My 9 favorite no-waste lunch products
I've written two posts before about this, but one was in 2008 and the other was in 2012, so it seemed like time for a new one (especially since school is about to start).
So. Here are my 9 favorite lunch-packing items (and I'd love to hear what you'd pick to round out the list).
1. An insulated lunch bag
I don't think this needs to be anything fancy or expensive. Mr. FG's current one is a Target buy, and he's been using it every weekday for over four years now.
I like these because they help keep food cold and also provide some protection for the food inside (unlike, say, a paper bag.)
2. A reusable water bottle
We generally use Kleen Kanteens for this purpose, but if we need to be able to refill a bottle and the water supply isn't good, we like the Bobble.
It is plastic, but it comes with built-in filtration, which is handy, and it's a lot lighter than Klean Kanteens, which could be helpful if you're packing for a smaller kid.
3. Rigid reusable ice packs
These blue ice packs have served us well, lasting for years before they spring a leak or start to fall apart.
You just need to remember to throw them in the freezer every night when you unpack your lunch!
4. Metal silverware
I know there are utensils especially manufactured for use in lunches, but I just send silverware from our kitchen drawer.
If you are terrified a family member will throw your silverware in the trash, visit the silverware basket at your Goodwill and pick up mismatched utensils there. You won't care if those get lost, and even if it's not awesome silverware, it's still going to be way easier to use than the disposable plastic stuff.
(Silverware is a classic example of how a non-disposable life is often more luxurious.)
5. Pyrex glass containers
Because these are heavy, they're best for a lunch that doesn't need to be hauled very far. I use them in Mr. FG's lunch almost every day, since he just has to carry his lunch from the parking lot into the building.
Pyrex is my favorite because the lids last longer than other brands I've tried. I use the 1-cup and 2-cup containers the most, but I also find the flat, rectangular one to be great for packing salads (which need some space for tossing with dressing).
If you don't own Pyrex already, I'd recommend this $24 set, which has lots of great lunch-packing sizes, plus a few that are good for home fridge storage.
6. Stainless steel konserve containers
These are a super alternative to Pyrex for lunches that need to be lighter. If you're packing a sandwich with a round bun, the 16 oz. container is perfect (and it'll protect the sandwich from being smushed!).
And the smaller ones work well for snacks and produce.
I'd never have heard of these, but I got two in my Mighty Fix this past year, and they're one of my favorite fix items to date.
(I don't recommend stainless steel for fridge storage, because you can't see what's inside. But for lunches, stainless steel is awesome.)
7. To-Go Ware Sidekick containers
I first got these in an Earth Day box I ordered, and I've loved them ever since. They're not leakproof, but they're lightweight and completely plastic-free.
I use them for fruits, veggies, and nuts (not liquids, as they don't seal tight enough.)
I read Amazon reviews complaining of rusting, peeling, and stuck lids, but I've had mine for over 5 years now, and I haven't had a single problem with them.
8. Lunchbots leakproof dressing containers
These little guys are great for sauces, dressings, a pat of butter, M&Ms and any other thing you need to send in tiny quantities.
The lid has a silicone ring, which makes them leakproof. I use 'em pretty much every single day!
9. Lunchskins
Lunchskins are a great lightweight no-plastic way to pack sandwiches and snacks.
They're dishwasher safe, waterproof, and especially great for packing square sandwiches (it's hard to find a container that works for sandwiches, as most containers are round.)
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While these non-disposable products can save you money over time, there's definitely a little sticker shock when you first purchase them. If you can't swing buying a bunch of reusable items, buy just one thing at a time until you've got enough.
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Now, my list happened to contain 9 items, but I think 10 would be more lovely. So, what would you add to this list? Help other readers find out about a great product you love.
This post contains affiliate links, which help keep the lights on around here. However, I bought these products with my own money, and I also pay for my Mighty Fix, so my enthusiasm for these items is legit.
I can no longer imagine going through the day without our awesome, stainless steel, double wall vacuum Hydroflask containers. They definitely fall under the category of initial sticker shock, but oh my have they enhanced our lives since we purchased them some five years ago. They keep water/liquids icey cold (or steaming hot, depending) for upwards of 24 hours. We can even leave them in a hot car for hours, knowing we'll return to ice cold water after a long hike or bike ride. Also, we've dropped them many, many times over the years, and while they are now a tad chipped and dented, they continue to perform like champions (meaning they are definitely kid friendly).
Over the years we've gifted them to our entire family, who now adore them as much as we do.
I love my hydroflask waterbottle too!
I also love beeswrap, great for wrapping cheese/sausage snacks and covering dishes in fridge instead of saran wrap!
Do you have any trouble getting the beeswrap to stick to itself? I've had difficulty getting it to seal without using a rubber band!
I love the idea of the beeswrap, but don't like the smell... too sweet, like honey. And I can't get it to stick to anything either. I was so excited to get it in my MightyFix about a year ago, but have been disappointed in the actual use of it.
I love this!! This is great for school, but it's also great for adults in the workplace, too. I save so much money packing my lunch every day. And since I use no-waste items like FG lists here, I'm saving even more money.
I recently switched to a glass Camelbak reusable water bottle, and I've been really happy with it. I've been trying to cut down on the plastic in my life.
We're already on our second set of plastic Tupperware and I am through with them! Pyrex is expensive but it's sooo the way to go. We plan on stocking up on some at Costco once our Tupperware goes kaput.
For dressing, I like to use these little silicon bottles. They're squeezable, so I get more of the dressing out of them than I do with solid containers.
What a great list! We pack lunches and snacks for work and also do a lot of picnicking, at outdoor concerts and movies... The same concepts apply, we just scale it up!
I think the item I would add to this list would be cloth napkins. Talk about feeling luxurious when you're out an about! We buy about one roll of paper towels a year, usually when we have house guests.
Now I want to go pack some food and figure out where to take it...
I have a question about paper towel usage - I use a good number of paper towels in my produce containers to absorb excess moisture and keep my produce fresh for a pretty darn long time. Would a cloth napkin do the same job do you/does anyone know?
Yes, they do. My mom always used old dish towels for this purpose, especially to wrap a cut head of red cabbage. They are likely to get stained so keep that in mind.
I did not know that, I am going to try the dish towels as I have plenty of those. I have used paper towels forever. Makes my produce last so much longer!
Hi ..........I use a folded dishcloth laid in the bottom of the produce drawer in the fridge and this stops veg and salad going off or getting slimy........Jessica in Scotland
I use a piece of natural linen or a flour sack dish towel for this. Works great!
You can also reuse the paper towel - it's wet but not dirty. I hang mine over the oven door to dry. OTOH I have plenty of small washcloths I could use as well - I hadn't thought of using cloth for this.
I would add a good thermos and we use fun patterned bandannas for cloth napkins. Get a few per person and the entire lunch is reusable.
For #10 I propose: for those who don't want to use glass (heavy, space-hogging) or metal (can't see inside), I like TellFresh plastic containers. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes - including flat squares for sandwiches, stack well, seal well, go from freezer to microwave (not oven), BPA free, are machine washable. I've had mine for 10 years and the only ones that have broken are the ones I jumped on (long story).
You have to tell us the story! 🙂
I'm not ready to go full zero waste, but I am replacing a lot of my non-reusable items with ones that don't generate more waste.
When I lived further from work and couldn't go home for lunch, I used to use a furoshiki for my lunch. That's a Japanese wrapping cloth. The real ones are very fancy but honestly, you can just use a scrap of old fabric like a sheet and it'll work just as well.
I'm tempted to check my local thrift stores tonight for flatware to keep at work. If thrift stores are "too icky" or they don't have anything at your local one, dollar stores usually carry cheap flatware as well.
Thrift stores aren't icky! I definitely recommend visiting one to pick up cloth napkins, dish towels, Pyrex, and flatware. All of these things can be washed and scrubbed and no worries about germs. Then not only are you reusing them once you own them, you are saving them from the landfill to begin with.
I don't find them icky either, at least not for things I can wash. Closest to the line I went was two soft plastic water bottles, which I bought because they looked entirely unused. For flatware, you can buy either a single piece or a bundled set - either is a $1 (Goodwill pricing is weird). It's what I use at work, so that if something happens - I forget it in the sink and it gets taken or thrown out - I don't care much if it disappears. Whereas I'd be unhappy if that happened to my carefully chosen matched dinnerware set.
Cloth napkins! I also keep a ceramic plate and bowl at work. I just wash them in the faculty lounge, and I don't have to carry them back and forth. They are helpful for my jarred salads and the ramen noodles I keep at work.
A reusable cloth napkin. Someone above said a bandana, but I like to take what we use at the table at home for an extra bit of fanciness.
I send bandannas because if the 5 or 7 year olds left the nice napkins somewhere I would be annoyed 🙂
I second the cloth napkin! What a treat. I also bought an inexpensive box of metal spoons on clearance to use for lunches.
I love GoToobs for dressings and condiments. I also reuse glass canning/jam jars for soup as I keep a nice bowl at work to reheat my food in if need be. I agree about the sticker shock, but when you look at the cost per use over the long term it saves money, and helps the environment. I finally convinced my husband to switch over to reusable sandwich and snack baggies and am planning my purchases of them as my budget allows.
I like Sandwich Savers from Tupperware. I've had a set of four (minus one my son lost years ago) for around 10 years or more. Needless to say, the children take a less expensive version so I won't cry when they lose them! I also love our metal Thermos travel mugs. These are a bit pricey but have lived through being dropped several times and keep our coffee hot for hours - my husband once left in on the cold hearth in winter at bedtime and the coffee was still very warm in the morning, despite the drafty place it was left.
Hi Kristen,
I'm really interested in the lunch skins but wonder how many times they can be washed in the dishwasher before wearing out.
Even if they don't appear dirty, I would want to wash them several times a week.
Thanks!
I'm checking with a reader that I know washes hers in the dishwasher. I'll let you know what she says!
Update: she says she's been regularly washing them in the dishwasher for months and they're not disintegrating at all.
Thank you!!
I got in so much trouble in second grade for having a metal butter knife with my lunch.
Oh, I hadn't thought of that! I suppose some schools do have rules about those kinds of things, especially now. Were metal spoons and forks forbidden too?
We can't send knives but spoons are ok.
I have a great plastic picnic cutlery set made by Sistema (available on Amazon). It comes in a carrying case and has two handles, plus attachments for fork, spoon, knife, and chopsticks. BPA free plastic, sturdy, and dishwasher friendly (though I often just rinse them at work and pop them back in the case)
A butter knife?!? Really?
I am so excited about my Lunchskins coming, I can hardly stand it!
My #10 would be a mason jar. I use one daily to bring milk to work for my coffee, and I bring an extra, empty mason jar to work to store the breastmilk I pump throughout the day. I love them because 1) they are glass, 2) they are reusable, and 3) they travel well-don't spill, tip over in my lunch bag, etc...
Hi Kristen, love this post. I am in the throws of finding a replacement for single use and plastic items in my life. So far I have replaced toothpaste and toothbrushes and plastic wrap. I have been using Beeswax Wrap instead of plastic wrap, and I have to say I am impressed by them. They keep the bread or crackers fresh until lunch time and are really quite sturdy once folded up into a package. They are easy to clean and don't absorb odours. I also signed up to the Mighty Fix and I received two of those konserve containers, they are my fav item so far. Have a wonderful day.
Fi
Hello. I'm curious, how does one clean up the insides of those lunch skins?
They're actually dishwasher-safe!
At work I keep a lot of tableware: 2c pyrex bowl, 4 c. pyrex bowl; sharp knife (in a sheath), table knife, fork, tea spoon, soup spoon; bread plate; mug, soup mug; large bowl to toss salad in; kitchen towel to dry the tableware. I also get good natured jokes when coworkers see me carrying in a case of soda ($.30/can), but I get the last laugh when they pay $1 for a can from the machine.
Hm, what should be #10? I guess I'd have to say, like others, a cloth napkin or a mason jar. Or the thermos, for school lunches which can't be reheated at school. Or wait -- a salt and pepper container!
In my lunchbox for work, I use only reusable containers to carry my food. Since I have a drawer at work I can use for this, I bought a Goodwill plate, mug and bowl to keep at work, then just for fun, paid a couple of dollars for an engraved silver plated flatware set at a junk store so I can eat in style. I keep a cloth napkin at work and take it home each week to wash it. I also have at work a laminated 11 x 17 place mat lovingly made by my granddaughter when she was very young. It has her handprint in paint, made into a turkey, a handwritten message (Happy Thanksgiving) and pictures of a plate, silverware and a napkin glued on. Some of the letters are written backward and the pictures of the silverware are glued on upside down. I love it.
All you said! But we are not allowed to send glass containers at school (grrrr!) so I have to resort to BPA-free plastic one and I hate it because I hate putting plastic in microwaves. That said, I bought 2 small stainless steel Thermos, perfect size for kids, and I think I will be using them much more than sending lunchs in plastic containers this year. It's a pain to prepare (boiling water+10 minutes in Thermos+ warming food to put in) but it's healthier.
I love my glass bottle water also. I still put my daughter's water in plastic bottles and this I don't like too much eighter.
Other that that, I am obsessed with Bento Boxes!! And I use silicones muffin tins to make some "homemade" one, like this (not my image, taken for the Net) :
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=bento+box+made+with+sillicone+muffins+tins&view=detailv2&adlt=STRICT&id=E528CE665DB2E486E0D3F03DDEC126800ACC37DE&selectedIndex=10&ccid=SGbDGvlo&simid=608014319072840517&thid=OIP.M4866c31af968ecdf4f988a220f1547bco0&ajaxhist=0
We eat a lot of soups and stews in the winter and I bring leftovers into lunch quite a bit. Although it's plastic, I prefer having a container with a handle on it for soup vs. the glass Pyrex. It's more convenient and, in my opinion, safer! Less likely to spill when you've got a good hold on it 🙂
Any item I feel might leak (both hubby and I take oatmeal to work everyday) we pack it in mason jars...reusable and no leak......
These are great products, but when you have a kiddo like mine, these will all be gone after the first few months of school! Yesterday was her first day back, and already someone who had the same lunch bag as her took hers home by mistake......right along with the icepacks and water bottle inside! My daughter gave the other girls to the bus driver, but I told her she should have taken the other one home so that both girls would have a lunch bag this morning and they could switch up on the bus. Hopefully everything is straightened out now. Good grief!
My son forgets his lunch box 7 times out of 10, so he gets hot lunch in between. He prefers the lunches I send with him (plus he gets to sit with one of his good friends at lunch if he doesn't have to wait in line for hot lunch) but he's got to learn not to leave stuff on the bus.
I received the exact stainless steel containers from Mighty Nest, as well and I am a big fan. They're not heavy like glass and they help keep things cold! I'm actually looking into the smaller size, as well. My son's lunchbox gets full quickly so I try to use containers that aren't too big for what they're needed for.
I've used a Lock & Lock sandwich container (HPL822) for years. They still have it on Amazon, but now it's almost $20! I know for sure I didn't pay that much for it.