My Favorite School Lunch
The Best School Lunch Supplies for Kids (2026 Guide)
Originally published in 2019. Updated for 2026 with new recommendations, product testing, and current favorites.
Whether you're shopping for your child's very first school lunch or replacing a few well-loved favorites, choosing the right school lunch supplies can make packing lunches faster, easier, and less stressful.
Every back-to-school season, I get the same questions:
Which lunchbox do you recommend?
What's the best water bottle?
Which labels actually stay on?
What lunch gear is actually worth buying?
After packing school lunches for more than a decade, I've tested a lot of products. Some I've purchased myself. Some I've received to test through my work with Veggies & Virtue. But every recommendation on this list has earned its place the same way.
I ask myself one simple question:
When this eventually wears out, would I buy it again?
If the answer is yes, you'll find it here.
Companies are constantly releasing new products and new colors, but I don't replace something that's still working just because a newer version comes out. Instead, I look at cost per use. The lunch gear that gets used day after day, year after year, is almost always the best value.
Every family's budget, priorities, and kids are different. My goal isn't to convince you to buy everything on this list. It's simply to help you spend your money on products that are durable, practical, and make packing lunches easier.
Below are the school lunch supplies I'd buy all over again—and the ones I still reach for year after year.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. These commissions help support Veggies & Virtue and allow me to continue creating free resources like this one. Some of the products featured below have also been gifted to my family as part of my work with Veggies & Virtue. As always, all opinions and recommendations are my own.
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Lunch Boxes and Bento Boxes
If you've been around here for long, you probably know I'm a big fan of bento-style lunch packing.
Do you need a bento box to pack a healthy lunch? Absolutely not. Families have been packing lunches in sandwich bags and reusable containers for generations. But after years of packing school lunches, I can honestly say that bento boxes make the process so much easier, reduces waste, and can make healthy eating a pretty straight-forward process for the school year.
Instead of opening, filling, and sealing several individual containers every morning, a bento box lets you pack an entire lunch in one place. It simplifies lunch packing, cuts down on waste, and makes it easier for kids to see and access everything in their lunch.
Over the years, I've tried just about every popular lunchbox on the market. Some are plastic, some are stainless steel, and each has its own strengths. Which one is best really depends on your child's age, appetite, lunch schedule, and your family's budget and priorities.
You'll notice I haven't included any glass lunch containers. While I love glass storage at home, I haven't found it to be a practical choice for young kids. They're heavier, breakable, and can make an already heavy backpack even heavier. If you're packing lunches for yourself, though, glass containers can absolutely be a great option.
Before You Buy
One thing I always encourage parents to do is practice opening and closing a lunchbox with their child before the first day of school.
This is especially important for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and any child still developing fine motor skills. If your child can't independently open their lunchbox, they'll spend valuable lunch time waiting for an adult to help them instead of eating.
From my experience, the easiest lunchboxes for young kids to open independently are Bentgo, Yumbox, EasyLunchboxes, and PlanetBox. LunchBots are wonderfully durable, but I do find them to be one of the more difficult options for little hands to open.
Yumbox
Best for: Families who want a lightweight, leak-resistant bento that's easy for young kids to use.
Why I like it: Yumbox has been one of our most-used lunchboxes over the years, and it's still one of the brands I recommend most often. The Original is a great size for preschool and elementary-aged kids, with enough compartments to pack a balanced lunch without feeling overwhelming. As my kids have grown, we've also used and loved the Tapas and MiniSnack models for different ages and appetites.
Today, one of my favorite options is Yumbox's hybrid stainless steel lunchbox. It combines a stainless steel tray with Yumbox's signature leak-resistant lid, making it a great choice for families who want less plastic without giving up the convenience of a leakproof bento.
Things to know: Like many leak-resistant lunchboxes, the lid has small grooves around the silicone seal that need occasional cleaning. I usually use a small straw brush to keep those areas clean. The lid also takes a little longer to air dry than simpler lunchboxes, so I recommend leaving it open overnight after washing.
Average Price: Starting around $30 (varies by model).
Bentgo
Best for: Families looking for a reliable bento box at a more budget-friendly price.
Why I recommend it: Bentgo has one of the broadest lunchbox product lines available today, with several sizes, compartment configurations, and both plastic and stainless steel options. They compare most closely to Yumbox in terms of function, making them a great alternative depending on your budget and preferences.
One reason I recommend Bentgo so often is that they're frequently available on sale, both online and at stores like Sam's Club and Costco (especially their classic plastic lunchbox). If you're looking for a quality bento without spending quite as much upfront, Bentgo is often one of the best values.
Things to know: Like other leak-resistant bentos, the removable tray and silicone seal need occasional cleaning around the edges to prevent buildup. I also find it helpful to have two lunchboxes in rotation so one can fully air dry while the other is ready to pack.
Average Price: Varies by model, with frequent sales throughout the year.
OmieBox
Best for: Kids who like (or need) a hot lunch at school.
Why I recommend it: The OmieBox stands apart from most other bentos because it includes an insulated thermos, allowing you to pack both hot and cold foods in the same lunchbox. If your child enjoys leftovers, soup, pasta, chicken nuggets, or other warm meals, this can be a game changer.
It also has generous capacity, adjustable compartments, and a variety of accessories that let you customize the lunchbox as your child's needs change. For families who regularly pack hot lunches, I think it's one of the best options available.
Things to know: The OmieBox is larger than most traditional bentos, so it's often best suited for elementary-aged kids with bigger appetites. Because of the extra depth, food can shift around more during transport if the compartments aren't packed full. It's also one of the more expensive lunchboxes on the market, so it may not be the best fit if you're buying multiple lunchboxes at once. However, while it is one of the more expensive lunchboxes on the market, it's also one of the few that allows you to pack both hot and cold foods in the same container, which might lessen the need for a separate thermos.
Average Price: $49.95
LunchBots
Best for: Families who prefer stainless steel or silicone lunchboxes or want the flexibility to mix and match different sizes.
Why I recommend it: LunchBots has a wide selection of lunch containers available, with multiple compartment layouts, sizes, and now both stainless steel and silicone options. We have used everything from their smallest snack containers to their larger bentos, and each has served a different purpose depending on the age, appetite, and meal.
I especially like that the simple designs are easy to wash, hold up incredibly well over time, and fit nicely inside most standard lunch bags. If you're looking for a durable lunchbox that can grow with your family, LunchBots offers a lot of flexibility.
Things to know: Unlike some of the leak-resistant plastic bentos, most LunchBots containers aren't designed to completely seal between compartments. That's rarely an issue for dry foods, but if you're packing yogurt, applesauce, or dips, you'll likely want to use one of their silicone inserts or leakproof dip containers. I also find that LunchBots can be one of the more difficult lunchboxes for younger children to open independently, so be sure to practice at home before sending it to school.
Average Price: Varies by size and style, with many options starting around $25.
PlanetBox
Best for: Families looking for a long-lasting stainless steel lunchbox that can grow with their child.
Why I recommend it: If you're looking for a premium stainless steel lunchbox, PlanetBox continues to be one of my top recommendations. Ours have held up incredibly well over years of frequent use, and they're one of the few lunchboxes I truly expect to last through multiple school years—and even multiple kids.
PlanetBox offers several sizes and has continued to expand its product line to fit different ages, appetites, and lunch packing needs. The stainless steel trays are durable, easy to clean, and don't develop the staining or wear that some plastic lunchboxes can over time. If you're willing to invest more upfront, the cost per use is hard to beat.
Things to know: PlanetBox lunchboxes are heavier than most plastic bentos, and the larger models (like the Rover) don't fit inside every standard lunch bag. If your child already has their heart set on a particular lunch tote, double-check the dimensions before choosing a PlanetBox. In some cases, you may need to choose a smaller PlanetBox or supplement it with one of their stainless steel snack containers instead.
The upfront investment is higher than many other lunchboxes, so it may not be the best fit if you're purchasing several lunchboxes at once or trying to keep initial costs low. That said, because these are built to last, I think they often pay for themselves over time.
Average Price: Around $50
Snack Bags
Bumkins
Best for: Packing snacks, fresh produce, homemade treats, or any extras that don't fit inside a bento box.
Why I recommend them: We've used Bumkins reusable snack bags for years, and they're still the ones I reach for most often. They're lightweight, easy to pack, and help reduce our reliance on disposable plastic bags for school lunches.
I use them for everything from homemade muffins and trail mix to sliced fruits and vegetables. They're also perfect for packing utensils, napkins, or a small dip container alongside lunch. One of my favorite tricks is adding a Mabel's Labels sticker to the outside so I don't have to write my child's name on every bag each day when schools require food items to be labeled.
We own both the small and large sizes, but if I could only choose one, I'd recommend the large. It's the most versatile and always seems to come in handy.
Things to know: One question I get all the time is how to wash these. Thankfully, it's easy. You can rinse them inside out, wash them in the dishwasher, or toss them in the washing machine. I usually let mine air dry afterward, so I recommend having several in rotation if you pack lunches every day.
It's also important to know that these bags are not airtight or leakproof. I don't recommend using them for foods that need to stay especially fresh or crisp, like crackers, pretzels, or popcorn. Instead, I reserve them for fresh produce, baked goods, sandwiches, or other foods that don't rely on a tight seal.
Average Price: Around $10-20 for a multi-pack.
Stasher Bags
Best for: Families looking for a reusable, airtight alternative to disposable plastic bags.
Why I recommend them: Stasher bags are my go-to reusable bags at home. I use them in the refrigerator, freezer, pantry, and for food prep because they're transparent, making it easy to see what's inside without opening every bag. They're made from 100% food-grade silicone, which helps us cut down on both single-use plastic waste and our everyday use of plastic food storage.
They seal tightly, making them a great option for foods that need to stay fresh or crisp, and they're durable enough to be used over and over again. I especially like using them for leftovers, freezer storage, and storing snacks at home.
Things to know: Stasher bags are definitely more of an investment than disposable storage bags, so I've built my collection over time instead of buying them all at once. While they work well for school lunches, I rarely send them to school because I'd be disappointed if one was accidentally lost or thrown away. For that reason, I usually reserve them for home use and rely on less expensive reusable bags, like Bumkins, for lunches.
Average Price: Around $14 for a sandwich-sized bag.
Lunch Packing Accessories
You don't need a drawer full of lunch packing gadgets to pack a fun or balanced lunch. In fact, I use most of these accessories only occasionally. But when I do, they can make lunch packing easier, help separate foods, or add a little excitement without requiring much extra effort.
I've rounded up my favorite lunch packing accessories—including food picks, silicone muffin cups, cookie cutters, and other fun finds—in my shop so you can browse what catches your eye.
Silicone Muffin Cups
Silicone muffin cups are one of the easiest ways to customize any lunchbox. I use them to separate foods, prevent soggy items from touching other foods, or create extra compartments inside larger containers. They're inexpensive, reusable, and one of the lunch packing tools I use most often.
Food Picks & Cookie Cutters
These are completely optional, but they can be a fun way to make lunches feel a little more special—especially for younger kids. I tend to keep things simple and pull these out when I have a little extra time or want to make a holiday or birthday lunch more festive.
Dip Containers
Small leakproof dip containers are one of those lunch packing tools I didn't realize I'd use so often until I started packing school lunches regularly. They're perfect for hummus, ranch, guacamole, yogurt, nut butters (if your school allows them), or any other dip or sauce that doesn't fit well in your lunchbox.
Lunchbox Love Notes
One of my favorite additions to a lunchbox doesn't involve food at all.
I still remember the notes my mom tucked into my lunch as a kid, and I love carrying on that tradition with my own children. It doesn't have to be elaborate—a quick handwritten note on colorful paper is often enough to brighten your child's day.
If you enjoy having ready-made options, I also love these encouraging lunchbox notes from DaySpring. Around back-to-school season, I also keep an eye out at stores like Target, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels for cute stationery, notepads, and lunchbox notes to keep on hand throughout the year.
→ SHOP MY FAVORITE LUNCH PACKING ACCESSORIES
Mabels Labels
f you're only going to label one thing for back-to-school, make it the water bottle. Trust me.
Over the years, I've tried several label brands for lunchboxes, water bottles, jackets, shoes, and school supplies. I always come back to Mabel's Labels because they've consistently held up the best.
They're dishwasher-safe, washing machine-safe, and durable enough to stay put all school year. I use the same labels on everything from lunchboxes and water bottles to jackets, shoes, backpacks, and even sports equipment. I love being able to order one set and know it will work across just about everything my kids take to school.
→ SHOP LABELS
For 10% off your order, use code VEGGIES10 when ordering at www.mabelslabels.com.
One thing I've learned over the years is this:
Choose your lunchbox first. Then choose your lunch bag.
Your lunchbox is the piece you'll use every single day to pack lunch, so I recommend finding the system that works best for your child before worrying about what it will be carried in.
If you fall in love with a particular lunch bag first, just know that it may limit which lunchboxes will fit inside. This is especially true with larger options like PlanetBox, which often require a larger lunch tote than many standard lunch bags provide.
When choosing a lunch bag, I look for three things:
It fits my child's lunchbox comfortably (with room for an ice pack if needed).
It has enough insulation to help keep food cold until lunchtime.
It's durable enough to last through multiple school years.
Beyond that, I don't think there's one "best" lunch bag.
We've used everything from Lands' End and Pottery Barn Kids to inexpensive lunch bags from Target, and they've all worked well for different reasons. My kids have often chosen a lunch bag simply because they loved the pattern, and that's okay, too.
The most important thing is making sure it fits your child's lunchbox and works well for your family's daily routine.
PackIt Bags
I have to give a special mention to PackIt because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their freezable snack bags. They're fantastic for keeping yogurt, cheese, fruit, and other refrigerated snacks cold without needing a separate ice pack.
That said, I don't personally use their lunch bags. Since the insulation is built into the bag, they're bulkier than traditional lunch bags, and I prefer the flexibility of choosing my own lunch bag and ice packs. They also don't accommodate every lunchbox equally well—larger bentos like the PlanetBox can be a tight fit or not fit at all, depending on the model.
If you're looking for a great way to keep snacks cold for sports, camp, road trips, or school, though, their freezable snack bags are absolutely worth checking out.
Ice Packs
Best for: Keeping lunches safely cold until lunchtime.
Why I recommend them: A slim, durable ice pack is one of the most important parts of a lunch packing system. I prefer thin ice packs that fit easily alongside a lunchbox without taking up too much space. The ones we use have lasted for years, haven't leaked, and fit in every lunch bag we've owned.
Things to know: Before the first day of school, do a practice run. Pack your child's lunch as you normally would, add the ice pack, and let it sit until the time they would eat at school. Check that foods needing refrigeration are still cold. If they aren't, try adding a second ice pack on the opposite side of the lunchbox to keep everything at a safe temperature.
Water Bottles
If there's one school supply that's almost guaranteed to disappear at some point, it's the water bottle.
Lunchboxes usually make it home every afternoon. Water bottles somehow get left at school, forgotten at soccer practice, ride home with another family, or vanish into the mysterious black hole where kids' belongings seem to go.
Because of that, I encourage you to think about your family's philosophy before choosing one.
Maybe each child gets one special water bottle to start the school year, and if it's lost, the replacement comes from the family stash. Maybe they save up for a replacement if they want another trendy one. Or maybe your family keeps a collection of durable, interchangeable water bottles that everyone can use.
There's no right answer.
Just remember that the value of a water bottle isn't always determined by how long it lasts—it's also determined by how likely it is to make it back home and how much you're willing to spend if it doesn't.
Whatever you choose, make sure it's a size your child can comfortably carry, open, drink from, and refill independently throughout the school day. Bigger isn't always better.
Simple Modern Water Bottles
Best for: A durable stainless steel water bottle for the whole family.
Why I recommend it: There are hundreds of water bottles on the market, and between raising my own kids and years of testing products for this blog, it feels like we've tried them all. Trends come and go, but I continue to come back to Simple Modern.
They offer sizes for toddlers through adults, a variety of lid styles, and enough colors and patterns that everyone can find one they like. Most importantly, they've consistently proven to be durable, easy to clean, and reliable. We've had very few issues with leaking, broken lids, or damaged straws, and I love that we don't have to keep track of a dozen different replacement parts for different brands.
Things to know: I recommend choosing stainless steel over plastic whenever possible for durability and long-term use. Simple Modern bottles regularly go on sale, especially if you're flexible about the color or pattern.
Average Price: Around $17–20.
FAQ Section
What lunch supplies do kids need for school?
At a minimum, most children need a lunchbox or bento box, water bottle, lunch bag (if needed), and an ice pack for cold foods. Everything else is optional and depends on your family's routine.
Are bento boxes worth it?
For many families, yes. Bento boxes make it easier to pack balanced lunches, reduce the need for disposable bags, and help keep foods separated. They're convenient but not required.
What is the best water bottle for school?
I recommend a durable stainless steel water bottle that's easy for your child to open, close, and refill independently. After trying many brands over the years, Simple Modern continues to be my family's favorite.
How do you keep school lunches cold?
Use an insulated lunch bag with one or two slim ice packs and test your lunch packing system before the first day of school to make sure refrigerated foods stay cold until lunchtime.
What lunch bag should I buy?
Choose your lunchbox first, then your lunch bag. The size of your lunchbox determines which bags will fit, and some larger bentos require roomier lunch totes.
Off to School They Go!
And just like that, you're ready to pack another school year's worth of lunches!
I hope this guide has helped you feel more confident about choosing the supplies that will work best for your family. Remember, you don't need to buy everything on this list. Start with what you have, replace the items that aren't working anymore, and build your lunch-packing collection over time.
The goal isn't to have the cutest lunch or the trendiest gear. It's to create a lunch-packing system that's easy to use, fits your budget, and helps make busy school mornings just a little bit smoother.
Here's to a wonderful school year filled with full bellies, happy kids, and lunchboxes that (hopefully) make it home every day.
Happy packing!