Soft cooler bags win for most offices

For most office workers, a soft-side insulated cooler bag is the better choice than a traditional handled lunch box.

The soft bag is just more practical in an office setting. It fits in a backpack, slides under your desk, and doesn’t fight you for space in a crowded elevator. Traditional lunch boxes are rigid, bulky, and usually have about half the capacity.

You also get better insulation. Soft bags zip closed and hold a cold pack against your food. Most have outside pockets for a phone or keys, and some even have dedicated spots for a water bottle. That’s a lot of utility for something that costs the same as a tin box with a handle.

That said, if you’re packing food in glass containers, or you want something that’ll protect a salad, the rigid traditional box will keep your lunch from getting crushed. It’s also easier to wipe out if something leaks. But those are edge cases.

Unless you’re hauling glass or chasing a retro vibe, the soft cooler bag is the better office lunchmate.