Bento box makes lunch fun for all ages.

Any parent has probably scrolled past a photo of a perfectly manicured “bento box” at least once. These compartmentalized meal containers originated in Japan, but have become a common way to make creative lunches for children.

I’ve seen everything from hard-boiled eggs fashioned into rabbits to whole cartoon scenes made out of rice and other ingredients.

I’m here to tell you that bento boxes aren’t just for kids. Their many compartments and accessories (like cupcake liner-esque cups to store grapes and other smaller eats) encourage packing a nutritious lunch that hits all the food groups. For grazers like me, this is the best way to eat.

Even if you don’t have a bento box, you can fashion one out of plastic storage containers.

Here are a few meal ideas:

• Cheese-plate box: Simply fill your container with a wedge or two of cheese, crackers or bread, fruit, gherkin pickles, nuts and olives.

• DIY bistro box: Starbucks fans will recognize this one. Toss a hard-boiled egg, wedge of cheese, crackers, a nut butter of your choice (I stick with classic peanut butter) into your container and you’re set.

• Pasta salad box: Combine cooked penne with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes and black olive slices. Don’t forget to add some fruit as a snack.

• Southwestern box: Pair a black-bean burger, salsa, a simple salad and avocado slices. A fruit skewer on the side will complete the meal.

Enjoy! I’d love to hear your bento box combinations — email me at ldelgado@orlandosentinel.com to share.