Built-in utensil holders are overrated

Built-in utensil holders are overrated — you’re better off with a separate utensil roll.

I get the appeal: everything in one place. But in practice, the holder is usually a flimsy strap or a shallow slot that only fits a tiny spork. It’s a pain to clean, and you end up losing space for actual food. A simple utensil roll or pouch costs a few bucks and works with any lunch box you own. You can keep the real fork and spoon, not the weird foldable ones.

Now, if you want a lunch box that has a proper holder anyway, the Bentgo Modern is the one to look at. It’s got a side slot that actually fits standard flatware, and the whole thing is dishwasher-safe. It’s not cheap, but it’s well made.

But honestly, the best lunch box with a utensil holder is a normal lunch box plus a $3 roll.