12 best reusable food containers for your kid’s lunches

Why we love it: If the amount of single-use plastic bags your family churns through is something you simply can’t abide by anymore, Stasher is your answer. Perfect for the many snacks kiddos need throughout the school day, Stasher bags are 100% silicone, non-toxic, hypoallergenic and—get this—can go in the dishwasher, microwave, fridge, freezer, stovetop (sous vide!) and in the oven. Seriously. And the amount of things you can put in the five different bag sizes—snacks! sandwiches! school supplies! makeup!—is literally endless. You’re going to want to have a drawer full of these, and we don’t blame you one bit.

More to know: A certified B Corp., Stasher is part of the 1% for the Planet organization, donating 1% of its proceeds to non-profits protecting the ocean. Doesn’t that feel good?

Why we love it: Whether they break or just become too riddled with gross smells or stains, many kid-safe food containers eventually meet their end. But not these fabulous lidded bowls from Silipint! Made from 100% safe, food-grade silicone they’re totally indispensable and guaranteed for life. Complete with a snug fitting lid, they’re perfect for storing hot or cold foods on the go or at home and since they can be put in the freezer, microwave and even the oven, they’re likely to become the most used bowl in the house. We use the 30 ounce for after school snacks while the 20 ounce size is great for lunches and the 10 ounce version is our favorite for toddler snacks.

More to know: While the lid fits great and we trust it to stay put in transit, you probably don’t want to send kids off with liquidy soups or purees inside.

Price is for a set of 3.

Sometimes you’ve got to think outside the sandwich. For kiddos who’d prefer to dine on options like soup, oatmeal, pasta or even fruit and yogurt, Stanley’s insulated food jar is essential. The double wall insulation will keep foods hot (or cold!) for up to seven hours so they can enjoy it exactly as they would at home. The lid is easy enough for younger kiddos to remove and replace without risking a leak and since it’s from Stanley, you know it’s impressively rugged!

More to know: The included spork attaches right to the side to keep it from getting lost!

Why we love it: One of the most annoying things about a mish mash of smaller containers is that they often take up more than their fair share of space. But that’s totally not the case with the clever stacking containers from Omie. Leakproof, easy to clean and even easier for little hands to open and close, this little family of containers are designed to lock together and stay neat and tidy. The set of three is perfect for both dry and wet foods and makes a satisfying click sound so they know it’s closed correctly. (No one needs a backpack full of applesauce.)

More to know: Made from high-quality plant-based materials, they’re as sustainable as they are durable.

Why we love it: Founded by two parents who saw the need for reusable, non-toxic dishware for kids, EKOBO’s line of modern and eco-friendly products make food storage a thing of beauty. Their store and go containers come in a variety of pastel and pop shade and sizes that work for everything from goopy applesauce to dry snacks like nuts and popcorn. Made from their signature FSC-certified bamboo fiber base and a 100% LEAK-PROOF, premium food-grade silicone lid, the thoughtful design allows the lid to suction to the bottom. Lost lids? Never heard of ’em.

More to know: When suctioned to the bottom, the silicone lid also helps to keep the containers from sliding around while in use. Sold in sets of two.

Why we love it: Is it possible for a food container brand to be lovely? Because, um, that’s the exact sentiment when using Ecolunchbox’s wares. Plastic-free and leak-free, the brand’s Blue Water Bento line of nesting cups and modular boxes are the perfect lunch solution for kids who want options—and genius design means that all of the products can either nest into themselves or stack for easy storage. Our favorite offering is the Seal Cup Trio (pictured above) comprising a small, medium and large round container that is perfect for everything from berries to pasta to pita chips. All parts are dishwasher and oven-safe to boot!

More to know: Ecolunchbox also offers a variety of 100% stainless steel stackable bento boxes and snack containers that are equally awesome.

Why we love it: It’s hard to talk about kids’ lunch solutions without mentioning Pottery Barn Kids. A leader for all things back to school—backpacks and water bottles and pencil cases, oh my!—all swathed in adorable prints and patterns, the company clearly knows how to satisfy the needs of moms and kids alike. And when it comes to food containers, we love the myriad of options within the Spencer line. Available in a dozen sizes and configurations—from a bento with four compartments great for Mediterranean snacking to a sandwich-size—the collection comprises stainless steel bottoms with translucent plastic lids that are free of BPA, phthalates and lead. Looking for a one stop shop? PBK is your answer, as all of the Spencer components fit neatly in the brand’s litany of lunchbox options.

More to know: The containers are dishwasher safe.

Why we love it: There are bento boxes and then there is PlanetBox. This brand legit launched a thousand Pinterest pages—you know the ones, where moms post photos of the healthy, adorable meals tidily arranged in cutesy compartment? Yep, those shiny, stainless steel lunchboxes you’re eyeing are likely from PlanetBox.

Offering three options, we tested them all and here’s the rundown: The Shuttle is the smallest option and is perfect for pre-schoolers, with two compartments and one tall silicone-capped “dipper” that is ideal for containing condiments, yogurts, juicy fruits and more. Next up is the Rover, which is full of compartments of varying size and shape and contains one small and one big dipper. Lastly, there’s the Launch, which is the same size as Rover but has three bigger compartments and one small dipper—perfect for your traditional kid who loves nothing more than a PB&J, a fruit and a dessert. The best part? You can throw ’em in the dishwasher nightly. (Oh, and the lids are attached… so your kids will never lose them!)

More to know: Pair your lunchboxes with PlanetBox’s super cute coordinating Carry Bags that are made from 100% recycled polyester—and add the stainless steel and silicone water bottle, which fits perfectly into the bags’ front pocket.

Why we love it: We’ve long been obsessed with Hydro Flask‘s water bottles for adults and kids (seriously, if you haven’t checked these out, you want to!), so it’s no surprise we’re equally enamored with the brand’s Food Flasks for kids. Available in 12 oz. size with a silicone boot the flasks keep foods piping hot or freezing cold. You read that right—you can now send your sweet-pea to school with ice cream as dessert. Comprised of pro-grade steel on the inside, powder coat on the outside and an insulated plastic lid that is free of BPA and Phthalates, the food flask is about to be your kiddo’s new favorite way to eat lunch.

More to know: The flasks come with a lifetime warranty.

Why we love it: Bee’s Wrap is the sustainable, natural alternative to the Saran Wrap that you’re perpetually running out of. Use it to wrap everything from fruit to sandwiches or cover last night’s leftovers in a bowl. Made of GOTS-certified organic cotton treated with beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin, the malleable wraps are reusable for up to a year—simply hand wash and air dry! With more than 1,200 positive reviews on Amazon, Bee’s Wraps come in four bee-themed patterns will make you and your kiddo’s eyes light up.

More to know: A certified B Corp., Bee’s Wrap is based in Vermont where the wraps are made by hand.

Why we love it: The Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes are available in a variety of bright colors and patterns, the box’s big latches are easy for little hands to open and include three sensibly-sized compartments and a removable silicone container that kiddos—especially younger ones—will enjoy grazing over. They’re leak-proof, dishwasher and microwave-safe and feature rubberized edges that make it the most durable on this list. (Check out these other leak-proof bento boxes as well!)

More to know: The boxes are free of BPA, Vinyl, Lead, and PVC and are recommended for ages 3 to 7.