The time has come folks.

Summer is just around the corner and we’re about to be planning all of our warmer weather adventures. With more outings, road trips, hiking, and camping expeditions on the horizon, it’s time to look for some great food storage options to take our meals on the go.

Let us get this out of the way: the lunch box is not just a children’s item. Adults can and should use them too. Whether you take your lunch to work or need something to keep your beers cool for your next patio party, a lunch box is the easy solution.

The good news is that there is no shortage of options to choose from. Lunch boxes come in every size, shape, and form. You can wear them cross-body, find collapsible containers, and even trendy bento boxes. We’ve tested all the top totes for your snacking needs, including favorites from Caraway, YETI, Out of the Woods, and Bellroy.

Below, we listed the best lunch boxes of 2024. Read on to find the one that is right for you, and while you have food on your mind, be sure to take a look at our roundup of the best kitchen products from Amazon, too.

RELATED: The 15 best storage containers and bins for your home in 2024

Size: 7.5 x 9 x 4.3 inches

Who doesn’t want a machine-washable lunch box from Vera Bradely? It’s made with quilted cotton, features a lined interior slip pocket for ice packs, and includes an ID window to properly display your name. Choose between several unique floral prints, bold patterns, and decorative styles.

Editor’s Note: Your picnic pack has arrived. I adore Vera Bradley’s selection of delightful prints, and this lunch bag screams summer. Vera Bradley’s classic quilted fabric has been upgraded with an insulated interior and slip pocket for ice packs, so your food stays cool. It’s not the largest bag, but for a light lunch, it will easily do the trick. And the best part? If it gets dirty, you can just throw it in the washing machine.

Size: 10.7 x 8.7 x 4.6 inches

Available in four colors, this insulated lunch box is made with a water-resistant exterior and a rock-solid form, so you don’t have to worry about your lunch getting crushed and smashed. Complete your YETI lunch lineup with the Thin Ice ice pack ($18) and Molle Zinger multitool ($30).

Editor’s Note: Keep your food fresh for hours with this high-quality pack from YETI. This bag works like a charm. The insulation power is top-notch and the cold-cell foam is also included to keep your food at just the right temperature. I only wish this bag came with a shoulder strap because if it did, I would always have it on me. Check out our review on which YETI items we think are worth it, too!

Size: 7.1 x 4.7 x 2.7 inches

Choose from eight different colors, and enjoy a BPA-free and microwaveable-safe stackable lunch box. Further details include three portioned compartments, eco-friendly material, and nesting containers for space-saving goodness. For bento lunch box options for kids, click here.

Customers are saying: “These are great for kid’s lunches, adult lunches, portion control meal planning, field trips, etc. Those that complain that it’s smaller than they thought, the sizes are clearly listed and they are true to size. Anything larger and you’d either gorge yourself or waste food.”

Size: 10 x 4 x 8.5 inches

Keep your food cold with the help of this insulated lunch box. With interior zippered mesh and pockets, you can also successfully store all of your utensils and small snacks. This is hands down one of the best lunch boxes for men as well.

Customers are saying: “I knew the brand would be sturdy, and it totally is. It is great quality and should never fall apart like the kind we get themed for little kids… It is much larger than I imagined, but it is designed in a way that can get thinner or fit in, while also being grip-able to youth’s hands inside a dark large backpack filled with the stuff the schools require them to have these days.”

Size: 6.5 x 8.8 x 8.5 inches

Toss in your food, drinks, and snacks, and prepare to look good while doing it. Simply toss the bag over your shoulder and call it a day! The shoulder strap is also adjustable, so you can find your perfect fit. or if you prefer a grab-and-go option opt for the top handle.

Customers are saying: “Bought this for my kid for lunch…almost didn’t give it to them it’s SO CUTE! So far surviving elementary school use-very strong, well-made, durable. Great quality-worth every dollar.”

Size: 10x 6.6 x 8.5 inches

With high-quality material and a diverse range of prints and colors, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect lunch match. Further details include a padded handle, a durable zipper, and a waterproof build. There is no shortage of marvelous colorways to choose from. Reviewers also mention that it is quite easy to clean.

Customers are saying: “I am notorious for spilling things, and I have dumped coffee and all manner of sauce all over the outside of this bag. It wipes up pretty quickly, and I’ve even tossed it in the washer, in a lingerie bag on easy cycle, and it’s come out great!

Size:  10.5 x W 12 x 7.25 inches

She made it on Shark Tank! For a classic option, opt for this Modern Picnic luncher. With a thin crossbody strap and an embossed design, you’ll dress up your lunch game with ease. The strap is also removable, so you can carry it without the extra piece in the way if that is what you prefer.

Customers are saying: “I was amazed at the packaging. It was like opening a new designer purse. The large launcher is so nice. The price was great. I can’t wait to wear it to work.”

Size: 10.5 inches (height)

With a sleek, modern design, this Hydro Flask lunch box is great for work, picnics, adventures, and everything in between. The fully lined interior makes for easy cleaning, and the Interior pocket is ideal for storing utensils and an ice pack. Choose from an array of colors and sizes.

Customers are saying: “Not too big but not too small. It’s the perfect size! We use it for my son’s lunch and it fits everything great, also does not squish his lunch if he decides to keep in his backpack!! Great choice!!”

Size: 7.2 x 4.2 x 4.5 inches

As the brand says, “Stack, lock and go!” With three separate compartments, you can ensure your food stays organized and put. Worried about leaks or spills? Don’t be. Four sturdy clasps make a “click” sound so you know it’s securely fastened.

Customers are saying: “I bought the OmieBox Bento Box for my son a few years ago, and I loved it so much that I had to try out these containers. They do not disappoint! They are roomy, the seal is airtight, and since I hate handwashing dishes, I appreciate that I can pop it all in the dishwasher. The stacking feature is really fun, too.”

Size: 10 x 6.6 x 10.6 inches

With a wide-open mouth, heat-welded insulation, and an easy-to-clean inside, this lunch box can fit all of your food and more. We also can’t get enough of the outside pockets, as they make for the cutest lunch box. The eco-friendly aluminum material keeps your food warm or cold for four to six hours.

Customers are saying: “Not too big and not too small. I love the front pocket to store napkins and utensils. Great at keeping the food cold. It also fits in my bookbag for the trek from the parking garage to the office.”

Size: 36 ounces (capacity)

Who doesn’t want a dishwasher-safe, collapsable option that comes in an array of pastel colors? Reviewers love that these containers can be compressed to take up less room in the kitchen drawers or cabinets. In fact, we want them all! Thankfully, you can buy in sets of three or five.

Customers are saying: “I bought the OmieBox Bento Box for my son a few years ago, and I loved it so much that I had to try out these containers. They do not disappoint! They are roomy, the seal is airtight, and since I hate handwashing dishes, I appreciate that I can pop it all in the dishwasher. The stacking feature is really fun, too.”

Size: 6.7 x 9.5 x 11.4 inches

With a large capacity and a simple, yet stylish design, you’ll want to take this guy with you everywhere. There’s plenty of space to accommodate all your snacks. The easily accessible velcro closure is ideal for little ones, and the thick pearl cotton and aluminum materials retain temperature, so your food stays warm or cool.

Customers are saying: “They seal completely with velcro so nothing falls out and there are no sticky-zipper issues. When empty they fold up nicely for easy storage. I was able to label them easily too. We’ve been using them for a bit and I will update about long-term durability if I find any issues.”

Size: 7.5 x 4.75 x 7.95 inches

With a heat barrier that reflects heat instead of absorbing it, this zipperless lunchbox is both unique and effective. You can also rest assured knowing your new lunchbox is leak-proof, so you can successfully prevent spills and messes. It’s even been designed with shelves to separate items.

Customers are saying: “The Titan is very well made with great multilayer insulation performance. Keeps ice for over 24 hours and has a convenient removable tray for storing a few sandwiches. Non zipper closure works surprisingly well, makes a tight seal and very easy to use compared to zipper designs.”

Size: 11.6 x 6.7 x 12 inches

Choose from florals to solids and enjoy an everyday lunch tote. It keeps food cold or warm for up to four hours, and the flexible material expands to fit various packages and food. Best of all, it’s machine washable, so there’s no need to worry if your food leaks or spills.

Customers are saying: “The BUILT LB31-BLK Gourmet Getaway Soft is a game-changer when it comes to transporting food! Its sleek design is both stylish and practical, providing insulation to keep food hot or cold for hours. The spacious interior accommodates various containers and dishes, making it perfect for picnics, beach outings, or bringing lunch to work.”

We tried them out so you don’t have to! Finding the right lunch box to meet your eating habits and lifestyle can be tricky. To provide a detailed review of the best adult lunch boxes, we tested some of the top brands firsthand. Each product was evaluated based on a few factors — durability, style, and temperature control capacity.

Durability: When it comes to durability, we looked for lunch boxes that were designed with sturdy, thick, tear-resistant material. Did the zippers work? How easy were they to open? Do they stay standing or slump over when placed down? To put these lunch boxes to the test, I may have also drizzled some water over them — evaluated whether they were truly waterproof, and tested just how easy it was to wipe away stains. I also sent meal-prep containers through the dishwasher and the microwave just to make sure they held up.

Style: Everyone has their preference when it comes to aesthetics, but for this review, we looked for brands that offered lunch boxes in a variety of styles. Whether you prefer a simple solid colorway or enjoy brighter shades, or intricate patterns — there is something here for you. I also made note of the design elements, including whether the bag was more compact, boxy, or slim. With bags that offer straps and handles, I tested out how functional and comfortable they were to hold and carry.

Temperature control: There is nothing worse than pulling out your sandwich and realizing it’s severely soggy. Perhaps the most important part of lunch box shopping is ascertaining whether these boxes truly maintain the temperature (hot or cold) of the foot they are storing. I popped in some icepacks and tested out how long the packs kept my food cold, and also made note of whether there was any condensation left over. For the reverse test, I also heated up some items to check the heat retention quality.

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