How to Pack a Better Lunch

You don’t need to settle for sad sandwiches and wilted salads for lunch. This episode, Wirecutter kitchen editor Gabriella Gershenson explains how the right lunch box can help you pack a midday meal that you or your kids will actually be happy to tuck into. We discuss how to choose between bentos, insulated totes, salad containers, and thermoses for both kids and adults. Some boxes are better for upcycling leftover odds and ends, while others do a better job keeping your food at a safe temperature throughout the day. Plus, Gabriella shares her favorite ideas and resources for adding more joy to the lunch box—from DIY tinned fish hand rolls to sweet hand-written notes. This episode covers: Why the vessel dictates the lunch: Compartmentalized bento boxes can help you turn bits of leftovers into an appealing meal, salad bowls will keep the greens crisp, while insulated thermoses open up a world of hot lunches–no microwave needed! Keeping foods at safe temps: If you don’t have access to a refrigerator during the day, you may want to get an insulated tote and use freezer packs. Fun packing ideas: Inspiration from Molly Yeh's bento hacks (like date "snickers" with nut butter and sprinkles) and Ali Slagle's DIY tinned fish hand rolls. Products we recommend: A sturdy, spacious plastic bento box: Bentgo Fresh Lunch Box A chic stackable bento: Takenaka Bento Bite Dual A great stainless-steel bento: Ecozoi Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Bento Lunch Box 3 Compartment The best food thermos: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar The best food thermos for kids: ThermoFlask Food Jar A simple and stylish bag: Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag A sturdy and roomy bag: Carhartt Insulated 12 Can Two Compartment Lunch Cooler A sleek and stylish lunch bowl: W&P Porter Bowl A stainless-steel salad bowl: S’well Salad Bowl Kit Great for packing cold and hot lunches for kids: OmieBox A book for inspiration: Love Japan: Everyday Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook, , co-authored by Gabriella Gershenson Additional reading: The Best Kids Lunch Boxes The 8 Best Lunch Boxes of 2026 This Pricey Kids Lunch Box Is Worth Every Penny The 5 Best Cottage Cheeses of 2026 We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirecutter LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.