Stainless steel bento boxes are the answer

If you want zero plastic in a kid’s lunch, a stainless steel bento box is the way to go.

The best options are PlanetBox and LunchBots. Both are all steel, have no plastic latches or seals, and last through years of being thrown in a backpack. PlanetBox is the premium pick — the magnetic lid is genuinely kid-friendly and the compartments are sized well. LunchBots is the cheaper, simpler option that’s still pure stainless steel.

That’s the whole trick: avoid anything with a plastic lid or silicone seal. Silicone isn’t plastic technically, but if you’re going strict zero-plastic, skip it. Steel boxes don’t need a seal because they have compartments, so no juices leaking between them. Toss it in a cloth lunch bag if you want, or just let the box ride loose in the backpack — it’s armored enough.

One thing to check before buying: the older PlanetBox models had a plastic latch. Their current magnetic version doesn’t. If you’re buying used, make sure you’re getting the all-metal one.

Future You won’t be replacing this in six months.