What did other mums use for lunchboxes last year? Would they recommend them to you? Here’s 5 Tips For The Best Lunchbox As Voted By Mums.
Last week I shared 5 Considerations Before You Buy Lunchboxes This Year so that you could make the most out of the money you spend this year. If you haven’t read this, you may like to read it before you read this post.
For this weeks post, rather than just tell you the lunchbox tools my family have tried and what we thought of them, I thought it would be more beneficial to do a bit of a road test with Mums. To find out from a lot of mums what tools they used last year. So I asked the wonderful ladies in The Root Cause Community and have collated their responses to come up with these 5 Tips For The Best Lunchbox As Voted By Mums.
For this road test by mums I asked the following questions:
Lunchboxes:
- What lunchbox did you use last year?
- Was it easy to pack?
- Was it easy to clean?
- Will you be able to use it again this year?
- Would you recommend it to other parents?
Many mums included responses about cooler bags in this question so it’s obvious many feel the lunchbox and the cooler bag go together.
Drink Bottles:
- What drink bottle did you use for your children?
- Was it leak proof?
- Was it easy for your kids to drink from?
- Can you reuse it this year?
- Would you recommend it to other parents?
Lunchboxes / Cooler Bags
There were over 280 responses to the questions about lunchboxes. Here is a summary of the response:
1. Stainless Steel Wins For Long Term Investment
If you’re tired of spending money every year on lunchboxes and don’t want to have think about buying new ones for years, then mums say invest your money in Planetbox or Lunchbots.
Planetbox
Lunchbots
Was it easy to pack?
All commented positively to this question.
Was it easy to clean?
All commented positively to this question.
Will you be able to use it again this year?
All commented positively to this question.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
All commented positively to this question.
Other comments / thoughts
- Another positive with stainless steel lunchboxes are there is no risk of toxins leaching into your children’s food.
- There were many comments that these lunchboxes have been used for a couple of years and are still in good shape.
- The Planetbox are a unique shape and it’s best to buy the cooler bag built for it’s shape.
- The Planetbox is not leak proof, although when the lid is closed, the food in the separate compartments will not mingle with the others. The dipper containers are leak proof so you can include these in the lunchboxes for the items such as yoghurt and dips.
- Like the Planetbox, the Lunchbots are not leak proof. They are not designed for ‘more liquidy’ foods. The pots (like shown in the picture) are however leak proof.
Your Investment
Remember, every single person has said they would recommend these lunchboxes and they will be using them again next year, some are even using it for their 3rd or more year.
- Planetbox – ranges from $59.95 to $89.95. If you want to invest in the cooler bag, it is suggested you buy it as a kit because the bags are cheaper that way. The Rover with the bag is $104.
- Lunchbots – ranges from $27 to $58. If you want a cooler bag specifically for lunchbots, then add about $48, but it is believed lunchbots can fit into many standard cooler bags, just check the dimensions first.
2. Bento Style Wins for Variety, Younger –Tween Children and Fussy Eaters
Many mums commented they loved bento style boxes like Yumbox and the newer to market Munchbox.
Yumbox
Munchbox
Was it easy to pack?
All commented positively to this question.
Was it easy to clean?
Majority commented yes but there were several comments about the insert trays being a bit of a pain to dry completely. This applies to both Yumbox and Munchbox. There were comments about Munchbox not being dishwasher safe yet so they had to wash these by hand.
Will you be able to use it again this year?
Most answered yes. There were several comments about the latches breaking after a while of use. The lunchboxes could still be used and closed but the seal was not as great. Both Yumbox and Munchbox provide replacement latches if you contact them.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
Most commented positively to this question (see other comments below about size and washing).
Other comments / thoughts
- Mums loved the variety it offered their kids, they are kid friendly to open and strong. Several mums commented how this style lunchbox assisted their fussy eaters.
- Both the Yumbox and Munchbox are leak proof when the latch is closed.
- Several mums commented how the Yumbox was good for their toddlers and kindy but didn’t hold enough food as they got older.
- The Munchbox does hold more food and is a suitable size for older children and adults even.
- At the time of writing this, it is understood Yumbox are producing a larger Yumbox but we have not been made aware of it’s release in Australia.
- It is also understood there is another bento style box with 2 latches currently in development. At the time of writing this, the brand name and when it will be released are unknown.
Your Investment
Remember, mums are saying they can use these lunchboxes again this year. So think about your investment as being more than just for this year.
- Yumbox – $39.95
- Munchbox – $39.95
- Both of these lunchboxes can fit in most standard cooler bags.
3. Supermarket / Variety Store Lunchboxes Win for Low Cost Option, Carefree Children, and for Brain Food Breaks
A lot of mums chose to buy their lunchboxes from the supermarket or variety stores because they expected their kids to lose or break their lunchboxes, they are lower cost options and they were more accessible to buy. They also chose smaller containers for the Munch n Move, Crunch n Sip or Brain Breaks, especially where the school required the children to have separate containers for this.
Brands such as Sistema, Smash, Nude Movers came up frequently.
Was it easy to pack?
Most answered yes once they had worked out what to put in each container.
Was it easy to clean?
Most answered yes but they had a lot more moving parts to wash, dry and collect.
Will you be able to use it again this year?
This was a mixed bag. A few commented yes. Some commented they needed to buy new lids or new containers during the year. Many commented the would need to buy new ones this year.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
A very mixed response here. Some said no, others said they would.
Other comments / thoughts
There are too many of these variety on the market for me to review. My suggestions if you want to consider these supermarket / variety store options, please do your homework. I would recommend you read or reread 5 Considerations Before You Buy Lunchboxes This Year. Specifically consider what the lunchboxes are made of, the long term financial impact for your family (cheaper now, but you’re more than likely to have to buy new ones again next year) and also the impact on the environment.
Your Investment
- From $7 upwards depending on the lunchbox style and which store. You can get them from Coles, Kmart, Big W and more.
4. Fridge To Go Cooler Bag Wins Long Term Investment
If you’re looking for a cooler bag which stays cold for about 8 hours and lasts years and years, then Fridge To Go are for you.
Was it easy to pack?
All who used the Fridge To Go said yes.
Was it easy to clean?
All who used the Fridge To Go said yes.
Will you be able to use it again this year?
All who used the Fridge To Go said yes. Many, including us, are into our 3rd or more years of using these bags.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
All who used the Fridge To Go said yes.
Other comments / thoughts
- Even though the information from Fridge To Go says to just wipe out, many commented how they have thrown their bags in the washing machine and it washes up fine.
Your Investment
- You can expect to pay about $39.95 for a medium sized Fridge To Go. This size suits most standard size lunchboxes.
- Fridge To Go stay cold for 8 hours. There were comments about how these were still cold at the end of the day.
5. Supermarket / Variety Store Cooler Bags Win for Low Cost Option
After Fridge To Go, there was no other one brand of cooler bag that stood out from the others. Many mums commented they had bought their cooler bags from supermarkets and the like.
Was it easy to pack?
Most said yes.
Was it easy to clean?
A mixed response to this one.
Will you be able to use it again this year?
Some said yes, others no.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
Again mixed response.
Other comments / thoughts
Like with the lunchboxes, there are too many of these variety on the market for me to review. Please be mindful of what materials the cooler bag is made of and also how long the food will stay cold for, as this can impact the appeal of the food to your kids and also the sorts of foods you can pack. Revisit 5 Considerations Before You Buy Lunchboxes This Year for other things to consider.
Your Investment
- It appears some start as low as $12.
Drink Bottles
There were over 50 responses to the questions about drink bottles. There was not enough consistency in the responses to really rank these as which ones wins as a road test from mums. However, here are the ones which came up more frequently.
1. Stainless Steel
Like with the lunchboxes, if you’re looking for a big bang from your buck, then a stainless steel drink bottle is the go. There are a few key brands which got repeated great feedback. These were:
- Cheeki
- Klean Kanteen
- Ecococoon
- Thermos FUNtainer
Was it leak proof?
All said yes.
Was it easy for your kids to drink from?
Mostly yes. With most stainless steel bottles you can choose different spouts – a straw type or screw top. Choose what’s more appropriate for the age of your child.
Can you reuse it this year?
This was an overwhelming yes. In fact one mum said her child left their stainless steel drink bottle on the bull bar of her car, and she drove for a few km’s before it fell off. Only a few scratches and dents.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
Again, yes.
Other Comments / Thoughts
- Stainless Steel can be heavy when full.
- Stainless Steel drink bottles can not be frozen. To have cold water for the day if in really hot weather areas , I would suggest buying one of the double walled ones or fill the night before, and pop in fridge, then add ice cubes in the morning.
- There was a comment from one mum that her family had been using Cheeki drink bottles for 10 years now!
- Kleen Kanteen and Thermos FUNtainer both have double walled versions so are best for keeping water cold for longer.
Your Investment
- The Cheeki range start from about $18 but they are not insulated
- Klean Kanteen start from about $30, with insulated ones being around $50
- Ecococoon small ones start about $34 and can buy an insulated sleeve for about $11
- Thermos FUNtainer range from $22.95 for a small one, and up to $35 for larger ones.
2. Camelbaks
Was it leak proof?
All said yes.
Was it easy for your kids to drink from?
Yes, but choose the spout best suited to your child’s age. Quite a few mums said they used this brand for the whole family, adults included.
Can you reuse it this year?
Yes. Although the replacement straws can be expensive if you need to replace them.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
Pretty much Yes.
Other Comments / Thoughts
- A mum commented about how the straw spout actually flicked a little water every time it was opened.
- Another mum commented about how it was fun (tongue in cheek) that these drink bottles are never in the lost and found when her kids have lost theirs.
Your Investment
- From $22.95 for the small one. Larger ones around $30 and insulated ones closer to $40.
3. Nike
Evidently this particular Nike drink bottle is pretty popular amongst kids. I must be living under a rock because I didn’t even realise Nike made drink bottles:-))
Was it leak proof?
All said yes.
Was it easy for your kids to drink from?
All said yes.
Can you reuse it this year?
Most said Yes.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
Yes.
Other Comments / Thoughts
- I didn’t know Nike made drink bottles but seeing it looked like a medium hard plastic, I thought I would see if I find out more about what it’s made of. I found this model is made from 59% Polyethylene, 24% Thermoplastic Elastomer, 16% Polypropylene, 1 % Silicone. I am certainly not an expert in this field and I am not sure whether this Polyethlene is the same as PET. My concern is because there have been recent findings that although PET is safe, that under some conditions, such as when the plastic heats up in the sun, it may leach endocrine disrupting chemicals. I will do more research on this and update as I learn more. Please see information below in a Few Words About Plastics.
Your Investment
- From $17 from Rebel Sports.
4. Tupperware
I was really surprised how often Tupperware came up. Do be honest, I haven’t used Tupperware for years, so would never have shared this if I had of been looking at what my family use.
Was it leak proof?
All said yes.
Was it easy for your kids to drink from?
All said yes.
Can you reuse it this year?
All said yes.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
Yes.
Other Comments / Thoughts
- You can only buy these in a set of 4.
- Again being plastic, I have some concerns. I have researched Tupperwares website and it says all plastics are 100% BPA free and recyclable. They even have a PDF booklet dedicated to their plastics, but no where can I find exactly what this drink bottle is made of. The booklet seems to indicate it is a #7 plastic which is basically anything that doesn’t fall into the other 6 categories. Please see information below in a Few Words About Plastics.
Your Investment
- $35 for set of 4 of 500ml size, or $59 for 1 ltr.
5. Supermarket / Variety Stores Drink Bottles
There were a considerable number of mums who bought drink bottles from the likes of Coles, Kmart, Big W and Office Works. There was a lot more mums in this group who expressed dissatisfaction with the drink bottles they had purchased. Even though I don’t believe these are the best investment in drink bottles, I have included them because I am collating the responses from the survey and there were many who used these.
Was it leak proof?
A few yes, mostly no.
Was it easy for your kids to drink from?
Some yes, some no.
Can you reuse it this year?
Mostly no.
Would you recommend it to other parents?
Mostly no.
Other Comments / Thoughts
- Given the responses from this group, it would appear the options available at these types of stores are a not an investment in the future. They may seem cheap now but if they are breaking or not lasting more than this year, then they are going to cost you again in the future. Plus there is also an added environmental cost too.
- Please see information below in a Few Words About Plastics.
Your Investment
- This could start as low as $8. Please remember, most times quality is reflected in price, so you get what you pay for. A cheap price may be an indication that you’re going to have to spend again soon on this item.
A Few Words About Plastics
- You may find this graphics of Plastic Classifications useful. It’s generally accepted that plastics with code 3 are not good, so steer clear of them. The rest are supposedly safe, yet there is some research indicating there are now concerns emerging about others too. You may find this read of Know Your Plastics on Realities Watch a worthwhile read. You may also enjoy Alexx Stuart’s Low Tox Life eCourse.
What Did My Family Use Last Year?
Lunchboxes
My family last year used Yumboxes in Term 1, then made the switch to the larger Munchbox for the remainder of the year. The switch was not because we were not happy with the Yumbox but rather our kids appetites had outgrown the Yumbox and I was finding I was always needing to pack extra containers or bags. We will continue to use the Munchboxes this year (for the kids, and Israel and my lunch).
Cooler Bag
We have been using Fridge To Go Medium Sized Bags for about 3 years now and will continue to use them again this year.
Drink Bottles
We have been using our Cheeki brand of drink bottles for years. They have been a great investment and we will use them again this year. I would love to get a double walled one to keep the water colder, particularly for our son who likes his water really cold, but I just can’t justify buying one when the Cheeki bottles are still totally functional. For my son, this year I will get into the habit of putting his drink bottle in the fridge overnight and adding ice in the morning.
Where To Buy
You can save yourself dollars and time by shopping online. Here are a list of online stores we have purchased from and can vouch for their integrity and service.
- Little Bento World – this store stocks a wide variety of lunchboxes, cooler bags, drink bottles, food wraps, reusable pouches and more.
- Biome Eco Stores – this store stocks a massive array of eco friendly products – Yumbox/Planetbox lunchboxes, drink bottles, etc plus a host of personal care products, toys and more.
- My Munchbox – this store is the only distributor of the Munchbox lunchbox range. The store also stocks other cute bento lunch tools such as picks. This store has agreed to give The Root Cause Community a 10% off their Munchboxes. Visit this page here to see the discount code to use.
- Little Toots Lunchbox – this store stocks Yumboxes, Fridge To Go and other cooler bags, drinkbottles and other lunchbox tools.
- Litter Free Living – this store carries all the wrap-free products we love and recommend.
Some of these stores support our mission to Transform Children’s Health and our Australian Tour by providing a small referral fee. You get the same great price, but they just help us to stay on the road. Please note, we only recommend these stores because we have personally purchased from them ourselves several times and can vouch for their integrity and service.
Remember to think about the lunchbox, cooler bag and drink bottle as an investment. You can protect your child’s health, the environment and your back pocket by investing in lunchbox tools which will last more than one year.
Do You Want To Know 5 Quick and Easy Lunchbox Foods That Boost Your Child’s Concentration & Health?
Then join me for a FREE Webinar on Thursday 12th January and I’ll share these with you. There’s a Special Bonus on offer for everyone who turns up live for the Webinar so you’ll want to be there. Click here for more details and to register. Be chatting to you on Thursday.