I love using bento boxes for my four kids’ lunches. In my opinion, bentos make it easier to pack healthy, whole food options. Plus my kids seem to like the variety that bento boxes offer. They get a different lunch every day, and they seem to enjoy it. Bento boxes aren’t just for kids, though! I use them as much as the kids do.

I get asked about which boxes I prefer fairly often, and it’s a hard question to answer! It depends on all sorts of things, from the age of the child, to their appetite and food preferences, to budget concerns. I’ve complied a list of five of my very favorite bento boxes, and what makes each of them great. That way each parent can decide what’s best for their family individually. 

I’ll be comparing Yumbox, Bentgo, OmieBox, PlanetBox, and EasyLunchboxes.

 

1. Yumbox

Yumbox comes in multiple sizes, which is good for big and little kids. Sections are leakproof, so you can put yogurt, dips, etc. in the compartments and they will stay put. They often go on sale on Amazon, so if you add one to your watch list, you can probably catch a deal. The regular price is reasonable, though, and definitely worth it. Yumbox fits in any standard size lunchbox, and they make adorable Yumbox Poches (carry bags) you can buy. They come in a lot of bright colors, with several cute tray options. This is the bento we’re using for Aria this year, and I’m planning to show 2 weeks of Yumbox lunch ideas very soon! I went with the larger Tapas size because of her big appetite.

 

2. Bentgo

Last year I used Bentgo almost daily, when Aria was three and ate less. It’s super sturdy, has perfectly sized compartments for toddlers and smaller kids, comes apart easily, and holds up well in the dishwasher (my favorite quality!). The compartments aren’t air-tight, so if you put dip in one, it could spill a bit into another. Bentgo comes in lots of fun colors. It fits in most lunchboxes, though not as easily as the other choices. It’s tight in the hard-sided Pottery Barn lunchbox, but it works.

 

3. OmieBox

OmieBox is my absolute favorite for the big kids! Great for older kids who eat more. The large container can hold a whole sandwich. It also comes with a removable thermos, and I love that versatility since Madelyn and Elijah prefer to eat soup some days. Also, the dividers allow for changing the sizes of the compartments, which is good if you like to change things up (we do!). You can buy replacement/extra parts for cheap. OmieBox is leak-proof. It doesn’t do as well in the dishwasher, so I would recommend top rack and lower heat, or hand washing. It does fit in standard lunchboxes. 

 

4. PlanetBox

PlanetBox is another I used last year. I went with the Rover because I like a lot of options. It’s super sturdy, works well in the dishwasher, and I love that it’s not plastic. It’s definitely an investment, but they last a long time. The compartments aren’t leakproof, but you can buy leakproof inserts. Speaking of the inserts, there are a ton of options. No colors here; it’s metal! It fits in standard lunchboxes, but they make carry bags specifically for PlanetBoxes that work best. 

 

5. EasyLunchboxes

Of all of the options, EasyLunchboxes are easiest on the budget. You get four for under $14, so you don’t have to wash the same one every night to use again the next day. They are dishwasher and microwave safe and fit inside standard lunchboxes. EasyLunchboxes have three compartments, the largest of which can hold a sandwich. The compartments can’t be adjusted, but you can add silicone cups or other accessories to further separate food. The person in my family who uses these the most is me! I use them for meal prep. I fill 5-10 of them a week with my lunches and/or dinners and stack them in the fridge to be heated later. They work perfectly for this!

It should be noted that none of the bento boxes I listed come with an ice pack, but you’ll probably want to have a few on hand to keep the food at a safe temperature until lunchtime. I recommend these because they’re nice and thin. Also, this reasonably-priced accessory kit is a good place to start if you want to make your sandwiches and fruits into fun shapes, and it comes with silicone containers/dividers.

Thanks for reading my bento box review and comparison! I’d love to know which one you use, or plan to use, in the comments. If you aren’t using one yet, I think you’ll love the fun, variety, and easy nutrition bentos bring to packed lunches. And look for my two weeks of Yumbox lunches post, coming soon! 

 

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