Did you know that tobacco boxes were an inspiration for the lunch boxes we have today? In the 1880s men started wearing bags with food and children going to school started copying them by carrying their lunch in a tobacco box. This changed in the 1920s when the first official lunch box was presented to the public. It was a metal box with a leather handle. It didn't have the proper insulation but it still did a good job. Nowadays, we have an amazing variety of choices that can cater to everyone's needs.
Types of Lunch Boxes
Stainless Steel
Metal lunch boxes have always been the most common type. They were popular because of their durability and strength. Nowadays, stainless steel is the most demanded metal. When you compare it with other metals, it’ll always come on top because of its anti-rust properties. It's very tough to break and damage. This is very important for a lunch box.
Another great thing about it is that it’s not harming the environment. Its eco-friendliness and the possibility to recycle are appealing to many customers. This material won’t harm the food inside in any way. It's safe to use. The food won’t change its colour, taste or smell. Plus, it doesn’t release any toxins that can harm your health. Stainless steel gives you a wide variety of box lunch boxes to choose from.
Glass
Glass is another popular material. Even though it may seem as if it’ll break easily, that’s not true. It's fairly durable unless you do it on purpose or it’s hit with a strong force. Just like stainless steel, glass won’t corrode. You won’t see it rust, warp or change colour. When it comes to food safety, glass is 100% safe to store food in.
It doesn’t have any toxins inside and won’t damage the food. It's also safe to use in the microwave if you need to. This is a material that’s perfect for a leak-proof and airtight lunch box. Another big plus is that glass is eco-friendly and can be completely recycled. They won’t harm the ecosystem and are harmless to the environment.
Plastic
Plastic was a very popular material in the 1980s when stainless steel was expensive. But even nowadays, it hasn't declined in popularity. The main reason is the budget-friendly price. These boxes are very cheap, and you can find them in almost every store. Another reason is their weight. Compared to other materials, these boxes are very lightweight. You can carry them with you and not feel they’re there.
Despite this, they’re not so easily breakable. Glass, on the other hand, is much more fragile than plastic. But even after these advantages, plastic also has its disadvantages as well. The biggest one is the carbon footprint. This is a material that’s very harmful to the environment because it releases toxins into the air. Plus, it can also influence the taste, colour and quality of the food you store inside.
Wood
Another popular choice nowadays is wood. More specifically, bamboo. These containers are among the most environmentally friendly ones. Bamboo is a plant that grows very fast and there isn’t a threat it’ll go extinct ever. However, these boxes are porous and can start smelling funny after a while.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a pretty durable material for box lunch boxes. These boxes are very compact and have a sturdy design. They can be a great choice if you’re living in some rough climates and harsh weather conditions. Manufacturers use anodized aluminium which is lightweight. This makes the box perfect to carry around. These boxes are hygienic, odourless and have head-conductive properties.
Ceramics
Ceramics is a material that creates beautiful and durable lunch boxes. They may not be as suitable for your kid, but you can certainly carry one at work, on a picnic or when camping. Ceramics is also safe to use in the microwave so heating up the food won’t be difficult. They're good with handling temperatures. Their temperature range is between 120 degrees Celsius to –40 degrees Celsius.
What to Consider When Buying
Durability
The box’s durability will decide how long it’ll last. Will it break after a bump on the table or will it last even if it’s dropped on the floor? The 2 most breakable materials are plastic and glass. They're not as durable as the others and you’ll have to replace them often. Metal, on the other hand, can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It's always a better idea to invest in more durable, eco-friendly lunch boxes than to replace the boxes every 2-3 months.
Type of Lid
The number one thing you should do is make sure the lid fits the box perfectly and won’t bend. Next, keep an eye on the clasp and if it’s easy or hard to open and close. If it goes easily, there’s a chance the food will spill. But if it’s too hard to open, your kid may end up hungry or struggling to get it out on those short lunch breaks. Take your kid when you go shopping and let them try to open and close the box.
Capacity
Capacity refers to how much storage space, or how much food the box can handle. Being optimal is crucial here. There's no need to get a big box that fits your kid’s favourite meal once a week and then end up carrying it half-empty for the rest of the week. Buying a box with compartments is crucial. This will prevent foods from mixing together and you can pack several different flavours at once.
Insulation
If your child prefers hot, or warm meals, you should get them an insulated lunch box. These boxes have double walls with a vacuum between them. It's the vacuum that creates a barrier and prevents the food from getting cold. Some boxes can keep the food warm for 7-8 hours. These boxes can also keep the food cold. So, it’s a win-win situation.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Buying a box that’s easy to clean and maintain will make your life much easier. It'll save you a lot of time and effort. Most boxes are dishwasher safe and won’t get damaged during the process. Go for boxes that have detachable lids. This will make cleaning much easier and more hygienic. There won’t be any crevices or hinges that aren’t properly cleaned.
