Get the Zojirushi food jar

The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar is the best leak-proof lunch box for soup or yogurt if you want to eat right out of the container.

It’s one solid bottle, no inner cups or separate lids to fumble with. The wide mouth is actually wide enough to fit a spoon, and the seal is solid — I’ve thrown mine sideways in a backpack more times than I can count and never had a drop leak. It also keeps soup hot for lunch prep made in the morning, and yogurt stays cold into the afternoon.

Thermos makes a decent cheaper version, but the Zojirushi lid design wins. There’s a little vent that you flick shut before carrying, and that’s what makes it truly leak-proof. Took me a two-second test with water to figure it out, and then it was flawless.

One thing: don’t buy the versions with the foldable spoon unless you like eating with a stubby spoon. The plain jar is the one.

Your bag will thank you.