30 Best Reusable Lunch Containers For An Eco-Friendly Lunch

Have you been thinking about how to make your lunch more eco-friendly? If so, perhaps it’s time to switch to using reusable lunch containers!

Reusable lunch containers are containers that you can use over and over again to pack your food. This way, you don’t have to figure out how to dispose of plastic bags or boxes every time you eat. They are not only better for the environment but also kinder to your wallet! 

Here is a look at 30 of the best reusable lunch containers for an eco-friendly lunch!

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Overview of Reusable Lunch Containers

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the best reusable lunch containers on the market today.

Because there are so many options for you to choose from for reusable lunch gear, we have grouped everything into 5 main categories.

We did this to make it more convenient for you to find something that suits your unique needs, style, and personality. 

The 5 main categories that we’ll focus on include: 

• Stainless Steel
• Silicone
• Glass
• Bento Boxes
• Thermoses

These are all safe and eco-friendly options that have different advantages and disadvantages. If you’re concerned about the temperature of a food item with reusable food containers, you can keep things colder longer with reusable ice packs.

We will explain what they are and how they work. We will also give you six examples of products that we love and recommend for each category!

So, if you are ready to take your lunch to the next level, let’s dive right in! As a bonus, most of these are available on amazon for quick delivery times.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a metal alloy that contains iron, chromium, nickel, and other elements. It is an eco-friendly option because it is durable, recyclable, and does not leach chemicals or rust.

Here are some of the features of stainless steel containers that you’ll love:

• They are lightweight and easy to carry
• Stainless steel is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
• They are rust-resistant and can withstand high temperatures

On the downside, most stainless steel containers are not microwave-safe. They may also dent or scratch if dropped. 

Some of the best stainless steel containers on the market are:

Lunchbots Round Leak Proof Stainless Snack Container Jar

This is a set of two round containers with leak-proof lids that are perfect for snacks, dips, sauces, or dressings.

They have a capacity of 4 ounces each and are made of 18/8 stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. These are some of the best leak-proof lunch containers on the market.

Bentgo Insulated Food Canister

This is a double-wall vacuum-insulated container that can keep food hot for up to 8 hours or cold for up to 12 hours. It has a capacity of 2.4 cups. It also has a leak-proof lid with a handle for easy carrying.

This is one of the best lunch boxes to keep food hot because it is insulated!

PlanetBox Rover Lunch Box

This is a bento-style lunch box that has five compartments for different foods. It has a capacity of 5 cups and is made of high-quality stainless steel.

Planet box makes some of the best reusable lunch containers with compartments that are eco-friendly.

It’s nice because with this type of lunch container you can separate your food and avoid materials like aluminum foil.

Wyndham House Stainless Steel Containers

This is a four-piece set with interchangeable airtight BPA-free lids.

The containers have various capacities of 2 cups, 3 cups, 4 cups, and 5 cups. They are made of durable stainless steel and plastic.

Klee Utensils Stainless Steel Food Containers

This is a two-piece set that comes with snap-on lids for an airtight seal. These are the best lunch containers for work.

The containers have capacities of 50 fl oz and 67 fl oz. They are made of 304 stainless steel.

Zopeal 6 Pack Stainless Steel Canisters

This is a 6-pack set that comes with tight-fitting lids with silicone gaskets that are locked by snap locks.

With a capacity of 34 oz, they are perfect for dressings, snacks, dips, and sauces.

Silicone

Silicone is a synthetic rubber-like polymer that is extremely popular because it does not leach chemicals or produce hazardous fumes.

It is an eco-friendly option because it is highly durable, recyclable, and non-toxic. It is also sustainable because it is made from sand, which is a renewable resource. 

Because of their flexible and different shapes, they are great resuable products for a variety of uses.

Using silicone reusable lunch bags like stasher bags are a great way to reduce the waste of single-use plastics.

Some of the features you’ll love in silicone bags are:

• Flexibility and easy to fit in any space
• Resealable and leak-proof
• They are versatile and can be used for freezing, microwaving, boiling, and so on

The main disadvantage of silicone bags is that they are not dishwasher-safe. They may also absorb odors and stains.

Some of the best silicone bags on the market are:

Stasher Reusable Bag Starter Kit

This is a set of four bags in different sizes and colors. They are made of 100% pure platinum silicone and have a pinch-lock seal. Plus they fit great in a lunch box!

Zip Top Reusable 100% Platinum Silicone Containers

These are stand-up containers with a zip-top closure. They are made of 100% platinum silicone and come in various shapes and sizes. They are sold as a full set of 8. 

Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags by Kiva.World

These are flat bags with a sliding bar seal. They are made of food-grade silicone and come in two sizes: 50 ounces and 30 ounces.

They are also heat-resistant and can be used for steaming or blanching.

These bags make great snack bags for on-the-go and reduce single-use plastic bags. They also fit easily into a lunch tote bag.

SPLF 12-Pack Reusable Storage Bags

These are budget-friendly bags with a double-zipper seal. They are made of food-grade PEVA material and come in three sizes: gallon, sandwich, and snack. 

Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags

These are premium bags with an airtight seal clip. They are made of high-quality silicone and have measurement markings and labels for easy identification.

Stojo Collapsible Lunch Box

This is a unique lunch box that can collapse into a disk when not in use. It is made of LFGB-certified silicone and has a snap-on lid. 

Glass

Glass is a transparent material that is made from sand, soda ash, and limestone. It is an eco-friendly option because it is recyclable, reusable, and does not leach chemicals or absorb odors.

Here are a few tips for using glass containers safely and efficiently:

• Choose tempered glass, which is stronger and more resistant to thermal shock than regular glass
• Use silicone sleeves or covers to protect glass containers from breaking or scratching
• Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as putting a hot container in a cold fridge or a frozen container in a hot oven

Some of the best glass containers on the market are:

Pyrex Circular Glass Storage Container Set

This is a set of six round containers with snap-on lids that are perfect for storing broths, soups, and stews.

They have capacities of 2 cups, 4 cups, and 7 cups. Plus, are made of tempered glass and BPA-free plastic. They make great microwavable reusable lunch containers for adults!

Glasslock Oven Safe Container Set

This is a set of 18 rectangular containers with locking lids that are ideal for baking and storing casseroles, lasagnas, and brownies.

They have capacities of 6.3 cups, 3.5 cups, 3.3 cups, 3.1 cups, 1.6 cups, 1.5 cups, and 0.7 cups. They are made of tempered glass and silicone.

Ello DuraGlass Food Storage Containers

These are colorful containers with silicone sleeves and lids that are great for packing salads, sandwiches, and snacks.

They come in various shapes and sizes. This set is made of borosilicate glass and food-grade silicone lids.

Snapware Food Storage Container 24-Piece Set

This is a versatile set with both round and square containers with snap-on lids that are suitable for storing any kind of food.

These are made of tempered glass and BPA-free plastic which is still a great alterntive to all plastic storage containers.

Anchor Hocking TrueFit Glass Baking Dish

This is a single dish with a lid that can be used for baking and storing pies, quiches, or cakes.

It has a capacity of 2 quarts. It is made of tempered glass and BPA-free plastic.

Le’raze Glass Kitchen Canisters

These are elegant canisters with bamboo lids that can be used for storing dry goods like flour, sugar, coffee, or pasta.

They come in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. They are made of clear glass and bamboo.

Bento Boxes

Bento boxes are lunch boxes that originated in Japan. They have divided compartments for different foods.

They reduce the need for disposable containers while simultaneously encouraging portion control and balanced meals. 

These come in various sizes and are great for the school season. They are great for school lunches where they serve multiple different types of foods, including hot food.

Here are some key features of bento boxes:

• They have separate compartments for different foods
• They have leak-proof seals to prevent spills and cross-contamination
• Most are microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe

Some of the best bento boxes on the market are:

Bentoheaven Bento Box

This is a sleek and minimalist bento box with a bamboo lid, a cutlery set, and a chopstick set. It has two tiers with adjustable dividers and a separate sauce container. 

Mier Adult Lunch Box

This is a dual-compartment tote that has two insulated areas for hot and cold foods.

It has a capacity of 13 liters and comes with a shoulder strap and a handle for easy carrying.

Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

This kid-friendly bento box has five compartments for different foods.

It comes with a leak-proof lid and a removable tray. It has a capacity of 2.4 cups and is made of BPA-free plastic.

Grub2Go The Original Japanese Bento Box

This is a stylish and modern bento box that comes with an elastic band, an insulated bag, and a cutlery set.

It has two tiers with three compartments. The bamboo lid can be used as a chopping board.  

PlanetBox Rover Lunch Box

This is a stainless steel bento box that has five compartments for different foods. It has a capacity of 5 cups and is made of high-quality stainless steel.

PlanetBox makes some of the top rated stainless steel lunch boxes.

Prep Naturals Glass 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers

These are glass containers with two compartments for separating foods. They come with snap-lock lids that are leak-proof and airtight.

They have a capacity of 29 ounces each and are made of borosilicate glass and BPA-free plastic.

Thermoses

Thermoses are insulated containers that use a vacuum between two walls to prevent heat transfer by conduction or convection. Because of this, they are versatile reusable lunch containers many people love.

They are ideal for keeping food hot or cold for hours because they minimize the loss of thermal energy to the surroundings.

A thermos is an eco-friendly option because they reduce the need for disposable cups or containers and encourage home-cooked meals!

Here are a few important factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a thermos for your lunch container: 

• The size and shape of the thermos. This will depend on how much food you want to store. It will also affect how easy it is to carry the thermos. 
• The insulation and durability of the thermos. 
• The design and functionality of the thermos. It should be easy to open, close, and use. It should also be leak-proof and spill-proof. 

Some of the best thermoses on the market are:

Stanley Master Unbreakable Thermal Vacuum Bottle

This is a rugged and reliable thermos that can keep liquids hot for up to 40 hours or cold for up to 35 hours.

It has a capacity of 25 ounces and is made of 18/8 stainless steel and silicone. It also has a leak-proof lid that doubles as a cup.

Thermos Stainless King Food Jar

This is a versatile and convenient thermos that can keep food hot for up to 9 hours or cold for up to 14 hours. It has a capacity of 16 ounces and is made of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.

It also has a wide mouth for easy filling and eating and a foldable spoon that fits inside the lid.

Hydro Flask Food Flask

This is a stylish and modern thermos that has a capacity of 12 ounces. It is made of pro-grade stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. It also has a wide mouth with a secure lid and a colorful powder-coated finish.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug

This is a sleek and smart thermos with a capacity of 16 ounces. It is made of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.

It has a flip-open lid with a safety lock and vacuum insulation technology that prevents heat loss through the lid.

Yeti Rambler

This is a durable and dependable thermos that can keep liquids hot or cold for hours. It has a capacity of 20 ounces and is made of kitchen-grade stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.

It also has a chug cap double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps drinks at the right temperature.

YETI makes the best water bottle!

Thermos Funtainer Insulated Food Canister

Designed for kids, this simple and sturdy thermos comes in lots of different colors and designs.

It can keep food hot for up to 5 hours and cold for up to 7 hours. This thermos has a capacity of 10 ounces and is made of 18/8 stainless steel.

It works well for hot soup, for example, and makes meal time easy.

Final Thoughts on Reusable Lunch Containers

As far as the best lunch boxes go to keep food fresh, avoiding plastic food storage is better for your health as well as for the environment. We love an earth friendly lunch box and any of these containers make the perfect choice!

Make sure you’re storing your food at home in a non toxic food storage container and using non toxic cookware as well

As you can see, there are many different types of reusable lunch containers available on the market today. From the list above, you should now be able to choose a container that fits your needs and budget.

If you want to minimize the negative impact you have on the environment, choosing a reusable lunch container is a great way to start.

They are not only a great way to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, but also a unique way of saving money.

Because at the end of the day, the cost of disposable lunch containers quickly adds up when you buy them every day. Reusable lunch containers are a one-time investment that will last for years to come!

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