Forget Flimsy Baggies, I've Finally Upgraded to this Sleek and Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Adult Lunchbox
I'm purging forever chemicals from my convenient food containers
Taking a packed lunch to work, on days out, or for longer car journeys no longer needs to result in soggy sandwiches or salads. I’m swapping baggies and plastic food containers for a sleek, durable, non-toxic, compartmentalised one.
The $35.99 HOMEKOL Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box from Amazon has internal silicone lids, which are non-toxic, to keep contents from mixing in the separate areas.
Article continues belowWhy Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes Are the Superior Choice
This slimline lunch box measures 7"D x 5"W x 1.5"H (inches), and holds around 3.38 cups worth of food, while fitting into backpacks and handbags easily. The peek-a-boo style lid has BPA-free plastic for durability and visibility.
I've been on a mission to create a non-toxic home for the last two years, and slowly replacing everything that poses a risk. I have also been working to be more sustainable at home, which means investing in items that are durable and will last longer than a lightweight or cheap alternative.
While this stainless steel item has less bulk than you might expect, it doesn’t mean less functionality or an inferior sturdy design. It's built to last with snug construction and stainless steel screws holding the lid to the box instead of the usual plastic hinges you might find.
The silicone separators that cover each compartment, alongside the BPA-free plastic viewing windows in the lid, are food safe and come apart for full cleaning and drying.
That is vital for avoiding any hidden mould from forming underneath the silicone areas when cleaning up after each use.
Whilst the item is not insulated, you can pop some cool packs (I like the small Cool Cooler reusable ice packs from Amazon for their compact size) under, beside, or on top of food to keep your lunch cool for around 2-4 hours.
I have been using a larger thermo-insulated cooler bag for my lunches on days in the office or for days out, in fact, but it’s large, cumbersome, and needs multiple food containers inside.
This stainless steel option is exactly what I need to pack the various elements of my lunch and slip it into my handbag, rather than having to carry an additional bag around. It also looks chic and modern, which makes it feel grown-up. If you're thinking of it for your children's lunches, there are four fun silicone colorways to pick from.
What Shoppers Say
Suitable for grown-ups and school lunches, shoppers rate how durable this product is, love that it has no microplastics, and are pleased that the internal silicone seal really keeps the contents of the compartment separate.
One shopper who awarded it five out of five stars says, ‘This is the perfect lunchbox. Stainless so no microplastics. The top has the seal, so I can pack juicy food and not worry. And thankfully, it is removable, so you can truly get it clean (as opposed to the plastic counterparts of this type of product). It has held up incredibly well in the dishwasher. My little one can open and close it himself!’
Another rated its durability and quality, giving it five stars, too. They explain, ‘Great and sturdy. You pay a little more for this one, but you get what you pay for, as the handles don’t crack and fall off, and the hinges are reinforced with steel screws.’
What to Shop
While you may have one of the best non-toxic air fryers, or have made sure your coffee is clear of BPA plastic and forever chemicals with one of the top non-toxic coffee makers, it can be easy to lean into affordable convenience for your everyday food storage or packed lunch needs.
However, these items can often have hidden chemicals that leach into your food and pose a health risk in the long run. Here, I’ve curated safe, useful food containers to have in your kitchen, pantry, and when on the move.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
I have been testing the larger selection of this set, and they're seriously impressive. Not only are they non-toxic, free of forever chemicals, and dishwasher/freezer safe, but they can go in the microwave or oven with their lids off. I use them for marinating, storing salads, lunches, leftovers, and batch cooking. They use ceramic-coated glass.
Silicone means no toxic elements to contend with. These have attached lids, and the matching set collapses down when not in use to save space. Store lunches, leftovers, batch-cooked meals, or prepped vegetables and fruit for your midday meals with ease.
I use this dishwasher-safe silicone set on constant rotation for freezing food portions and enjoying easy storage that saves space in my freezer and makes defrosting quicker. This set includes 2-cup, 1-cup, half-cup, and 2 tbps portions, with steel rims for easy loading.
Dishwasher safe and reusable hundreds of times, you can say goodbye to plastic baggies for your lunch or snacks. The stand-up design makes it easier to load or keep in the fridge. They're easy to wash and reduce the need for one-use products at lunch.
Organize your cooking and baking essentials effortlessly with this 105-ounce glass storage canister that is non-toxic. I like to keep my salad toppers in my glass canisters for retaining that crunch, as they are air-tight and I can easily keep track of low stock.
Made from bamboo, a fast-growing resource that is kinder to the planet, this minimalist fruit and vegetable storage tower will help you say goodbye to any plastic stands currently doing the task in your kitchen. The bottom layer has a roll-on lid for storing root vegetables in the dark to prolong their shelf life.
You can also switch to beeswax instead of plastic wrap, but it's not just your kitchen and lunches that need nasty chemicals cleared out. Learn the key non-toxic gardening swaps to make this year.
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