Get the Bentgo Modern, but don't expect perfection

The Bentgo Modern is the best lunch box with a built-in utensil slot and dip container, but it’s not perfect.

It comes with a fork and spoon that snap right into the lid, a small leakproof dip container, and enough compartments for a real lunch. That’s the feature set you’re asking for, and it does it all in one tidy package.

The tradeoff is that it’s plastic. Hand-wash it if you want it to last, and don’t expect full-size cutlery — the utensils are on the short side. The dip container is also small. Fine for hummus or ranch, not so fine for soup.

If you’d rather skip the plastic, buy a stainless steel lunch box you actually like, then add a separate sauce cup and a bamboo utensil set. Costs a bit more and takes up a little extra space, but you’re not stuck with a gimmick.

For most people, the Bentgo Modern is the right answer.