9 Absolute Best Lunch Boxes For Adults

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A lunch box is one of those items that you don't realize you really need until you don't have one handy. A standard tote bag is too big and doesn't keep things cold, while a leftover paper bag is too weak to hold your leftovers — but a lunch box is just right. Sure, you might buy one for your kiddo to take to school, but when was the last time you invested in a stylish and functional lunch box for your own day-to-day use? 

If you're looking for a new lunch bag to take with you to school or work, or if you are scouring the internet for a functional gift for a friend or family member who loves leftovers, we've got you covered. We examined the overall functionality and durability of some of the most highly-rated lunch boxes on Amazon and compiled a list of the ones worth buying. While we relied on professional reviews for some recommendations, most of these picks are inspired by Amazon customers and reflect the best value-for-money selections you can find. 

Prices are as of the date of publication and may vary based on region. 

You might be wondering why anyone in their right mind would pay $65 for a lunch box, especially one without all the bells and whistles, built-in food warmer, and more. But with Yeti, you're paying for quality and durability — and this lunch box is more than worth the buy. 

The Daytrip 3L can fit your Yeti-branded ice pack (or an off-brand buy, too) and is designed to keep food chilled and fresh for a long time. The cooler giant's lunch box is made with proprietary Coldflex insulation and can be outfitted with a separate Daytrip strap so that it can be slung over your shoulder on your way to work, school, or wherever. This box is chic and never goes out of style, especially since it comes in as many color options as it does. Match it to your Yeti Rambler and Tundra cooler and you'll be all set for wherever your next adventure takes you. 

Need something bigger? Yeti also sells a great 6L Daytrip Insulated Lunch Bag with double the capacity. It's priced on Amazon at $80, so it's a little jump from an already pricey lunch box. But the quality of this larger model is just as good. Despite its magnetic fold closure, happy customers report that it keeps ice and food for a very long time. It offers the same durability as the Daytrip 3L, just with a little more room to work with. 

Purchase the Yeti Daytrip 3L Lunch Box on Amazon for $65

Now you can buy a Carhartt lunch bag that matches your favorite beanie! Don't be fooled though — this insulated 12-can option from the popular outdoorswear manufacturer isn't just a pretty face. It's made with a 600D canvas, meaning you won't have to worry about it ripping and breaking when you put especially heavy leftovers in it. Plus, it's coated with Carhartt's Rain Defender coating, so it's protected from rain and won't get soaked on your way to the office or school. When water hits it, it just beads up and slips off the exterior. The bag can hold up to 8 liters, making it slightly more spacious than Yeti's Daytrip 3L. It also comes with both a handle and a top strap, making it easy to transport in whatever way is most comfortable for you. 

Sure, this bag doesn't come in nearly as many color options as some of the other brands on this list, but it does cover the basic color gamut of black, navy, camo, and the signature Carhartt brown. Overall, Amazon customers who have purchased this cooler bag are pleased with their choice, especially considering the bag's capacity and durability in adverse weather conditions. However, the one important thing that many of them note, which may be a dealbreaker for you, is that the shoulder strap is not adjustable. 

Purchase the Carhartt Insulated 12-Can Two Compartment Lunch Cooler on Amazon for $29.50

If you're after a slightly more retro a lunch box, the Stanley 10-quart vintage lunch box may be more up your alley. This '50s inspired lunch box comes in three simple colors — Hammertone silver, Hammertone green, and black — and it is the perfect accessory for camping. It was designed with the OG Stanley thermos in mind; you can store an entire full-sized one inside it. It also has a 10-quart capacity, making it one of the largest options on this list. If you're packing food for several days, whether out on a backpacking trip or feeding an army, it might be a worthy investment for you. 

Stanley is known for its durability, and this lunch tin is no different. Unlike many of the other options on this list, it does not have a strap handle, meaning you won't have to worry about it breaking as you carry your bag from home to wherever your destination is. It's also made with millimeter steel — meaning there are few things that can puncture or break it. Despite its composition, it is lighter than you may think. At only 2 pounds, it's easy to tuck into a backpack or carry in your hand wherever your adventure takes you. This is a lunch box that you can pass down to future generations, making it well-worth the high initial investment. 

Purchase the Stanley Classic Lunch Box, 10-quart on Amazon for $55

Not all of us can be blessed with a workplace with a microwave. While there are some foods that are better eaten cold (like pizza), your soups, stews, and more will taste better warmed up. That's where this surprisingly affordable electric lunch box from Crock-Pot comes in. The 20-ounce size is perfect for individual meals, and all you need to do to operate it is plug it in using the cord, and your food will be piping hot in no time. The handle makes it easy to carry and transport, and it's just small enough that it can fit into a bag or be carried right into work or school with you. The cord, when not in use, can be stored underneath the lunch box, which prevents you from losing or misplacing it. 

The design of this Crock-Pot is very modern, sleek, and, most importantly, practical. It comes in four matte colors, including blush pink, faded blue, moonshine green, and black licorice, and the inner metal carrier vessel and screw-on top can be put in the dishwasher between uses. This product is a favorite among Amazon reviewers, who report buying it for work, school, and more. They compliment its "plug-and-play" design and note that it keeps food remarkably warm. It would make an excellent gift for any leftover enthusiast. 

Purchase the Crock-Pot 20-Ounce Electric Lunch Box on Amazon from $19.73

You don't always need to have a lunch box with all the bells and whistles — it is just a lunch box, after all. The Bentgo Deluxe Lunch Box is an excellent option for someone looking for something practical, affordable, and simple. It comes in many different colors, running the gamut of purple and bright blue to more conservative colors like gray, carbon black, and blush. The insulation capacity on this bag is no joke; it can keep food cold for upwards of four hours with the help of an ice pack. It also has a ton of different pockets, including an exterior one for storing napkins and silverware, interior mesh for an ice pack, and a main compartment, which can fit most standard-sized lunch boxes. 

This strap is also quite comfortable to carry and comes with both a shoulder strap and a handle. Each Bentgo bag comes with a two-year warranty as well, so if your strap happens to break or the zipper pops, you know who to call. That said, Amazon customers who have purchased this bag highlight its overall durability, noting that it is able to carry a considerable load. Some reviewers have commented that it's even too large, so you might want to opt for one of the smaller selections on this list if you're only taking a small lunch box or a couple of snacks with you to the office. 

Purchase the Bentgo Deluxe Lunch Box on Amazon for $24.99

Arctic Zone may specialize in outdoors supplies, but just because you're taking a trip into the office instead of the woods doesn't mean that you can't make use of its cooler. This Deep Freeze cooler is one of the only ones on this list that comes in four different sizes — 9-can, 16-can, 30-can, and 48-can — so you can easily find a size fit for your needs. The top of the cooler is zip-less, meaning you won't have to worry about a zipper getting stuck or ripping. It also comes with generous side pockets for stuffing napkins, silverware, and snacks into. One of our favorite features of this cooler is the removable HardBody Liner with SmartShelf. You can put soft items, like sandwiches, that would otherwise be crushed under the weight of your other containers, on the shelf, or remove it entirely if you prefer. 

The liner and overall construction are another highlight of this lunch box. The outside is stain-resistant and easy to clean, while the inside features MicroBan technology that will help reduce the spread of bacteria. It's also comfortable to carry since the strap has an anti-slip pad. You can even use the bungee cord on top to hold other items, making it a must-have for picnics and outdoor adventuring. Overall, reviewers are pleased with this lunch box and its overall durability, noting that although it is a little pricey, it's more than worth buying.

Purchase the Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze Cooler on Amazon from $32.99

If you're the kind of person that doesn't like their food to touch on a plate, a bento box may be the right fit for you. Traditional bento boxes usually feature Japanese fare, including rice or noodles, protein, and fermented sides, but with this bento box from Shell and Turtle, you can bento-ify any of your favorite lunch foods. Each order comes with the plastic bento box, as well as a silverware set, silicone liners, and a sauce container. There are many different colors to choose from, so you can easily find one that fits your aesthetic needs. 

The design of this container is super simple and approachable. The box has a 40-ounce total capacity with one large compartment (2 ⅔ cups) and three smaller ones (1 cup and two ⅔ cups). The sturdy lid with corresponding gaskets ensures that none of your components mix during transit, nor do they leak into your reusable grocery bag or tote. The main compartments are dishwasher and microwave-safe (though the lid is not), making cleanup a breeze. 

The bento box design would be great for anyone who likes to assemble their meals right before eating instead of having to eat soggy, pre-prepared foods. It can also be a great pick for someone who is looking for a tool for portion control. Overall, Amazon reviewers who have purchased this product have positive things to say about it, especially its overall quality, design, and size. 

Purchase the Shell and Turtle Bento Box Adult Lunch Box on Amazon from $12.99

Higher-end lunch boxes can cost you $30, $40, or even more than that. So, we wanted to include at least one more budget-friendly option on this list for shoppers who don't necessarily need the most fashion-forward or brand-name product just to pack last night's pasta into. This Easyfun lunch box is simple in the best of ways. It comes in a variety of color options, which vary in price, but all boast the same features and design. Its main pocket can hold up to 12 cans at a time. Unlike some of the heavier and more durable options on this list, this lunch box weighs less than half a pound, meaning you won't have to worry about weighing down your entire backpack or tote with it. The water-resistant, durable Oxford cloth coating is perfect for most cases, and folks who have purchased it report that the handle is durable and long enough to carry the bag in many ways. 

Users are impressed by this lunch box's overall functionality, spaciousness, and construction — not bad for a bag that costs less than $20. Some even say that it looks more like a handbag or a purse than a standard lunch box. While it might not carry the name-brand status of some of the other lunch boxes on the list, it's a great value overall and one worth considering. 

Purchase the Easyfun Insulated Lunch Box on Amazon from $7.99

A "lunch box" is more than just the carrying container. If you want to have everything you need for a pack-away lunch, you're going to have to stock up on the "extras" — we're talking silverware, reusable bags for small snacks, and the containers themselves. Luckily, this affordable and chic set from Jbgoyon has you covered. It comes in six different colors and includes the same components for each: a dishwasher-safe (with the exception of the lid), BPA-free bento-style container with a stackable three-layer design; knife, fork, and spoon set; two snack bags; and a purse-style lunch bag for carrying it all. Considering the number of components you get in this set, as well as its overall reported durability, this is one item worth buying. It may even save you more in the long run, seeing as you don't have to buy all of the individual components to make the set. 

One of the big selling points of this lunch bag is how spacious it is. While it's designed to fit the bento box that is included in the set, you could also use it with an entirely different food storage container. Users also praise the compartment design of this product, though they note that it will only close if you use all three layers of the bento box, which may not make it very useful for folks packing small lunches. 

Purchase the Jbgoyon Bento Lunch Box Set on Amazon for $26.99

Although the phrase "lunch box" makes it sound very simple, there are many different types of lunch boxes to choose from, including bento-style containers, purse-style designs, and bags that can double as coolers. We wanted to highlight the diversity of lunch boxes available while also giving you recommendations for the most functional and durable products. While we consulted some professional reviews to compile this list, we primarily relied on Amazon reviewers, since they've used the products and can report on their overall benefits and drawbacks. Durable materials, spacious capacity, and useful add-ons (like pockets, silverware, or extra snack bags) boost a bag's functionality and can make it more worth buying.

While we looked at the positive feedback that users gave about the products, we also considered negative reviews and what they revealed about the lunch box's durability and functionality. Issues like leaks, poor insulation, and easily broken zippers decrease the overall durability some bags, which is why we noted if these issues reported with a specific product. Overall, though, these bags are some of the most well-reviewed on Amazon, with the number of reviewers ranging from several hundred to several thousand — ensuring that both positive and negative feedback weren't just "one-offs."