The Best Plastic Free, Dishwasher Safe, Stainless Steel Lunchboxes

Why choose stainless steel lunch boxes? 

Depending on your generation, you might have never seen a stainless steel lunch box. Allegedly, according to the Culinary Institute of America, stainless steel lunch boxes were societally phased out after a group of disgruntled Floridian parents lobbied to ban them from schools, claiming the metal containers were being used as a weapon.

However, with what we now know about microplastics and their effects, perhaps we should have never strayed so far from classic inert kitchenware materials, specifically for handling by kids. 

When it comes to storing food without risk of microplastic exposure, glass tupperware is a fantastic budget friendly solution, but for travel, a more durable material such as stainless steel is appropriate for the perfect non toxic lunchbox.

Choosing a stainless steel lunch box for yourself or your children is a safe and practical way to reduce your ingestion of tiny plastic particles that shed from plastic containers. 

Our top plastic-free lunchboxes

Researching for the best plastic-free lunchboxes quickly revealed that almost all stainless steel variants have silicone lined lids for leak-proof capabilities.

While silicone is much less dangerous than regular plastics exposed to your food, it can still leach particles over time, so we have only recommended lunch boxes that have removable silicone seals, or none at all.

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Most consumers need a simple lunch box, and Anatole provides exactly that - a medium-sized container with optional divider that can be easily removed and arranged depending on what you need to carry inside it.

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“Bento” boxes are characterized by their few to many compartments, which are useful for keeping specific foods apart from each other. NUTINI has simplified their design by building the compartment walls directly into the box, and is nearly the same size as our top pick.

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If you are buying a stainless steel lunch box for small kids, Umigy sells a simple and durable small lunch box for only $14 each, and even less when you buy in a four or six pack.

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The one and only Stanley 10qt Lunch Box can be recognized anywhere, from construction sites to the workplace lunchroom. This large lunch box is a classic for a reason - it will hold up for years, and you’ll never need another replacement thanks to the simple yet sturdy design.

Conclusion:

When you follow these guides, you will be one step closer to a microplastic-free lifestyle that is better for you and your family's health.

If you want to learn more about ways to reduce your daily microplastic consumption for good, read on in our Going Microplastic-Free Guide.