5 Best Stainless Steel Bento Boxes for Toddlers

ByJosten Fish, Registered Dietitian Posted on Updated on

A few years ago when my toddler requested to do lunch bunch at preschool and I realized I needed to start packing lunch, I went into a full-on frenzy to find the best stainless steel bento boxes to use for lunch packing.

While we do occasionally use plastic, I prefer to avoid it most of the time, making stainless steel an obvious choice for lunch containers. We’ve tried a lot of different bento boxes so today, I’m just sharing our favorites.

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Best Stainless Steel Bento Boxes for Toddlers

These are the three top bento boxes that I found that are a good size for a preschooler’s lunch box and also have good-sized compartments:

  1. Bentgo Stainless Steel Bento
  2. Lunch Bots 3 Compartment Container
  3. PlanetBox Rover <– Only if you have a nearly endless budget!
lunch bots stainless steel bento boxes

Leakproof Stainless Steel Bento Boxes

Most of our stainless steel bento boxes are not completely leakproof; as in, the compartments do leak to each other. If you are looking for something with leakproof compartments as well, your best bet is likely the Bentgo stainless steel and silicone box below.

1. Bentgo Stainless Steel & Silicone Bento

Bentgo® Kids Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Lunch Box - Bento-Style Redesigned in 2022 w/Upgraded Latches, 3 Compartments, & Extra Container - Eco-Friendly, Dishwasher Safe, Patented Design (Blue)

This Stainless Steel Bentgo has 3 totally separate compartments and an extra silicone container that can fit inside to make 4 compartments.

I love that it has plenty of space for even my Kindergartener’s lunch. However, it is too large for some our lunch boxes.

  • Pros: Leak resistant; Kid friendly latches; Easy enough for 3 year old to open
  • Cons: Doesnt fit in all of our lunch boxes
  • Dimensions: 9.8″ x 7.6″
Check on AMAZON

While the next two are great leak-proof options, the individual compartments are not totally leakproof. So keep this in mind and refrain from packing something wet like soup in the compartments or opt for a thermos instead.

2. KYY 3 Compartment Stainless Steel Bento

Stainless Steel Bento Box Lunch Containers For Adults Leakproof 3 Compartment Metal Bento Lunch Box Food Container For Over 5 Years Old Kids (1400ml/47oz)

This 3 compartment Stainless Steel Bento has 3 compartments and a leak-proof lid. While the compartments are not necessarily leakproof, the lid has a latch system and seal.

  • Pros: Leakproof Lid, Larger Capacity, Dishwasher and Freezer Safe
  • Cons: While the entire container is leakproof and airtight the compartments are not sealed; Harder to clean as the seal needs to be removed from the lid.
  • Dimensions: 8.5″ x 6.5″ x 2.36″
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Lunch Bots Brand Stainless Steel Bento Boxes

We have several lunch bots boxes.

Overall, Lunch Bots Brand stainless steel boxes are great for finger foods but not so good for foods like yogurt that aren’t dry and could leak under the divider. You can use stainless steel containers like this if you want to pack yogurt or something else liquid as well. They have them in a variety of sizes and configurations.

Here are my favorite Lunch Bots Containers for packing toddler and preschooler lunches and snacks. These are the 2 that we have for my 1-year-old and 3 year old.

3. Lunch Bots Protein Packer – Best Compact Lunch Box for Small Portions

This is my favorite compact bento box for younger toddlers or a small snack. I used this to send my 2 year olds snack with her to her preschool program.

It definitely would not be large enough for my 5 year olds lunch.

  • Pros: Easy to clean, Great snack size or for young toddlers with small appetites

  • Cons: Not leak proof (I definitely don’t send yogurt in this one), Size may be too small for older kids/toddlers
  • Dimensions: 5.5″ x 4″ x 1.5″
Check on AMAZON

4. Lunch Bots Medium Trio – Perfect for Preschooler Lunch Box

medium sized green lunch bots box

Larger than the small protein packer, but still small enough to fit in most toddler’s lunchboxes, this Lunch Bots stainless steel bento box has 3 compartments that are significantly larger than the snack packer compartments above.

  • Pros: High Quality, Good Size for Toddler’s Lunch, Good for finger foods; May be difficult for kids to open
  • Cons: Not leakproof (again, I dont send yogurt in this one!)
  • Dimensions: 8″ x 6″ x 2″
Check on AMAZON

PlanetBox Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes

Often when you see beautiful pictures of toddler lunch ideas on Pinterest they are displayed in the Rover PlanetBox, which is very popular, but also quite pricey!

Personally, my frugal nature hasn’t decided to take the plunge on it though I’ve heard that they last years so I can see why others do.

5. PlanetBox Stainless Steel Lunch Box

Planet Box - Best Stainless Steel Bento Box

PlanetBox is the Rolls Royce of bento boxes and lunch boxes for kids. It’s pretty to look at and comes in a variety of options.

  • Pros: Comes with a leakproof container that fits inside the bento box; Easy to clean; Attractive design; 5 Year Warranty
  • Cons: Must remove magnets every wash; Leaks easily
  • Dimensions:10.3″ x 7.7″ x 2″
Check on Planet Box Rover

Other Stainless Steel Lunch Containers

Leakproof Stainless Steel Container Set

Everusely Stainless Steel Containers with Lids, Leakproof Stainless Steel Food Containers, Nesting Stainless Steel Snack Containers For Kids, Metal Lunch Container,Stainless Steel Lunch Box Containers

These Everusely leakproof containers are great for packing yogurt and other food items that need a leakproof container in a lunchbox.

  • Pros: Leakproof and airtight; 5 in a set

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Stainless Steel Snack Container: Munchinks Snack Container

Munchkin® Snack+™ Stainless Steel Snack Catcher Cup with Lid, 9 Ounce, Blue, 1 Pack

We’ve had this 9 oz snack container for 6 years and it’s still going strong!

  • Pros: Very durable and long lasting
  • Cons: I find the lid can be difficult to screw on and off (But at least my toddler can’t get it off!)
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Stainless Steel Thermos for Food: Foogo 10oz Thermos

Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel 10-Ounce Food Jar, Charcoal/Teal (B3004TS2)

This 10 oz thermos is perfect for packing hot school lunches like soup, oatmeal, and spaghetti!

  • Pros: Wide mouth makes it easy for my kids to eat out of; Top Rack Dishwasher safe
Check on AMAZON

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Bento Box

  • Material – I prefer the dishes and containers I use for my kids to be made out of stainless steel or silicone. We try to avoid plastic and while we do use some glass I especially do not want to pack glass in their lunch boxes. However, if you aren’t opposed to plastic, I do include some of my favorite plastic lunch containers in this post.
  • Size – I have bought really nice lunch containers before that just don’t fit into my kid’s lunch boxes. For example, the planet box doesnt fit into every lunch box easily. So be sure to check dimensions to compare against your child’s lunch box.
  • Number of Compartments – Consider how many foods you intend to pack and if they will all be included in the bento container.
  • Leakproof – Some containers have leakproof lids and others do not. Most do not have leakproof compartments, but the Bentgo container does.
  • Ease of Opening – Can your toddler open the container on their own? While most places teachers do assist with opening, it’s most convenient if I know my child can open his own lunchbox and containers.

Other Lunch Packing Resources for Toddlers

If you’re looking for help with lunch or snack packing beyond finding the best stainless steel bento box, check out these other helpful articles!

12 Best Lunch Containers for Packing Your Child’s Lunch (REAL MOM approved!)

35+ Healthy Toddler Lunches

Daycare Snack Ideas

And if you have a favorite bento box or lunch box please feel free to drop it in the comments below so we can check it out!

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Josten is a Registered Dietitian with over a decade of experience helping families enjoy healthy foods and find peace around the dinner table. She spends most of her time these days feeding her 3 tiny children. Whether you are a new mom or deep in the trenches, Josten is here to help save dinner...and your sanity!

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