8 ways to fit any lunch in your backpack

There is nothing quite like a home-made lunch. They are usually healthier and much cheaper than anything you can buy. But do you find yourself wondering how to pack lunch for work or school? If you value free hands, carry lunch in your backpack. It’s more convenient than carrying an extra lunch bag, and you’ll never leave your lunch on the bus again. If you are looking for a convenient way to carry food, look no further. Carrying lunch in a backpack can sometimes be awkward, heavy and dirty when it leaks. But it’s actually quite easy when you have the right containers. Here are some tips on how to pack your lunch in your backpack.

Characteristics of a good lunch container

There are so many different options out there, but what should you consider when picking a lunch container? Whether you want to have a plastic or metal container or even a bento box, consider these important factors:

• Is it leakproof? If you are planning on carrying liquid or moist foods, the container must never leak.
• Is it insulated? Insulated containers keep a hot lunch warm and a cold lunch fresh.
• Size matters. You’ll need to consider 2 main factors – how much food you generally need and how much space is in your backpack.
• Is it easy to clean? It should preferably be dishwasher-safe.
• Does it have partitions or sections for different food items? Even if you’re a pie sorta girl, you still need sauce right? Also, if you are not carrying as much food, the partitions help keep the food from moving around.
• Is it breakable? If you are a klutz, or the lunch container is for your child, never use glass containers.

How to carry lunch in a backpack

The best container for you depends on what kind of food you like to eat. Regardless, you should have a few different containers so you can use one or the other depending on your needs. Carrying lunch in a backpack so it doesn’t leak might seem like it would be difficult, but these tips will make it simple. If you’re not sure what to pack, try one of these quick and easy options to get the job done:

Plastic lunch box

A plastic lunch box is one of the most popular ways to carry lunch to school or work. There are so many different varieties to choose from when you’re out shopping for one. The most popular ones are made of durable plastic and have leak-proof lids to keep your food fresh and dry. They come in different shapes and sizes too. These reusable containers can be used to carry almost anything, even liquids. However, if you are carrying soup, make sure the seal is intact and test the lunch box out beforehand. Another easy way to prevent spills is too wrap a plastic film over the top of the container and around it before putting the lid firmly on top of the plastic wrap. These Rubbermaid Food Containers comes in all sizes and are leak-proof:

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Glass Containers

In recent years, carrying lunch in glass containers like mason jars and wide glass bottles have become a trend. It’s the greener alternative to plastic lunch boxes. Glass lunch boxes are also safer for hot foods as you don’t have to be concerned about plastic leaching into the food. Their main disadvantages are that they are heavier and oh-so-easy to break. The glass container is definitely not child-proof. These FineDine glass containers are leak-proof, freezer-safe, oven-safe and dishwasher-safe:

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Stainless Steel Containers

Stainless steel containers are the more lightweight plastic-alternatives. They are safer because they won’t leach into what is inside them and cause health problems. Stainless steel lunch boxes probably have the best leakproofing of all the boxes. The stainless steel lunch box is a durable and affordable choice for storing any kind of lunch. Notably, stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and rust and it keeps beverages hot or cold longer than other materials like plastic or aluminum.

The Thermos Funtainer comes in some cute designs for kids and adults:

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Bento boxes

Bento boxes are the perfect way to pack a full day’s worth of food into one convenient container. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or just out for the day, these nifty containers will keep your meal neatly contained without any spillage. Not only do they keep your meal organized and delicious, but bento boxes also come in a wide variety of colors and designs that make them exciting to eat out of! There are so many bento boxes to choose from but the Bentgo Salad Box is one of my favorites. Look at how many compartments there are! There is even one for a dip or sauce:

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Insulated lunch boxes

Insulated lunch boxes are important for keeping food fresh and safe to eat. In this age of microwaves, you might not need an insulated lunch box to keep your food warm anymore. However, for kids and workers who have no access to microwaves or those who want to keep salads fresh, the insulated lunch box is an excellent option.

The insulated Omiebox Bento Set is just the right size for a kiddie’s backpack:

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No matter how little food you bring on the day, your lunch box will take up the same amount of space in your backpack. On the odd occasion, when you have a smaller lunch, you might want to try one of these options to save space. Just make sure you put your lunch on top of your books and other heavy items. Otherwise, it will get squished and probably leak.

Plastic lunch bag

You might think that plastic lunch bags are the worst thing to happen to the planet since the invention of plastic itself. However, plastic lunch bags are actually reusable if you take the time and effort to clean them. Plastic wrap is also great for wrapping oddly-shaped items securely and tightly without the need for a clunky lunch box. The negatives are of course, their environmental impact, especially if you don’t reuse them. Plastic bags are also easily punctured, causing moist foods to leak. I would only use a plastic lunch bag for dry, non-liquidy food like wraps, sandwiches and fruits like bananas and apples.

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Cloth lunch bags

These reusable bags are an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic bags. They are leakproof, adjustable and stylish. Some lunch bags are insulated, keeping food at the right temperature. These insulated lunch bags can be carried by hand but are small enough to fit into backpacks:

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Aluminum Foil

Aluminium foil will not only keep your food fresh, but it will also keep any odors from escaping. To further prevent leakage, you can wrap your meal in plastic wrap before placing it on the foil. Many people are turning to aluminum foil for packing lunch because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and shapeable.

Which lunch container to choose?

To maximize space, use a bento box or other hard leak-proof container for moist foods or liquids. Pack fruit, snacks and sandwiches in a reusable wrap. Some people are worried about putting their containers in sideways due to concerns that their lunch will leak. That’s why it’s important to spend a bit more on a 100% leakproof box. And if you get a bento box or partitioned lunch box, your food will more than likely stay in place inside their own compartments.

Benefits of packing lunch to school or work

No matter how many times packing lunch seems like a hassle, the benefits far outweigh the cons:

• It’s very cost-effective. A home-made lunch is always cheaper than anything you can buy, even fast food.
• Provided you put some thought into it, a packed lunch ensures that you will be getting an adequately nutritious meal.
• You save time during the hectic work day since you don’t have to go out to buy lunch.
• There is less temptation to eat unhealthy foods.
• Your lunch is always ready whenever you are.

To wrap up

Whatever container you choose, put your lunch at the bottom of your backpack. If you are using a soft bag or wrap, put your lunch on top of your books. Don’t want to carry your lunch in your bag but don’t want to carry it either? Check out my article on how you can attach your lunch bag to your backpack.