What reusable lunch bag should you buy?
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Hi FG!
I'm curious what you use for Mr. FG's lunch. I'd like to find something that's durable and reuseable, yet still looks nice. You seem to be able to find a nice blend of these things for other household items - wondering if you have suggestions for lunch totes as well?
Thanks!
Paige
You'll be happy to know that we use a really affordable one. Because sometimes, an inexpensive item really does work just fine.
Mr. FG has been using this $9 lunch bag from Target every work day for 5.5 years now, and it's still holding up!
That link goes to a pattern, but his is black. 😉 And his is an older model, so the top is a little more rounded, but it's pretty much the same thing.
It's nothing fancy, but it holds a main dish, a couple of sides, a water bottle, two ice packs, and silverware.
Joshua has a slightly different model from Target that he uses whenever he needs to pack a lunch. And his has held up well for several years too.
So, based on my experience, I give the Target Embark brand stuff a thumbs up.
It's affordable, and it's lasted really well for us, so as long as they haven't recently begun cutting corners on quality, I think their stuff should work well for you.
No insulated lunch box last forever....eventually, the plastic on the lining gets brittle and cracks. But I figure that if a lunch box carries lunches for 5+ years, it's doing pretty well. That's a lot of takeout avoided, and a lot of disposable bags avoided too.
You didn't ask about this, but on a related note, here are my 9 favorite no-waste lunch packing products.
You'll have to click the link to read all nine, but I have to give my absolute favorite ones a quick shout-out: the To-Go Ware stainless steel containers are so, so, so useful.
I really cannot give them a high enough recommendation. There's no plastic to wear out or smell funky, they're unbreakable, light, dishwasher-safe, and crush-proof.
Oh, and besides being uber practical, their sleek, minimalist look makes my heart go pitter-pat. 😉
(cue the heart-eyes emoji)
I haven't seen them in brick and mortar stores, but you can get a set of 5 on Amazon for $24.99.
I know that's not inexpensive when you compare them to plastic containers, but I really think these are worth every penny, and I don't regret this purchase in the slightest.
I hope that's helpful, Paige!
Mr. FAF has the exact same lunch bag from Target as Mr. FG! It's so simple, easy to carry, and easy to to clean. I love it!
I've gotten a bigger lunch bag from Target for Baby FAF and now regret it. It's too bulky and heavy. I'm debating whether I should invest in a new lunch bag for him. Hmm. Decision time!
I have a fridge at work so I just throw my food in my bag and transfer it to the fridge once I get to work. I've been thinking of getting stainless steel containers for a while! They look great! I think they may make it into my Amazon cart!
My kids have the same one as Joshua and they hold up well. But we r finding with middleschoolers and athletics the bags dont hold enough to get them thru the day food wise. We have gone to some wax baggies to give us more room as all three of my kids prob eat 3000 cals a day.
i have a packit freezable lunch bag for myself. i found it at tj maxx for $10/12 but they're more expensive online. i pack my lunch the night before and don't usually freeze the bag itself (though that's a cool feature for a trip or something), but it still is pretty insulated. with daycare drop off and traffic, it's usually an hour between when i leave home and get to work and everything is still really cold. the bag is heavier than most, even when empty, so that can be a downside for some.
Such a providence! Lunch bag death occurred this week & a replacement is needed. After at least 6to 8 years of on and off daily use, the zipper gave out and the fabric is fraying - this faithful bag has earned its retirement. Now I have a shopping excursion to Target to assess these options!
I love the taller lunch bags. I bought a cheapo $10 one from HEB back when I commuted to work (now I work remotely). It was okay, but I really should have gotten one that was a bit taller. Keep in mind the size of your tupperware when you buy one!
My husband uses something like Mr. FG's - it has an upper zippered compartment, where I store an extra plastic fork & spoon, napkin, his pills (he forgets sometimes, these are "just in case"), and some wet-wipes. I don't use fancy containers - I have flatter half-cup and half pint canning jars with good solid lids, for fruit and vegetables. He takes a cold lunch, so there's also sammish and some sort of sweet(ish) for dessert. His bag also has a pocket on the outside - I tucked a cheap poncho into it. My DH travels quite often, so there are overnighters frequently. He has a "kitchen box", and a bug-out-bag, too.
I used this same lunch box (formerly under a different brand name) for nearly 15 years before it became cracked internally, and thus non-cleanable: https://www.lunchbox.com/collections/insulated-lunch-boxes-for-kids/products/plain-insulated-lunch-box $14.95 over 15 years is pretty frugal! I'm currently using a no-name "gimmie" soft lunchbox/thermos combination from my work, and while free is pretty frugal, it's only so-so.
This setup somewhat niche, but for what it is, it's hard to beat: https://tiger-corporation-us.com/product/lwu-a171/ I got it at an Atlanta-area international market for around $30, but it appears to be close to $80 from the online sellers I can find (so definitely NOT frugal if you can only find it at that price).
Here's a similar container setup by Zojirushi: https://www.lunchbox.com/collections/bento-boxes/products/ms-bento-stainless-lunch-jar-set
I was gifted with a zipped insulated lunch bag that is Rava or Raya (can't tell) by Thermos. It's covered in polka dots but the giver said that there were other patterns. It's held up about seven years so far.
I wish there was some kind of container for frozen lunches that would go right into the microwave other than plastic or glass (stainless steel - not microwaveable). When I cook for the 2 of us, I always make extra and freeze in serving sizes for his lunches. All I can find are plastic containers. He doesn't feel glass is safe to take as dropping it would be, ummm, not good. Since There is nothing I know of that's not plastic or glass, he pops the food out of the plastic container and into a paper bowl to microwave. I guess that will have to do.
Hey there Joan, I hear you...my husband had this same concern and I've got to say that the Pyrex snap wear we use has been holding up for around 5 years. Also, if you read my post I mention bento boxes...and depending on which type you get they are microwavable and dishwasher safe.
Try looking around on amazon and hopefully you'll come across something that will work for you.
Have a awesome day!
Oh, sorry...meant to also say that the Pyrex containers can go straight from the freezer to lunch bags then on to microwave with no problems.
Hugs
Hi Joan, just a thought but could your husband keep a ceramic bowl/plate at work with a microwave save cover to transfer his meals into? And maybe some paper towel? I find some things like frittata reheat quite well on a plate loosely covered in plain paper towel just tucked under sides.
I don't use an insulated bag as I have a fridge at work. A few years back I bought the smallest zippered tote from Land's End. It's made of canvas and is very durable and can be tossed in the wash if it gets dirty. In it I use various sized BPA free plastic containers with locking lids since that keeps it durable and lightweight. (I never microwave in them, I have a plate and bowl at work for that if needed.) I made sure to get some that would fit a sandwich so no more disposable sandwich baggies for me and no squished bread either!
My daughters lunch bag is a ULTRA artic zone that we bought at Costco 2 years ago for around 20 bucks which seemed steep but it came with reusable containers and 2 ice packs. We also use bento boxes and the bag was a perfect fit plus its expandable.
My husbands lunch box is a very battered extremely tough old Colman lunch box that's he's had for....8 years??? Fabric wouldn't work for him...
My lunch box is a stackable bento box that snaps all together...got it off amazon a few years ago (5 I think) it comes with ice packs in the lids, fits into my work bag perfectly.
We try really hard not to use plastic bags so we have bento boxes, glass Pyrex with snap lids (again, Costco) and rubber maid containers. Oh, and at Walmart they have large heavy duty ceramic cups with lids that I bought for our soups and such...work like a dream.
For our liquids we use the Contigo hot/cold travel mugs and water bottles...they are somewhat on the spendy side but I very highly recommend...they can keep my coffee hot for up to 6 hours...water will stay icy cold for even longer and we've had them for quite a few years.
Note on these: at Costco they will sell these in two packs for around 25.00 just have to keep your eye out.
Kristen, I to like the look of the stainless steel containers you use but I do have a question...are they spill/leak proof??? Always a consideration when I pack lunches that require dips and such...thanks!
I would say they're leak resistant. The tops do fit really snugly, and I feel fine sending, say, BBQ sauce in them. I wouldn't send a container of vinaigrette, thought, since that's so prone to leaking if it's so much as jostled.
These are leakproof, and tinier too: http://amzn.to/2jLhaVS I use those all the time, and sometimes I rubber band them just for an extra layer of security.
I use a Playmate Lunchmate. I got it at Wal-Mart awhile back and I like the hard sides plus it keeps stuff really cold. It is a little heavier but nice and roomy.
Fun fact: Amish children use the same one. Seeing them leaving their schools in their black attire carrying their Playmates is the cutest thing. 🙂
I use a Washington Nationals one that I got free at a game, it works great and is insulated. Of course, I did have to buy the tickets to the game, but who's counting......
But on the other hand, this way you got entertainment AND a lunch bag. So, there's that. 😉
I try to use all reusable hard plastic containers as 'scrunchable' plastic is not recyclable so my food takes up a bit of space. I found a 3.5L Decor box I got 1/2 price at $6 which is 20 x 27 x 8.5cm, that fits all my lunch & snacks including banana & apple & fits into my backpack with all the other things I need for work. . A couple of years ago I asked my sisters for a Cool Tote Bag from Howards Storage World which with a base of 42cm x 14cm and H 33cm. It was about $80 dollars I think but this included 3 long ultra thin ice packs that it has bottom and side pockets for, it also has a velcro attaching flip shelf to put all my handbag stuff in, a zip closure & generous side pockets. It looks like an attractive handbag/tote and I use it for going places I want to self-cater for and not have to take a handbag as well, it worked a treat at a recent conference.
Hi. First time ever commenting !
I have a very picky 5 year old. His usual lunch consists of orange, plum, carrots, grapes, apples, maybe string cheese. He is not a meat eater except for nuggest from Chick Filet A. He will not any sandwich variety, never has had a hotdog. My question is...any suggestions on how to keep pizza warm til 1030ish...so about 3 hours after he gets to school? He loves pizza and will eat everyday for lunch. I have tried the cooking it and then double wrapping in tin foil and sending to school but it didn't stay warm. Is there a pizza warmer like thermos on the market? I have searched all over it feels like. Thanks!!
Hi Blair, I have seen soup thermos containers that are short and squat; could you cut the pizza into strips and stand upright in something like that, or cut into the pizza in a grid shape and stack pieces with baking paper in between? I also know that in India millions of women cook hot lunches and a highly developed delivery service takes the meals to their husbands at work - I saw a documentary on it, I'm sure they would send things like paratha vegie stuffed bread and naans so if you google some sites in india you may get more ideas to search for containers for this kind of thing on say amazon.
Blair I just googled Keep Food hot india and it came up with Indian Tiffen boxes which are insulated stackable stainless steel containers that can be purchased with an insulated bag for extra insulation if that helps.
Awesome! I will look I to it. I am so happy that he loves fruits and veggies but I feel like he needs more substance. He has never had a corn dog either, but will eat figs right from the tree. He will not even eat Mac n cheese.
Started looking at multi-compartment lunchboxes for salad and came across Thermos stack and lock food jars - they seem to come in a few sizes and base is 14 x 14cm insulated.
My suggestion is to think first about the types of containers you will be putting into the bag. I personally don’t care for the more upright bags because we use a lot of square storage containers and they don’t fit well in the bottom. Whatever you choose you want to make sure that the food containers will ft and stay upright.
With working 12 hr shifts, I need a bag that is large enough to hold 2 meals and a snack. I usually bring food in glass containers for reheating and that adds some weight to the bag.
Since posting my last comment this morning I dropped in to Aldi whilst out and found an Coolabah insulated backpack for $15 that fits my enormous lunch box, drink bottle and everything else I need for work including an umbrella. So excited, never thought I'd find one big enough for summer. I don't need to keep my containers upright as my yoghurt and other liquid containers are completely leak proof, yay!
I knitted my lunch bag and felted it for sturdiness. It's about 10 years old and fraying around the handles, so it's time to make another. I get entertainment from the knitting and felting part and then many years of use--not to mention the "wow, did you make that?" remarks. ;o)
I do have a fridge at work so it doesn't have to be insulated. I think I only paid about $8 or $9 for the yarn way back when, but the yarn is more expensive now unless I find something suitable in the stash.
I don't have a specific recommendation, but rather a style one. I greatly prefer lunch boxes with the handle on the top (like Kristen's examples) rather than on the side. When the handle is on the side, the contents get jostled around much more, which can lead to issues.
Ooh, I love your fun fact! DH's lunchbox says "Little Playmate by Igloo". I pack it with a combination of reused plastic containers and zip-top bags. I wash the bags and hang them on a clothesline in the garage. Larger containers take up too much space, as his lunch is substantial. Glass is not an option, alas. He carries his lunch in his work truck with no refrigerator access.
When we cleaned out my parent's house, I found a nearly new one in their garage and brought it home. My plan is for the current one and the "new" one that's in reserve to last until DH retires in about four years. Wish me luck!