Low Tox School Lunch GEAR: Low-Tox Lunchboxes, Snack Containers, Cutlery Guide
UPDATED August 2024
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In this post:
Materials to avoid & safer options
Low-tox lunchboxes and lunchsacs/bags (best, ok, avoid)
Low-Tox food/snack containers
Cutlery
Looking for water bottles? Check out my post “ The BEst Non-Toxic Water Bottle”
I think it might be slightly more challenging to find a truly low tox lunchbox… simply because so many still contain PFAS based DWR to make them water/ stain resistant, plastics and/or antimicrobials. This shuld be changng due to laws passed in California banning PFAS from children’s items that went into effect this year but, due to the law not having oversight nor penalties/regulations attatched to it, its still not 100% and technically PFAS containing lunch boxes are still perfectly legal to be sold in most states and countries…. so you still have to be on the watchout.
Considering these are items being used every single day by kids, and products being touchs right before kids touch their food, they are super important (although food containers, which come into direct contact with food - unless you are buying a bento box style lunchbox- are more important in my option. You can read my post on LOW TOX FOOD CONTAINERS here) to source as low tox as possible.
This year I included three tiers (only Tier 1 is pictured above) because I know a lot of you want options!!!
TIER 1: These are the best from a health/ low tox perspective AND environmental perspective. This means these are made of inert materials that will absolutely not leach anything and are environmentally friendly. Here you will find lunchboxes made of stainless steel, organic cotton and linen. BTW If you are interested in the stainless steel options that are more expensive do consider this: my oldest sons stainless steel lunchboxes has been used from Kinder and he is entering 6 grade! 7 years! So while sometimes they are a large investment upfront … in the long run some of these could save you money too. After 8 years of posting a Back to School Guide, I am loving the fact that there are finally some new players in this category!
TIER 2: If the lunchboxes in Tier 1 are not in your budget or if you cant find them or - simply- if your child really doesnt want them, then the lunchboxes in tier 2 are good options. Good, not great. Environmentally these are made of synthetic materials like silicone, PEVA and PET (read more below) which are ‘better than’ but truly not the best materials. Considering food wont come into direct contact with these lunchbags I think it is ok to use these lunchbags (with truly low tox food containers like these) but keep in mind:
polyester will leach microplastics
polyester can contain antimicrobials so make sure you avid that (more below)
silicone can be contaminated with lead and/ or cadmium. Stick to high quality silicone that it at a min food grade or platinum grade.
TIER 3: I would avoid these. These either contain PFAS based DWR, PVC, antimicrobials are are simply made of plastic. With better options (from a toxicity perspective and an environmental perspective) available I see no need to buy these. This list (in the image at the top of the blog post) is short as it is not meant to single out these brands just showcase what to look for.
AVOID:
PVC
😲Why: PVC (vinyl) is considered one of the most toxic plastics for children & the environment since it constantly releases a cocktail of chemicals including phthalates (endocrine disrupting chemical linked to birth defects, decreased sperm count & damaged sperm, increased risk of developing behavioral problems, premature birth and asthma) dioxins ( carcinogens), PCBs ( long-term expo associated with cancer, endocrine disorders, reproductive troubles & cognitive and behavioral problems in children) & even lead ( a proven potent neurotoxin ), among other harmful chemicals
🌿Better alternative: cotton canvas or polyester or nylon (polyester & nylon are plastics & are bad for the 🌎, so try to choose recycled polyester) or stainless steel
water/stain resistant finishes coated with PFAS DWR
😲Why:PFAS chemicals are linked to testicular & kidney cancer, thyroid disease, obesity, weakened immunity & more- they stay in our bodies & 🌎 for a very long time.
If your lunchbox or backpack is water proof, if water beads up on the surface & is not absorbed, make sure to read the description and/or ask the manufacturer specifically if any “PFAS BASED DWR are used”
🌿Better: Canvas that an be water proofed with Otter Wax or other natural waxes, nylon & polyester that are “naturally” water resistant or stainless steel (can be placed in dishwasher daily)
’antibacterial’ labels
😲Why? Common antimicrobial chemical, like those in the popular Microban, are linked to skin irritation, allergy susceptibility, growth of drug-resistant bacteria or “superbugs”& hormone disruption
ALL plastics
I prefer to avoid all plastics in lunchboxes- particularly in bento style lunch boxes where the plastic comes in direct contact with food. Even “safer” plastics like PP, for example, have been found to leach antibacterial additives . Some plastics labelled as BPA free could contain other bisphenols that are just as bad…. and - of course- plastics are just not good for the environment and unlikely to last long- meaning they will end up being thrown out at the end of the school year (if not sooner) whereas other materials like stainless steel will last years.
QUESTIONABLE MATERIALS COMMONLY USED
These materials are “better than” the ones I just spoke about but truthfully arent the best. However, if a stainless steel or cotton /canvas lunchbox isnt available or in the budget I would then recommend these materials as a second option.
PEVA (EVA)
PEVA is usually used as a alternative to PVC and is ‘better than’ PVC but honestly not super well studied nor great. wheather you should get a product with PEVA will depend on what it will be used for. The main differences between PVC and PEVA is that PEVA does not contain chlorine (which can create carcinogenic dioxins). PEVA will still off gas harmful VOCs (although PEVA lunchboxes I have seen havent had any obvious odors). Again, overall better than a PFAS based DWR finish and a PVC lining..... Is it the greenest? no.... BUT somewhere in the middle.
Recycled PET
PET (a hard plastic but also polyester fabric) can be used in many forms because it is a common plastic that can be recycled. The catch is that in recent years it has been found to potentially leach arsenic and in fabrics will give off microplastics ... Depending on its use we would worry about these leaching.... so - for example- PEt in a water bottle I would recommend avoid because when exposed to heat any chemicals leaching would migrate to the water you would drink.
PET in polyester fabric generally have the antimony that is used in the production of PET fibers "chemically bound" to the PET polymer so the PET fabric does contain antimony but should not leach onto your body (but it will leach in the dying process into water which could pollute nearby water sources with antimony which is why sustainability practices are important). Environmentally, considering the huge plastic waste problem we have at a planetary level, making some products out of recycled PET can be seen as a good thing. Again, depending on the use you might feel comfortable with this (I would avoid recycled PET in items little kids will likely place in mouth and in clothing kids will use directly on skin….. but backpacks, lunchboxes could be ok)
Low-Tox Lunchboxes and Lunch SACS
BEST OPTIONS (pictured above)
1. Fluf Canvas Lunch Bag, from $32
Made of GOTS organic cotton canvas with a 100% polyester water resistant lining
many fit Planet Box lunchboxes!
They have a few shapes and sizes and designs… from cute prints for little ones to square insulated ones (these do contain a liner made of rPET no PFAS, organic cotton outside)to more sophisticated cross body options for teens and adults
This is the one my toddler has
2. LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Container , From $41
Made of stainless steel, bento style lunch container
3.The Good Kiind: $99.
The stainless steel bento lunchbox taken to the next level….. this FDA approved stainless steel bento lunch box has an innovative designed with seals to keep food fresh and spill proof.
They assure it will be the last lunchbox you buy or your money back!
come in 2 sizes “The Snacker” and “the Explorer”
Fits inside Fluff lunch sacs
4. PlanetBox from $48 SHUTTLE Bento Lunch Box with 2 Compartments , from $52
Made with stainless steel- super easy to wash.
Fits inside the Fluff lunch sacs (PLanet Box also has carrying cases but made of polyester)
multiple size / shape options. Love the Shuttle and Rover
5. Busy Benny Leakproof lunchbox, $42
Made of Food Grade 204 Stainless Steel. I was recently gifted this and its a great system - also great for older kids and adults
you can, but dont have to, add a lunch sac
Mom owned small company
6. Life Without Plastic’s Wool Insulated Organic Cotton Lunch Bag, from USD $55.00
Made of 100% unbleached certified organic cotton canvas and insulated with 100% wool sewn in for insulation. Features an inside certified organic cotton lining that can be snapped out to wash.
7. Organic Cotton Lunch Sac: $8 simple design, three colors, Metal button snap closure with sturdy organic cotton rope handles
8. So Young lunch pouche, From $46 or smaller lunch box from $32
Made of a linen/Cotton exterior fabric (machine washable)
9. Bentgo Stainless steel & Silicone lunchbox $59 (not pictured) Available in my Amazon store and Target: Made of stainless steel and silicone this bento style lunchbox is a great alternative.
OK OPTIONS
These companies have confirmed no PFAS based DWR and no PVC used. They might use recycled PET and/or PEVA.
Miniware Meal Tote $52 this is actually a pretty good option, made of Oxford Cloth With TPU. I prefer stainless steel food containers to their silicone ones though.
Austin Baby Co Available at my Amazon store: Made from 100$ food grade silicone
FEED lunch bag: Recycled poly exterior; wipeable PEVA interior. Every Lunch Bag helps provide 5 school meals for kids living with food insecurity
Lunchbots Insulated Duplex Bag: $26 Available at my Amazon store
The liner is PEVA and the fabric is polyester canvas with polyurethane backing. “no PFAS are knowingly added” per the company.
STATE BAGS: $48
Backpacks and lunchboxes are free of all PFAS/ PFOS/ PFOA/ DWR/ C6/ C8.. Lunchboxes are poly canvas and the lining is PEVA. These do not have any waterproofing coating. 90% of these bags are made from recycled materials
Made of recycled polyester, these do not contain PFAS based DWR
Black + Blum Design (for older kids/ adults)
An insulated lunch bag, made from recycled PET (things like plastic bottles). The company confirms the recycled plastic they use is free from BPA (sadly, no one tests for other bisphenols) and do not contain a PFAS based DWR
Wildkin Lunchboxes available at Target
No PFAS - the lunchboxes use a PEVA material
QUESTIONABLE
COMPANIES THAT HAVE NOT YET CONFIRMED IF THEY DO NOT USE PFAS (hopefully they will respond to my multiple emails and messages and I will be able to update this list)
CROCODILE CREEK
Have not confirmed no PFAS
POTTERY BARN KIDS
Have not confirmed no PFAS
Shell is made of “ tough 600-denier polyester” I dont love that the interior is PEVA.
FOOD / SNACK CONTAINERS
The secret to a healthier, lower tox food container is to avoid plastic. Food containers come into direct contact with food ( unlike- say- a lunch box) which is why - if you can only choose one plastic free, low tox item for school- THIS should be it. It is that easy.
Personally I recomend avoiding ALL plastics because just about all plastics have been found to have the potential for estrogenic activity (ie: they can mimic the hormone estrogen and lead to issues with your endocrine system and beyond).
Additionally, plastic food containers just don’t last long. You often have to replace them yearly (or more often) and then they end up in the garbage for hundreds of years without biodegrading. UGH
Better options? For kid’s school lunches I like stainless steel and silicone.
Stainless steel Bento Liunch boxes are a great alternative - sometimes they require smaller containers to avoid spillage and food mixing (this is the case for Planet Box) and other times they are sealed and thus there is no need to buy additional containers ( this is the case of Good Kiind lunch boxes)
Some of my favorite food containers are:
Ahimsa : (discount code: AIDASPICKS for 15% off) They give a fun spin on stainless steel containers with some color. These bowls are Made SAfe Certified.
The Good Kiind: in addition to their ss bento style leak proof lunch boxes they also have containers in many different convenient shape and size.
Planet Box in addition to their ss bento lunch boxes they also have containers in many different convenient shape and size.
Lunchbots: we have had some Lunchbot snack containers for 13 years! Yes they last!
Stainless Steel Trio snack container
Stainless Steel Large 5 Container
Thermal 12 oz Insulated container
Thermal 16oz stainless steel insulated container
5. Stasher bags : silicone baggies come in different sizes. These are platinum grade silicone and are great for more solid snacks! Available on Amazon and more models/ styles on their website
6. S’well has stainless steel salad bowls (with an inner glass bowl and a seperate compartment to add, for example, nuts that you dont want to get soggy, and smaller stainless steel canisters
7. Black +Blum stainless steel containers: I like that they come with their own ss cutlery and the inside of the lid is all stainless steel
8. Busy Benny Leakproof lunchbox: (website discount code: AIDASPICKS) All stainless steel and comes with two inner smaller stainless steel container. You can use it as a divided bento style lunchbox or remove the divider and use it as one large box (ie large sandwhich or pasta dish etc Their snack version is similar and just a bit smaller in size (which could be perfect for a younger child)
9. (not pictured) IKEA LÄTTUGGAD from $6.99. a bit heavy for little kids, but perfect for older ones… slightly larger in size than most ‘small’ food containers
CUTLERY
The Good Kiind Spork, $14.99
IKEA FINSKUREN $5.99 (larger size for older kids, not young ones)
Sugarbooger Silverware Set, $21/90 : these are perfect size for younger kids and have a cute mermaid (or other options available too) design on the handles. Isla The Mermaid (Pack of 2)
Ahimsa Stainless steel cutlery set (discount code: AIDASPICKS for 15% off)
For more back to school (or work!) lunch ideas visit my “ Back to School Shop” on Amazon or read my post “ Low Tox Lunchboxes”