Smart containers for every type of luncher
My earliest memories of a packed lunch come courtesy of a precocious badger who was a very picky eater. In the classic 1960 children’s book “Bread and Jam for Frances,” by Russell Hoban, furry little Frances is so enamored of bread spread thickly with sweet jam that she refuses to eat anything else — but what especially captured my imagination was how the little badger children in the story ate their lunches at school. Frances’ lunch, in particular, started with her placing a large paper doily on her desk, topped with a small vase filled with violets, followed by various cups, plates, cutlery and even a tiny basket filled with cherries.
Clearly, hers was no Sad Desk Lunch.
Maybe you don’t feel the need to bring in a set designer to dress your desk for lunch, but if you do bring food to work with you each day, it helps if the containers provide a little more pizazz than a cheap plastic deli container. But you’ll also want containers that are functional, ecofriendly and speak to your individual needs, from salads to soups to sandwiches.
First, determine your luncher profile. No two lunchers are the same, so their containers shouldn’t be, either.
The portioncontrol freak
We see you, measuring out exactly 11 pretzel sticks to go with 2 ounces of hummus. Whether you count calories or points, or have been dabbling in intermittent fasting, you deserve a petite container that matches your meal plan.
The OmieBox ($39.50): Like other bento boxes, it provides precision and variety in a packed lunch;
There are plenty of functional,
unlike most, it also offers both hot and cold storage. A 3⁄4-cup thermal insert holds just enough soup or pasta to whet your appetite — as well as flexible storage areas for snacks, fruit and vegetables. If you aren’t in the mood for a hot entree, simply remove the insert, and there’s plenty of room for a sandwich. Pros: BPA-free plastic with a leakproof food-grade silicone seal. Cons: It ain’t lightweight, clocking in at 1.7 pounds.
The Frego ($17-$21.95): If you like a hot lunch but are wary of microwaving plastic containers, opt for this simple square glass container (2 or 4 cups), wrapped in a food-grade silicone shell that stays cool even after you’ve heated up your food. The Frego can go from freezer to briefcase to microwave, all in a single compact package. Pros: Shatterproof, oven safe, leakproof. Cons: Heavy at 1.4 pounds. chilled on the way to work. Drink the water as it defrosts, then simply roll up the empty reusable pouch at the end of the day. Pros: Preserve containers are made with 100% recycled plastic and are also 100% recyclable — a winwin. Cons: For a comfortable fit, sandwiches must be made with standard sliced bread.
Thermos 16-ounce stainless-steel food jar ($24.99): Honestly, nothing could be more classic — read: retro — than carrying one of these full of soup for lunch. The jar even comes with a stainless steel spoon that folds neatly into the lid. Pros: Keeps food hot for up to nine hours, no microwave required. Cons: The built-in soup cup lid works a bit better for drinking than spooning.
The chronic snacker
You’re like that mom who always miraculously has something to nibble on tucked away in the recesses of her purse. Face it, you’re more of a nibbler than a serious eater.
ChicoBag Snack Time three-pack ($15.99): The clever design allows the same bag to be used in either a snack or sandwich size, so add any amount to each bag to customize your snacking experience. Pros: Food-safe, water and stain resistant. Cons: You have to wash them.
Lunchskins Paper Quart Bags ($5.49 for 50): Lunchskins makes reusable sandwich and snack bags, but to be honest, it’s these bags that win the day. Available in both sandwich and quart size, they are unwaxed and toxin-free, meaning they can be both recycled and composted. Pros: You don’t have to wash them, and they’re recyclable. Cons: They’re paper, so they aren’t leakproof.