The $10 stainless steel tiffin is the best lunch box deal.

The most affordable lunch box that stays durable is a simple stainless steel tiffin, not plastic.

You can get a two- or three-tier stainless tiffin for around ten bucks. It won’t crack when you drop it, it doesn’t hold smells, and you can toss it in the dishwasher. Plastic from the dollar store might be cheaper, but it’s thin and will split within a month. That’s not durable, that’s just disposable.

If you need something plastic, go with a name brand like Rubbermaid or Sistema. They cost a few dollars more than the cheap stuff, but the hinges and seals hold up. Glass is durable too, but it’s heavy and breaks if you’re clumsy. Stainless steel is the sweet spot.

Just remember to get one with a leak-proof lid if you’re carrying sauce or soup. Some cheap tiffins leak at the seams. A little research before you click saves you the mess.

Your lunch doesn’t need to be fancy, but it shouldn’t end up on the floor either.