The Best Bento Boxes in 2025 [get the Right Lunch Box]

Bento Boxes are lunch boxes with more organization and, often, an appreciation for the ritual of eating the mid-day meal.

We use them because they are convenient, sustainable and a little more sophisticated than a bagged lunch. We use them for leftovers and we eat from a bento box because we don’t like the food from the cafeteria.

The products on this list are those selected from an original list of 10. They have been tested for leaks, for the elegance of experience and for the inspiration to eat healthier because of using them every day.

Read more about this down below.

Bento Boxes: Buyer’s Guide

Both traditional and modern bento lunch boxes offer versatility. But having one that ticks all your needs can be a challenging journey. You don’t want to fork out money for a food container that will only last a single use or have it sitting at the corner of your pantry.

From design to unique features, here are vital points worth noting down to save you some time and money:

• Design: How do you want your bento box to look? What shape and color do you want it to be?
• Material: Will it be made of wood, aluminum, stainless steel, glass, or plastic?
• Capacity: How many servings do you usually pack? Will it be a stack-up set for bigger servings and shared meals?
• Features: Do you need insulation? Is it leak-proof? Does it come with a utensil set or a bag?
• Ease of Use: Does it have a hinged lid with a single clasp, or do you need to undo each for all sides? Can you carry it by the handle? Is it safe to throw your bento lunch box inside the microwave? How about the oven and freezer?
• Ease of Care: It must be dishwasher safe, or are you ok with handwashing?
• Price: What price range can you afford?

Design

Bento boxes are highly versatile. Its practicality made it easier to carry a meal anywhere you go. They come in different shapes and colors and can be bought as a stack-up set like the Bentgo Classic or just as a single bento lunch box. The latter can also be a thermos for food like the King Vacuum by Thermos.

Identifying which one speaks for your personality and needs is one of the few factors you can control when looking for a food container. Insulated containers like the DaCool or King Vacuum are great for soups and meals with sauces for keeping them warm and the contents inside. Whereas the typical bento boxes we also call lunch boxes often have compartments.

More commonly found in the market are bento lunch boxes either in a circle or a rectangular shape. Some modern designs are adventurous as well.

Are you looking for a printed or plain bento? Do you prefer it to be brightly colored or neutral-hued? How many dividers do you need when packing your food on a day-to-day basis?

How about the lids? Do you want them to be fully detachable or not? Should their color go along with the tray or be in a different tone?

Your eyes can usually see on the spot if the design of a bento lunch box ticks your interest. But take a little closer look at the little details, so you don’t end up disappointed.

Material

A Bento lunch box was initially hand-crafted using bamboo before it transitioned to other materials such as plastic and stainless steel. Again, your personal preference will come into play when choosing which material you want the Japanese bento box to have.

Wood

The traditional bento lunch box is bamboo-made. Not only because it was the most accessible material but also for its natural features. Wooden lunch containers help maintain your rice’s moisture level at optimal. Even restaurants are now using them to add some flare to their customer’s dining experience.

Bamboo-made bento lunch boxes are also lightweight, and of course, eco-friendly. But! You need to have time to handwash them. You need to clean it up after every use to avoid staining.

Aluminum

An aluminum bento box is also a must-try if you want one that can last for a long time. Not only is it dishwasher-friendly, but it also won’t easily give up as traditional bento lunch boxes do.

Keep in mind that, like other aluminum products, denting is a common dilemma along with corrosion.

Glass

Glass-made, a bento lunch box that’s safe to go in your microwave and dishwasher. A real-time-saver! It adds a more plate-like feeling while you’re eating. Glass and ceramics are famous for their elegance and stain-resistance. It’s ideal if you want it for a special occasion but not for outdoor use.

On the other hand, a glass bento lunch box requires you to be extra careful, or you risk breaking it.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials due to its durability.  These bento lunch boxes are frequently insulated. Meaning they can retain your food’s temperature for a certain amount of time.

Remember to read cleaning instructions since not all stainless steel bento lunch boxes are good to go inside your dishwasher. It may be the case that some parts need removing first or that the entire food container needs handwashing.

Just like aluminum, it’s notorious for dents and fingerprints but can keep up with your everyday demands.

It’s also the best option if you’ll be out in the wilderness camping.

Plastic

A plastic bento lunch box is what you’ll generally see in convenience stores. They can be disposable or reusable. Lightweight, although not as durable as stainless steel. And since plastic is highly flexible, many designs and shapes consistently flood the market. It won’t break like glass would as well.

Remember to double-check the properties of the plastic used in the bento lunch box. Is it free from any harmful chemicals? There’s also a chance that, over time, stains will accumulate.

Reusing disposable bento lunch boxes is a big no-no! Unless it’s the apocalypse and you have no choice. But other than that, get a reusable food container for your safety. These types are dishwasher-friendly, too, so no stress about manually washing them.

Capacity

Identify your bento lunch box’s purpose. It’s easy to pick one with an eye-catching design but doesn’t meet your practical needs.

How much food do you plan to pack up?

Is it a single serving for lunch at the office?

Maybe a stacked bento set for a family picnic at the lakeside?

Or it’s a small food container for your kid’s school break?

Are you on a diet or a caloric surplus?

A bento lunch box’s capacity can range between 400 mL to 800 mL, where every hundred mL translates to roughly a hundred calories. Or, 240 mL equals 1 cup. And that’s per bento box. You’ll quickly find this info either on the product description or at the bottom of the food container.

Features

They all might look the same, a food container. But it’s worth checking what unique and valuable features each has to offer. Taking a closer look at these tiny ticks in design can lead you to the best bento box.

How sealed is your bento lunch box? Can it keep your food fresh after hours with double-wall insulation? Is it spill-proof? Will it stand being tossed inside your backpack without leaking?

Can you re/move the dividers? Any built-in compartment for spoon, fork, and chopsticks? Is there any additional coating to make it last longer?

Landing on a reliable bento lunch box is worth the effort. Take a bit of time to check out these features and get the best value for your money.

Ease of Use

Owning a bento lunch box is supposed to make your life easier. But if, unfortunately, you end up with one that looks good but not as functional, it’ll be a nightmare (and a waste of money!).

Take some time to look at customers’ reviews before getting one. It’s better to scour the internet for in-depth reviews that weigh every detail of the bento lunch box.

Some questions worth asking include:

Is the lid a hinged unclasp-and-eat type, or do you need to undo the clasp on every side to open it up? If it’s a bento lunch box stack-up set, is it held together by a quick-release strap, or do you need to wrap it up in a cloth the traditional way? Or does it come with its bag?

A bento lunch box means you save time and effort. Look for these details to make the most out of your purchase.

Ease of Care

How you maintain a bento lunch box depends on the material used. Wood, bamboo, and stainless steel usually need manual cleaning. But most times, there’s a care instruction in the box itself.

A dishwasher-safe food container is a good choice if you’re a busy person. Be aware that some companies advertise their product to be dishwasher-friendly. But in reality, they’re not. Check the reviews to confirm the truth.

But for most cases, handwashing is still the best way to preserve your bento lunch box in pristine condition. Investing a few minutes will extend your bento lunch box’s lifespan.

Price

Some only care if the product is expensive (yes, they do exist!), those who need the cheapest, and those who want the best bang for their buck. And, of course, joining the third category is the wisest.

Although, it’s not always the case that a cheap bento lunch box also has inferior quality. Or a high-end bento has superior construction (you’re probably paying for the brand name, and that’s that).