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The best lunch boxes for adults
Whether you’re looking for a basic plastic box for storing your sarnies, a bento box with lots of compartments or a trusty leakproof container for transferring liquids, we’ve found you the best lunch boxes to buy this year. Up your packed lunch game with the best lunch box 2023.
By Gemma Wilcock | Last updated Jan 5, 2024
Ever got to work and opened your bag only to find your salad dressing has leaked all over your things? While there’s plenty of options for lunch boxes out there, some are a lot better than others at keeping your food fresh and intact.
These days, the best lunch boxes are no longer just a plastic box with a lid (although these are still very handy). They can now help you with portion control, offer extra layers and compartments for storing food and snacks, and come with a secure lid to ensure any sauces or liquids don’t end up dousing your favourite handbag.
Whether you've made an artisan sandwich fresh out of your bread maker or you're storing last night's leftovers for lunch from your favourite cookbook recipe, your midday meal deserves a home that keeps it fresh. Investing in the right lunch box can also save you money in the long run, too, as you'll be less inclined to splash out on pricey meal deals on your break.
Lunch boxes come in a variety of materials, sizes and designs - from eco-friendly bamboo offerings and large bento boxes to budget-friendly plastic containers. To help you whittle down which one you need, we’ve researched the best lunch boxes currently on the market for adults and scoured the Mumsnet forums for tried-and-tested recommendations. As the largest online network of UK parents, Mumsnet users are a valuable resource for all our Swears By guides, covering everything from the best food processors to the top-ranking slow cookers. We also cross-referenced these picks with suggestions from food industry experts and authentic consumer reviews to ensure we're bringing you a definitive list of the very best.
Best lunchboxes at a glance 2024
Best overall: Black + Blum Original Lunch Box, £22
Best budget: Lock & Lock Rectangular Storage, £5
Best bento: Mepal Take a Break Large Bento Box, £17
Best insulated for hot food: Mepal Ellipse Insulated Lunchpot, £35
Best large capacity: Umami Original Bento Box, £34
Best stainless steel: Black + Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box, £26
Best eco-friendly: Bambaw Bamboo Lunch Box/Bento Box, £32
Best for salad: Sistema To Go Salad Box, £6
Best cooler bag: Lifewit 7L Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Bag, £14
Best leakproof: Yumbox Panino Lunch Box, £39
1. Best overall lunch box: Black + Blum Original Lunch Box
Price on writing: From £22 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic and silicone | Capacity: 1L | Weight: 510g
What we like
Microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe
Includes a fork with its own compartment
Stylish, minimalist look
What we don't like
Pricey
What Mumsnet users say
“[My] lunch box is by Black + Blum - yes expensive, but makes homemade lunch appealing.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user gerbo)
Our verdict
When it comes to lunch boxes, Black + Blum offers top quality, award-winning designs. Their Original Lunch Box is a redesign of their Box Appetit and has everything you could need for a tasty packed lunch.
The main compartment can be used for storing a sandwich, salad or last night’s leftovers, while the leakproof sauce pot and a removable inner dish is ideal for storing a day’s worth of snacks. The box comes with a fork which can be stored inside or clipped to the outside of the box.
Made from stainless steel, BPA-free plastic and a silicone seal, the box is leakproof to prevent any sauces escaping and, to top it off, you can use it in the microwave (without the lid), as well as the dishwasher and freezer. Although it's a little on the pricey side, bringing a home-prepared meal is far more cost-effective than eating out in the long-run.
Related: For more Mumsnet-approved essentials for the kitchen which promise to save you time and money in the long-run, check out our guides to the best air fryers and slow cookers.
2. Best budget lunch box: Lock & Lock Rectangular Storage
Price on writing: £4 | Buy now from Harts of Stur
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Capacity: 550ml (other sizes available) | Weight: 130g
What we like
Comes in a variety of sizes
Can be used as an excellent food storage option as well
What we don't like
No separate compartments
What Mumsnet users say
“Lock & Lock are the best in my experience (I work in a kitchenware shop).” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Hannahthepink)
Our verdict
If you simply want a trusty box that will safely store your leftovers, you can’t go wrong with Lock & Lock. While they’re much more basic that the other products on our list, they’re easy to clean, sturdy and most importantly leakproof.
As the boxes don’t come with different compartments, they’re best used for storing one type of food such as a salad, leftovers or a sandwich. The Lock & Lock boxes come with a four-sided lockable lid for 100 percent airtight storage and are made from BPA-free plastic.
Available to buy in various sizes, they are freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and Mumsnetters simply can’t get enough of them.
3. Best bento lunch box: Mepal Take a Break Large Bento Box
Price on writing: From £15 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Capacity: 1.5L | Weight: 559g
What we like
Good range of colour options
Range of sizes
What we don't like
Not suitable for microwave
What Mumsnet users say
“We like Mepal bento boxes. They look stylish too.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Ricekrispie22)
Our verdict
Bento boxes have become popular in recent years as you can fit your lunch and snacks in the same box using different compartments, and Mepal’s Take a Break Large Bento Box manages to be both stylish and functional.
The rectangular box can be bought in a range of fun colours and has two removable inserts for separating different types of food, as well as a little fork for eating your lunch on the go. The trays are BPA-free and are also dishwasher-safe.
4. Best insulated lunch box for hot food: Mepal Ellipse Insulated Lunchpot
Price on writing: From £35 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic and stainless steel | Capacity: 500ml + 200ml | Weight: 400g
What we like
Keeps hot food hot and cold food cold
Compact
What we don't like
Pricey
What Mumsnet users say
"I use leftovers, heat them thoroughly in the microwave, warm a food flask with some boiling water for a few minutes first then fill and seal it up. I have a thermos brand one with a wide neck.It's stayed warm from 7am to around 1pm." (Type of product recommended by Mumsnet user TorysSuckRevokeArticle50)
Our verdict
If you have some tasty leftovers you want to take to work, Mepal’s Ellipse Insulated Lunchpot will keep your curries, stews and soups warm for up to eight hours.
The leakproof pot can also keep food cold for 12 hours. It has two different compartments – one 500ml and one 200ml - so you can take two ingredients separately and is double-walled for holding the temperature, while the outer shell stays dry and cool.
The Ellipse comes in a range of fun colours and is also 100 percent leakproof - so hot soup will stay firmly inside the pot rather than spill all over your bag.
For more Mumsnet-inspired lunch-time hacks, check out our guide to the best George Foreman grills.
5. Best large lunch box: Umami Original Bento Box
Price on writing: £34 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Size: 1.2L | Weight: 420g
What we like
Stylish look
Dishwasher safe
Dividers can be removed and adjusted
What we don't like
Pricey
What Mumsnet users say
“…More expensive than others but 100 percent leak proof and good compartment sizes.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Aqua2468)
Our verdict
For those of us who like to snack regularly, the Umami Original Bento Box comes with two tiers for packing plenty of food to last a whole day.
The two 600ml compartments come with a sauce container and movable dividers for keeping food separate or helping with portion control. There’s also cutlery for lunches on the go.
Available in multiple modern colours and designs, it has been made with a silicone seal to ensure there are no leakages and an elastic band for holding the two compartments together. The Umami Bento Box can go in the dishwasher, microwave and freezer, and is made from recyclable plastic, which is BPA- and BPS-free.
Related: If you prefer your sandwiches toasted rather than packed, don't miss our guide to the best sandwich toaster as rated by Mumsnetters.
6. Best stainless steel lunch box for office: Black + Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box
Price on writing: From £26 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Stainless steel and silicone strap | Capacity: 1L | Weight: 460g
What we like
Plastic-free option
Oven-safe
What we don't like
Only one compartment
Our verdict
This box from Black + Blum is plastic-free and kinder to the environment than plastic alternatives, as well as being multi-functional. Made from stainless steel, it’s been designed so you can use it to securely hold your lunch, cook dishes in the oven, and store food in the freezer. It’s also dishwasher-friendly (apart from the lid and strap) so there’s no having to worry about scrubbing off your old lunch.
While the box is pricey, it’s very versatile, with a removable divider to keep your food separate, and a vacuum valve and a BPA-free silicone strap to prevent any spillages. We also like that it comes with a stainless steel fork.
7. Best eco-friendly lunch box: Bambaw Bamboo Lunch Box/Bento Box
Price on writing: From £32 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Bamboo and steel | Capacity: 800 ml; 1200 ml; 1400 ml | Weight: 555g
What we like
Claims to be unbreakable
BPA free
What we don't like
Bamboo lid needs to be washed by hand
Pricey
Our verdict
With its natural bamboo lid and stainless steel base, the Bambaw is a great option if you're looking to reduce single-use plastics in your household.
The lid comes with a hermetic silicone seal for keeping food fresh and preventing leakage. We love the sleek, modern design and the fact that the 'unbreakable' steel base keeps its shape.
Although the lunch box is not as versatile as other bento boxes and it can’t be used in the microwave (and the lid can't be put in the dishwasher), we love the fact you can also use the lid as a chopping board. Bambaw offer a range of water bottles and cutlery for co ordinating your eco-friendly kitchenware.
8. Best salad lunch box: Sistema To Go Salad Box
Price on writing: From £5 | Buy now from The Range
Key specs
Material: Plastic | Capacity: 1.1L| Weight: 180g
What we like
Comes in a variety of colours
Keeps salad fresh
Comes with knife and fork
What we don't like
Small
What Mumsnet users say
"I bought a Sistema salad box which helps keep the salad leaves fresh and then you mix all the salad come lunchtime.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user ThisMustBeMyDream)
Our verdict
Sistema are well-known for making all kinds of reusable products for storing food and drinks, and come well recommended by Mumsnetters. Their BPA-free plastic To Go Salad Box has been designed with multiple compartments to help keep your ingredients fresh and unscathed.
The top tray is removable and securely holds plastic cutlery and a pot for storing your salad dressing, while the bottom compartment houses your salad. The lid has a flexible seal and clips for locking it down to prevent any leaks – and it comes at an affordable price too.
If you fancy something a bit indulgent after a salad-based lunch, check out our guide to the best deep fat fryers.
9. Best lunch box cooler bag: Lifewit 7L Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Bag
Price on writing: £14 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Fabric | Capacity: 7L | Weight: 300g
What we like
Double decker design allows you to separate hot and cold foods
Comfortable to carry
What we don't like
Might be a bit small for a family-sized picnic
Our verdict
For long days out, the Lifewit 7L Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Bag comes with two sections for keeping hot and cold food fresh at all times.
The fabric of the bag is water-resistant and durable, and the inside is thermal-lined. The two compartments can fit up to seven litres combined – that’s plenty of snacks and drinks for a day at work or a picnic! The zip opens wide for easy access and there’s a padded handle and shoulder strap with three modes to make it easy to carry too.
Related: Looking for more ways to change up your meal times? Don't miss our guide to the best recipe boxes.
10. Best leakproof lunch box: Yumbox Panino Lunch Box
Price on writing: £39 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Material: Plastic and silicone | Capacity: 590 ml | Weight: 490g
What we like
Range of options for kids and adults
Easy to open
What we don't like
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
“Yumbox. Ours have been going strong for six years.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Feminist10101)
Our verdict
Thanks to the colourful designs, multiple compartments and range of different sizes, Yumbox lunch boxes are a hit with children – however, adults love them too.
The Panino is Yumbox’s medium container with four separate sections for holding a sandwich or salad, sides and a dip, and a moulded silicone lid to make the box leakproof.
It’s great for packing a variety of foods for the day and the sections can help with portion control. The box is compact enough to fit in a lunch bag and comes in a range of fun, colourful designs. Bigger Tapas boxes are also available for larger lunches. Although it's a little on the pricey side, Mumsnetters report that these lunch boxes have good durability.
How do I choose the best lunch box?
Closure
To prevent any unfortunate spills or soggy backpacks, make sure your lunch box has a lid that locks and a secure seal to ensure it’s leakproof. Some boxes come with a vacuum seal or valve.
Compartments
If you want a lunch box that will keep your sandwich separate from your fruit and snacks, bento boxes come with different compartments and tiers for separating food groups. This can also help with portion control.
Transportation
Do you want to be able to easily carry your lunchbox to work? If so, look for a lunch bag that comes with handles and is insulated for keeping your food fresh. Choose from practical totes to stylish handbag designs.
Insulation
If you want a change from taking a sandwich or salad to work every day, thermal flasks can keep hot foods like soups, pasta dishes and stews warm for up to around 12 hours. You can also use them for keeping yoghurts cool.
Storage
For those of us who have an overflowing Tupperware cupboard or are short on shelf space, look for lunch boxes that stack for easy storage.
Cleaning
Think about how easily your lunch box can be cleaned. If you plan to use the box regularly, it may be worth looking for a container that’s dishwasher-friendly.
What is the best lunch box material?
Plastic – these lunch boxes tend to be the most affordable. Made from polypropylene plastic, they are durable and dishwasher-, microwave- and freezer-safe. They can stain though and will wear over time. Make sure to look out for lunch boxes that are BPA-free.
Bamboo – to reduce the amount of plastic around your home, bamboo is a good plastic alternative as it’s eco-friendly, lightweight and affordable. Bamboo isn’t as durable as plastic though and isn’t as leakproof as other materials so this type of lunch box also tends to be handwash only.
Silicone – boxes or lids that are made from silicone are good for preventing leakages. Silicone isn’t as durable as plastic but it’s more eco-friendly.
Glass – glass lunch boxes are the more expensive option and better suited for storing leftovers or meal prep at home. They don’t stain easily though or give off any odours and are easy to clean.
Stainless steel – stainless steel is the best material for lunch boxes as it’s odour-free, doesn’t stain and is very durable. These types of lunch boxes are also easy to clean, non-toxic and a good eco-friendly option.
What is the best insulated lunch box for adults?
If you want to keep hot and cold foods at the right temperature, we think the best insulated lunch box is the Mepal Ellipse Insulated Lunchpot. It has two compartments for storing hot and cold foods separately and will keep food hot for up to eight hours - so you can heat your soup, stew or curry up in the morning and it will still be hot at lunchtime.
What is the best lunch box for adults?
We think the Black + Blum Original Lunch Box is the best lunch box for adults. It’s made from high quality materials, with two compartments for storing different foods and a sauce pot. It comes with a fork, is 100 percent leak-proof and is also microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe.
How we chose our recommendations
Most of our recommendations for lunch boxes came from Mumsnet users themselves. We searched the Mumsnet forums for posts about which lunch boxes Mumsnetters really rated. We also researched various review sites to find out which lunch boxes performed well across the board.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.