Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
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Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
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With an expandable container, freezable divider tray, and three removable containers with lids, this box covers all the bento bases. Read More
This traditional-style bento box has movable dividers for easy customization, two screw-top jar, and wooden utensils that complete the set. Read More
Two roomy layers are divided by a slim layer that houses sealable containers for dips or dressing. Reusable utensils complete the set. Read More
This slim bento box comes in its own insulated case and features 3 leakproof compartments, so soup can be on the to-go menu. Read More
A solid alternative to plastic or glass, this small stainless steel bento box has 2 layers and an additional small container with a lid. Read More
As more of us reintroduce commuting and in-person work days to our weekly routines, one part of the day is changing dramatically: lunch time. Without a fully stocked fridge, personalized pantry, and endless set of tools we had at our disposal while working from home, many of us are falling victim to expensive takeout—or, worse, boring packed lunches—for the work day.
Enter: Bento boxes. These compartmentalized lunch boxes have gained popularity all over the country in recent years for encouraging more freshness, food diversity, and imagination into on-the-go meals. They've become especially popular when it comes to efficiently preparing kids' school lunches.
Thinking about investing in one for yourself? We've scoured the internet for the most highly reviewed products and narrowed it down to 11 of the best bento boxes you can shop online right now.
Here are some of the most highly rated bento boxes you can buy online.
With a built-in ice pack, this box is ideal for packed school lunches or long road trips.
Bring style to your packed lunch with the Umami bento box.
The more compartments, the better!
Modetro offers a leak-free container with seamless mobility.
This charming little box can house three separate compartments, sans plastic.
This affordable box is perfect for kids' lunches or workday snacking.
Spacious
Ample compartments for salad
Fork included
Prone to leaks
Four separate containers
Easy traveling
Utensils included
Smaller portions
Removable partitions
Utensils included
Large capacity
Single level
Not leak-proof
Stainless steel utensils
Insulated lunch bag
Separate jar for sauces
Separators are not leak-proof
Bento boxes have exploded in popularity, resulting in a wide variety of variations.
The term "bento" actually derives from the Chinese Southern Song dynasty slang word Biandang, which translates to "convenience."
Bento boxes have been popularized throughout Japan since the 13th century, and are now used by people beyond those borders to conveniently transport food during busy days.
So what's the difference between bento boxes and a plain old lunch box? Bento boxes typically have several layers and compartments built in, so you can pack everything from fresh produce to marinated protein to dry crackers together in one box—while they all stay separated.
The idea behind bento boxes is to prioritize fresh ingredients and nutrition while minimizing waste (goodbye plastic sandwich baggies!). A traditional Japanese bento box meal will include all of the nutritional staples: carbs (like rice or noodles), protein (like meat or fish), and produce (like pickled veggies or fresh fruit). And there's plenty of room for creativity!
Prioritize healthy foods without compromising convenience.
A good bento box can and should be as versatile as your diet. The built-in compartments can help house a variety of meal types so that packing lunch never gets boring.
Some obvious go-tos: A sandwich with chips (that won’t get soggy), or dinner leftovers from the night before. But try to think outside the box (no pun intended).
Think: cheese and salami with baby carrots and hummus, a salad with salmon and dressing on the side, or steamed rice with tofu and veggies packed separately. Some bento boxes will even leave room for snacks, dessert, or a small breakfast—making it perfect for long days at the office.
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Monica is Reviewed's Kitchen & Cooking editor and an avid home cook; she's been testing a wide range of kitchen products at Reviewed for over a year. Previously the Digital Editor at Culture Cheese Magazine (and a former barista), she's also had her work published in The Boston Globe, Modern Luxury, Boston Magazine, and more.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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