Keep Your Lunch Cool in These Insulated Lunch Bags for Adults

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Who said lunch bags are only for kids? Once you’ve meal prepped for the week, pack your healthy lunch into one of these lightweight adult lunch bags, totes or containers that should help keep your salad fresh and your soup from spilling. Lunch bags for adults come in all sorts of styles, whether you’re looking for one with insulated lining that keeps meals at the right temperature or ones that are dishwasher safe to ensure easy cleanup.

Our top picks

The product analysts and experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab test everyday kitchen equipment and accessories from air fryers to portable food storage containers and camping cookware sets. To narrow down the best adult lunch bags for your budget, we reviewed each pick below for its materials, design, specs and more. When possible, we had at-home testers weigh in on their experience using each lunch box. Our picks below are comprised of top-performing brands from our product tests, personal favorites and popular styles with rave consumer reviews.

After checking out our top picks, continue reading to learn more about what to look for when shopping for the most stylish lunch bags for work.

Freezable Lunch Bag

This freezable lunch box from PackIt is the best choice if want to keep your food cold without having to carry around separate icepacks. All you have to do is collapse the lunch box and freeze it overnight! Offered in multiple designs, this pick is as useful for adults as it is for kids. The flexible material makes it simple to fit in a book bag, or you can use the buckle that's built into the handle to clip it to a tote or stroller. Our pros like that this model features a wider base than other models to make it easier to pack containers, and a zip closure helps trap cold air inside as well as prevent accidental spills.

Deputy Editor Sarah Wharton uses PackIt's Hampton Lunch Bag style and likes its large capacity and long-lasting insulation and notes that the interior is easy to wipe clean.

Lunch Bag

Offered in several colors and patterns, this lunch bag is as stylish as it is affordable. One of our experts says “this lunch box has lasted for years and fits more food than you’d think. It’s super easy to wash when it gets dirty, and I love how the handles are the perfect size for carrying it around NYC.”

It’s made from an insulating material that helps keep your salads cold, and it also comes with a convenient zippered closure. It even includes an extra front pocket so you can fit your phone or utensils inside!

Salad Container

This salad container is the perfect lunch box for adults looking for a convenient way to meal prep. Every layer stacks neatly on top of each other, making it easy to take this container on the go and a leak-proof design and airtight lid help keep your lunch secure. We love that there’s a separate compartment for your salad dressing and toppings so you can keep everything fresh and mix it in when you’re ready to eat, though some online consumers wish the principal container was a bit larger.

Our pros like that a reusable fork is included, and everything is dishwasher safe so you can throw it into the dishwasher after work. If you’re looking for fewer compartments we also recommend the Bentgo Classic, a bento-style lunch box with two containers.

8 L Lunch Tote

Hydro Flask knows how to keep things cool, and this large insulated cooler bag will do just that. It has a fully lined interior to help keep your meal warm or cool, and the exterior coated fabric is durable and waterproof, according to Hydro Flask.

We like how the tote has a flat bottom to help keep everything upright and that the bag is big enough to store a few small groceries items on your way home (especially in the 20 L or 35 L size). If you’re looking for a more traditional, structured lunch bag with a handle, you can also opt for this 8L Hydro Flask insulated lunch bag.

Gourmet Getaway Soft Neoprene Lunch Tote Bag

The Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab experts love that this adult lunch box is affordable, lightweight and easy to carry. It’s a practical pick that easily fits all sorts of containers and snacks inside, and it includes a zipper to keep items from falling out while you’re rushing to the office.

Because it’s made from flexible neoprene material, this lunch box is easy to stuff into a larger bag or backpack; plus, it’ll help keep your food cool or warm. Best of all, it comes in several fun colors and patterns and can even be thrown in the wash should anything accidentally spill.

Good Grips Prep & Go Insulated Lunch Bag

This lunch box from OXO is as practical as it gets. Though we wish it was offered in more colors, we love that it comes with long straps so you can comfortably sling your lunch on your shoulders. It’s also insulated to keep everything cool and has a roomy interior to fit your lunch and more with an expandable top section. For extra storage, there’s an exterior pocket that can fit little treats, utensils and condiments.

Axel Lunch Box

Our experts love that with a detachable shoulder strap in addition to the handle, this lunch box is extremely portable. The main compartment is insulated to help keep foods cool. It even comes with extra pockets to keep your lunch organized. While our pros found it a bit narrow and not the best lunch box for soups or liquids that need to be kept upright, we love its classic, sleek design.

Ms. Bento Stainless-Steel Vacuum Lunch Jar

When a solitary cup of soup just won't do, the Ms. Bento is the perfect solution. It comes with three separate microwaveable bowls that fit into a single thermos, all stored in a useful tote bag that will keep everything upright, in one place and easy to transport.

The thermos is ideal in situations when a fridge or microwave aren't available since it helps keep your food warm (or cool) for hours according to the manufacturer. But as with any thermal containers, we recommend "preheating" the hot-food bowls by pouring in and emptying out boiling water before adding hot food to maximize the heat longevity.

The Backpack

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are already fans of the highly functional Luncher bag from Modern Picnic, but we all know that a backpack is oftentimes the most comfortable hands-free option.

The Backpack lets you carry your lunch to work along with any personal belongings. It comes in a stylish vegan leather material, features magnetic closures for easy access and includes an insulated interior so your food and beverages stay cool. Our Media & Tech lab pros were fond of the padded laptop sleeve, though they wish it were in a separate compartment in case of any spills.

Lunch Bunch Bag

If you want a lunch box that flaunts your style, this selection from Vera Bradley is for you. It includes an insulated lining as well as slip pockets for ice packs so your lunch can stay cold, but what our experts love most are the cheerful, colorful patterns. Its lightweight and unstructured shape also make it extremely easy to shove in your bag once you’ve emptied it. On top of being easy to carry around with a handle, it’s machine washable.

Bento Bite Dual

Made in Japan, this slim and sleek adult lunch box from Takenaka caught our experts' eyes. We like how it’s leakproof according to the manufacturer, dishwasher safe and that it comes with two tiers so you can keep your lunch in separate compartments. Offered in several bright, pretty colors, it’s the kind of lunch box your colleagues will want for themselves.

9-Can Soft Cooler

If you need to pack lunch for the family, this lunch box has room for lunch, snacks and nine beverage cans. It’s perfect for tailgates or picnics in the park and is easy to carry thanks to an adjustable shoulder strap. Our experts love that there’s a plastic liner inside that keeps this lunch box upright and that it’s a breeze to remove for easy cleaning.

Freezable Classic Lunch Box

This freezable lunch box from PackIt is the best choice if want to keep your food cold without having to carry around separate icepacks. All you have to do is collapse the lunch box and freeze it overnight! Offered in multiple designs, this pick is as useful for adults as it is for kids. The flexible material makes it simple to fit in a bookbag, or you can use the buckle that's built into the handle to clip it to your backpack or tote.

Senior Editor & Analyst Sarah Wharton uses PackIt's Hampton Lunch Bag style and likes its large capacity and long-lasting insulation and notes that the interior is easy to wipe clean.

Brilliance Salad Storage Container

The containers in the Brilliance range from Rubbermaid stack neatly on top of each other, meaning you never have to play a game of fridge Jenga again. This five-cup salad kit keeps things fresh with a leak-proof seal and includes a tray for your dressing and toppings so you’re able to mix your salad right before you eat it. It’s the perfect adult lunch box for meal prep and salads, and our experts love that it’s easy to wash in the dishwasher.

Stainless Steel Lunch Box

This Black + Blum lunchbox is made of stainless steel, meaning that it can be used in both the freezer and the oven. There’s a vacuum seal to help prevent spills and leaks, as well as a silicone strap for extra security when tossing your lunch in your bag. Our experts especially love that this lunch box comes with an adjustable food divider and a fork as a bonus.

Collapsible Box for Kids

This lunch box bowl is a favorite among our kitchen pros and a winner of a 2021 Kitchen Gear Award. It's a great choice for a kid's lunch box, but we love it for adults too because once you’re done with your lunch, the bowl collapses, making it super portable and easy to stash in your bag. It’s microwave and dishwasher safe and stackable, so owning a few of these won’t clutter your kitchen. We like that it comes in a variety of pastel colors, and think it's a great choice for packing sandwiches or healthy snacks!

Kraft Go Lunch Sack

If you miss the days of bringing a brown bag lunch to school, why not opt for this spin on a classic design that's flexible and versatile and has that beloved paper-bag look? Made from Tyvek material that’s resistant to leaks and stains, according to Lekue, this bag is also easy to fold and put away.

In addition to being waterproof according to the manufacturer (unlike traditional brown bags), this lunch sack is lined with insulating material to keep your food fresh. It comes in grey or brown and features a button and tie so nothing falls out when you're in transit.

What to look for when shopping for an adult lunch box

When shopping for an adult lunch box to bring to the office, on hiking trips or even to a spring picnic, there are a few key factors to consider in addition to how much you want to spend.

✔️ Style: Do you want a lunch box that is soft and flexible like a bag or tote, or do you prefer something sturdier, such as a container or a bento box? Also, consider how you plan on getting your lunch box to your destination and whether portability is important. Some lunch boxes come with a strap or handles for easy carrying.

✔️ Size: Adult lunch boxes come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large totes or bookbags so you can throw in a few extra items, while others are smaller and have only enough space for your food. Before purchasing a lunch box, you'll need to decide whether you want room inside for a water bottle, snacks or utensils along with your lunch or whether you'd prefer something smaller and more compact.

✔️ Material: Once you've narrowed down whether you want a lunch box that's a bag or container, you'll have to choose from materials like glass, plastic, stainless steel or something softer like neoprene, cotton or polyester. You should also check whether your lunch box is stain-resistant, water-resistant, leak-proof or dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and protection from spills. Keep in mind that not all lunch boxes are insulated, so also look out for an insulating lining to help keep your food at the right temperature. This is especially important if you don't have access to a fridge or don't have room for ice packs. We also recommend looking for lunch boxes with smooth vinyl or plastic interiors, which are easier to clean on a daily basis.

How we tested

To select the best adult lunch boxes, writer Olivia Lipski collaborated with Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou. Together they reviewed and evaluated each lunch box for criteria such as style, size, insulation and portability.

In our previous tests at the Good Housekeeping Institute, lunch boxes were tested for their ability to retain a safe temperature, ease of use, durability, ease of opening and closing, packing, carrying and cleaning as well as resistance to leaking and staining of the box.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Olivia Lipski covers everything from camping gear to smart home devices across appliances, travel, home and fitness for GH. She frequently collaborates with the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab to help readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best kitchen tools and gadgets to hit the market.

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