Get the MonBento if you want to carry lunch like a civilized human

MonBento’s stackable bento boxes are the best way to keep multiple courses separate in a backpack. They lock together into a neat tower, so nothing shifts around, and you get real separation between, say, a grain bowl and a salad with dressing.

The key is the sealing. Each tier has a tight-fitting lid with a rubber gasket, and the two halves clip together with a single catch. That means you can throw the whole thing in a backpack on its side, and you don’t end up with vinaigrette all over your laptop. It also comes with a little spoon and fork tucked into the top lid, which saves you from the plastic cutlery guilt.

Bentgo Stackable is the cheaper, more kid-oriented version. It works fine, but the plastic feels thinner and the latches are less satisfying. If you’re packing adult-sized lunches, MonBento is worth the upgrade. Just measure your bag first—the basic two-tier stack is about five inches tall, which fits in most backpacks but can be tight in side pockets.

Your lunch will actually look like a meal instead of a pile of Tupperware. That alone makes it worth it.