Collapsible lunch boxes save cabinet space, not lunchbag space.

Collapsible silicone lunch boxes are great for your kitchen cabinet, but they’re not the space-saver you want inside your actual lunch bag.

They do what they say: squish down flat when empty. If your drawer looks like a Tupperware crime scene, that’s a real win. You can stack five collapsed boxes in the space one rigid container takes.

The catch is volume. Silicone walls are thick. A 750ml collapsible box full of food is physically bulkier than a rigid plastic container with the same capacity. So if you’re packing a crowded lunch bag or backpack, they’re actually the worse choice.

They also don’t stack well when full, which makes them awkward in the fridge. And they’re not great with liquids or saucy food unless they have a stiff, leakproof lid — many don’t, and the ones that do cost more.

Where they shine: dry lunches, bento-style snacks, leftovers at your desk, and anyone who carries the box home empty in a small tote. They’re also easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, which is more than I can say for most plastic lids.

Short on drawer space? Get them. Short on backpack space? Don’t.