grade eco-friendly materials such as PP, ABS, LDPE, and silicone that do not affect the quality of your food. The bento box is unlikely to release a bad odor into your food. Moreover, the premium construction allows it to withstand extreme temperatures without warping or damaging itself. Both compartments can be used in the microwave for up to 3 minutes.
The bento box is very easy to clean. You can clean it by hand using warm water and mild soap or you can leave it in the dishwasher for a quick and easy cleaning process. You should place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. This product is also very easy to store. The top compartment fits perfectly inside the bottom compartment so you will be able to put it in your kitchen cabinets or shelves without much trouble.
It comes in a variety of colors so you will be able to choose according to your preference. It also comes in blue, coastal aqua, gray, green, khaki green, purple, and slate colors.
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3. Umami Bento Box
If you are packing meals for work, school, or a road trip, it is important that the lunchbox or container is made of high-quality materials for keeping your food fresh and safe for long hours. One such bento box is the Umami Bento Box. It features two separate compartments and offers a total capacity of 40oz, perfect for packing a generous amount of fresh fruits, sandwiches, boiled vegetables, and lots more.
Both the compartments are made using premium-grade plastic called polypropylene that is completely recyclable and helps to provide a durable and sturdy build. It does not contain any BPA or BPS, which makes it safe for consumption.
There are silicone seals lining the edge of the containers so that there are no leakages. You will be able to carry curry, yogurt, or other semi-liquid food in this bento box.
The bento box also comes with two removable dividers that can be positioned according to your needs. You can include up to four different types of food in this bento box, making it perfect for prepping whole meals. The bento box also contains two small containers for storing sauces, dressings, and dips. They have screw-cap covers that prevent the liquids from leaking or spilling onto the surface.
You no longer have to transfer the food into a microwavable bowl to reheat food. Both the compartments can be used in the microwave for up to 3 minutes. Low temperatures do not affect the quality of the bento box either. This means that you will be able to store it in the freezer safely.
On the other hand, you will be able to clean this bento box in a breeze. All the stains and hardened bits of food wash off quickly and quite effortlessly. For all those individuals who hate doing the dishes, the good news is that this product is dishwasher-safe. This helps to save time and effort and helps you to focus on other important things.
Pros
Cons
4. GRUB2GO Premium Bento Lunch Box
This bento box from GRUB2GO is 70% bigger than other bento lunch boxes, making it perfect for individuals who have a big appetite. The food dividers are movable so you can adjust the portion of the food according to your needs. You will be able to include four different types of food in this bento box. It allows you to pack a complete meal easily.
The bento box comes with two containers that can be layered on top of each other. The containers have a sturdy construction that allows you to use them for a long period of time. It does not include any BPA, lead, vinyl, PVC, or other toxic materials that may deteriorate your health. If you do not want to pack a lot of food, you can just use one container. Each container has a capacity of 34oz.
Both the containers have airtight lids which means that you will be able to pack all types of food, including soups and stews. The mouth of the lids is lined with silicone to prevent the food from leaking or spilling everywhere. The ventilation plugs help to keep your food fresh and warm for longer hours. This bento box also comes with a “bamboo” lid which doubles as a chopping board. You can easily cut your fruits and vegetables on it.
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5. Original BentoHeaven Bento Box Bundle
If you want a bento box that you can take pride in, this is a great bento box that would be worth looking into. It has a very elegant design with a smooth top lid with woody appearance and made from high quality, durable plastic.
The box features two separate compartments that go on top of each other, and since each of the compartments has their own secure lid, the boxes are completely airtight and leak proof. There are many bento boxes on the market that will claim to be airtight but are not, but this one has a special silicone pop-up vent on the lid, which effectively seals the food compartment, making this bento box very reliable.
In addition to the effective sealing, there is an elastic strap band which will keep the compartments held together tightly so that they do not become displaced. Another great advantage of having this bento box is that it comes with a set of well-made fork, knife, spoon, and a pair of chopsticks, which means it can work as a portable tableware that you can take to your office, school, picnic or a sleepover, to help you have your healthy home-made lunch in style.
The bento box offers you some exciting bonus items, such as printable notes and a bento bag. You can print out these adorable notes and stick it to the box to send a personal message to your loved ones to make their days better. The bag will hold the box inside it neatly and makes it an easily portable set.Pros
Cons
6. LOVINA Bento Box
Whether you are looking for a bento box for practicing portion control or want one for your kids, the LOVINA Bento Box might be your best choice. It offers a capacity of 1400ml that is divided into three sections, which allows you to pack a complete meal for work, school, or a getaway picnic. You will be able to keep the different types of food separate from each other. It has a completely leak-proof design that allows you to carry lunch without creating a mess.
The bento box is made using high-quality and safe materials that are unlikely to release toxins or a bad odor into your food. It is made using BPA-free plastic that helps to keep your food fresh and safe for a long period of time. The premium construction makes it extremely sturdy and durable so it is unlikely to break apart when you drop it accidentally.
You will be able to use this bento box in the microwave for reheating food. Keep in mind that the temperature should not exceed 248°F and it should not be microwaved for more than 4 minutes. You should also take the lids off before reheating the meal. This bento box can be left in the freezer as well for storing leftover food. It can withstand a temperature as low as -4°F. The low temperature is unlikely to deteriorate its quality.
What makes this bento box suitable for everyday use is that it can be cleaned easily. All you need to do is rinse it well using warm water and dish detergent. You can also leave it in the dishwasher if you want to save time and effort. All the stains and hardened bits of food wash off quickly and quite effortlessly.
It comes with a fork and a spoon and there is a separate compartment in the bento box for storing the cutleries. The lids can be easily opened by raising the flaps on the side, making this bento box suitable for children. There is no strap that you need to put on for closing the lids.
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7. Green Bento Boxes By Caleb Company
If you are looking for a simple but roomy lunch box, then this would be a great choice for you. The bento box is spacious and consists of three separate compartments, which are all removable so you can control the size of the food you want to fit inside the box.
For example, if you want to fit in three different kinds of food items, then you can use all three compartments, but if you want to fit in something bigger, for example, a sandwich, then you can remove one of the smaller compartments and make room for the sandwich.
The lid of the container is secured with clips on four sides, and that creates a completely leak-proof environment so you can carry even messy food like pineapples and watermelon in the box. The bento box is also safe to be used in the microwave oven without the lid, and you can also use it to store food in the freezer.
Since the bento box is made of BPA-free durable plastic, you can wash it in the dishwasher without the fear of the box becoming warped or cracked. Another advantage is that since this set comes with three bento boxes, you would not have to worry about washing it and drying it for the next day, you can simply use another one and keep rotating between the three for increased longevity.
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Cons
8. Jeopace Bento Box
At the first look, you might think that this bento box is made of plastic, but this has been made of a unique organic material which makes it durable yet eco-friendly.
The box has actually been made of wheat fiber so it does not give off odors like plastic, yet it is drop resistant, FDA-approved, and is safe to be used inside the microwave, freezer, and be washed in the dishwasher! The box also has a very nice grainy texture and which comes in adorable and soothing colors such as purple, clear, and champagne. The semi-transparent lid helps you to see the contents of the box without having to open it.
The lid is airtight and leak-proof due to the four secure locking clips on the lid. Moreover, the bento box stackable, which is a very useful feature to have if you are going to use several of these boxes to prepare packed lunch for a picnic or a family outing.
Now let’s take a look inside this amazing bento box. The inside has been divided into three compartments with a special cut in the middle of the walls where you can neatly fit the spoon that comes with the box. The compartments help you to eat a well-balanced and portioned diet which is a great way to maintain a healthy eating habit.Pros
Cons
9. Itopor Bento Box
You can now bring your favorite meals to work, thanks to the Itopor Bento Box. It offers a capacity of 1150 ml which is perfect for packing a generous amount of food. The container is sectioned into three compartments so you can keep the sweet treats separate from the savory ones. Moreover, the purple interior and exterior of the bento box allow you to enjoy your meals in style.
The container is made using wheat fiber materials that do not include any BPA or other toxic substances. It is completely shock-proof which means that it will not break or damage easily, even if you drop it on the floor.
It is an environmentally friendly product that is suitable for daily use. The mouth of the container is lined with sealing materials that prevent the food from leaking or spilling everywhere. You will be able to carry food in a mess-free way.
The high-quality construction enables the bento box to withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can be used in the microwave for reheating the food inside it. You can also leave it in the refrigerator for keeping the food fresh. To make things easier, this bento box is dishwasher-safe so you can focus on other things instead of doing the dishes.
You will not need to use an elastic band to secure the lid. The buckle system of the lids allows you to open and close the container in just a few seconds. This means that children can easily use this bento box. You can pack their lunch in it for school. The bento box has a very compact size so you can put it in your bag without much effort.
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Cons
10. Wagindd Bento Box
The Wagindd Bento Box lets you pack a balanced meal that you can easily take to work. It offers four compartments and has a stackable design that makes it easy to carry everywhere with you. You will be able to carry all types of food in these vacuum-sealed containers starting from soups and ramen to fruits and salad dressings. You do not have to worry about the food leaking or spilling from the containers.
The four containers come in different sizes. The one at the bottom provides a capacity of 500 milliliters, the one in the middle provides a capacity of 400 milliliters, and the ones on top each provide a capacity of 180 milliliters. You will get a total capacity of 1260 milliliters which is perfect for packing lots of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
All the containers are removable and can be used independently which means that you will be able to use just one or two containers for packing your meals. All the containers have lids and the lids have silicone seals around them to prevent leakages. The bento box is made using food-grade PP plastic that does not contain any BPA.
The containers can be used in the microwave for warming up the food quickly. You no longer need to transfer the food onto another plate to reheat it. Make sure to take the lids off before putting the containers inside the microwave. On the other hand, the bento box can be left in the refrigerator or freezer as the low temperature is unlikely to deteriorate its quality or performance.
The bento box comes with two types of clasps, a tall one and a short one. When you are using all four containers, you can easily lock them in place using the tall clasp. If you are using two or three containers, it is best to use the short clasp to secure them tightly. The clasps are very easy to attach so the bento box can be used by children or teenagers.
Pros
Cons
11. Japanese Traditional Rabbit Blossom Bento Box Set
Who else could you trust more when it comes to bento boxes, compared to a Japanese company, since the origin of bento boxes finds its way back to Japan? This bento box is not only made by a Japanese company, but it also comes with traditional Japanese designs both on the lid and the carry bag.
So if any of you want to have an authentic bento box experience or are in love with Japanese art and culture, then this is a must have for you! The inside of the box gives you a superior level of flexibility in organizing your meal plan, thanks to the innovatively designed dividers.
Whereas the size of the compartments is fixed in other bento boxes, you can customize the number and sizes of the compartments of this bento box. As you can choose the number of dividers you want to use in the two boxes that go on top of each other, and also can slide it across to adjust the size of each compartment, you can fit a variety of portions and sizes of food. For example, you can fit in something as big as a sandwich as well as fit in something as small as a piece of apple.
Another unique accessory that comes with this bento box is a rice-mold using which you can mold your rice into 8 mouthful-size portions, or make nigiri, which is a type of sushi. When you shape and size your rice using this mold it will be a lot easier to pick up rice using a chopstick, so even a beginner with chopstick can enjoy their lunch in Japanese style.Pros
Cons
12. Freshmage Stainless Steel Bento Box
The Freshmage Stainless Steel Bento Box is one such item that can be taken everywhere with you. It is perfect for packing lunch to take to your office or a picnic spot. You can also use it as a lunchbox for your kids to take to daycare or school. It has a well-built, stackable design and offers a large capacity of 1300 milliliters which is perfect for packing nutritious, personalized meals.
The large capacity is divided into three containers. Each container provides a different capacity so you will be able to pack different types of food in them, be it lean meat and vegetables or cookies and pastries.
The container at the bottom offers a capacity of 800 milliliters, the container in the middle offers a capacity of 300 milliliters, and the one on top offers a capacity of 200 milliliters. Only the top and middle containers are divided into two sections so you will be able to pack two different types of food in them.
The bottom and middle containers come with plastic trays that help to prevent the food from leaking or spilling everywhere. The trays are made using high-quality PP plastic that is extremely durable and long-lasting. The bottom and middle containers are made using 304 stainless steel so you can expect them to perform well in harsh conditions, too. The top container has four buckle clips on each side that locks all the containers tightly in one place.
The containers can be used in the microwave for reheating food quickly. It is recommended to remove the trays and the lid before putting the containers inside the microwave. When you are cleaning the bento box in the dishwasher, make sure to remove the lid as it may warp or damage when exposed to high heat. You should wash the lid by hand using warm water and mild dish detergent or soap. The bento box can be left in the freezer as it can withstand low temperatures well.
The bento box weighs only 1.28 pounds and does not have a bulky design so you or your kids can easily carry it in a bag without much trouble.
Pros
Cons
13. MINCOCO Bento Lunch Box
Why spend money on unhealthy, greasy food on your lunch break when you can easily make customized meals at home to take to work? The MINCOCO Bento Lunch Box allows you to pack healthy meals in controlled portions.
It offers a capacity of 1800 milliliters that is divided into four compartments. This means that you will be able to pack four different types of food in the same container. It has a depth of 3 inches so there is enough space in the bento box for packing lots of sandwiches, meat, leafy vegetables, and many more. The container is made using food-grade materials that do not include any BPA or harmful substances, making it safe for consumption.
Since it has a sturdy and durable build, you will be able to use it in the microwave, refrigerator, and even in the dishwasher. When reheating food or cleaning the bento box in the dishwasher, make sure to remove the lid as it may not be able to withstand a high temperature. You should place the container in the top rack of the dishwasher to avoid warping or distortions.
The lid has a sealing trap attached to it which helps to prevent the food from leaking and spilling everywhere. You will be able to carry almost all types of food in this container without creating a mess. Moreover, the lid can be closed easily by pushing the buckles downwards. It is quite simple, even for small children. The lid also has a compartment for storing the fork and spoon that the bento box comes with.
The bento lunch box also comes with a sauce jar that offers a capacity of 320 milliliters. It is an airtight, leakproof container that you can use to carry liquid yogurt, salad dressing, dipping sauce, or even soup.
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Cons
14. PlanetBox ROVER Bento Lunch Box
Who would have come up with the genius idea of combining vibrantly designed magnets with a stainless steel bento box to create a bento box which acts as a statement for your artistic side? Well, PlanetBox has accomplished this ingenious product designing which not only makes lunchtime healthy but also fun and creative for both adults and children alike.
The box is made of stainless steel so it is completely safe for your health and highly durable since it will not crack or break like other materials. The exciting twist to this story is that since the box is made of stainless steel, it can hold magnet decorations that come with the box, making the lid of the box a work of art.
This gives way to countless personalized and customizable designs as you can choose different magnet arts from them to suit your own artistic tastes. For example, if you are buying this bento box for your young child, then you can go for the rainbow, fairies, rocket, or dinosaur designs. But if you are planning to use this for an adult person, you might want to go for the more elegant cat design or choose to skip out on the magnets completely.
The aesthetic aspect is not the only amazing thing about this bento box. It has five compartments where you can arrange different items of your meal in an appetizing way. The lid is attached to the body of the box so there is no way of losing it. The lid can be closed securely using a latch at the front of the box. The box also comes with two bowls with silicone lids, which can be used to carry messy and liquid food without having to worry about spillage.
The bento box comes with an attractively designed carry bag with a handle which gives you a mess-free way to have your lunch on the go.Pros
Cons
15. Komax Lunchmate Bento Lunch Box Kit
For people who carry a small handbag, it can be a problem to give space to a large, wide bento box. And if you are one of them and are looking for a bento box that is slim, stylish and contemporary, then this is a bento box kit that would be worth looking into.
This set consists of two slim yet deep boxes, an olive colored and a black one. The black one also has two small boxes that can go inside it, so you can turn it into two smaller compartments if you wish to.
Both of the boxes have a secure clipping lock which prevents the boxes from leaking. Apart from these two boxes, it includes a cutlery box inside which there are a stainless steel spoon and a pair of Korean style chopsticks. The unique feature of this set that we are in love with is the slim and modern-looking bag that comes with it.
This bag has the ability to give insulation to its contents, so when you put your bento box inside the bag, it will maintain the temperature of the food that is inside the bento box so you can enjoy your meal at the right temperature. As the bag has a little more space after the bento box has gone into it, you can use this extra space to store something like a cold bottle of juice or a banana. This compact and slim bento box are a must-have for anyone who wants to carry their bento box in style.
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Reasons For Using A Bento Box
- The meals you buy from cafes and restaurants are usually high in calories and contain a lot of unhealthy ingredients such as artificial additives, unnatural sweeteners, a high amount of sodium, and corn syrup among others. You are likely to prepare healthier meals at home. It is considered to be much safer and healthier to consume homemade food since you have control over all the ingredients and cooking processes. Getting a bento box will allow you to pack meals that suit your preferences.
- Since you will not be snacking on outside food, you might be able to control your weight. The containers in the bento boxes are usually divided into separate sections so you are likely to consume less amount of food. Eating healthy food and practicing portion control will enable you to maintain a healthy weight and thus, reduce the chances of becoming obese.
- Bento boxes usually have a leakproof design so you will not need to use one-time-use plastic wraps or plastic bags. Most bento boxes offer different compartments to keep the food separate from each other so you will be using less plastic than before. Therefore, your plastic consumption will fall which will further help to reduce plastic pollution.
- You will be able to save money by not eating outside food. Your eating and spending habits are likely to improve. You can spend the money on more important or useful things.
FAQ
Can I pack hot food in the bento box?
In most cases, putting hot food in the bento box is unlikely to do any harm. However, if you are planning to eat the hot food after a few hours, it is best if you cool down the food before putting the lid on. Otherwise, the trapped moisture may make your food soggy.
What can I do to prevent the bento box from leaking?
If you do not own a leakproof bento box, you might want to get a few plastic wraps, wax papers, or aluminum foil papers. What you want to do is cut the paper into the shape of the compartments and place it over the food in such a way that the paper sticks out when you close the lid. This method might be effective in preventing leakages.
How do I keep the food cool and fresh for longer hours?
If you are carrying the bento box in a lunch bag, you might want to place an ice pack next to the container. This helps to keep the temperature low so that your salads and other food remain fresh. If you do not have an ice pack, you can use a frozen towel or a frozen sponge instead.
Conclusion
Whether you are getting a bento box for your kids or for yourself, you should always make sure that the bento box has a well-built structure and requires low maintenance. The best bento boxes will allow you to improve your culinary skills as you will need to prepare meals quite regularly. The best bento boxes will also help to make meal prepping much easier as most of them are microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe.
I like the large divided serving trays that are used in Japanese restaurants for bento or sushi lunches. My preference would be for non-plastic, non metal, eco friendly. I ask this because I have a hard time getting rid of heavy metal toxins etc. from my body. Any ideas? For everyday and guest meals as well.
I love the idea of Bento box. I liked the Original BentoHeaven Bento Box Bundle the most from your list. 🙂
I have one from Bentology. Serves its purpose.
I love that bento boxes come in many designs including compartment and stackable. Also, not having to stack wrapped bowls or plates, and not having to worry about them leaking is also a huge benefit.