In order to help you decide which bento box is right for you (or your child), we tested a selection of highly-rated options, packing them up with a variety of lunches and transporting them in bookbags, purses, and tote bags. Each bento box was rated on its design, insulation, size, versatility, and overall value.
Bento-style meals and boxes have roots in Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, but have since spread through the rest of the world. The main section of the box traditionally held rice or noodles, but bento boxes can be used to contain everything you need for cheese and charcuterie, party dips and spreads , on-the-go sandwiches and snacks, and more.
A bento box is simply a boxed meal with compartments separating toppings or courses. Bento is derived from a Chinese word meaning "convenient," and at its most basic, it&#;s lunch packed to be eaten on the go.
If you plan on reusing them, prolong the life of these containers by hand washing them (though they are top-rack dishwasher-safe). While they are not exceptionally long-lasting or heavy-duty, they&#;re inexpensive enough that if one gets left behind or tossed in the trash, it won&#;t feel like a major loss. Definitely check the rules in your area to make sure they can be recycled before throwing them in the recycling bin.
Featuring two compartments, they're roomy enough for a main dish and side, a nice-sized salad, or a sandwich and chips. These sets aren't entirely leakproof, so they're better suited for foods without sauces or liquids. During testing, we found that they can be used in the freezer and microwave but noted that they may be prone to cracking or melting in the microwave after a few uses.
If you're searching for a bento box that you don't have to take home and wash, these disposable containers are perfect. Ideal for days when lugging around a dirty food container isn't an option (like a school field trip or travel day in the car or on a plane), these boxes are made from BPA-free plastic and come in a pack of 15.
While this box doesn't come with utensils, there is some space to store a coordinating Monbento cutlery set right under the lid. This bento box is dishwasher, microwave, and freezer-safe to make transporting and reheating your food a breeze, as well as cleanup when you're finished. Previous versions of this lunchbox included dividers, but they have been replaced with a small food cup. Monbento also offers a variety of food containers for both liquid and solid foods, all to match the elegant designs of the classic bento lunch box.
Each bento box is constructed with two equally sized boxes, each with its own airtight lid, and a small food cup that fits into either box (great for berries, crackers, garnishes, or sauce packets). We like its slim design and slightly rubberized exterior, making it easy to hold and transport. It is more shallow than some other styles, but it easily holds a traditional bento meal of tonkatsu and shredded cabbage , rice, and tamagoyaki. The lids have a pull tab to open the vents, which let hot air escape during reheating in the microwave. We also appreciate how the bento box has a slightly grippy texture, which makes it easy to hand-carry.
Monbento has been making these incredibly attractive, French-designed, luxe bento boxes since . Each classic bento box is streamlined with a minimal look and feel but exudes softness with delicately rounded edges, a comforting color palette, and a BPA-free plastic that's soft to the touch.
This product is top-rack dishwasher-safe, which makes it a cinch to clean up any oily residue left behind by salad dressing. We wish it was insulated and could keep greens and ingredients chilled without a refrigerator, but that is only a small complaint. Available in a variety of colors, it's a great choice for anyone who wants to make salads a regular part of their lunch routine.
We packed a hefty amount of greens into the bottom section and loaded the top compartments with all of the ingredients for a Greek salad&#;vegetables stayed separate from the feta and kalamata olives, and the dressing stayed put without leaking. When it came time to eat, it was easy to top and dress the salad, and the included fork (stored in the lid) was comfortable to use, spearing greens, olives, and cherry tomatoes easily.
If you find yourself frequently packing salads to go, this bento box is uniquely designed for such a task. It features a large, 6.75-cup bottom container for greens and three upper compartments (one 10-ounce and two 5-ounce) for chopped vegetables, croutons, or whatever salad toppings your heart desires. It also includes a lidded container that nestles in the center section to hold salad dressing, so you can add it when you're ready to eat.
The latches are easy enough for kids to use, but they latch securely, so the box will stay closed until it&#;s time for lunch. If this bento box isn&#;t big enough, the larger version holds a whopping 8 cups of food, so it&#;s great for folks with big appetites, for carrying fluffy foods like green salads, or for sharing. This model can be run through the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
During testing, we filled this lunchbox with a sandwich, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes, and used the snack pod for a serving of berries. The durable construction kept the sandwich from being crushed when the box was jostled around in a bag during transport. Since it&#;s made entirely from stainless steel, this bento box can't be used in the microwave, so it's best suited for meals that are eaten cold or at room temperature.
This stainless-steel bento box has two stacking tiers plus a lidded snack pod that can keep your sweet treats from decorating your salad. It's a smaller bento box than most of the other models we tested, but it's big enough to hold a sandwich, side, and snack&#;perfect for a kid's lunchbox . This style of bento box is not leakproof, so you won't want to use it for anything that has sauce or liquid.
While the removable dividers are adjustable, we found that they don't stay in place well enough to provide a completely airtight seal&#;which is completely fine for keeping dry foods separate, just something to be aware of. Thanks to the elastic strap and silicone seals, we didn't report any spills or leaks outside the compartments, even after using this bento box for multiple meals at home and in the office.
With removable dividers and two roomy compartments, this bento box's classic design makes it easy to customize both your meal and the container itself. We love this model for lunch because it is perfectly compact, leakproof, and includes two sauce jars. Another feature that we appreciated during testing was the wooden utensil set, which came complete with a serrated knife, fork, spoon, and chopsticks. It's easy to overlook the utensils, and many sets that come included with similar bento boxes are too small, flimsy, or otherwise unusable, but these ones are a good size and made out of sturdy wood (though keep in mind that only several of the color options come with the wooden utensils, so we can't speak for other versions).
The removable compartment tray is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, while the outer shell should be hand-washed to preserve the seal. It's available in green, purple, or blue, and there are also options with bright colors and multiple fun prints to suit any taste. We did notice after testing that the outside scratches fairly easily, which doesn't pair well with kids, but it is still a great option.
Kids will love this colorful bento box. It has five compartments that are portioned for a child&#;s appetite&#; and is designed for kids aged three to seven, but it would also make a great snack container for adults. It has rubber-coated edges and internal hinges that help make it drop-proof and sturdy enough for the most active children. It also includes a booklet with 30 recipes and meal ideas for kids . The box is leakproof and has two child-friendly latches that make it easy for small hands to open and close, but it is heavier than other options. Our testing involved packing lunch in the Bentgo box for a week and we were thrilled to find that nothing leaked at any point.
This set is top-rack dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended to avoid warping the lid. The bento box holds about 38 ounces, so there&#;s plenty of space for lunch or dinner, making it a versatile box for kids and adults alike.
We loved the simplicity of its design&#;the box is leakproof and easy to open and close, making it a great choice for kids' lunches. However, it isn't leakproof between compartments, so if you have sauce or dressing, you'll want to pack it separately to prevent seepage. This model includes a fork, but we found it to be quite small and uncomfortable for an adult to hold, so you may want to invest in a full-sized silverware set instead.
This single-layer bento box has three compartments&#;one main section for an entree, and two smaller sections for sides and/or dessert. This was large enough for an adult portion of spaghetti and meatballs, a hunk of garlic bread , and a serving of vegetables, but it would also lend itself well to a sandwich, veggie sticks, and a serving of fruit.
To clean, this box can be run through the dishwasher on the top rack. Made of thick, recyclable polypropylene, it's very sturdy and shows no dings or scratches after several uses, but isn't insulated. The bento box is also available in several colors and comes with a full set of utensils&#;a fork, knife, spoon, and set of mini chopsticks.
Each layer's lid has a gasket around the edges, ensuring the tiers are entirely leakproof. The lids also feature a vent to allow hot air to be released during reheating in the microwave. We found that the tight-fitting lids were a little difficult to open, so this set would be best for teens and adults with better grip strength.
Bento box purists will love this classically designed box, which earned the top spot on our list after testing. Sleek and minimalist, it is composed of two tiers held together with a thick elastic band; one tier has an adjustable divider and a separate lidded container for sauces or smaller food items like berries or crackers. We noted that its compact shape is surprisingly roomy, giving you plenty of space for a traditional bento lunch of rice and meat, a side of vegetables, and even a sweet treat.
The Bentohaven Bento Lunch Box is an all-around good choice in terms of design, functionality, and price. It received high marks in testing for its roomy compartments and leakproof performance. Have kids? The Bentgo Kids' Lunch Box is lightweight, easy to use, and comes in 30 different patterns.
How We Tested Bento Boxes
We spent hours researching top-rated bento boxes before testing every item on this list in real-life settings. We used the bento boxes to pack lunches of all kinds, including main courses, salads, sauces, snacks, and desserts, and transport them in order to evaluate their portability and whether or not they leaked in transit. Each bento box was rated on its design, insulation, size, versatility, and overall value. We also cleaned the boxes and noted any signs of wear and tear or discoloration during the testing period. The tests included:
We Observed
About Our Testers
The Spruce Eats / Katherine Gallagher
What to Look for When Buying a Bento Box
Design
As you may expect with something that has been in use for nearly a millennia, Bento boxes and bento meals vary widely. At its most basic, a bento box is a tray with a lid (either attached or detached) for ease of transportation. Both traditional and more contemporary bento boxes can come in a variety of shapes and sizes but are generally either square or round. Bento meals also typically feature a variety of foods that are divided using trays or even separate compartments that are often stacked. Dividers can be fixed or moveable, allowing you more control over the portions.
Materials
The first bento boxes were made from bamboo, then later lacquered boxes and wood, such as cedar. Beginning in the 20th century, other materials began to be used, starting with aluminum in the s. Today, you can still find bento boxes made from traditional materials as well as stainless steel, plastic, and glass. Single-use bento, common in Japan at convenience stores and sometimes found abroad as well, are typically made of single-use plastic or even styrofoam.
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Insulation
Another change in bento boxes in the 20th century was the introduction of insulation in the design. Japanese insulated bento boxes tend to come in separate containers and resemble a Western-style lunchbox, with a thermos cup that fits into an insulated or non-insulated soft carrying case. The more common insulated option tends to be bento-inspired lunchboxes made by Western companies, often with a removable tray inside an insulated case. You can also find non-insulated bento boxes that come with an insulated carrying case.
Capacity
Bento boxes are designed with a single-serving meal in mind, but they can still vary in size. While there&#;s no one meal packed in a bento box, recipes and meal ideas tend to have a mix of proteins, carbs (typically rice), vegetables, and fruits. If you balance out your foods, you can typically create a filling meal, even in a smaller bento box. But if you want a big salad, for example, you may need to find a bento box specifically designed for a big pile of greens so you won't be left hungry. You can also consider how many foods you&#;re likely to want to pack: A bento box with lots of small compartments could be great if you like variety, or it could pose a problem if you typically want just a main and a side.
Lids
Early bento lids were completely separate from the base of the box and often tied up in furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, to help keep it secure. Today, the tops of boxes are often more secure, with lids and seals that resemble other food containers. Tops can be held in place with clasps, airtight lids, or gaskets. Lids are also often hinged, making it easy to keep all parts of the box together. They vary in how leak- and splash-proof they are, so think about how much you&#;ll need to transport your bento box, and even how far ahead you'll want to prep your food; an airtight seal will help keep food fresher longer and will prevent food from spilling in your bag.
Safety
Not surprisingly, before the advent of the microwave, bento meals were eaten cold. Today, like with all packed meals, it&#;s often a matter of preference. If you want to heat up meals, make sure your bento is microwave-safe. No matter your plans, ensure any plastic is BPA-free.
Maintenance
After eating out of your bento, simply wash and dry it until next time. Some bento, especially insulated models, have removable inside trays that can be washed, and the exterior is only cleaned as needed. Traditional materials, like bamboo or wood, require more care and must be hand-washed. Lacquerware can even peel and chip in the wrong environment&#;it&#;s little wonder that people opt for materials like metal and plastic when given the chance for this everyday product.
FAQs
What is a bento box?
Bento is a single-portion meal designed to be taken to go. Of Japanese origin, today bento is popular all over Asia and, increasingly, the world. The bento box is designed to carry this meal, and is a popular storage option for lunches on the go.
What foods do you pack in a bento box?
Originally, bento would have been fairly simple, just containing rice for a traveler. Over the centuries, bento developed to reflect trends in Japanese cooking. A bento will typically contain rice or noodles alongside a protein, like fish or pork, as well as vegetables. Other common items include tamagoyaki (a Japanese rolled omelet), potato or pasta salad, and fruit salad.
Do bento boxes keep food warm?
No, bento boxes typically are not made to keep food warm. Unlike a thermos, most bento boxes are not fully insulated. They can, however, be stored in an insulated carrying case.
Are bento boxes microwavable?
For most of the history of bento, the food was eaten at room temperature. With the advent of refrigerators and microwaves, many of us store food for hours before eating it at low temperatures or may just want a piping-hot meal away from home. Many bento boxes are microwave-safe, though not all. Check instructions before microwaving.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a Los Angeles-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. After a two-year stint at Williams-Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and she interviews field experts for their insight. She personally tested eight of the items on this roundup.
Marshall Bright, a writer covering food and cooking for The Spruce Eats, updated this roundup. A self-taught home chef, Marshall is passionate about making home cooking approachable and fun for more people.
A bento, or obento, is a single-portion take-out or home-packed meal, often for lunch. The word &#;bento&#; is derived from the Chinese term &#;Biandang&#; meaning &#;convenience&#; or &#;usefulness&#;.
Ready-made bento can be found in many places across Japan, from convenience stores, bento shops, railway stations, or big supermarkets and department stores.
But many Japanese home cooks usually spend their time to prepare bento lunches for their spouses and children, especially during their early school years. It is another way to show their love and care for their loved ones.
Bento box has been around for centuries, some scholars say it can date back to the 5th century. But the popularity of bento increased significantly during the 12th century after cooked-and-dried rice called &#;Hoshi-ii&#; (literary translated as &#;dried meal&#;) was invented.
Hoshi-ii can be eaten as is or boiled with water to make cooked rice, it is easy to be stored in a small bag and carried to work. As bento boxes developed, people added other foods and their creativity to go along with the rice and now you can enjoy a countless variety of bento, which has become a symbol of Japanese food culture and ideals.
A traditional Japanese bento often contains a carb (rice or noodles) with a protein (typically fish or meat), and an assortment of pickled or cooked vegetables, to create a nutritionally balanced meal in one box. Bento filled with rice balls or rice stuffed with sushi is also popular.
Popular food inside a Japanese bento box:
For traditional Japanese meals, each food is served individually on several small plates and a Japanese bento box has a similar system to arrange the food.
Each food type is organized neatly into the box, typically using small dividers or cups to separate each food or ingredients, especially those with strong flavors, to avoid them mixing or affecting the taste of overall meal. This also helps to slow the growth of bacteria, extending the shelf-life of the food and convenient to transport the bento boxes.
Bento boxes are mostly prepared to be eaten at room temperature or stored cold, but they can also be heated. The portions are bite-sized, and conveniently eaten easily using chopsticks.
Bento boxes take on many sizes and forms. Here are some common variations:
Making a bento box is not difficult and you can design and choose the food content freely. You can simply use California Rolls, some cooked rice grilled or simmered meat, or sushi and sashimi to spice up your meal. Or use your skills to craft an artistic food display, just like the Japanese, so you or your family can enjoy the meal more when open the box.
There is no specific pattern but a typical example of food ratio in the bento box is 4,3,2,1: Four for carb (rice or noodle). Three for protein (meat or fish). Two for vegetables; and one for tsukemono (Japanese pickled vegetables) or dessert.
To prepare a bento lunchbox, another important thing is to prevent food poisoning, especially during summer, when food spoil quicker in high temperature. Here are a few recommendations - Select high quality food-grade bento box that is leakproof, easy to wash and take care of. Make sure most of your food is fully cooked or heated (unless you make a sushi meal, but it should be avoided during Summer). Hot rice and an accompanying dish should be cooled down to room temperature before it is sealed. Trapped steam can lead to unwanted condensation and bacteria. Also, bento must be kept in a cool place with less moisture.
If you are looking for some ideas what to make for your bento, you can check our Japanese recipes here.
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