15 Best Lunch Coolers To Keep Your Meals Fresh In 2024, Expert-Recommended
Specialty: Family-friendly Household Product Choices, Cooking and FoodExperience: 4 yearsBeverly Ramitan wears multiple hats as a licensed electronics and communications engineer, graphics designer, video editor, content creator, and social media manager. She prides in being a hands-on mom to her daughters and following her passion for cooking.
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wedetso chirhah shreya vishwanathan Shreya is a gold medalist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from SGT University, Gurugram. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from Amity University, Gwalior. Her interest in human behavior and extensive years of learning and training in psychology has instilled in her the skills to understand the consumer psyche to optimize the reader's experience.
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In This Article
Many of us prefer home-cooked food over outside food. The joy of eating food prepared at home is unmatched. This is where the best lunch cooler bagsare a lifesaver by letting us carry home-cooked food conveniently. They keep the food fresh for longer and are healthier alternatives to plastic boxes.
In addition, they are also a great help in carrying the food without leaks and spills and are available in fashionable designs. Keep scrolling, as we have listed some tried-and-tested and expert-recommended lunch coolers for you to choose from.
Top Picks
Benefits Of Using Lunch Coolers
Let us take a look at why lunch coolers can be helpful for you.
- Temperature balance: Insulated lunch coolers help regulate the temperature of the food, both hot and cold.
- Environmentally-friendly: Polyester-insulated lunch coolers are easier to wash and maintain than plastic coolers, which are not biodegradable. Reusable cooler bags will help reduce the use of plastic bags.
- Multipurpose: Available in different shapes and sizes, these lunch coolers are multipurpose.
15 Best Lunch Coolers
1. Best Heavy Duty: Carhartt Deluxe Lunch Cooler Bag
The lunch cooler box from Carhartt has dual compartments constructed from heavy-duty fabric. Its water-resistant fabric will prevent your food from spoiling on rainy days. This soft cooler bag’s insulated compartment helps regulate the temperature of your hot and cold food. With a mesh-zippered compartment on the flap and an outer pocket, you can use it to keep utensils or other storage. It features YKK zippers with metal hardware, and the triple-needle stitching helps protect it from wear and tear. This review video gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- Shoulder strap for easy carrying
- Durable material
- Long-lasting
- Large main compartment
Cons
- Carry strap is not detachable
"I have used this bag for a few months and am pleased with its generous capacity. Its outer pockets are also handy for keeping the utensils. I would have liked its straps to be adjustable, but the top handle and shoulder carry options are much appreciated."
Quick tipYou can use ice packs in the cooler bag to keep them chill for prolonged hours, especially while carrying drinks or water.
2. Best Water-Resistant : Lifewit Large Lunch Bag
Lifewit’s gray lunch bag is designed to hold a large number of food storage containers. This time-tested cooling lunch tote is suitable for carrying food to the office or on picnics. Its wide opening design makes it easy to access the lunch containers or drinks without spilling. With four insulation layers, this soft cooler bag helps maintain the temperature of hot and cold food for at least five hours. It is made of durable oxford fabric, has strong zippered pockets, and the handles are made of heavy-duty nylon and linen that are wear- and tear-resistant. Have a look at this review video to learn more about the expert-recommended product.
Pros
- Water-resistant fabric
- Leak-proof design
- Food-grade PEVA foil inner lining
- Easy to carry
- Large food capacity
Cons
- It may sag when loaded
"The no-frills design has made it the ideal find to carry my lunches to work. Its insulation is commendable, keeping even the fruits from going stale. While it may not fit smaller fridges, its pockets are handy for keeping things organized."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 35,450 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
3. Best Long-Lasting: High Speed Daddy Lunch Bag
Available in a ranger green color, this insulated soft cooler bag can keep your food at a uniform temperature for hours. It is constructed from 600D waterproof polyester to help prevent leakage and keep your food safe. The bag has heavy-duty handles with reinforced stitching for extra durability and a large zippered front pocket for keeping napkins and plates. Its YKK zippers allow smooth movement and keep the content secure. Here is an informative video by a reviewer.
Pros
- Detachable shoulder strap
- Long-lasting
- Free of phthalate, formaldehyde, and lead
- Removable liner
- CA65-certified
- Foldable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Netted pockets may be small
"I use this bag to carry my lunch to work and have noticed that it keeps my food from going bad, even in the sweltering heat. It's well crafted and doubled as a drinks carrier, making it a versatile find."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 18,155 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Carhartt Deluxe Lunch Cooler Bag Best Heavy Duty | Lifewit Large Lunch Bag Best Water-Resistant | High Speed Daddy Lunch Bag Best Long-Lasting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyester, Metal | Oxford | - |
| Color | Gray | Gray | Ranger Green |
| Weight | 10 ounces | 0.44 Kilograms | 15.2 ounces |
| Dimensions | 10"L x 4"W x 8.5"H | 11.8"L x 9.1"W x 9.1"H | 10"L x 6.5"W x 7.5"H |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 32,998 | 35,450 | 18,155 |
| Price | $24.99 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
4. Best Easy-To-Carry: Lokass Lunch Bag Cooler
Constructed from environmentally friendly, high-grade nylon material, this multipurpose, leak-proof, and insulated bag helps prevent your food from spilling. It is also equipped with an outer pocket to keep napkins and utensils.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Easy to carry
- High-quality metal zipper
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Portable
Cons
- Might not have long-lasting insulation
"This bag looks more like a purse than a lunch carrier, yet it is spacious enough to hold my lunches. Besides, its front pockets house my utensils easily, and the wipeable build has helped me keep it looking like new."
5. Best Easy-To-Clean: Venture Pal Lunch Bag
The insulated lunch bag from Venture is made of high-quality water-resistant Oxford fabric. The inner lining is made of EPE foam and PEVA insulation to keep your food at a uniform temperature. It features a main zippered compartment to keep food and drinks and an outer compartment to keep extra stuff. You can also use the two mesh pockets on the side for holding water bottles. The handle is ergonomically designed for easy carrying.
Pros
- Leak-proof
- Convenient
- Portable
- Easy to clean
- Long-lasting
- Detachable shoulder strap
Cons
- Zipper might not be long-lasting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 15,900 great reviews on Amazon.
6. Best Multipurpose: Opux Insulated Dual Compartment Lunch Bag
The double-deck lunch cooler bag has two separate insulated compartments to keep your cold and hot lunch separate. It is constructed from rip-resistant polyester fabric with reinforced zippers to ensure durability. It has passed the CPSIA and CSPA tests for safety. This soft cooler bag is also equipped with two front pockets and side mesh pockets to keep extra stuff. Its eco-friendly PEVA lining helps prevent leakage and is easy to clean.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Large food capacity
- Easy-to-use, simple design
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Unisex
Cons
- Strap placement may need improvement
"Its large main compartment easily accommodated my different-sized containers and cans. While I must be careful about keeping its zippers closed fully, it has never caused any leakage or spills. Moreover, cleaning it has also been a breeze."
Quick tipUse a reusable napkin to wrap the bottles or boxes to stop the temperature transfer between two compartments in the cooler bag.
7. Best PVC-Free: PackIt Classic Lunch Box
Packlt’s time-tested and easy-to-use lunch box has a unique built-in cooling feature. The walls of the bag are filled with freezable non-toxic gel to keep the food chilled for hours. You can keep it in the fridge overnight, and the walls will be completely frozen and ready to use. The large zipper allows you to remove and pack food easily. Its carrying handle with buckle clips makes it easy to hang it on backpacks.
Pros
- Collapsible
- Easy to clean
- Long-lasting
- PVC-free
- Phthalate-free
- BPA- and lead-free
Cons
- Might be heavier
"The highlight of this lunch box is the built-in freeze function, which even keeps the desserts cold for hours. It's also pretty sturdy and easily accommodates large meals. The durable build adds a bit of heft, but I still consider it a reliable lunch companion."
8. Best Portable:Mazforce Insulated Lunch Bag
Made of durable, water-resistant, and non-toxic Oxford material, the Mazforce lunch bag is thoroughly tested for quality, making it a safe suitable choice for professionals on the go. With ultra-thick foam insulation and a double-zippered closure, the bag keeps its contents hot and secure. It is spacious enough to fit your food and drinks and has mesh pockets inside for storing utensils and other small items. The adjustable shoulder strap provides convenient portability to allow you to carry your meal to work, school, or a picnic while ensuring it stays fresh.
Pros
- Tough and modern design
- Expandable side water bottle holder
- Detachable buckle handle
- Free from PVC, BPA, phthalates, and lead
- Leak-proof aluminum inner lining
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- Handle clip may not last long
- Zipper may be a bit flimsy
9. Best Military-Grade: HSD Insulated Adult Lunch Bag
The HSD insulated adult lunch bag is suitable for daily commutes and outdoor adventures. This lunch bag offers superior insulation with its 8mm thick polyester foam to keep your food cold or hot for hours. In addition, it features a waterproof 10mm thick PEVA lining to ensure zero leakage and is easy to clean. The bag also features a sturdy carrying handle, an adjustable shoulder strap, and multifunctional pockets, ensuring durability and functionality.
Pros
- Spacious
- Facilitates extra and organized storage
- Water-resistant
- Features a mesh pocket inside the lid
- 600 D polyester fabric
- Easy to use single-hand zipper mechanism
- Reinforced stitching
- Comes in two convenient sizes
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Shoulder strap connection might obstruct the usage of side pockets
"Whether going camping or to the beach, I prefer carrying this bag as it easily fits many drinks. Its logo, however, could have been placed better. Still, the dark hue, practical design, and sturdiness compensate for that minor issue."
Do rememberDo not use harsh chemicals or bleach to clean the bag, as they can damage its insulation and exterior.
10. Best Waterproof: Mier Insulated Lunch Box
The spacious lunch bag from Mier with four layers of protection helps keep your food fresh for eight hours. It can hold at least 18 cans of cola at once. The square-shaped cooler bag is constructed from BPA-free food-grade material, and the insulated lid on the top has a wide opening that allows you to keep and remove your food easily.
Pros
- Versatile
- Waterproof and leak-proof design
- Easy to clean
- Multiple handles
- Durable zippers
- Multi-compartments
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
"In addition to being durable, this bag�s fully openable top allows me quick access to its contents. Its handles are comfortable, too, and the front pocket comes in handy for storing smaller essentials."
11. Best Expandable:Arctic Zone Titan Insulated Lunch Pack
Arctic Zone’s insulated lunch pack uses superfoam and therma-flect radiant barriers to keep its contents cool and fresh. Its expandable main compartment provides double the storage space to store food and can be converted back to a compact size when required. In addition, the bag’s leakproof microban lining prevents odors and stains, making it easy to keep the bag clean in the long run. Moreover, its sleek design and the option to insert ice walls make it a suitable option for students as well as office-goers.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Water-resistant material
- Two exterior pockets for ice walls
- Has two padded handles
- Adjustable and removable shoulder strap
Cons
- Zipper may be a bit flimsy
"I got this lunch bag for my son, and he especially loves that he can carry it in multiple ways. Its expandable design is a thoughtful touch, allowing me to pack extra stuff. Plus, the included ice packs were a pleasant surprise."
12. Best Dishwasher-Safe : Five One Nine Fitness Cooler Lunch
The Five One Nine Fitness meal backpack is equipped with a dual-padded wide shoulder strap that is lightweight and helps reduce the pressure on the shoulder. It consists of a laptop chamber, a food storage section including six lunch boxes, and three zippered pockets to keep multiple things. This multipurpose bag can help keep your food fresh for 12 to 16 hours.
Pros
- CA65 and Reach-certified
- Waterproof
- Dishwasher- and microwave-safe lunch containers
- Durable
- Portable
- BPA-free
- Phthalate- and lead-free
- Recyclable icebox
Cons
- Containers may be hard to close
"Although large, it's our go-to picnic bag as it holds large amounts of food. It even has detachable dividers, which help me keep the meals organized. Plus, the included meal containers feel like a bonus as they are both durable and leakproof."
13. Best Anti-Corroding: Homespon Insulated Tote Lunch Bag
The Homespun insulated lunch bag is a tote-style bagand is suitable for those looking for a convenient and stylish accessory to keep their food and drinks fresh and cool. This reusable lunch bag is made of premium waterproof fabric, providing adequate insulation with thick EPE foam and its aluminum foil layer keeps foods and drinks cool for long. Its spacious interiors, stylish design, and attractive blue color make it suitable for work, a day out, or a picnic.
Pros
- Anti-corroding material
- Damp-proof
- Abrasive resistant
- Easy to clean
- 100% non-toxic material
- Durable, rustproof zippers
- Upgraded edge stitch design
Cons
- Handles may not be sturdy enough
- Might have an unpleasant smell
"Waterproof, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to clean�this lunch bag boats everything I was looking for. I even carry it on the train easily due to its broad handles. And while some may not like the lack of compartments, it works well for my needs."
14. Best For Toddlers:Simple Modern Handley Lunch Box
The Handley kids’ lunch box by Simple Modern features an adorable print inspired by Disney characters and has a capacity of four liters. This bag has a single compartment, which is large enough to pack a nutritious meal for daycare, school, or any other occasion. Made of superior-quality, durable polyester with triple-layer insulation, it keeps food and beverages fresh for hours.
Pros
- Reinforced stitching
- Sturdy carrying handle
- Snap buckle
- Available in multiple prints
Cons
- Mesh pockets may not last long
- Some prints may not be brightly colored
"My daughter is a big Mickey Mouse fan, so I quickly got this lunch pack for her. Capacity-wise, it fits a meal, snack, and beverage comfortably, so I am happy. Also, it's sturdy and has survived multiple washes without any signs of fraying."
15. Best Abrasion-Resistant: Akaso Cooler Bag
Durable and easy to clean, the Akaso lunch bag uses closed-cell NBR foam insulation to keep your food cold or warm throughout the day. This bag has a single compartment and is manufactured from nylon Oxford fabric coated with TPU film, making it water-resistant and helping prevent any leakages. The vertical grid design allows you to adjust the bag’s size.
Pros
- Adjustable strap
- Abrasion-resistant
- Foldable
- Mildew-proof
- Convenient magnetic closure
- Compact size
Cons
- May not be spacious
"Thanks to its adaptable design, I use this bag as a picnic basket and to carry my lunches. It's foldable and, thus, easily fits into my purse when not in use. All in all, it's proven to be a perfect space-saving option for my everyday needs."
How To Choose The Right Lunch Cooler?
Look for these features when buying a lunch cooler.
- Capacity: A good lunch cooler should have enough capacity to store your food, drinks, and a few utensils for all your needs.
- Features: Multiple storage compartments make it easy to keep the food divided and safe. Additional side pockets are also helpful for keeping multiple things.
- Size: If you need a lunch cooler for your office, a regular-sized bag would be suitable, but if you need it for traveling or picnics, you might need a larger size.
- Good insulation: A high-grade insulation is essential as it helps keep your food fresh for longer.
, owner of Bevs Kitchen PH, a cooking and motherhood blog, says, “When choosing a lunch bag, consider what food you usually carry. For example, if you love homemade juices, ensure your lunch bag is water-resistant and leakproof. Always consider your specific needs for a lunch bag, and select one that is elegant and comfortable to carry.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do insulated lunch coolers need ice packs?
Yes, insulated lunch coolers need ice packs if you want your food to stay cool for a longer time. For example, using ice packs can keep your drinks cool for longer.
2. How long does food stay cold in a lunch cooler?
The food can stay cool for at least two to four hours at a normal temperature depending on the insulation material.
3. How often should I get a new lunch cooler?
If your lunch cooler keeps your food cool or warm for less time than it used to, it’s time to get a new one.
4. Can lunch coolers be recycled?
Since most lunch coolers are made of polyester, they can be recycled.
5. Are lunch coolers microwavable?
Some lunch coolers are microwavable. However, read the product specifications before buying it to know for sure.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is an experienced writer and reviewer of furniture and kitchen products. He undertakes detailed research and reviews several products across the market to bring the best ones for you. He has highlighted the pros and cons of each product on this list to help you choose the right one. These lunch coolers can keep your food fresh for longer and are long-lasting and functional. You can also check out the buying guide to make an informed buying decision.
Get your hands on the best lunch coolers and enjoy fresh and healthy lunch wherever you go. These coolers provide good insulation, thus allowing your food to remain cool for hours by maintaining a constant temperature. When choosing a lunch cooler, make sure it is made of food-grade material and is free of BPA, phthalates, and other harmful materials. The lunch cooler should also be leak-proof, portable, easy to clean and maintain, and water- and mildew-resistant. You may also consider one that comes with several insulated compartments, quality zippers, and a durable and adjustable strap.
Infographic: Why Should You Buy An Insulated Lunch Cooler?
Whether you’re a student, professional, or traveler, keeping foods fresh and hygienic for a long time is a major challenge. An insulated lunch box can come in handy in such cases. But if you’re still wondering, check out the infographic below to learn about several other benefits of using lunch coolers. Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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