Straight to the Point
The best all-purpose lunchbox we tested was the Carhartt Insulated Classic. It’s an aesthetically pleasing lunch box, and it's efficient at keeping things cold. The Yeti Daytrip is also a good investment that’s practically indestructible.
Many of us have experienced the sadness that comes from opening up a lunch box only to find a sandwich so thoroughly mangled it could be mistaken for something else entirely. And the truth is, whether your lunch box mishap transpired in second grade or last week en route to a meeting, the essential traits for a lunch container that protects your PB&J are manifold.
I put 13 lunch boxes through rigorous testing to find the best ones. After coating them in tomato sauce, analyzing the rate at which ice melted over eight hours, testing opening and closing mechanisms, and, of course, packing lunches to take along on daily commutes, I am certain that each of my recommendations will keep your lunch in pristine condition, and look good doing it.
The Winners, at a Glance
This lunchbox is proof of Carhartt’s quality. The Classic Cooler bag hung comfortably over my shoulder without feeling bulky or heavy. It has two insulated compartments, both of which kept ice cubes frozen for several hours. It was easy to pack and kept all of my lunchtime accouterments safe. (Softer items like sandwiches and fruit can live in the structured upper compartment while heavier containers or beverages remain separate in the lower chamber).
This Hydro Flask is a welcome reimagining of the classic, square lunch box you likely took to school as a kid. There’s no shoulder strap and it’s too large to fit in a standard tote, but it stands up to the Hydro Flask name, which is to say: It works. Upholstered with quick-drying recycled polyester, the BPA-free plastic interior was easy to wipe clean. And yep, it’ll keep your lunch at its optimal temperature for hours.
This one is a bit pricey, but it’s about as all-purpose as a lunch box can get. Treat it as a cooler and keep up to six cans cold for hours, or use it to store food and marvel at its efficient insulation. While opting for a “soft cooler” rather than a hard one might seem like a risky choice, the Yeti Daytrip is plenty rigid and structured. It’s also light, waterproof, and easy to fold up flat after emptying. It comes with Yeti's reliable warranty, too.
For folks looking to keep things as low-maintenance as possible, this Sunnybird lunch bag is a good pick. Made of light, waterproof nylon, it can fold up completely flat, and even when full, it’ll fit in a standard tote bag. It’s made with three layers of insulation, and the roll-top seals in temperature and freshness. This Amazon bestseller held its own in my coldness retention tests.
The Tests
- Capacity Test: I packed each lunch box with as many 12-ounce cans as could comfortably fit to confirm maximum capacity.
- Use Test: I prepared a series of standard lunches (complete with sandwiches, fruit, canned beverages, potato chips, and food storage containers) and assessed how easily they could be packed into each lunch box. Next, I traveled with each fully packed lunch box to simulate a commute, while noting the comfort and carrying ease of each option and how effectively it protected the food inside.
- Cold Retention Test: I filled each lunch box with four cups of carefully weighed ice cubes before sealing each and leaving them at room temperature. I checked every hour for eight hours, assessing how rapidly the ice melted and which options were leaking, dampening, or showing condensation. At the end of eight hours (a typical work day, essentially), I weighed the remaining intact ice cubes in each lunch box to assess how much ice had melted over the day.
- Stain and Smell Test: I used a pastry brush to smear two tablespoons of tomato sauce on the interior of each lunch box and left them to sit for four hours. I recorded how well the sauce rinsed off the fabric and whether any lingering smell remained.
- Closing Mechanism Durability Test: I opened and closed each lunch box 10 times, noting any difficulty with closing, opening, latching, zipping, or locking.
What We Learned
Zippers Were Risky Business
While zippers may seem to be the obvious closure mechanism for lunch vessels, I found latch options easier to use in the long run. Even well-made zippers catch at times, and my tests showed that seams and zipper tracks were prone to getting gunked with food, making the lunchbox more difficult to clean. In nearly all cases, zippers took longer to seal and reseal than latches.
That said, while the Yeti and Sunnybird lunch boxes were quicker, more efficient, and cleaner in their closure mechanisms, the zippers on the Carhartt and Hyrdro Flask options were snag-free, sturdy, and smooth—the best of the zippered options.
Size Mattered, and Bigger Wasn’t Always Better
While, yes, it’s a plus to have more space in most packing scenarios, negative space is not helpful when it comes to lunch boxes. In my lunch-packing simulations, the larger lunchboxes proved more likely to damage or smush food, because items moved about in the container. This is especially true of items packed in soft containers and bags. Unless you intend to use your lunch box as a cooler for beverages exclusively, it’s best to select an option that leaves just enough room for the quantity of food you intend to pack.
Lunch Box Compartments Were a Major Asset
If you are looking at more spacious lunch box options, consider something with dual compartments. During the use tests, I found lunch boxes that provided separate spaces for hard and soft items were more likely to keep food intact, while also keeping each separate, smaller chamber maximally cold. Side pockets and zipper pouches for things like silverware or beverages also played a role in ensuring that goods didn’t destroy one another in transit.
Consider Transportation and Commuting
Whether you’re a public transit commuter, a cyclist, a walk-to-work person, or you drive a car, consider how well your lunch box will move through the world with you. Is it essential that you have a shoulder strap to keep your hands free? Will you need a lunch box that can fit in your bag for packed train rides? I loved the comfort and ease of the Carhartt shoulder strap, although the bag itself does take up quite a bit of space. Both the Sunnybird and Yeti options were compact enough to fit into a tote and could collapse when emptied for post-lunch storage. And while the Hydro Flask lunch box is certainly on the lighter side, I found the handheld design less convenient for most styles of commute. Finally, softshell options were lighter, easier to travel with, and easier to store.
Cold Retention Test | |
---|---|
Percentage of Ice Loss to Melt After 8 Hours | |
Yeti Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag | 59% |
Carhartt Insulated 2 Compartment Lunch Cooler | 66% |
Igloo Modern Lunch | 81% |
REI Packaway 6 Soft Cooler | 100% |
Coleman Chiller Series Soft Cooler | 76% |
Corkcicle Crush Proof Cooler | 86% |
Built Prime Lunch Bag | 100% |
Mier Adult Lunch Box | 78% |
Sunnybird Insulated Rolltop Lunch Bag | 54% |
PackIt Freezable Lunch Box | 100% |
FlowFly Double Layer Insulated Cooler | 100% |
Coobiiya Lunch Bag | 100% |
Hydroflask 5L Carry Out Lunch Box | 88% |
Plastic, Nylon, and Polyester Were All Easy to Clean
While hard plastic (like the interior of our Hydro Flask box) was the most painless to wipe clean with no residual smell, I found that nylon and polyester were plenty easy to clean. Although they dried at a slower pace than plastic, a water rinse was still an efficient way to clean them. That said, zipper boxes like our Carhartt option, were trickier to clean, thanks to the bunched seams in and around the track.
All of my top picks were lined with some version of BPA-free food-safe polyester, nylon, or plastic, which was equally effective at keeping food cold for a long time. The added foil layer in the Sunnybird model was especially helpful at keeping ice frozen (after a full eight hours, it contained the greatest amount of solid ice cubes).
The Criteria: What to Look for in a Lunch Box
Above all else, your lunch box must be as convenient to use as it is efficient. I preferred soft shell options that were still rigid enough to keep all food safe and un-squished, but that still could be collapsed or flattened when emptied. While I preferred lunch boxes that could be stored easily in a tote bag (alongside laptops, books, and other essentials), I found that boxes with shoulder straps were plenty comfortable to transport. Bags with top handles weren’t as easy to tote along. Lunch boxes that weighed less than one pound were preferable. I found that a six-can capacity was optimal. Less than that, and it could be difficult to store enough food for a proper lunch, while more than that gives room for food to slide around in transit. As for materials, nylon and polyester cleaned up efficiently and insulated well.
Our Favorite Lunch Boxes
What we liked: For starters, this thing can keep food and drinks cool seemingly forever. The insulated, zippered technology proved incredibly effective, even over eight hours. Thanks to the dual-compartment layout, heavier items like hard fruits and beverages could live in the bottom compartment and softer items and sandwiches can remain tucked away in the upper chamber. You could store a six-pack in the bottom compartment and still have room for your lunch. Although the Carhartt is a bit too large to fit into a tote or a backpack, it comes with a comfortable shoulder strap. And in a matte black, stamped with the Carhartt logo, it’s chic enough to wear with no lunch box shame.
What we didn’t like: While I liked the look of this bag, it is larger than many of its competitors. It can be bulky and inconvenient on crowded commutes, and the strap does not extend, which means that, for taller people, it may hit at an awkward height. Cleaning dual-compartments can be time-consuming, especially for a zippered lunch box where food and sauces get caught around seams and zipper tracks.
Key Specs
- Weight: 0.7 Pounds
- Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 7 inches
- Materials: 600D water-repellent polyester
- Can capacity: 12
What we liked: Packing this square, hard-plastic-lined lunch box was very satisfying (like a game of Tetris, if you will). The shape left room for a substantial lunch, but it’s not so big that food slid around—plus, there’s an interior pocket for things like silverware or napkins. The BPA-free plastic interior is easy to clean (I hardly needed soap), and it certainly kept things cold. It zipped tightly enough to ensure that any spills or liquids stayed inside the container. It proved to be durable in transit, and both the interior and exterior air-dried quickly after cleaning.
What we didn’t like: This box is on the heavier side at over a pound, and it’s too bulky to fit into a standard bag or backpack. While the top handle is comfortable to hold, it’s inconvenient for commuters who need both hands (which is most commuters). The top handle design may feel a bit juvenile for lunch-boxing adults. Plus, due to the rigidity of the hard-cooler material, awkwardly shaped items can be tricky to finagle inside.
Key Specs
- Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.6 x 5 inches
- Materials: Polyester
- Can capacity: 6
What we liked: While this attractive Yeti number was rigid and sturdy enough to keep its shape and protect food, it’s still a softshell lunch box, which means it is lighter and more malleable when packing and can collapse flat once emptied. Not only is the Yeti aesthetically pleasing (just about as cool-kid-rugged as a lunch box can get) even at its petite size, it still fits six cans comfortably. That means you’ll have just enough space to pack a balanced lunch without worrying about items shifting during transit. The brand’s proprietary Coldcell Flex insulation—flexible foam that keeps items hot or cold—proved very effective in my cold retention tests. The interior was cleaned easily and the water-resistant interior and exterior air-dried rapidly.
What we didn’t like: For people who are not looking to store their lunch box in a larger bag, this option does not come with a shoulder strap, just a short top handle. And while there are fabric loops on the back that could be used to attach it to the outside of a backpack or perhaps a bicycle, you’ll need additional equipment to do so. I liked the latch closure, but the hook-and-clip mechanism took some time to get used to. While the material itself cleaned quite efficiently, the shape of the lunch box made it difficult to reach inside and scrub the corners.
Key Specs
- Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 5.75 x 8.75 inches
- Materials: Rubber and foam
- Can capacity: 6
What we liked: I loved the look of this two-toned roll-top lunch box, but more importantly, I was pleased with how lightweight it was, how easily it could fit in a larger work bag, and how readily it collapsed entirely flat. The roll top kept the interior insulated and I found the clip-style closure to be quite satisfying to use. If you’re determined, the Sunnybird can fit 12 cans, but for the sake of a more typical lunch, the top can be rolled up or down to allow for just the right amount of room without any dead space. Given how lightweight it is, this option, which contains three-layered foil insulation, punches above its weight in terms of temperature control.
What we didn’t like: The double-stitched fabric took longer than other lunch boxes to dry, and like the Yeti, was more difficult to clean in deeper corners. Additionally, while the bag kept things cold, I did notice some condensation on the outside after several hours.
Key Specs
- Weight: 0.6 Pounds
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 9 inches
- Materials: Nylon; insulating 3-layer foil
- Can capacity: 12
The Competition
- Igloo Modern Lunch Cooler: The Igloo was easy to pack and clean, but it did not insulate as well as its competitors, and the shape (and lack of shoulder strap) made it difficult to carry and store.
- REI Pack-Away Soft Cooler: This is a good option for people merely looking to tote around beverages, but the soft, flat format makes it difficult to pack lunch without reliably squished food. It leaked a good deal through the zipper when filled with ice.
- Coleman Chiller Collection Soft Cooler: The Coleman did a great job keeping things cold and intact throughout the day, but I found the shape and style to be particularly bulky and awkward to carry. It offered too much space for a standard lunch. The fabric showed dirt and wear very quickly.
- Corkcicle Crush-Proof Cooler: This square lunch box is a great size and made with a nice-looking neoprene material. If you are cool with a square shape and a top handle, this is a strong option, though I worry that the exterior fabric might not hold up over time.
- Built Prime Lunch Bag: The Built Prime was light enough to carry around, but the flimsy fabric and pliant material meant that food got squished in transit.
- Mier Adult Lunch Box: The Mier is a great alternative to the winning Carhartt pick. The spacious capacity is no joke: There are dual compartments, and it can be worn comfortably over the shoulder. That said, it may run a bit too large for many.
- Packit Freezable Lunch Box: This lunch box can indeed be tossed right into the freezer, so the gel built directly into the fabric hardens. That said, it’s heavy (the gel inserts are not removable) and it will keep products colder than a standard lunch requires.
- FlowFly Double-Layer Cooler The FlowFly was roomy and lightweight when empty, but the bulky, dual-compartment cooler’s zippers caught on the fabric and were more finicky to open and close than other options.
- Coobiiya Lunch Bag: The Coobiiya is designed to resemble a handbag, and it certainly looks nice. But it was too small and uniquely shaped to pack a standard lunch. It leaked when filled with ice.
FAQs
What's the best lunch box for a commuter?
An insulated lunch box will help keep your food fat a safe temperature. Just as important is a shoulder strap, which makes the lunch box easier to carry (this is especially important for commuters who use public transportation!). The Carhartt lunch box I tested has a traditional handle and a shoulder strap, making it a versatile option.
Are lunch boxes always insulated?
No, but the majority of lunch boxes on the market right now offer some form of insulation technology. I only tested insulated options to ensure that the winners would keep food at a safe temperature. When shopping for a lunch box, look for language that promises an insulated interior.
Are all lunch boxes safe to eat out of?
Any lunch box you purchase should be made of BPA-free, certified food-safe materials. This should be listed in any and all product descriptions.
What is the best material for a lunch box?
My favorite lunch boxes were made of nylon and polyester, given that they were insulated effectively, cleaned well, and dried easily—all while holding up against exterior damage.
How long will a lunchbox keep my food cold?
It depends on the lunch box. But any well-insulated option packed with an ice pack should keep things cool for up to eight hours (a full workday, essentially).
How should I clean my lunch box?
While all models and materials are different, each lunch box I tested was designed to be hand-washed with soap and water and air-dried. Certain models had exteriors that were more sensitive to stains and water, in which case, spot cleaning can be a better idea than dumping the whole enterprise into the sink. The majority of the lunch boxes were neither dishwasher- nor washing machine-safe, so check the label carefully before using either.
Why We’re the Experts
- Eliza Dumais has been covering food & drink for various publications for over 10 years—and packing to-go meals for even longer.
- She has written several dining, cooking, and drinking product reviews, including this kitchen gadget round-up.
- For this story, she put 13 lunch boxes through rigorous testing to declare her designated winners.