So far beyond the old brown bag
Remember the thrill of picking out your lunchbox for that first day of school, the little metal box with the plastic handle and matching Thermos, or was that just me? Well, some things never change and whether kids are heading back to school or you are simply sauntering back to the office after a few days (weeks!) away, the idea of sporting something new, improved and efficient seems like a seasonal rite of passage. This year, the lunchbox solutions that go straight to the head of the class include upgrades on old favorites and timely innovations that have come full circle.
Neat-o bento
Traditional Japanese bento boxes featuring individual compartments for each food item have been around for millenniums. Today, they remain just as fresh thanks to trends in portion control, healthful eating and eliminating plastic waste.
Durable, stainless steel lunchboxes by PlanetBox start at $39.95 (planetbox.com) and you can customize them with photo magnets ($8.95); or choose from decorative magnets that come standard. Sustainable idea: Keep the box, change up the look.
Bye-bye baggies
Sustainable solutions that eliminate waste, provide a healthful alternative and save money are always a good idea.
Made of beeswax, organic cotton, organic jojoba oil and tree resin, the food wrappers from Bee’s Wrap use the warmth of your hands to soften the wrap and create a seal. The reusable wraps hold their shape until you open them up. Wash with cool water and mild dish soap, then air-dry. Three-piece lunch pack set, $21, beeswrap.com.
Keep your cool
No one likes wilted lettuce on a warm egg salad sandwich.
PackIt lunch bags are designed with freezable gel inside waterproofed fabric walls to keep food chilled for hours. PackIt freezable classic lunch box, $19.99, packit.com.
Yogurt on the go
Have it your way: DIY yogurt parfaits.
This double-walled container with silicone seal, clip-on spoon and a separate section for storing granola, fruit and more by Joie is designed to fit lunch coolers and car cup holders. $6.99, containerstore.com.
Get out the funk
Reusable lunch sacks that pack a punch of personal style, not the odors of yesterday’s lunch? Yes, please!
Created with certified organic cotton and a food-safe, waterresistant liner, machine-washable Fluf lunch bags fight the funky, lingering odors often associated with lunchtime carryalls. $22.50, us.fluf.ca.
Square meal
A model of efficiency, this bento-inspired box design is the equivalent of carry-on luggage.
Microwave- and dishwashersafe, the cleverly compact Box Appetit by Black + Blum features a vacuum release valve, optional inner dish, small container for dressing or dip, and a “fife,” i.e., a fork-knife combo. $24.95, blackblum.com
Bowled over
Some things don’t pack well in a bento.
The Lunch Pot by Black + Blum consists of two water-tight pots stacked with a spork and carrying strap. Designed from food-grade polypropylene mixed with the powder of crushed seashells, the pots have the feel of ceramic bowls. Microwave and dishwasher safe. $24.95, blackblum.com