Best food lunch boxes for 2020

Food prepared at home will always be better than what we can eat in a cafe. Homemade food is not only healthier but also tastier. In addition, the use of a lunch box will significantly save your budget. We shouldn't forget about the environmental benefits if we use lunch boxes instead of, for example, plastic bags that do not decompose or can be recycled. In addition, a good lunch box keeps food fresh and prevents quick spoilage.

Without going into long stories about the origins of the lunch box, we can say that a lunch box is a box made of materials such as plastic, cloth, metal or ceramics, designed to transport food. It can hold one or more containers.

In today's world, when people eat “literally” on the go, lunch boxes are indispensable, but their variety can be confusing. How to choose a box that will not leak, will be able to maintain the freshness and temperature of the product. Consider the best options for lunch boxes.

The history of food boxes

The word "lunchbox" from the English. "Lunchbox" is formed from the two words we know, "lunch", which means lunch and "box" - a box. These two words fully describe its purpose.

In our country, only in recent years have lunch boxes begun to gain popularity, while in foreign countries they have long been in demand. For example, in Japan, this type of packaging and transfer of food has been familiar since the 18th century.

The art of collecting food in a box has become a true tradition for the Japanese and is called "Bento". The ingredients are placed in a box in certain places, decorated with sauce.

In America, lunch boxes became popular in the 19th century, they looked like a small metal cookie box with a handle.

Types of lunch boxes

Metal lunch box

It is the strongest and most durable of all box options. Dishwasher safe. There are both with and without separators. Also, a carry bag can often be included in the kit. Some variations of these boxes have a double layer of steel, which allows you to maintain the temperature of the dish for up to 8 hours. Additionally, you should pay attention to the presence of silicone pads, due to which tightness will be ensured.

Plastic boxes

The most common lunch box option. They have many variations in size, number of sections, tiers. The advantages of such trays include low cost; in the most expensive models, tightness, compactness, and lightness are provided. The disadvantage is the inability to maintain temperature, rapid wear.It should be remembered that low-quality plastic used to make plastic boxes, when heated in a microwave oven, emit harmful substances that should not be in our food. In this case, you must pay attention to the markings indicated on the bottom of the container.

Thermolunchbox

This version of the box is intended for those who do not have the opportunity to reheat food in the microwave.

Water bottles

It can be plastic, metal, glass. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In the case of plastic, remember to check its labeling in order to avoid the ingress of harmful substances into the drink. Stainless steel flasks are safe, non-toxic, but can be heavy in weight. Glass thermoses are more fragile and less heat-resistant.

Silicone lunch boxes

Designed for smoothies, nuts, fruits, berries and snacks. They maintain the cool temperature of the product well, they are not intended for heating, they also do not have good tightness.

Lunch box - thermos

If it is impossible to warm up food, they will be an excellent assistant for transporting soups, hot drinks. Whenever you need food cool, it will also keep the food at the required temperature.

Tiered lunch boxes in a bag

An excellent solution for transporting several meals for athletes and people who prefer active holidays.

Heated lunch boxes

Ideal for work and picnic. The ability to maintain the required temperature of the dish.

What to be guided by when choosing a lunch box

There are many manufacturers of lunch containers, so it's easy to get lost in their variety. You should rely on the following points: characteristics, material, capabilities, own needs.

1. Decide for yourself what you are going to wear. If you plan to transport soups, then pay attention to thermoses; for salads, second courses, containers made of plastic, metal or ceramics are suitable.
2. Tightness of the tray, silicone inserts in the container lid.
3. Microwave-safe.
4. Easy to clean, dishwasher safe.
5. Manufacturer. Preference should be given to those whose products are safe and of high quality.
6. Manufacturing material. When purchasing plastic containers, look for the inscription on the packaging: "Does not contain phenol-A", if this inscription is not there, postpone the purchase of such a container, as this substance is dangerous to people. If you prefer metal lunch boxes, then get them from stainless steel.
7. Volume. In this case, rely on personal preference. Large containers should not be bought for children, as they will be inconvenient to use. And for adults, multi-level options are quite suitable.
8. The number of containers. Includes from two to four containers with separate sealed lids. You can use it in various variations. Suitable for those who like variety in the menu.

Dangerous markings, or which lunch box is better not to buy

When buying a lunch box made of plastic or metal, you should pay attention to what you are buying. For example, metal boxes must be made of stainless steel, and plastic items must be labeled "Does not contain bisphenol - A".

The following markings can be found on plastic containers:

• PETE - belongs to the most inexpensive materials, when reused it releases a toxic substance - phthalate, which affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
• HDPE - is considered non-toxic and quite safe, but it should be remembered that when heated it emits a toxic substance - formaldehyde, can be used repeatedly;
• PP - polypropylene, the most popular type of plastic.Lunch boxes made from this material can be heated in the microwave and washed in the dishwasher. Refers to environmentally friendly plastic.

By itself, plastic is not dangerous for the body, however, the substances released during heating carry a latent threat to the body, which may not appear immediately, but after time.

Advantages and disadvantages of lunch boxes

The following advantages can be highlighted:

The disadvantages include:

Comparison of the most popular lunch box models for adults and children

Lunch boxes for adults

With age, thoughts about proper nutrition, frequency of meals come to our minds, and immediately the question of transporting food arises. In order for the issue of proper nutrition not to become a problem and routine, it is necessary to approach the purchase of a lunch box carefully and choose it not only practical, but also pleasing to the eye.

Monbento Bento-Box

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Lunch pot

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Thermos for food black + blum Box Appetit Thermo Pot

Material: stainless steel thermos, cork lid with propylene and silicon, ergonomic stainless steel spoon.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

black + blum Bento Box

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Aqua Work Heated Lunch Box

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Lunch boxes for children

All parents want their children to grow up healthy and have good eating habits from childhood. Depending on how old your child is, his preferences in appearance, characteristics, and filling of the lunch box may be different.

Thermos Novelty Soft Lunch Kit, Firetruck kids thermal bag

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Lunch box IRIS NANNI

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Thermal sandwich maker IRIS

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Monbento Lunch box Gram

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Children's lunch box with a cooling element N'ice Box Moose

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

What to put in a lunch box

If you are determined to carry food for lunches and snacks and want to use your lunch box to the fullest, then it is better to plan in advance what you will be taking. For example, if you are the owner of a "bento" container, then you can carry a variety of foods, but only dry ones, since they are not intended for soups, although this issue can be solved by purchasing a multi-level sealed container.

Options for filling lunch boxes for lunch

• Noodles with vegetables;
• Shawarma with chicken;
• Chicken, rice + vegetable salad;
• Quinoa / buckwheat / rice with mushrooms / vegetables / meat;
• Turkey sandwich;
• Baked fish + side dish.

These are just a few ideas for your lunch box, choose the food you love that will give you pleasure and a sense of fullness. Be creative and smart about filling your box.

In custody

Proper nutrition is one of the most important factors in good health. Thanks to lunch boxes, you can always take wholesome, healthy and varied food with you wherever you go. You can buy lunch boxes both in the store and in most online stores that are focused on selling dishes and kitchen accessories. If you are a user of lunch boxes, share your experience under the article in the comments.