Let’s talk about food containers to go along with our Make-Ahead Lunch Box series.
I love all the eco-friendly packaging available now. Occasionally, we still use a disposable ziplock baggie or two. But if at all possible, packaging “to-go” foods in containers we can wash and reuse just makes so much more sense – and saves so much money!
You all know I have and love this Pyrex Storage 10-Piece Set. The lids in this set seal very well. The variety of sizes offer great options for packing side dishes of cut fruits and veggies, or main dishes like pasta salads and wraps.
As I was looking at other great options to share with you, I came across a good price on this 10-Piece Set of Round Glass Storage Bowls. Oh yeah, I filled them up in my head within about 2 seconds of looking at them. Fruit salad, potato salad, soup, pasta salad, tossed salad, pasta leftovers…
If you’re more into BPA free plastic for packing lunches, I like these Fit & Fresh 1-cup containers at iHerb. I love that they have a built-in ice pack to keep food cold. Even better, iHerb will give you a free $10 (with $40 purchase) if you purchase through my referral links. So click here if you want to get these containers for FREE, along with some other goodies! (You can also use the code BID487 at check-out to receive $10 off your $40 purchase. Shipping at iHerb is free with orders over $20.
I really like these Lunchskins re-usable sandwich and snack bags. BUT, I don’t recommend you pay these Amazon prices. Surely you can find them cheaper at an actual store? What has been your experience purchasing these types of bags? Is there a store you can suggest? My small town doesn’t offer items like this that I know of.
How about for packing hot food? I’ve heard from several of you that thermoses just don’t hold enough food. I found this 16-ounce stainless steel thermos that seems to be a good option. At least it would hold more than a 10-ounce thermos, right?
What do you use for packing food to go?
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Last year for back to school my Wal Mart had Igloo brand reusable lunch bags in a sandwich size with velcro closures for $2.96 each. I bought three and after one year they are still as good as new. I wash and air dry them for hubby’s lunch daily. I have not been there this year to look for them but I wish I had more. Hubby would not want glass because of the weight and he already has to carry multiple items across a large parking lot to the office every day.
I have found the reusable zipper top sandwich bags on clearance at my Walgreen’s! I think they were $3.99 and adorable prints! My daughter has the owl one and it’s got a waterproof lining and cleans up great… Been using it over a year.
For my kiddos, I love BPA free Ziplock divided lunch containers (available at Target and on Amazon). They have 3 compartments perfect for a sandwich or other main dish, plus a veggie and a fruit side. Better still they fit in a Land’s End lunch bag, with a water bottle. A two pack, lasted my oldest nearly 2 years before one lid got a crack.
Kristin, I love those too! I got a 4-pack and only one survived my kindergartener… but I got 6 more from Amazon for $12 this year. I think I am OK with re-buying them every year at that price. They are so useful for packing a multi-part lunch without needing to open several containers, and my daughter really likes being able to get to her whole lunch at once.
Why, oh why, does my heart beat wildly when I see glass storage containers? I’m glad I’m not the only person on the planet who gets giddy over Pyrex!
My wife and I love the Glasslock containers we offer on our website. We have been using ours for years! They are made of tempered glass so they are plenty strong and have snap lock closures so they don’t leak , even if left upside down in the lunch bag. If you are looking for something more durable for the kiddos, we have several styles of tiffin boxes made of stainless steel so they will handle the dings, no problem. Some are even insulated so you are guaranteed a hot lunch when you want it! Check us out at containeremporium.com