Eating out for lunch every day can get pretty expensive. If you do go out, you will often need to order something quickly and most likely it won't be very healthy. If you're under a time or wallet crunch, eating out might not be the best option when it's lunchtime.
For this reason, you may want to consider bringing a lunch box to work or school.
If you are a parent, packing a lunch for your child is the best way to make sure they get the right number of calories and nutrients in a day. This goes for your own lunch box as well.
The best option for a healthier lifestyle and thicker wallet is to pack a lunch every day. You can even keep your lunch cool by getting one of the best insulated lunch boxes.
Read our tips below on how to pack the perfect lunch box.
Choose your lunch box wisely
A lunch box can be any container that is used to carry a packed meal. Whatever you choose to carry your lunch in, you need to be sure it is high quality and won’t spill all over.
Compartmentalize
You should buy a lunchbox with a large enough capacity to fit smaller containers inside them. We are a fan of the Amazon Basics Glass Container Set. This set contains 7 different-sized containers with lids that are both microwave and dishwasher safe. These containers also come with a leak-proof silicone seal.
Use zip bags to store napkins and cutlery inside your lunch box. You can buy a good set of zip bags for less than $10.
If you are a fan of soup, and you have a microwave where you can reheat your soup, you are best storing it in a twist-top food container. If you want to keep your soup warm, the Thermos 184807 Stainless King Food Flask is a great investment.
The best lunch bag
You should also consider a lunch bag if you want an easy-to-carry, yet organized, way to bring your lunch to work.
The Hydroflask 8L Insulated Tote is the best lunch bag on the market right now. As mentioned above, to get the most out of this lunch bag you will need to invest in separate containers.
Rather than being in a box shape, this lunch bag looks like a beautiful tote bag. The Hydroflask 8L Insulated Tote keeps its contents cool for up to 4 hours. It is made from waterproof material and has a water-resistant zip. Any spills are contained and easily cleaned.
The Hyrdoflask 8L Insulated Tote is not the cheapest lunch bag, but it is as stylish as a handbag and we love it.
The best lunch box
Unlike lunch bags, bento box lunch boxes do not require separate containers as they come pre-compartmentalized. They do all the organizational hard work for you. This is why we recommend a bento box over other styles of lunch boxes available.
We think the Monbento MB Square Bento Box is the best lunch box available right now. It is a two-tier lunch box that separates into one large box and two smaller compartments. It has a large capacity of 1.7 liters so you will never feel hungry at lunch again. The box is airtight and secure.
You can also purchase additional accessories such as pouches if you prefer to use less plastic. The Monbento MB Square Bento Box is a little on the pricey side at about $40. Remember how much money you are saving by making your own food!
The finishing touches
Once you have decided on using either a lunch bag or lunch box, it is up to you how you arrange your food. Make the most of how you use your space and compartmentalize wisely. You may want to put the first foods you are likely to eat at the top of your lunch box. Keep cutlery and napkins close to the opening of your bag or box to save rifling through everything if you have sauce on your hands.
