BWB goes BACK TO SCHOOL!

So, let's get packing...
I spent some time this summer and researched my hot cross buns off to find the ideal lunch containers for any school aged Piggies. I actually enjoy doing these kinds of things, so you don't have to thank me. But, you're welcome. Enjoy! 

Top choices:

Planet Box

LunchBots

Bentgo

Yumbox

Pottery Barn Kids Bentos

Rubbermaid LunchBlox

Thermos

The reviews for all of these brands were pretty much the same. Most people “LOVED” their choices. Therefore, I concluded that it all basically came down to personal preference. Start off by asking yourself: Stainless steel or plastic? Leak proof or not? Portion size? Budget? Design? That will help narrow your search. And when you go to shop, be sure to compare the brand sites with Amazon prices because you never know where you might find the best deal! 

Planet Box is hands down the most expensive but most complete (and largest) stainless steel system. It reminded me of a metal briefcase…that fits in a lunchbox. It even comes with it’s own lunch bag and magnet decor. They offer leak proof mini containers for dips and sauces but the main box is for dry foods only. They offer small to large design options for all meal sizes (Shuttle, Lauch, Rover), utensils, cold packs, and the Bottlerocket for drinks. 

LunchBots is more simplistic (think: stainless steel version of Tupperware), offering a larger variety of sizes, colored lids, and compartment options vs Planet Box. The basic boxes are not leak proof but they offer mini 1.5 oz leak proof containers (for dips, sauces, or dressings) as well as 4 & 8 oz leak proof containers and a 16 oz insulated thermos for hot food. They do have a snap lid leak proof box option, however, it did not get good reviews after prolonged use (the snaps tended to wear out) and people preferred the original design. The main boxes are priced reasonably, but I thought the leak proof containers were a bit pricey. They also offer lunch bags and utensils, but no drink options.

Bentgo is the plastic, leak proof version of Planet Box. It looks kind of bulky but is in a completely self contained plastic shell with with a removable plastic tray that boasts lots of different compartments. It also comes in fun colors with a line of accessory options like dip containers, ice packs, and a cup with a snap on lid. They also have a “grown up” line of more neutral colors, sleeker design, and larger portion offerings. 

Yumbox is like the less bulky version of Bentgo. It’s a complete plastic, leakproof system but the design is slimmer. The clear inner tray is removable, comes in plain or decorated with kid friendly illustrations, and they have every color option you could want for the outer case as well as insulated lunch bags to match. That’s all you get with Yumbox though- no accessories or drink options. 

Pottery Barn Kids (PBK) offers the Spencer Bento box. It is the most economically priced out of the entire bunch with an under $20 price tag. It’s a plastic square, "snug fit" top (not sure if it's leak proof), 5 compartment design, comes in basic colors, and very durable from what I read in the reviews. It fits neatly in a PBK lunch box. PBK also offers a wide selection of other lunch bags, containers, water bottles and hot/cold containers (like Thermos). Definitely worth a look if you're into one stop shopping!

Rubbermaid LunchBlox is unique because each piece is a separate plastic container, making it more versatile than some of the larger one-piece systems. You have the option of only packing what you need rather than the entire set. Each piece fits (like blocks) onto a big ice pack, which is what sets it apart from traditional Rubbermaid containers. They offer different size sets for different portions and shapes to fit any lunch box. It’s reasonably priced for the amount of containers that you are getting.

Thermos Funtainer & Foogos are the cylindrical hot food containers and water bottles (leak proof). From what I have read, the trick to hot food storage is to fill up the container with hot water  for a few minutes prior to filling with hot food. You let the water heat up the container, dump it out, then fill with your food. The only difference between the two models that I could tell was that the Funtainers come in more FUN design options while the Foogos are sleeker. They are about $5 less than the PBK hot/cold containers and bottles but all very similar in design and reviews. 

Bad Wolf’s CHOICE?

LunchBots and Thermos (+ S’well Bottle)! I definitely wanted stainless and LunchBots seemed like the most versatile. I like how the containers are various sizes but not huge so they will fit in any lunch bag. I mixed and matched bento boxes with leak proof containers. I also purchased a Thermos Funtainer for hot foods (instead of the significantly more expensive LunchBots version). We will continue to use our S’well 9 oz bottles for carrying drinks. Look for photos to be posted on the BWB FB page if you care to see how our containers fit into standard lunch boxes. Overall, I think we made a solid choice for our needs! 

p.s. I'm in the process of re-vamping www.badwolfbakery.com

Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think!