7 best lunch boxes for sandwiches and salads

I personally stick to using collapsible silicone containers over plastic ones. They take up much less space when not in use and feature a stackable design for easy storage. They can still go in the dishwasher, microwave and freezer for ease of use too.

The lid snaps on at each edge for an effective seal, and the plug in the lid is removable to create a vent while microwaving. The pack comes with four size options ranging from 350ml up to 1200ml.

If you just want something to carry your sandwiches, this is the one for you. The Sistema Lunch Sandwich Boxes are sized specifically to carry a single sandwich (15cm x 14.5cm per container to be precise), meaning you’re taking up minimal space in your bag if that’s all you need.

There’s three in each pack with pink, green and blue exteriors; handy if you’re making sandwiches for more than one member of the household. And with a plastic finish, they’re dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe. Once your container has served its purpose, you can recycle it through terracycle.com too.

If you want a durable and premium finish from your lunch box, we recommend the Black + Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box. It’s a good size at one litre and features a slider/divider to create two compartments within. A steel fork is included and held in place with a coloured silicone strap (Orange, Ocean, Olive and Black colour options available).

As it’s made of metal, it cannot go in the microwave, but the base is oven and dishwasher safe (lid and strap needs washing by hand). It’s suitable for the freezer too, although the brand warns that liquids will expand once frozen. It’s heavier than usual at 460 grams, but the quality will give your lunch a touch of elegance which few other brands can offer.

If you want to do your bit for the environment, this Bento box is made from 100% plant-based materials including a bamboo lid. It features two stacked compartments as standard, so you can double up or remove a level, or even purchase an additional one should you choose.

Each level comes with a removable divider and there’s two separate silicone lids which fit onto each container. A stainless-steel spork and a set of chopsticks are also included. It’s microwave safe and dishwasher safe (excluding the bamboo lid for both). It comes with a decent capacity as well, at 400ml per level.

For those who love a fresh salad, this lunch box features a large compartment at the base for leaves with four smaller compartments in a separate tray above for toppings, along with a pot for dressing. It comes with a knife and fork which attaches to the tray for easy storage.

The capacity is generous at 1.1L, although there is a 1.63L version available if you want more space. It’s microwave (without the lid), dishwasher and freezer safe too. It’s available in Ocean Blue and Minty Teal.