Skip built-in utensils. Get a lunch box with a slot.

Yes, plenty of lunch boxes come with utensils or a spot for them, but the dedicated compartment is the practical choice.

The ones that attach a fork and spoon right into the lid look cool, but they’re a pain. You have to wash them after every meal, they add bulk, and if you lose one you’re stuck with a useless slot. Also, some are so flimsy they snap off within a month.

What you actually want is a lunch box with a built-in elastic loop, mesh pocket, or hard-sided utensil compartment on the top. That way you can use your own fork and spoon (or chopsticks, or whatever), swap them out when they get gross, and not worry about proprietary parts.

Brands like Bentgo and Fitpacker do this well, but honestly most decent bento-style lunch boxes have the pocket now. Just check the photos before buying.

Once you have it, you’ll stop eating salad with a coffee spoon.