Lunchtime is arguably the best part of every nine-to-fiver’s work day, but snagging Sweetgreen at every opportunity isn’t the smartest budgeting option. A *treat yourself* moment once or twice a week doesn’t do too much harm, but on the rest of the work days, packing lunch in a bento box is an effective (not to mention cool-looking) way to eat.
For those unfamiliar, bento boxes are lunch box alternatives that originated in Japan. However, unlike lunch boxes, they contain compartments that separate foods from one another, which minimizes cross-contamination and looks aesthetically pleasing. Bento boxes are minimalist. They’re modern. They have a sense of cleanliness to them — a put-togetherness. A vibe that says, “No, I didn’t stay up until 4AM rewatching The Sopranos last night.” Even if that’s a lie.
Smart and savvy snackers, look no further. Below are eight bento boxes built for the ultra-sophisticated lunch box-lover.
The Best Bento Lunch Boxes: At a Glance
OmieBox OmieGo Plant-Based Plastic Leakproof Lunch Bento Box
Bentgo Modern Lunch Box
Bentgo is one of the leading brands in bento boxes, likely because the brand has mastered the art form. This version in particular is modern yet low-key. It’s also customizable: users can place a divider in the largest section to add a little more room and division if needed. Each box is completely leak-proof and the whole thing is small enough to fit inside work backpacks and briefcases (leaving ample room for a laptop, water bottle, and other work essentials). Lastly, at just $35, it’s a great value for its quality and versatility.
Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Container
Why It Stands Out: Bentgo’s Classic All-in-One from Bentgo has also taken buyers by storm. It includes two different boxes with three compartments total — one for the main part of the meal and two smaller ones for sides. Oh, and it comes with utensils that are available in several different eye-catching colors.
Made For: Folks who love compartmentalization and funky colors, from pale pinks and pastel blues to bright greens.
What to Pack: Lemony grilled chicken breast, pasta salad, and fruit. Some summer-centric inspo.
Hot Take: It’s currently only $17. No need to say more.
Bentoheaven Premium Bento Lunch Box
Why It Stands Out: This is a traditional, stackable bento box that holds 40 ounces in total. With two large attachable containers, one smaller non-attachable container, and a space for cutlery (which is included), this bento box is great for lunches both big and small.
Made For: Compact meal preppers who really don’t want their food to touch. With stackable bento boxes, cross-contamination is borderline impossible.
What to Pack: Throw in a homemade wrap with all the fixin’s and a dressing-less salad. Use that tiny side container for dressing (because no one likes a soggy salad).
Hot Take: This bento box is dishwasher-safe, which is perfect for all those lazy dish pilers out there.
W&P Porter Lunch Box
Why It Stands Out: W&P is known for its sleek kitchenware, and the Porter Lunch Box is no exception. This bento-inspired lunch box includes two stackable containers: a larger bottom one with a divider running close to down the middle, and a more shallow top one for smaller, flatter foods like sandwiches and chicken breasts.
Made For: Because the bottom bowl is so big, this is a great option for larger lunch-lovers.
What to Pack: The Porter Lunch Box is a stellar option for rice or quinoa bowls with proteins. Keep your additives primarily separate and then combine everything the second lunch time begins.
Hot Take: It’s secured by a silicone strap for ultra-easy travel.
Bentgo Salad Stackable Lunch Container
Why It Stands Out: There are some folks who bring a variety of different lunches to work. Leftover pasta, sandwiches, rice bowls, tacos — the world is truly their oyster. Then, there is the kind of person who only brings salad to work. For those who fall into that category, this is the option.
Made For: Salad lovers. With a large bottom basin for dry leafy greens, the top half of this bento box is ideal for storing various other ingredients, including space for dressings. Nobody! Likes! A soggy! Salad!
What to Pack: Spinach at the bottom, and proteins and other veggies at the top. Or get crazy and throw in some craisins. Peaches. Feta cheese. Whatever!
Hot Take: A whopping 54-ounce capacity means that this bento box can hold the largest salad the office has ever seen.
OmieBox Bento Box
Why It Stands Out: The majority of the time, bento boxes are created for either cold meals or meals that are to be heated up at lunchtime. That’s not the case with the OmieBox Bento Box. By including a leak-proof thermos in its design, OmieBox keeps the main portion of the meal hot all day long and separates cold foods in different compartments.
Made For: Anyone who loves hot food without the hassle of reheating it. It’s plain and simple. Hot food has a spot and cold food does, too.
What to Pack: The options here are endless. Spaghetti and a salad, ramen and sushi — even a sandwich and some ice cream. That’s right — the thermos stays cold, too.
Hot Take: Don’t want hot food one day? No worries. Just remove the thermos and get snacking totally thermos-free.
OmieBox OmieGo Plant-Based Plastic Leakproof Lunch Bento Box
Why It Stands Out: Not everyone loves a big lunch. If that’s you, consider this bento box from OmieGo. With a larger 22-ounce container and two small snack containers (at 9 ounces each), this one is perfect for those who prefer smaller portions.
Made For: Those who prefer lighter meals.
What to Pack: Keep it low key with a smaller sandwich, some nuts, and a cup of fruit. Nothing too crazy.
Hot Take: Big things come in small packages. Though this isn’t the largest bento box in the world, it can still do everything and more.
Indian-Tiffin Stainless Steel Large Tiffin Lunch Box
Why It Stands Out: The classic tiffin lunch box is a tale as old as time. While it’s not a bento box, per se, it’s an essential for old-school lunch-lovers. Also, at 6.5 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide, buyers can fit four different meals in here for eating made easy.
Made For: Just as much as it’s made for the office, it’s also great for students, picnic-goers, and campers. Campers, in particular, can heat this tiffin directly over a campfire or stove, meaning they will not have to empty its contents into a different pot or pan beforehand.
What to Pack: Curry, naan, rice? Lentils, bread and salad? The options are endless.
Hot Take: Just be sure not to set up a campfire in the office to heat it up. That’s probably the best way to get fired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bento Boxes
What should you pack in a bento box?
Anyone can pack anything they want inside a bento box. Traditionally, bento boxes will contain several compartments tailored to a balanced meal, including a protein, a starch (like rice), some vegetables, and some fruit.
Do bento boxes keep food warm?
Not usually — bento boxes are unlikely to be designed to keep food warm. However, some (like the OmieBox Bento Box on our list) include a thermos. In this case, the food inside the thermos (if hot) will stay that way.
Do bento boxes keep food warm?
No, bento boxes are unlikely to be designed to keep food warm. Some, however, are, such as the OmieBox Bento Box that includes a thermos. In this case, the food inside the thermos (if hot) will stay that way.
Is there a smart bento box?
We’re not that far into the future yet, my friend. Sorry.