The prepared box lunches sold at specialty markets, butcher shops and delis are a real treasure. All you have to do is grab one, head to the nearest park or corner office and enjoy. Boxed lunches are a great alternative to a sandwich and chips or a salad. They’re more thoughtful than takeout, healthier than most restaurant options and they’re usually a whole lot less expensive than ordering in.
Here are our best fresh prepared box lunches.
Our Editor’s Best Fresh Prepared Box Lunches Reviews
- A COMPLETE MEAL IN ONE BOX + PORTION CONTROL: This 15-Pack set of Bento Boxes features 3 different compartments so you can freeze or take with you a complete meal just in one container. Use them for your main course, salad and dessert and enjoy your meal everywhere, hassle free. Each meal prep container can store a total of 32oz (16-8-8 oz) which are the perfectly controlled portions to stay full, yet fit and healthy
- HEALTHY MEAL EVERYWHERE: Featuring food storage containers with portion control to help keep your meal prep plan and lose weight. These plastic containers can also be used as school lunch box or last night’s dinner
- DURABLE DESIGN: Most meal prep containers don’t last for a long time. They crack after a few uses and melt in the microwave. Not Freshware, our heavy duty lunch containers are built to be more strong and reusable than our competitors
- MICROWAVE, DISHWASHER AND FREEZER SAFE: Made of the highest quality food safe materials, these bento box can withstand temperatures from -40C to +120C (-40F to 250F) - so enjoy without worry about harmful chemicals leaking into your food
- Quick and Convenient Meal Prep: Perfectly portioned to feed the appetite of both older children and adults, prepare multiple meals in advance and safely store them in the fridge until you’re ready to transport one meal to school or work in the leak-proof lunch box included with the set
- Leak-Proof Compartment Tray: Entrees, sides, and snacks stay separated on-the-go without the inconvenience of multiple lunch bags or containers
- Customizable Compartments: Keep the 3-compartment structure as-is to pack larger main courses or add the optional divider to create 4 compartments. Note: The divider will not create a leak-proof division between foods with juices or other liquids.
- What You Get: Bentgo Fresh leak-proof lunch box, 3 compartment trays with removable divider, 2 meal tray covers, user manual, and caring customer support
- Simple, fast, easy to use: Most meal-prep containers don’t last. They crack after just a couple uses and can’t even be used in the microwave without burning or melting. Not Enther, Our bento boxes are built to last and contain the best features.
- No more disappointments. Gone are the days you had to worry about a cracked container or one that can’t withstand the heat of a microwave. Our containers are BPA-free, microwavable and ensured for multiple times uses.
- Trust: Use a meal-prep container that you can count on. It gets old when you have to buy a new container after just a few uses. Enther containers are washer and freezer friendly. With our bento boxes, you can trust that they will last longer than any other.
- You in mind: Enther containers are made with you in mind. We listen to your requests and this is our response: A safe, stackable and reliable container that features dividers for portion control. This bento box has everything you need and more.
- Our containers are made with quality in mind. If your container doesn’t meet your expectations or cracks within 10 uses, you get your order refunded. That’s our promise.
- Maki Ogawa (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 07/01/2010 (Publication Date) - Quirk Books (Publisher)
- 【 Keep Food Fresh & Drinks Cold 】Perfect for daily use in lunch boxes, bento boxes, and coolers. Ideal for work, school, picnics, hikes, fishing, and more
- 【 Keep Breastmilk Fresh】Bring back fresh breast milk for your baby to grow better. No longer need to carry multiple backpacks!
- 【 Save Space】8 slim ice packs (6.5” x 4.3” x 0.5”) will fit in just about any lunch box or coolers that you can think of and takes up less food or drink space
- 【 Reusable 】Not like ice, OUTXE ice packs don't make a mess as they thaw and will stay frozen for longer. sandwiches and other food items don’t get ruined when ice packs start melting
- 【 Easy Clean 】Just add water and stir to turn into a gel, freeze ice packs the night before use. Just rinse them and pop them back in the freezer after use, ready for next time
- PREMIUM BOROSILICATE GLASS:Our glass storage containers are made from premium borosilicate glass, which is stronger than others' glass food storage containers, safely go straight from the refrigerator to the microwave or oven to the table
- PORTION CONTROL FEATURE:The portion control feature of the divided glass lunch containers allows you to regain control over your meals. The two compartments glass containers make it easy to organize your meals and keep your diet plan
- AIRTIGHT SMART LOCKING LIDS: MCIRCO Glass food storage containers use snap lock lids that comes with silicone seals to make your meal prep food will last much longer than normal plastic food storage containers. These lids are easy to use and will stop leaking. These lids will not break or slowly stop working
- USER FRIENDLY: Easy to use and easy to take care of, as it can be used in the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and oven. Take off the lids before placing in oven and microwave
- SPACE-SAVING: The food storage containers have stackable design, can keep refrigerator, home and kitchen organized, and leave more space on your kitchen slabs and cabinets
- 【WHAT YOU GET】 Set of 3 Lunch boxes. Bento boxes are fit for most of the bento bags and able to be carried or moved easily, there is enough space for you to take food at the same time. It's perfect for students, busy office workers and travelers.
- 【Food Grade Material】Our lunch box is made of super quality food grade material (grade 5 PP material), BPA free, the ideal lunch box lunch food container for packing healthy food, odorless, durable, reusable, stain resistant, washable.
- 【Multifunctional 3 Compartment】3 separate compartments portioned perfectly according to your daily nutrition,meet your daily use for work,picnic,fitness,lose weight or food storage. The separate utensils compartment keeps your utensils clean.
- 【Humanized Design】The lunch box features 4 easy-to-open and close latches on the side, simply push gently to open. Besides, each bento box has one fork & Spoon inside so you don't need to prepare extra cutlery in your lunch bag.
- 【Multi-Scene Application】Easy to clean and easy to heat. Our bento box can be put into the dishwasher and refrigerator. Microwave safe to reheat your prepared meals. (Please open the bento box lid when putting in the microwave).
- 【5 Compartment Lunch Box】Our Lunchable Container has 5 compartments to help you separate the main food, sandwich, salad, fruit, and snacks without chaos, whether you're packing a snack for work, school, or travel, these meal prep containers reusable are a great choice. The 5 compartments lunch containers can accommodate different sizes of food, perfect for portion control and catering to all appetites from children to adults. Elevate your dining etiquette with our bento boxes!
- 【Safe and Reusable Material】Our food storage containers with lids are made of durable, high-quality wheat straw material (lid: grade 5 PP material), BPA-free. These snackle box containers are sturdy and reusable, making them the perfect bento box for when you are at home and on the go. These lunch box kids are safe to use and can be used multiple times, making them perfect for the environment and your wallet. Please use our snack containers for kids instead of disposable snack containers!
- 【Easy-Open Lids】Designed with a “cat ear” handle on the sealing lid of the bento lunch box helps us open and close it more easily, even if the lid is tightly closed. The translucent design makes it convenient to see the food through the lid, makes it more attractive, making you can't wait to enjoy it. Our adult lunchable containers in each section seals so nothing leaks to another section, keeping your snacks fresh and organized. (Note: NOT leakproof and NOT suitable for liquid food)
- 【Lightweight and Stackable】Our snack containers for kids are designed to be lightweight and compact. Stack them neatly in the fridge or cabinets without occupying excessive space when not in use. Whether you're heading to the office, school, or simply having a picnic outdoors, the compact size of these bento lunch box containers ensures they can easily fit into a backpack or lunch bag, making on-the-go mealtime a breeze.
- 【Microwave, Freezer and Dishwasher Safe】These bento boxes for lunch are easy to clean and you can also use them in the microwave and freezer. Please remove the lid before heating in the microwave or washing in the dishwasher. Freezer Safe(≥-4℉), Microwave Safe(without lids, 2-4 mins under 248℉), Dishwasher Safe(top rack only, hand washing is recommended for the lid to avoid any deformation caused by high temperature and pressure washing). 5 color bento boxes are easy to distinguish and use!
- [More Variety at Lunchtime]: Designed to fit perfectly in our lunchbox or use on its own. Leak-proof when used with cold foods like salads or leftovers, or for wet foods like gravies or sauces. Fridge + freezer safe, perfect for meal prep & storage.
- [Kid Friendly]: When it's time to eat, the flexible silicone corner tab lets small hands easily grip to remove from the lunchbox and open the lid independently. Microwave safe, simply remove the lid before heating up.
- [Easy Cleaning]: Dishwasher safe (top rack) to make cleaning a breeze! Or hand wash in warm soapy water. Made from durable, long lasting food grade silicone and PP, free from nasties like BPA.
- [Dimensions]: 13.6 oz capacity; 4.8 inches x 4.8 inches x 2.44 inches
- [About b.box]: Founded by two moms on a mission to make parenting easier, b.box solves everyday problems with unique, high quality products that parents trust and kids love. Sold in over 60 countries, we continue to develop practical and fun essentials.
- 【7 Pack Meal Prep Containers】 This snack box contains 7 different colors, so you can prepare food for the week and use a different color . This way you don't have to wash and make more during the week.
- 【Safe and Reusable】The 5 PACK snack bento box is made of durable, high quality and BPA-free wheat straw material that can be used multiple times, is odorless and easy to clean.
- 【4 Compartment Snack Container】The 4-compartment meal box is designed to make it easy for you to achieve a healthy meal plan. Keep your main meals, fruits and snacks separate to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Perfect for portion control and satisfying appetites from children to adults.
- 【Easy-to-open Lids】Sealed Snack Bento Box. A “cat ear” handle on the seal lid of bento lunch box for kids to make it easy to open and close by even kids. Easy to use (not suitable for liquids)
- 【Lightweight and Stackable】This lunch containers is designed to be lightweight and stackable in the fridge and cupboard, or in a backpack or lunch bag, without taking up too much space. Suitable for adults and children to go to work, school and travel.
Best Fresh Prepared Box Lunches Buying Guide
Before choosing the best fresh prepared box lunches you should consider following options:
1. Portion size: Portion sizes can vary widely, so it is important to understand what you are getting for your money.
The standard sizes are usually a half or whole sandwich, small or large snack/side, fruit, a protein bar and a cookie.
If you are ordering a sandwich, make sure it is not one of those overstuffed monstrosities. You are paying for the entire contents of the box, not just the sandwich.
2. Ingredients: We all have our preferences when it comes to certain ingredients. If you don’t like turkey, you probably aren’t going to be happy with a turkey sandwich.
Make sure the ingredients are fresh. Look for things like “prepared fresh daily” on the packaging.
3. Protein: If you are trying to incorporate more protein into your diet, this is the perfect opportunity. You can easily get a protein bar or two in your lunch for very little money.
4. Snacks: If you are trying to eat healthier, you may be tempted to throw out the snack. Don’t do that.
Snacks make a great addition to your lunch, and they can be a great way to get some variety.
5. Variety: Having a variety of items in your lunch is essential. We tend to get bored easily, so we tend to eat less if our lunch is boring.
Having a variety of items in your lunch will help prevent this, and it will help you get more nutrients.
6. Cost: There is a big difference in price. You can get a box with a lot of variety and decent quality for $7-$12.
On the other hand, you can get a lunch in a restaurant for that same amount.
7. Convenience: Some places will deliver. Some places will even deliver cold. Others will even deliver hot!
If you are trying to eat healthier, having a healthy lunch delivered to you can be a lifesaver.
8. Customer service: Of course, you want to have good quality food, but you also want good customer service.
You should be able to get the information you need about their products and be able to contact them if you have any issues.
9. Portability: While you may not be taking your lunch to go, you may be eating it away from your desk.
You will want something that will not make a mess if you are eating in your car or on a park bench.
10. Taste: Obviously, this is something you will have to decide for yourself. If you have an opportunity to try out a company’s products, do so.
If not, you may have to take a chance. If you don’t like what you get, you can always throw it away and get something else.
11. Variety of items: This is especially important if you are trying to lose weight. Having a variety will ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need.
Having a variety of items will also help you from getting bored. You will not want to throw away food if it is something that you like.
12. Brand: Some companies have a good reputation for quality and customer service. Some are known for their variety of healthy options.
Some companies are known for their quality and variety, but they are more expensive. You will want to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.
13.
What else you should know about fresh prepared box lunches
1. How are the box lunches prepared?
The box lunches are prepared by a professional catering company.
2. What type of food is included in a typical box lunch?
A typical box lunch may include a sandwich, a side item such as chips or a pickle, and a dessert.
3. How long will the box lunch stay fresh?
A box lunch will stay fresh for about four hours.
4. How much does a box lunch cost?
A box lunch typically costs between $10 and $15.
5. Where can I find a place that sells fresh prepared box lunches?
There are many places that sell fresh prepared box lunches, but some examples include grocery stores, delis, and catering companies.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best fresh prepared box lunches. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best fresh prepared box lunches will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.