Prepping your lunch with portion-controlled bento boxes can help you keep your nutrition on track. (SaVanna Shoemaker, RD)
Portion-controlled bento boxes take the guesswork out of meal prep, helping you manage portion sizes with built-in compartments, adjustable dividers or smaller containers. Inspired by the traditional Japanese bento — "which has been used in Japan for over 100 years," explains Rebecca Schubert, MS, RDN, NBC, dietitian and owner of One Step Nutrition Coaching — these lunch boxes offer a structured way to balance your meals.
Besides portion control, Moushumi Mukherjee, MS, RDN, dietitian and owner of Dietitian Moushumi adds, "A bento box can encourage you to add more nutritious foods and increase diversity in your meals." With each empty compartment, you're naturally inclined to include a mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, protein-rich cheese or fiber-packed nuts.
Mandy Enright, dietitian and worksite wellness specialist also points out that using a bento box can set you up for weight management success since home-prepped meals give you greater control over ingredients and portions. Plus, these reusable boxes cut down on single-use waste and may save you time and money in the long run.
The best meal-prep lunch boxes come in various designs. They typically have two to six compartments and are made of materials ranging from glass and stainless steel to durable, food-safe plastic.
After testing 15 bento boxes and talking with three dietitians specializing in weight loss, it's clear that some options are better than others. Read on for our picks of the best portion-controlled bento boxes of 2025.
Update, Aug. 20, 2025: We’ve confirmed current pricing and availability for all products. Our top picks for the best meal prep bento boxes remain the same.
Material: Glass | Size: 41 oz. (8.7 x 6.3 x 2.6 in.) | Special features: Microwave-safe, oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe
If you're only going to invest in one bento-style lunchbox, make it the Bentgo Glass Lunch Container. This container is made from thick, durable glass that helps insulate your lunch, and it's perfectly fine to throw in the dishwasher, the freezer or the oven. Note that the lid isn't oven-safe, though. At just under $20, it's also affordable compared to others.
Eating out of a glass container made the whole experience more enjoyable. It felt more like a proper meal compared to plastic or stainless steel — but maybe that's just me. Glass is also the safest option for reheating food, as plastic containers, even microwave-safe ones, may leach plastic particles when heated.
This bento box features three compartments: one large section (3 cups) and two smaller sections (1 cup each). The spacious larger compartment is perfect for sandwiches, salads, hearty servings of veggies or protein-rich items, like a whole chicken breast. The smaller sections are ideal for starchy sides, such as rice or pasta, as well as a serving of yogurt or fruit.
Amazon users also love this bento box. One 5-star review says, "I was put off by the price at first, thinking 'some glass with a plastic lid for $20?' but this is probably the best glass lunch container you can get. It's quality. It's deep enough to fit a lot of food, fits in a 14- to 16-liter lunchbox and the lid seals the three sections off so any liquidy food is not spilling over. And of course, because it's glass, you don't have to worry about melting plastic and discoloration when microwaving (also oven-safe, sans lid)."
The only real drawback with this box is that since it's all one piece, you can't use it for hot and cold foods together.
Material: Ceramic-coated glass | Size: (Medium Container) 53 oz. (8.6 x 5.9 x 2.6 in.) | Special features: Nonstick, dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, microwave-safe, oven-safe, multiple container sizes included
If you're ready to splurge on an entire food storage system that stores leftovers and snaps together to create custom bento boxes, I can't recommend the Caraway Food Storage Set enough. The containers are made from ceramic-coated glass that's incredibly durable, easy to clean and safe for the oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer. In addition, the set comes with several Dot & Dash Containers, which fit neatly into the larger containers. These small inserts are ideal for holding sauces and sides — just make sure to remove them before reheating as they aren't microwave- or oven-safe.
The set includes one large container (10 cups), two medium containers (6.6 cups each), two small containers (4.4 cups each), two Dot Inserts (4 oz each), two Dash Inserts (9 oz each), two container straps and three organizers for easy kitchen storage.
To create my bento box, I used a medium container, a Dot Insert and a Dash Insert. It was the perfect way to portion out football snacks and keep my spinach-artichoke dip and cocktail sausages separate from the drier foods. The set also comes with container straps to keep your box more secure when you're on the go.
Amazon reviewers appreciate the quality of these products and comment on the brand's excellent customer service. One says, "While more expensive, it’s clear these containers are of high quality. One lid did arrive damaged but after emailing their customer service (I got the email address off the website), they immediately sent a spare lid. They were so fast in their response! I definitely recommend!"
Unfortunately, these containers aren't entirely leak-proof. They're also significantly more expensive than other options, but you can buy pieces separately to build your bento if you're not ready to invest in the entire set.
Material: Stainless steel, plastic and silicone | Size: 39 oz. (8.5 x 5.3 x 3.5 in.) | Special features: 12-oz. thermos, ice pack
If you enjoy a lunch with hot and cold components, but don't have a way to keep food cool or reheat it, the OmieBox UP is an outstanding choice. It has a 12-ounce thermos to keep food warm for hours, and the other side of the box has a small compartment with a removable divider and space for an ice pack underneath. While technically for kids 9 years and older, the size works well if you're trying to reduce your portion sizes to manage weight.
This was easily one of the best bento boxes I tested, and I didn’t go easy on it. Instead of soup — which I expected to stay warm in the thermos — I opted for a tougher challenge. I reheated some chicken breast until it was steaming, packed it into the thermos and set it out for a few hours. To my surprise, when I opened the thermos nearly 4 hours later, the chicken was still warm. In fact, it had retained so much heat that it was slightly overcooked — pretty impressive!
Most Amazon reviews feel the box is good value for money. "I bought the Omie Bento Blue Box for my child’s school lunches, and it has been a game-changer!" says one. They continue, "The insulated compartment keeps food warm until lunchtime, which is perfect for sending hot meals like pasta or soup. The design is kid-friendly, easy to open and has separate sections for different foods, preventing mixing. It’s also super easy to clean and durable. Definitely worth the investment for hassle-free, warm lunches! Highly recommend!"
Before adding this box to your shopping cart, it's worth noting that it isn't microwave-safe, and most of the components need to be hand-washed. This may be a deal-breaker if you want a lunch box that's easy to maintain.
Material: Stainless steel | Size: 34 oz. (7.9 x 7.9 x 2.2 in.) | Special features: Microwave-safe, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, two inner containers, fork included
For a top-tier lunch salad, keeping the ingredients separate until you're ready to eat is essential to avoid a soggy, unappealing mess. That’s why I like the Black + Blum Original Lunch Box. The main container is perfect for piling fresh greens and veggies, while the small cup holds just the right amount of salad dressing. The larger cup is ideal for ingredients you might want to warm up before eating, like shredded chicken. Plus, it has a built-in fork that fits neatly inside, so there’s no need to pack extra utensils or hunt one down at lunchtime.
I really enjoyed eating from this container. It’s lightweight and less bulky than many other lunch boxes I tested, yet still holds a generous portion, for a satisfying meal.
For convenience, the outer container and inner cups are microwave-safe (with the lids off), and all parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe — except for the large lid. Just keep in mind that the white container may stain easily from foods like tomato sauce.
One 5-star Amazon review calls this box "Superbly Designed with Top Quality Construction." They continue, "The price is worth the flexibility with the storage options. The containers they come with are superbly designed and make it easy to separate cold foods and foods you need to warm up. Only con is that the clips to lock in place can be tricky sometimes. But overall [I'm] so happy. I will definitely be ordering another soon."
Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Size: (Meal size) 34 oz. (8.1 x 5.8 x 2.1 in.) | Special features: Microwaveable, dishwasher-safe, nesting containers, limited lifetime warranty
Our top eco-friendly pick — the Klean Kanteen Rise Food Box Family Set — is a durable and sustainable alternative to traditional, plastic-based lunch containers. Made from 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, this set is designed for longevity while minimizing environmental impact.
The largest container, the Rise Meal Box, has an adjustable divider for easy portioning. The Rise Lunch Box and the smaller Rise Snack Box nest neatly inside for compact storage. Surprisingly, these stainless steel food containers are microwave-safe without their lids — a rare feature for metal. I was admittedly hesitant to test it, but surprisingly, it worked flawlessly. The rounded edges prevent electrical arcing and sparking, making them safe to use in the microwave. Cleanup is just as convenient since all components are dishwasher-safe.
I'm not a huge fan of eating out of stainless steel, but I love the convenience of this set, and I can see myself packing a sandwich or snack in one of the smaller containers to toss in my purse.
The main drawback of this set is that removing the lids from the two largest containers can be a bit tricky without twisting them, so extra caution is needed when storing liquids. Additionally, while it significantly reduces plastic waste, it’s not entirely plastic-free — the divider is made of plastic, and the lids contain silicone for a secure seal.
Material: Plastic, silicone | Size: 57 oz. (5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 in.) | Special features: Microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe
Classic bento designs follow a centuries-old Japanese tradition of neatly stacked compartments that keep food fresh and organized. They often feature tiered layers and a secure outer strap, ensuring everything stays in place. The Monbento Square embraces this time-honored structure while incorporating modern materials.
Designed by the French bento company Monbento, this box closely mimics the classic stackable bento found in Japan. It has two separate compartments that neatly stack on top of each other to keep food organized and fresh. It also includes a lidded sauce cup and a large insert, allowing for multiple food options without mixing flavors. The only downside is that the white intermediary lids can be tricky to remove.
This stackable lunchbox has rave reviews online, with one satisfied customer saying, "This is really a nice box. It's quite liquid-proof as long as you put on the lid (I haven't tried it with soup yet). I like having the flexibility of two compartments. Between the inner lid and outer lid, you can fit a flexible plastic fork and napkin. I like how elegant it is in shape; [it] makes me enjoy packing my lunch." They continue to say that even after 2 years of regular use, the box is "definitely worth all five stars."
I tried Monbento's pricier version of the Square box, which included a wooden chopping board that fit perfectly inside the box. This nod to traditional Japanese craftsmanship made it practical for on-the-go meal prep — something you won’t find in most modern bento boxes. Unfortunately, this version is out of stock, though you can sign up to be notified when it becomes available.
Material: Plastic, silicone | Size: 67.6 oz. (9.3 x 8.5 x 2.6 in.) | Special features: Flexible lid insert, ice pack included, adjustable divider
The B.Box Jumbo Lunchbox is the only bento box I tried that can hold an entire apple. The plastic lid has an opening with a flexible silicon seal, allowing it to stretch to accommodate large whole fruits like apples, pears and mangos.
With the adjustable divider in place, the box has five compartments, which is more than the majority of products on our list. The largest compartment is roomy enough for a sandwich, with an area to insert an ice pack below it, and the smaller compartments are ideal for sides. Two leakproof compartments can be used for foods like yogurt and applesauce, but they shouldn't be used for liquids like soups.
The box is microwaveable with the lid open, but it's not dishwasher-safe. Regardless, I adore this lunchbox, and I've been using it and the smaller B.box Mini Lunchbox almost daily to portion out my kids' snacks.
One happy Amazon reviewer says, "Sooo cute, light and leak-proof when you have to take it on the go. You can make so many different options with the added ice pack that fits right in. I have all sizes starting from the snack containers. I love this brand. The quality for the price is amazing, and it's so easy to clean."
While this lunchbox is spacious enough for adults, its design leans a bit youthful, since it was originally intended for children. However, with a variety of color combinations available, there are options to suit all ages.
Material: Stainless steel, Tritan plastic | Size: 46 oz. (9 x 6 x 2.8 in.) | Special features: Optional microwaveable inserts, leakproof
Rigwa Life has a huge assortment of stainless steel lunch boxes and microwave-safe inserts to help you create a DIY bento box. I tested the large Travel Bento Box with the Open Insert Set, but Rigwa also sells a Divider Insert Set that adds four compartments to the bento.
The bento box itself has a seriously robust seal, so it's entirely leakproof — and kind of hard to open, if I'm being completely honest. The insulated stainless steel can also keep your food hot or cold for hours. The Divider Inserts are microwavable, and each section holds about one cup of food — making portion control effortless. To accommodate a large sandwich, wrap or salad, just remove one of the inserts.
The inserts are also great for meal prep. You can prep in advance and store your food in the inserts, then just pop them into the stainless steel container when it's time to assemble your lunch. Rigwa bento boxes and accessories are more expensive than many of the other bento boxes listed here, though.
Material: Food-safe plastic | Size: 19.2 oz. (8.5 x 6.5 x 2 in.) | Special features: Multiple colors and prints, built-in ice pack model available
Bento-style lunchboxes can be a great way to encourage kids to eat a wider variety of foods at their afternoon meal — plus it means fewer containers you need to buy, clean and hope make it back from school. When it comes to the best option for kids, it's hard to beat Bentgo's Kid Lunch Box.
Available in a wide variety of kid-friendly prints and colors, the box features four compartments that are just the right size for sandwiches, veggies, fruits, pretzels and any other healthy snacks your kid enjoys. There's also a smaller fifth compartment in the center for adding dips, like hummus and ranch, or small treats like mini-sized leftover Halloween candy or Soley Organic Mango Fruit Gummies. While the box says it's leakproof, our tester noted that thinner sauces sometimes spilled over to other containers. She said this was easily remedied by tapping a small piece of plastic wrap over the compartment with the sauce.
For hot foods, the company offers matching thermoses with lids that are easy for kids to grip and open themselves. On the opposite end of the spectrum, to keep foods cool, Bentgo Chill Lunch Box is a good option. While slightly more expensive than their classic kids' option, it features a built-in ice pack to keep your child's lunch cold.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a bento lunchbox:
Although bento is a particular type of lunch box that originated in Japan, the definition has expanded as the boxes have become more popular.
For the most part, bento boxes are lunch containers containing divided or stackable sections that allow you to pack multiple foods separately. However, some bento-style lunch boxes may include other features, like dressing cups or insulated bowls to keep food warm. Which option to choose depends on the types of foods you tend to pack.
Bento boxes are commonly made from plastic, glass or stainless steel, each with benefits and trade-offs. The best material for you depends on how and where you plan to use it — whether for daily meal prep, portable lunches or keeping food at the right temperature.
Plastic is lightweight and budget-friendly, making it a good choice for everyday use. Some plastic bento boxes are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but not all. Even when labeled "microwave-safe," certain plastics may still leach particles into food when heated, which is something to consider.
Glass is heavier but offers better durability and safety, as it does not absorb stains or odors. Most glass bento boxes are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, though their lids may not be. While bulkier than plastic, glass is an excellent choice for a sturdy, nontoxic container.
Stainless steel bento boxes are more expensive but offer superior insulation and durability. Traditionally, stainless steel is not microwave-safe, but some brands — like Klean Kanteen — have introduced microwave-safe stainless steel options. Stainless steel is the best choice if you need a bento that keeps food hot or cold for extended periods.
You can find bento boxes in various sizes and storage capacities. I recommend choosing a larger one for lunch, since they're more versatile. Larger bento boxes can easily accommodate bulky foods like salad greens and other fresh produce. Plus, as long as they contain dividers or cups, you can still use them for portion control. However, small bento boxes are great for portion-controlled snacks and smaller items.
If you don't have a way to reheat or chill your lunch, choosing an insulated bento box is essential. Glass and stainless steel are more insulating than plastic. However, thicker plastic can still provide some insulation for your meal.
Some bento lunch boxes, like the OmieBox UP, include an ice pack for cold foods and an insulated soup cup for hot foods.
Bento-style lunch boxes can have a single large compartment or multiple sections designed for different foods. Many feature removable or adjustable dividers, allowing you to customize the layout based on your meal. Some also include small lidded containers for dressings or saucy foods, separating everything neatly.
More compartments can be beneficial for portion control and balanced nutrition. Schubert explains that including a variety of foods in portion-controlled amounts provides a greater diversity of nutrients to support optimal health. "The small compartments also help ensure that we don't over-consume calories," she adds.
When choosing a bento box, consider the number and type of compartments that best suit your meals. A single or two-compartment box may be ideal if you prefer simple, one-dish lunches. If you enjoy variety in your meals, a bento with multiple sections can help keep your food organized, fresh and properly portioned.
The bento boxes I tested were easy to clean, though some required more effort. Many were dishwasher-safe, while others needed handwashing to maintain their quality.
Stackable bento boxes tend to have more components, including lids, dividers and gaskets, which means extra washing time. I recommend choosing a single-layer glass bento box with a dishwasher-safe lid, like the Bentgo Glass Lunch Box, for the most straightforward cleanup.
Selecting the best portion-controlled bento boxes started with expert insight. I consulted three registered dietitians specializing in weight management to better understand the benefits of portion control and the key features to look for in a lunchbox. As a dietitian myself, I kept these principles in mind while selecting and testing each box.
Over the course of a month, I tested 15 bento boxes, evaluating how well they allowed for portioning different foods. I used a variety of meals, including hot and cold foods, salads, soups, sandwiches and snacks, to see how each box performed. Practicality was another major factor. I assessed whether the boxes were microwave-safe, easy to clean, leak-proof and portable.
Each bento box was used at least once, though I tested most of them multiple times to get a true sense of their functionality and convenience.
Yes, divided bento boxes can help with proper portion sizes. "Larger sections can be used for main meals, veggies, fruits or protein," says Enright, "while smaller sections can be used for healthy fats, condiments or [treats] like cookies or chips."
A bento box is a type of lunch box that originated in Japan. It has stacked or divided containers for different foods.
Bentgo, on the other hand, is a modern brand that manufactures bento-style lunch boxes. While inspired by traditional bento boxes, Bentgo designs often incorporate leak-proof seals, microwave-safe materials and kid-friendly features, making them a popular choice for families.
Ekiben and bento are Japanese meal boxes that serve different purposes. Bento refers to a general pre-portioned meal packed in a box. Ekiben is a specialty bento sold at train stations across Japan, specifically designed for travelers on long-distance trains. These meals are intended to be eaten cold or at room temperature, making them convenient for journeys where reheating may not be possible.
Bento boxes are excellent tools for meal prep. "When it comes to meal prep, bento boxes can't be beaten for their simplicity, ease of use and convenience," says Schubert. "Plus, you don't need additional containers. You can put the foods directly in the box, which makes cleanup a breeze," she adds.
In addition to the top-ranked bento boxes, I tested several others that didn’t make the final list but still deserve recognition. Here's a quick look at the other contenders:
Simple Modern Porter Bento Box: This solid design has a lid that securely seals each section. However, the portion sizes are too small to accommodate an adult's lunch, because it's designed for children.
Pampered Chef Bento Box: This stackable bento comes with an open and a divided tray and was similar in size and shape to the Monbento box. While cheaper, it lacked the extras, like the removable food cup and 3-year warranty.
UVI Lunch Box: If you want a hot, fresh lunch, you'd love this option, which can steam your food. However, since it needs to be plugged in, I wondered about its practicality for people who need to eat on the go.
Packit Mod Bento: I love the concept of this bento box, with dividers that snap in and out so you can adjust the sections. Practically, though, I found it difficult to estimate how much space each food would need before I loaded it into the box.
W&P Bento Box: This was a nice-looking bento box, and I especially liked the built-in strap to keep the lid closed. However, it lacked insulation to help keep food cold.
Modern Picnic Food Container: This sleek, microwave- and dishwasher-safe container held up to its promise of being leak-proof. It's also stackable for easier storage. However, it doesn't have two divided sections for portion control.
S'well Bento Box: Just as with the Packit Mod Bento, I liked that this stainless steel box includes a removable tray divider, allowing you to adjust the size of the sections. While it's refrigerator- and dishwasher-safe, it can't be used in the microwave. The lid was also a bit tricky to put on, which could make this leak-proof container less so if it is not sealed carefully.
Rebecca Schubert, MS, RDN, NBC, registered dietitian and owner of One Step Nutrition Coaching
Moushumi Mukherjee, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and owner of Dietitian Moushumi
Mandy Enright, MS, RDN, RYT, registered dietitian, author and worksite wellness specialist
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.