Top 15 Lunch Bags You Should Consider

Best Overall Lunch Bag

The Hydro Flask Insulated Reusable Travel Lunchbox stands out as our top choice for its flexibility, excellent insulation, and robust build. Its upright design makes it easy to pack all the essentials, including a water bottle or thermos. The lightweight insulation keeps your food either cold or hot for hours, ensuring it stays at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to eat, all without adding any unnecessary bulk.

With a BPA-free, FDA-approved food-grade liner that’s simple to wipe clean, dealing with spills or leaks is a breeze. For added convenience, it features a zippered pocket on the inside of the lid to store utensils and napkins, along with a durable handle for easy carrying during your commute. However, if you’re in search of a bold design or several internal compartments, this might not be your ideal choice.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 13.3 x 11.81 x 5.75 inches | Compartments: 1

Best Budget Lunch Bag

This medium-sized lunch bag boasts a purse-like shape and is available in 24 different patterns and colors, catering to a wide range of preferences—from simple white to vibrant, multi-colored stripes. Despite its compact appearance, it can surprisingly hold a full lunch or breakfast, along with a couple of cans and snacks. Though the food may weigh it down, the bag itself is soft and lightweight, weighing only 0.36 pounds.

The interior features triple insulation to keep your food and drinks at the right temperature, and the aluminum lining is easy to wipe clean. The exterior is water-resistant, and any dirt can be easily removed with a hand wash.

Material: Tarpaulin with aluminum lining | Dimensions: 10 x 6.6 x 8.5 inches | Compartments: 1 (external)

Top Hard-Sided Lunch Bag

This bento-style, hard-sided lunch box is surprisingly light, making it easy to slip into a larger bag for neatly organized snacks on the move. It’s perfect for those who prefer to carry a single container for both lunch and snacks. Made from BPA-free plastic, the main container is secured with a silicone strap that snaps tightly, keeping your food safe from leaks and spills while you're on the go.

Available in three colors—blush pink, charcoal gray, and soft mint green—this lunchbox features three separate compartments: a top tray with two smaller, shallow sections and a larger bottom space. Plus, it’s microwave and dishwasher safe, adding extra convenience to your busy routine.

Material: BPA-free plastic and silicone | Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.2 x 3.2 inches | Compartments: 3

Top Pick for Freezable Lunch Bags

PackIt, known for creating the original freezable lunch bag, offers a full range of collapsible and freezer-friendly options. This bag can be folded flat to save storage space and placed in the freezer to keep your food chilled and ready to go. With its spacious design, it has plenty of room for a full day’s worth of snacks and meals.

This lunch bag is available in nine different colors and patterns, including fun prints for kids like unicorns and more mature options like stripes or solid black for adults. The zip closure ensures the cold air stays inside, while the gel-lined walls act like ice packs to keep food cool for hours. The interior is easy to wipe clean and features a food-safe lining that’s BPA-, PVC-, and lead-free. It comes with a buckle strap to attach to a backpack or stroller, but it does not include a shoulder strap, which could be inconvenient for long commutes.

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 6.25 x 8.5 x 9.75 inches | Compartments: N/A

Most Stylish Lunch Bag

Modern Picnic has become a leader in stylish lunch bags, transforming a typically practical item into something chic. The Large Luncher is spacious enough to hold a substantial amount of food, snacks, and drinks, yet it remains compact. Its premium price reflects its quality, making it a high-end option that may not be ideal for children.

This lunch bag is packed with functional features, including a spacious, insulated interior to keep your items cool, a detachable shoulder strap, and an adjustable short handle. Both the inside and outside are easy to clean with mild soap and warm water. Available in ten vegan leather colors, it also offers an option for personalized monogramming. The magnetic closures are sturdy, ensuring your food and drinks stay securely in place as you move.

Best Canvas Lunch Bag

This inventive version of the traditional lunch bag is crafted from waxed canvas, which prevents leaks unlike paper bags that easily get soggy and tear. If it gets dirty, simply wipe it clean with a cloth or sponge. This bag is also quite versatile—great for anything from holding veggies in your fridge to carrying your lunch on the go.

These bags are perfect for kids who need an easy-to-clean lunch container. They come in a variety of colors, including the classic brown, fun bright colors, and soft pastels. However, if you’re looking for a bag with a strap or handle, this may not be the best option for you.

Material: Waxed canvas | Dimensions: 4 x 7 x 12 inches | Compartments: 1

Best Lunch Bag With Shoulder Strap

Made from puffy, insulated fabric, this Built tote keeps your meals and drinks cool until you're ready to enjoy them. The durable polyester construction is lightweight, water-resistant, and tear-resistant. It’s easy to maintain too—just clean it with soap and water. A zip closure ensures your food, snacks, and drinks stay securely in place.

Available in five stylish options: solid black, yellow with a stripe, light blue with a stripe, a geometric blue pattern, and black and white tie dye, this lunch bag also features convenient organization with two side pockets and one interior mesh pocket for snacks and utensils.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 12.5 x 9 x 4.25 inches | Compartments: 3

Best Large Lunch Bag

For those in search of a budget-friendly, multi-functional lunch bag that performs well, this option is ideal. It has enough room to store all your meals and drinks for the day, whether you're headed to the office or out for a beach day. The main compartment is both spacious and leakproof, allowing you to use ice packs to keep your food and drinks cold for up to seven hours. The top compartment is perfect for dry snacks like chips or nuts that don’t need to be chilled, while the exterior pockets are convenient for your keys, wallet, and phone.

The expandable top pocket allows you to increase its size when carrying more snacks and shrink it when you have less to pack. This bag offers two carrying options: a short strap and a detachable shoulder strap. With five exterior pockets and an interior mesh pocket, it's easy to organize and store small items like keys, utensils, or trash.

Material: Cotton with PEVA liner | Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 10.5 inches | Compartments: 8 (including pockets)

Best Bento Box Lunch Bag

This microwave-, dishwasher-, and freezer-safe bento box provides a convenient and compact solution for packing your meals. The top container features two sections, each holding up to ¾ of a cup, the middle container is perfect for utensils, and the bottom holds up to two cups of food. A strap secures the containers together, ensuring everything stays in place during transport.

With eight color choices, there’s a Bentgo Classic to suit any personal style. While we’re fans of the khaki green, other options include bright shades like kiwi green and cobalt blue. Though perfect for packed lunches, this bento box may not be the best option for storing large snacks or for carrying food on a beach trip.

Material: BPA-free plastic | Dimensions: 7.12 x 4.68 x 2.7 inches | Compartments: 4

Best Stainless Steel Lunch Bag

The Blockhütte Stainless Steel Lunch Box is a sleek, sturdy bento-style box with two removable dividers that allow you to customize the compartments. Whether you need one, two, or three sections, this eco-friendly lunch box offers flexibility while being easy to clean. The stainless steel construction ensures durability for long-lasting use.

A silicone seal and two external clasps work to keep your food secure and prevent leaks. However, the dividers are not perfect at fully separating ingredients, especially for liquid items like dressings or soups. Additionally, the lunch box lacks insulation, which could lead to difficulties in maintaining the temperature of your food.

Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.72 x 2.36 inches | Compartments: up to 3

Best Compact Lunch Bag

The TAKENAKA Bento Bite Dual Lunch Box might appear compact, but it actually offers a surprising amount of room. Its two-tiered design features a larger bottom compartment and two smaller sections on top, allowing for an easy, organized way to pack a variety of foods. The airtight seal keeps the compartments secure, while the elastic band around both tiers ensures no accidental spills.

Not only is this box compact and leak-proof, but it also offers a stylish and eco-friendly design. Made from 100% BPA-free recycled plastic bottles, it’s available in three pastel hues—mint green, ice blue, and pink—and a classic white. While it may not be ideal for larger items or a water bottle, this lunch bag offers surprising storage for a multi-component lunch on the go.

Material: Recycled plastic | Dimensions: 6.85 x 4.33 x 4.29 inches | Compartments: 3

Best Foldable Lunch Bag

If you're short on space but still want to pack a solid meal, the flexible, foldable iknoe Insulated Lunch Bag is an ideal pick. With its pliable sides and the ability to fold down for easy storage, this bag is simple to maneuver and perfect for space-saving. The waterproof inner pocket helps keep items separate, and the bag’s opening accommodates wider containers for convenience.

The tote-style design comes in over 30 vibrant colors and patterns, so you can choose one that matches your style. It also features a wide, comfortable shoulder strap, making it easy to carry back and forth. Inside, a blend of cloth and aluminum insulation helps keep your food at the right temperature. However, the bag’s softer material may not withstand heavy wear as well as more rigid alternatives.

Material: Oxford cloth and aluminum foil | Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.8 x 10.23 inches | Compartments: 2

Best Cylinder Lunch Bag

Unlike most compartmentalized lunch boxes that use section dividers to keep food items separated, the Lille Home Stainless Steel Stackable Compartment Lunch Box takes a unique approach. It features three separate tiers stacked together into a compact, portable cylinder. Each tier is crafted from food-grade stainless steel, preventing rust and food odors. Additionally, each tier is equipped with its own lid and a secure silicone seal to keep contents from spilling.

Weighing just over two pounds, this lunch box is heavier than many alternatives, but its sturdy construction ensures it will last for years. Both the interior and exterior of the containers are microwave-safe for added convenience. For those looking to add a personal touch, the lunch box is available in three colors—pink, blue, and green—and comes with a gray lunch bag that fits the entire cylinder, providing additional insulation and ease of transport.

Material: Food-grade plastic; stainless steel | Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.6 x 9.4 inches | Compartments: 3

Best Electric Lunch Bag

When basic insulation isn't enough, the STN Heated Lunch Box presents a microwave-free alternative. This roomy lunch bag provides ample space for all your meal essentials, complete with multiple power cables for at-home or car use. The 75W heating system efficiently warms your food, but be sure to stir it periodically to avoid the bottom layer overheating or burning, just as you would when cooking on a stove.

The inner container, made from food-grade stainless steel, is both durable and effective at heat conduction, plus it’s easy to clean. The kit also includes a smaller secondary container for heating side dishes, as well as a cutlery set and a convenient carrying bag. Despite its three-pound weight, making it less portable than some other options, it’s a great choice for those who often need to reheat leftovers.

Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 10.71 x 7.48 x 5.2 inches | Compartments: Up to 2

Best Lunch Bag For Kids

With 23 fun and vibrant designs to choose from, there's something for every kid, from unicorns to space rockets. This Bentgo lunch box is the ideal size for young children, featuring five divided sections for balanced portions of snacks, proteins, and veggies. The inner tray is dishwasher-safe, but the outer box should be cleaned by hand for longevity.

The removable interior tray is also safe for both the microwave and freezer, making it easy to reheat leftovers or store food at cold temperatures. Plus, the box is leak-proof, ensuring no messy accidents in your child’s backpack.

Material: BPA-free plastic | Dimensions: ​​8.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches | Compartments: 5

Final Verdict

Our top overall recommendation is the Hydro Flask Insulated Reusable Travel Lunchbox, praised for its versatile design, excellent insulation, and sturdy construction that can handle daily use. If you're looking for an affordable alternative, the Baloray Lunch Bag offers great value, with a charming design and a variety of patterns for a stylish touch.

How to Shop for Lunch Boxes and Bags Like a Pro 

Style

When choosing a lunch bag, think about whether you prefer a classic design without compartments or a bento-style bag where everything has its designated space. “I appreciate being able to keep different parts of my meal separate, like dressing or veggie dips,” says Koffler. “This way, they don’t get soggy during transport. Bento boxes or tiffins are great for this, but you can also use separate Tupperware or jars. (Personally, I love using old Talenti jars to carry soup or salad since they seal tightly).”

Size

Think about the size of your lunch bag based on your needs. If you're commuting or heading to school, you'll want a compact lunch box that fits easily into your backpack. However, some stylish options, such as the Modern Picnic Large Luncher, can easily pass for a trendy tote bag while offering plenty of space.

If you're in search of a lunch bag that serves as a mini cooler for activities like beach outings, hiking, or road trips, consider a larger yet portable option like the Built Puffer Lunch Tote or the Miycoo Lunch Bag.

Also consider the size of the meal you're planning to pack. Estimating portions can be tricky with lunch boxes, but Koffler suggests packing more than you think you'll need. “You can eat part of it at mealtime and save the rest for a snack,” she says. “Packing extra food could help you avoid buying a snack in the afternoon if you're trying to save money by packing food.”

Material

“I typically prefer glass containers since I often reheat in the microwave and feel comfortable using them,” says Adler. “But with a baby on the way, I know I’ll soon be in the market for BPA-free plastic containers.” It's also important to consider your commute—if you walk a long distance to work, a lighter, BPA-free plastic container might be a better choice for you.

Make sure the lunch bag you choose is made from water-resistant, leak-proof, and easy-to-clean materials. Fabric lunch bags made of nylon and polyester are ideal, as they often feature a waterproof lining that can be easily wiped clean in case of spills.

Insulation

Adler advises, “Consider your specific lunch situation when choosing insulation. If you're in an office with access to a fridge and microwave, insulation may not be a top priority. However, if you're packing for kids or constantly on the go, look for an option that can keep your lunch either cool or warm for a few hours.”

Some lunch bags, like the PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag, are freezer-safe, while others feature gel linings that provide effective insulation for cold items.

Questions You Might Ask 

How long do insulated lunch bags keep food cold?

The amount of time your lunch box can keep food cold depends on several factors, such as the type of insulation, the use of ice packs, and the outside temperature. If you use an ice pack, your food can remain cold for approximately three to five hours. Without an ice pack, it will likely stay cold for about two hours.

Can you put lunch bags in the washing machine and dryer?

Be sure to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for your lunch bag. While some bags are machine washable, most can be cleaned by wiping them down with a cloth, soap, and warm water. If your bag is machine washable, it's best to avoid the dryer and let it air dry instead. If you're uncertain, hand-washing is always a safer option.

What are the lightest types of lunch boxes?

The lightest lunch boxes are typically those crafted from softer materials, though some plastic options can be surprisingly light as well. Heavier boxes, on the other hand, tend to be constructed from stronger materials such as stainless steel. Soft-sided lunch bags may feel lightweight initially, but the weight can add up if you’re using ice packs inside.

What are the most durable types of lunch boxes?

Many modern lunch boxes are made from materials designed to endure the daily grind of commutes and repeated use. However, if you're looking for something built to last, a classic stainless steel lunch box is a great choice. While it may be heavier compared to others made from lighter materials like polyester or plastic, it is undeniably tough and durable.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Hannah Baker, an experienced writer and editor with a decade of expertise in researching and writing about home products, and updated by Amanda Prahl, a contributing writer for Mytour, who has over five years of experience creating lifestyle content. To curate this list, both writers evaluated numerous lunch bags and boxes, considering factors like versatility, cost, material, size, and compartments. Hannah also consulted with meal prep experts Abigail Koffler and Erica Adler, authors of Meal Prep Made Simple.