Whether you're new to bento or looking to upgrade your current lunch setup, choosing the right bento box can transform your mealtime routine. From portion control to portability, the perfect Japanese lunch box is out there to suit your lifestyle—whether you're packing lunch for work, school, or outdoor adventures.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when buying a bento box—including materials, size, insulation, and style—and help you find the best option for your needs.
What Is a Bento Box?
A bento box is a Japanese-style lunch box designed to hold a balanced, portioned meal.
Traditional bento typically include rice, protein, and vegetables—often beautifully arranged in separate compartments. Bento culture emphasizes variety, freshness, and presentation, making lunchtime both practical and delightful.
Want to learn more? See our full post: Bento Boxes 101 - The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Lunch Boxes
What We Love About Bento Boxes
Balanced meals: Bento boxes are great for portion control and planning healthy lunches. Once you have found the right volume, all you need to do is tightly pack your box with good food.
Reusable and eco-friendly: Say goodbye to single-use containers and start using a bento box. Whether you choose BPA-free plastic, wood or stainless steel, a Japanese lunch box can last for decades with proper care.
Fun and aesthetic: Lunch is an experience, and aesthetics are a key part of it. Kids can enjoy their favorite characters at meal time and explore new foods thanks to fun shapes. For creative foodies, a bento box is a blank canvas for edible creations.
Compact and travel-friendly: Ideal for busy professionals and students, most bento boxes are compact, yet can hold a substantial meal when tightly packed. Rectangular and tower-shaped boxes are particularly well-suited for backpacks. With a lunch band and a bento bag, they’re easy to carry without worrying about spills.
Tip #1: Choose the Right Material
The material of your bento box affects weight, durability, insulation, and cleaning—so it’s important to choose one that fits your lifestyle.
Plastic bento boxes are lightweight and usually microwave and dishwasher-safe, making them convenient for everyday use. Stainless steel bento boxes are durable, odor-resistant, and plastic-free—a great choice for adults and minimalists. Wooden bento boxes are the OG: traditional, artisanal, and elegant. They require more care but offer timeless charm.
Tip #2: Pick a Size Based on Your Appetite
Bento boxes come in different sizes, each holding a different amount of food. A quick rule of thumb is to consider 1ml as equivalent to 1 kcal, so a 700 ml box holds about a 700kcal meal.
- Kids bento boxes: Aim for a volume between 300 and 600 ml.
- Adult bento boxes: Aim for a volume between 600 and 1,000 ml.
- Meal prep or picnic sets: Aim for a volume larger than 1,000 ml to have enough room for multiple courses.
Tip #3: Consider the Number of Compartments
If you love variety in your meals, choose a box with multiple compartments or a removable divider. They help keep food neat and visually appealing—a must for kids’ bentos.
Some bento boxes, like our Shikiri Bento Box, include removable inner compartments to easily separate your rice, protein, veggies, and fruits. You can remove compartments to meet your varying lunch needs.
Two-tier lunch boxes, like our Itadakimasu Bento and Nokorimono Bento Boxes, are also great for organizing meals effortlessly, and they both come with an inner divider in the upper tier.
Tip #4: Think About Temperature and Insulation
Do you prefer hot meals, cold meals—or a bit of both?
Standard bento boxes are not insulated, so they are best for room-temperature foods. Paired with an insulated bag and/or an ice pack, they can keep your food fresh during hot days. Gel-Cool Bento Boxes come with an integrated ice pack in the lid, making them perfect for summer lunches. They are available in various sizes, including for onigiri and salads.
Do you like to have a soup with your meal or do you simply enjoy your meal warm? If you have access to a microwave during lunch, choose a BPA-free plastic bento box since most are microwave safe. If you are eating outdoors and want a hot meal, get yourself a soup mug. Despite the name, they are also great for curries, stews, stir-fries, and more.
Tip #5: Match the Bento to the User
Every bento box has a personality! Think about who you’re buying for to make the right choice. For kids, choose colorful, themed boxes with easy-open lids. Check out our Pokémon Bento Boxes and Hello Kitty lunch sets.
For adults, sleek, compact boxes in muted tones like the Mayu Don Bento Box or stainless steel bento boxes are top choices. Japan enthusiasts will love boxes with hand-painted traditional patterns.
For beginners, give them everything they need to get started in one gift with our bento bundles. Add some utensils, bands, and picks to create a custom lunch kit for them.
Tip #6: Clean-Up and Care
Bento boxes are meant for daily use, so practicality matters.
For busy lifestyles, we recommend plastic or stainless steel bento boxes, which are often dishwasher safe. For wooden bento boxes, make sure they are hand washed and thoroughly air dried before storage and they will last for years.
If you’re new to bento, start with an oval or round shape, which is easier to clean with a sponge. To prevent lingering odors in plastic containers, rinse immediately after use, or soak in vinegar or baking soda water once you’re back home.
Bento Box FAQs
What can I put in a bento box?
A classic bento might include rice or noodles, a protein (like chicken or tofu), vegetables, fruit, and a small dessert.
Are bento boxes leak-proof?
Many of our bento boxes feature silicone seals and snap-tight lids. Look for this feature if you're packing saucy dishes, but note: Japanese lunch boxes are not 100% leakproof.
How do I pack a bento box efficiently?
Pack food tightly with minimal gaps. Use silicone cups or dividers to keep flavors separate. Our Bento Accessories Collection includes everything you need.
Buy the Best Bento Box at Bento&co
The right bento box can make your meals more enjoyable, organized, and healthier. By choosing a size, style, and material that suits your needs, you’ll be one step closer to loving lunch again.
At Bento&co, we offer authentic Japanese bento boxes shipped worldwide from our base in Kyoto. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your kids, or a gift, we have a curated selection that blends tradition, quality, and creativity.
Still curious? Reach out per email — we’re happy to help you find your perfect match.
2 comments
Wenas Me quiero llevar a la escuela una kaja de bento XD
I have an"Original FurishikiBag" please tell me what size bento box fits in that bag.