THE BEST LUNCH BOX ACCESSORIES FOR ADULTS

With back-to-school in full swing (whether we like it or not!), that means, so is packing lunches.  *womp womp*  But it doesn't have to be like that, friends!

Packing your own lunch, whether for yourself or the kids, has many benefits.  The benefits of packing a lunch or bringing your lunch from home include: 

• Spending less money.  Those last minute meal decisions when you buy lunch out can burn a hole in your pocket quick! 
• Reducing stress.  That's right, when you bring lunch from home, you've already made the decision on what to you're going to eat so you no longer have the mental dilemma of "What am I going to eat?", "Where am I going to go for lunch?", etc. 
• Having more time.  Because you're no longer spending precious time and energy figuring what to eat and where to go for lunch, you now have time back in your day to tackle some of your other important to-do's on your list. 
• Enjoying more nutritious meals.  When YOU are in control of what goes into your lunch box, it's so much easier to plan to for well-balanced, energizing lunches. 

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Now, unless your packing all non-perishables for lunch -- like a PB&J, fruit cup, and bottled water -- the ol' brown bag lunch just ain't gonna fly these days.  And as avid lunch packers, we've tested a variety of accessories (many fails) to make the lunch packing habit happen.  We want you to make this important mid-day meal exciting again by arming you with the 8 best lunch box accessories so you can win at packing lunch each day.  Keep scrolling to check 'em all out! 

DISCLOSURE: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, 
we will earn a commission if you click through and purchase. ​

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8 BEST LUNCH BOX ASSESSORIES FOR ADULTS:

​(1) TOTE-STYLE INSULATED LUNCH BOX
You gotta have a insulated lunch sack to keep foods fresh, y'all!  Considering that 1 in 6 Americans get food poisoning each year, according to the CDC, keeping your food safe is no joke.  ​But no need to shell out big bucks for a functional and affordable insulated lunch box.  We love these tote-style options at at Target as they allow you to pack almost anything (even the weirdest shaped Tupperware)...

• Upright Lunch Bag - Embark™️ ($4.99)
• Faux Neoprene Lunch Bag - All In Motion™️ ($14.99)

(2) REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE 
Hydration isn't just something athletes need to think about.  Each day, we should aim to drink ample fluids (from water and other beverages)...

• about 13 cups a day for men,  
• 9 cups a day for women, and
• 5-11 cups a day for children & teens.  

This JoyJolt Glass Water Bottle with Carry Strap & Non Slip Silicone Sleeve - 20 oz - Grey is environmentally friendly and so stinking cute! ​

(3) PORTIONED SNACK BAGS
I love these bags!  They're perfect for any and all snacks or sides, plus make portioning out quantities super simple since the measurements are right there - from 1/4 cup to 1 cup.  Get you some Up & Up Portion Pack Bags!  

(4) ICE PACK SHEETS
Instead of storing awkward, bulky ice packs in your lunch bag, keep everything cool with reusable ice cubes like these Ice 1 lb Refreezable Ice Pack Sheet - Embark from Target.  It's recommended that you use at least 2 cold sources to keep lunches cold so this type of alternative can help keep your food safe. 

(5) PLASTIC MASON JAR WITH SALAD DRESSING LID
Homemade salads have never been so simple.  Layer your favorite salad in this non-glass to-go container from Aladdin ($12.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond) and keep everything crisp and fresh until lunchtime by storing your salad dressing in the separate built-in dressing compartment in the lid!  

(6) DIPPING CUPS WITH LIDS
These durable Stainless Steel Dippings Cups from Bed Bath & Beyond ($6.99 for  a 6-pack) are ideal for those delicious dips, spreads, and sauces that you don't want to get all over your other food.  Must have!  (You might also like to check out our go-to tool to help you portion out high-calorie dips & spreads.) 

(7) GLASS STORAGE CONTAINERS 
​The truth is that not all Tupperware's are created equal.  And as many as I've tried over the years, they just don't get any better than Pyrex.  Buy an assortment of sizes of food containers and they'll keep for years.  Years I tell you!  They're great for storing food prep, leftovers, and reheating items safely.  This 18-Piece Pyrex Set from Target is under $45 and is a great starter set. 

(8) STAINLESS STEEL TUMBLER WITH REUSABLE STRAW
​Keeping drinks at their desired temp is critical for enjoyment so I love this stainless steel and acrylic tumbler combo from Sun Squad ($8.00 at Target) to keep my beverages cool or hot, hot, hot.  Unfortunately, not everything can be kept in your refillable water bottle. :P 

What are your favorite lunchbox essentials?  Tell us in the comments below or by tagging us @themealplanningmethod!  (Pst!  If you're scratching your head about what to bring for lunch to work, visit our Pinterest Board for some ideas.) 

​lindsey 

DISCLOSURE: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, 
we will earn a commission if you click through and purchase. 

Originally posted 8/4/2019. 
Updated 8/4/2024. ​