Plastic-Free Lunch Packing Supplies for School

Written by Maia, President & Founder

Can you believe it’s already time to start thinking about back-to-school? I think some of you have may have even already started?! Talk about waaaaah!

In my kids’ public school in Brooklyn, teachers collect money at the beginning of the year to pay for supplies, which makes life easier for sure.

All I have to buy in anticipation of school this year (besides clothing) is lunch packing gear. Of course, this category of supplies can be confusing (as well as expensive!), especially if you’re like me and trying to avoid plastic.

Below is a curated list of the best plastic-free (or at least ALMOST plastic-free) lunch packing supplies I’ve found.

Eco-Friendly Lunch Box

Padded and insulated, this Petit Collage lunchbox easily wipes clean (I use these wipes), so it doesn’t get stinky and gross. The interior mesh pocket is perfect for holding utensils and ice packs. And it’s free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates.

$25.00Select options

Sandwich Wrap

Bee’s Wrap, made of beeswax and organic cotton, has been a revelation for our family–we no longer need plastic wrap! This genius sandwich wrap allows you to build a sandwich, fold in the corners and, and wrap the string around the wooden bee button. Bee’s Wraps can be washed and reused for years.

$17.00Add to cart

Bento Box

For kids who don’t want their foods to touch, a LunchBots stainless steel bento box keeps lunch items separate. I love this Cinco style the best.

Stainless Cube

I love not having to worry about squished sandwiches when I use this stainless steel Solo Cube, which is also great for storing leftovers.

$20.00Add to cart

Insulated Thermos

When you’ve got picky kids like I do, you have to get creative with lunch-packing. How about oatmeal with chia seeds and a touch of maple syrup? Thermos’s Foogo container keeps foods warm (or cold) for lunchtime.

Silicone Snacker

These have been a go-to in our house for years. I fill them with berries, leftover pasta, or yogurt, and the cup collapses down when empty so it takes up very little room.

$10.00Select options

Lunch Pod

My boys love these little pods in their lunch boxes. Usually, they will find shelled edamame or pistachios inside, but sometimes it’s something more exciting, like cookies or chocolates.

$8.00Add to cart

Snack Cubes

These cubes are the easiest way I have found to store small amounts of leftovers–they go straight into the fridge and then into a lunch box the next day (think fruit salad, guacamole, or roasted veggies). They also are a great way to store and freeze breastmilk; and for all of you wondering, my kids were weaned before they started kindergarten so no, I am not packing breastmilk into lunch boxes. 😉

$6.50Select options

All-In One 

I haven’t splurged on this PlanetBox kit yet, but I see them around my neighborhood and am tempted! 

Straw & Sports Bottle

These are the only bottles we’ve had–one can take you all the way from infant to adult if you want it to (you simply switch out the top). For school-aged kids, I go for either the straw or the sport top (both of which are made of silicone, not plastic). 

$17.99 – $18.99Select options

Please feel free to share your own favorite lunch-packing supplies in the comments below!

Stay sane, and have a wonderful rest of your summer!