Best Stainless Steel Lunch Box for the Whole Fam (Mom-Approved!)
Looking for a healthier lunch box for your kiddos?
Today, we are talking all about stainless steel lunch boxes— why they’re better for your health, our environment, and my favorite brand we have been using!
This past fall, our oldest started pre-k in a hybrid homeschool program. That means, 2 days a week, we are packing up her backpack and lunchbox before school. I prioritize minimizing our plastic consumption, so I chose a stainless steel lunch box that we can use for years.
We bought a popular brand to start the year, and have recently transitioned to a newer one that was a better fit for her moving forward! This post will share all about my favorite stainless steel lunch boxes, why we opt for more sustainable options for our family, and how they help to support the health of our little ones!
TLDR: We love Lalo Stainless Steel Bento Boxes-- they have a food-safe silicone lid to prevent leaks (and noisy clanging when little ones are opening and closing them), and are the perfect size for both younger kids with smaller appetites, and their parents, too 😉
Why Stainless Steel Containers Are a Better Option for School Lunches
When it comes to packing school lunches regularly, the materials you’re using matter more than most people realize. Many traditional plastic lunch boxes and plastic bento boxes are made with materials that can leach harmful chemicals, especially when exposed to heat, acidic foods, or even just repeated daily use (think dishwashers, being left out in the hot car, etc.)
The Problem with Plastic Lunch Boxes:
Can leach harmful chemicals (like BPA and phthalates), especially with heat or acidic foods [ source ]
Break down over time with daily use, leading to cracks, warping, and more exposure to plastic parts [ source ]
Often retain odors, stains, and residue from different foods
Less durable—need to be replaced more frequently than durable stainless steel options
Contribute to long-term plastic waste, especially when paired with plastic baggies or sandwich bags
Not ideal for hot or wet foods, as heat can increase chemical migration [ source ]
Lower overall lifespan, making them a less sustainable way to pack lunches
Can impact taste and freshness of food over time
This is where stainless steel lunch boxes really stand out, and why I knew that would be our priority for our kids.
High-quality, durable stainless steel is widely considered the gold standard for food storage. Unlike plastic, it doesn’t absorb odors, stain, or break down over time. It’s also naturally free from BPA, phthalates, and other endocrine-disrupting compounds often found in plastic parts or a typical plastic lid. For families prioritizing non-toxic options, switching to stainless steel lunch containers is one of the simplest upgrades you can make.
Related Reads:
The Best Non-Toxic Dishware for Your Kids
Introducing Lalo Stainless Steel Bento Boxes + Snack Box
At the beginning of the school year, we bought our daughter a stainless steel lunch box that we figured she could use for the next few years of school. It wasn't long before we knew we would need a new lunch box... the previous one (that we thought was a good size), ended up being too small for her lunches. Then, at lunch time, it was really noisy when she was taking off and putting back on the lid.
What I was looking for in a lunch box:
a food container made with the safest materials
something that we could use long term, both for our young kids now, and older children in the future
something that would fit into her insulated bag (we use lunch boxes with a built-in ice pack)
food-safe silicone seal to prevent leaks in our lunch bags
no removable divider (I just don't find it necessary, and don't want loose pieces where food can get caught)
Lalo stainless steel bento boxes fit all the requirements, plus they came with the cutest, colorful lids that work great when you are packing multiple lunches! I was also really interested in trying out their Little Dipper Snack Boxes for a more sustainable option compared to plastic sandwich bags.
bell peppers, snap peas, crackers, cheese, and half of a Perfect Bar
Lalo Bento Box Pros and Cons
Any time I review a product, it is really important to me that I give you the full picture-- both the things I love, and my not-so-favorite parts.
Pros:
My daughter (5yo) easily opening up the silicone lid on the Lil Dipper Snack Box— this is the same lid design as the Bento Box!
The silicone lids are so easy for little hands to open up! If you are a first-time parent sending kiddos to school, this can be something we easily overlook. We are so used to just opening things for our kids when they are home with us, or maybe they have a daycare teacher who helps them out. But I always love to encourage and foster independence where possible! Even my little guy, who is 2, can easily open ( and close!) these lunch boxes
They come in the cutest colors!! Seriously, every single color combo is so adorable. While I am all about healthier, non-toxic options, I really appreciate it when they are a bit aesthetic too. That said, while the colors are all so cute, they don't scream "kids lunch box". I would happily pack one for my own work shift!
The included sauce container is silicone-- this may not seem like a big deal, until you realize that some other stainless steel lunchboxes have stainless steel inserts. This was our previous lunch box, and I didn't realize that I wouldn't like it... until I was driving to school and heard the stainless steel rattling the whole drive 😅
Again, the silicone sleeve on the bottom helps keep the container from being noisy on tabletops or slipping around! Just another example of the thoughtful, kid-friendly design. Also, once your kids outgrow it, you can easily remove the silicone sleeve.
Another really thoughtful design is that the dividers are not removable or adjustable. This may not seem like a big deal until you realize how much more time it requires to ensure all the little cracks and corners are thoroughly cleaned.
Cons:
After dozens of lunches packed, 2 kiddos, and 1 husband's opinions gathered, I can honestly say there isn’t anything we do not like about these lunch boxes. That said, when we tried the Little Dippers Snack Boxes, they were a bit small. We could only fit a couple of apple slices into the biggest section. I think this would be a good option for smaller kids and toddlers, as opposed to older kids who eat a little more!
Would I Recommend Lalo Bento Boxes?
Absolutely! I think they are a really great option to invest in that will provide a healthier meal option for your kids for years to come. While the Little Dipper Snack Boxes were a little small for my kids, I do think they are a good option as well, depending on how much your little ones eat!
I absolutely love how cute all these colors are and how they are easily interchangeable and mix-and-match 😍
Latest on the blog…
Plastic lunchboxes can leach chemicals and microplastics into your kid’s food— that is why we prioritize these stainless steel options when packing lunches for our little ones!