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.
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.