Whether you’re meal-prepping for work, packing lunch for the kids, or planning the perfect picnic, a good bento box makes all the difference. At Bento&co, we’ve spent the last 15+ years curating the best of the best — and these are our top picks for 2025. From stainless steel and bamboo to fun, stackable tins, there’s something for every appetite and lifestyle.
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- Overall Best Bento Box: Original Two Tier Bento Box | Dorobo Neko (950mL)
- Best Design: Mayu Don Bento Box (830mL)
- Best Bento Box for Kids: Maruko Cat Two Tier Bento Box | White
- Best Plastic-Free Bento Box: Aikata Stainless Steel Bento Box with Clasp (600mL)
- Best Bento Bundle: Two Tier Bento Bundle | Kimono Pink (830mL)
- Best Bento for Picnics: Wamon Japanese Pattern Picnic Bento Box (1600mL)
- Best Bento for Adults: Sakura Petals Big Bento Box (1300mL)
- Best Compact Bento: Shikiri Slim Bento Box (530mL)
- Best Bento for Chilled Meals: Gel-Cool Rectangle Bento Box (500mL)
- Most Authentic Bento: Woven Bamboo Bento Box
- Funnest Bento: EatCan Bento Box (600mL)
Overall Best Bento Box : Original Two Tier Bento Box | Dorobo Neko (950mL)
Our latest exclusive is here to steal your heart — literally. The Dorobo Neko (“thief cat”) features a bold, hand-printed design using the traditional Japanese makie (lacquerware) technique. With two tiers and a 950mL capacity, this bento has room for big appetites.
- Handmade in Ishikawa, Japan
- Limited edition — once it’s gone, it’s gone!
- Eye-catching design with traditional craftsmanship
Price: $40
Perfect for: Busy professionals, students
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Best Design Bento Box: Mayu Don Bento Box (830mL)
Stylish, modern, and perfect for rice bowls, curry, or pasta. With a sleek round design and leak-resistant lid, this is the best box for meals that need to stay fresh and separated.
- Leak-resistant lid
- Minimalist design that looks good enough to display!
- Three elegant color options
- Includes lunch band
Price: $35
Perfect for: Design lovers, office lunches
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Best Bento Box for Kids: Maruko Cat Two Tier Bento Box | White
Adorable and practical, this lucky cat bento (inspired by Japan’s manekineko) is ideal for smaller appetites or snack lovers.
- Two-tier compact design with included fork
- Great for snacks or light lunches
- Includes lunch band
Price: $20
Perfect for: Kids, snackers
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Best Plastic-Free Bento Box: Aikata Stainless Steel Bento Box with Clasp (600mL)
Sleek, durable, and 100% plastic-free. Crafted in Tsubame — Japan’s legendary metalworking town — this stainless steel box is both eco-conscious and stylish.
- Premium 18-8 stainless steel
- Leak-resistant with silicone lining
- Dishwasher safe
Price: $68
Perfect for: Minimalists, eco-conscious users
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Best Bento Box Bundle: Two Tier Bento Bundle | Kimono Pink (830mL)
A Bento&co exclusive that combines traditional Japanese design with modern practicality. This bundle includes a matching bag and chopsticks, all made with beautiful kimono-inspired fabric.
- Elegant and gift-ready
- Made in Japan
Price: $56
Perfect for: Gifting, coordinated lunches
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Best Bento Box for Picnics: Wamon Japanese Pattern Picnic Bento Box (1600mL)
Going out for lunch under the cherry blossoms? This large-capacity box features 3 different traditional Japanese patterns and can feed 2–3 people.
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Two tiers and large 1600mL capacity
- Lightweight and durable
- Stunning traditional designs
Price: $41
Perfect for: Family picnics, parties
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Best Bento Box for Work Lunches: Sakura Petals Big Bento Box (1300mL)
Need serious space? This handcrafted box offers two roomy tiers wrapped in a shimmering red and black sakura petal motif.
- Made in Ishikawa by skilled artisans
- Large 1300mL capacity
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Includes elastic lunch band
Price: $30
Perfect for: Big appetites, adults who love beauty + function
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Best Compact Bento Box: Shikiri Slim Bento Box (530mL)
Simple, smart, and super organized. This box includes removable dividers to help you pack a tidy meal, even in a small space.
- Compact size with removable dividers
- Minimalist and customizable
- Ideal for side dishes or light lunches
Price: $16
Perfect for: Light eaters, minimalist packers
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Best Bento Box for Chilled Meals: Gel-Cool Rectangle Bento Box (500mL)
Pop the lid in your freezer overnight and keep your food cold for hours! Ideal for sushi, fruit, or meals you don’t want warmed.
- Built-in gel lid for chilling
- Keeps food cool for hours
- Leak-resistant and compact
- Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
Price: $30
Perfect for: Salads, chilled pasta, summer days
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Most Authentic Bento Box: Woven Bamboo Bento Box
A beautiful, all-natural bento box made from handwoven bamboo in Oita, Japan. Lightweight, breathable, and perfect for onigiri, sandwiches, or dry foods.
- Allows rice to breathe (no sogginess!)
- Plastic-free and breathable for rice
- Includes red woven closure cord
Price: $80
Perfect for: Onigiri lovers, traditionalists, rustic charm fans
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📝 Bonus tip: Use wax paper or a cloth liner to make cleanup even easier.
Funnest Bento Box: EatCan Bento Box (600mL)
Like a pop art lunch party! These stackable “tin can” bento boxes are cute, colorful, and microwave-safe.
- Bright colors and stackable tin design
- Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- Includes removable divider
Price: $32
Perfect for: Foodies, teens, conversation starters
👉 Shop Here
How Does Bento&co Compare to Other Brands?
There are thousands of bento box online, but here’s why Bento&co continues to stand out:
- We work directly with Japanese artisans and manufacturers
- Our products are carefully selected for quality and longevity
- Each box tells a story of tradition, design, and purpose
Find Your Perfect Bento
Whether you’re new to bento or a seasoned lunch artist, we hope this guide helps you discover your next favorite box. Bento&co is proud to share the best of Japanese craftsmanship with the world.
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