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5 Non-Toxic Containers Kids Actually Like

Back-to-school season always sneaks up on me—one minute we’re chasing fireflies, and the next we’re labeling water bottles and packing lunches. If you’re like me, you want lunch gear that’s safe, durable, and actually makes your little one excited to eat what’s inside. Over the years, I’ve tested more lunch containers than I care to admit (hello, leaky lids and mystery smells). These five non-toxic options are not only mom-approved—they’re kid-loved, too.

And yes, they’re all available in my Amazon shop, so you can grab them in one go.

PlanetBox Shuttle: Stainless Steel Simplicity

If your child is a snack grazer or you’re packing a smaller meal, the PlanetBox Shuttle is a total win. Made from high-quality stainless steel, it’s free from BPA, phthalates, and other nasties—and it’s built to last. My preschooler loves the spaceship-like design, and I love that it’s dishwasher safe and easy to clean. It’s perfect for packing a sandwich and a few sides, and it fits neatly into most lunch bags. We featured PlanetBox in our Back-to-School Must-Haves Guide, and it’s still a top pick.

Melii Baby Silicone Bento: Colorful + Kid-Friendly

The Melii Baby Silicone Bento Box is a favorite in our house for its soft-touch feel and cheerful colors. It’s made from 100% food-grade silicone, which means it’s safe, flexible, and easy for little hands to open and close. I love that it’s microwave and freezer safe—perfect for warm leftovers or chilled fruit. The compartments are just the right size for toddler portions, and the leak-resistant lid keeps everything in place. Bonus: it’s a great option for daycare or preschool lunches.

Innobaby Flex&Lock: Modular Magic

The Innobaby Flex&Lock Bento is like the Swiss Army knife of lunch containers. With its stackable, modular design, you can customize the layout depending on what you’re packing that day. It’s made from Tritan, a BPA-free plastic that’s super durable and crystal clear—so your child can see what’s inside before opening. I’ve used it for everything from pasta salad to cut-up veggies, and it’s held up beautifully. We spotlighted Innobaby in our Preschool Picks Roundup, and it’s a consistent favorite.

Freezable Playtime Lunch Box by PackIt: Chill Without Ice Packs

This one’s a game-changer for warm climates or long school days. The Freezable Playtime Lunch Box by PackIt has built-in freezable gel walls, so you just pop the whole thing in the freezer overnight. By morning, it’s ready to keep lunch cool for hours—no separate ice packs needed. The playful designs are a hit with kids, and the roomy interior fits most bento-style containers. It’s especially handy for packing yogurt, cheese, or other perishables during hot Southern summers.

Sili Mini Go: Silicone Travel Meal Set by Miniware

For younger kiddos or babies on the go, the Sili Mini Go by Miniware is a beautifully designed silicone meal set that’s both functional and adorable. It includes a bowl, spoon, and lid—all made from non-toxic, food-grade silicone. I love that it’s compact enough for travel but still roomy enough for a full meal. The soft spoon is gentle on gums, and the whole set is dishwasher safe. It’s a great pick for baby-led weaning or toddler snacks on the road.

Whether you’re packing for preschool, kindergarten, or a weekend picnic, these non-toxic containers make lunchtime easier—and a little more joyful. You can find all of these picks in my Amazon shop, curated with love and tested by real moms (and real messes). Want more eco-friendly parenting tips? Check out our guide to waste-free lunch packing for more inspiration.

Here’s to lunches packed with love—and containers that keep up with your little ones.

About the Author

Ms. Johnson is a Mom of 4, a Seasoned Freelance Journalist, Publicist and Lifestyle Expert with a career spanning almost 20 years in the industry. She is passionate about fitness, health and wellness. She has written her own website, Tiny Green Mom, since 2010, which highlights parenting and all things ‘green,’ from tips on living a healthier lifestyle to the latest eco-friendly products for the entire family.

As a Freelance Journalist, Ms. Johnson has written for a multitude of publications, including Medium, SheKnows.com, Tiny Beans, and more! In addition, she can be found on TV stations across the country as a Lifestyle Expert, including Lowcountry Live, speaking about all of her favorite brands and companies. 

You can follow her on Instagram @TinyGreenMom, TikTok and Pinterest.

*Company generously gifted samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I truly love and use with my own family.*

6 Planet-Friendly Picks for Back-to-School

ReUsies™

Skip the plastic baggies and opt for a reusable, cheerful option instead! ReUsies™ are an excellent eco-friendly alternative to sandwich & plastic snack bags – each one has the potential to eliminate hundreds of plastic bags. ReUsies™ are 100% cotton lined with leak-resistant nylon and are secured with Velcro®
closures. Available in a variety of fun, colorful prints such as elephants, birds, and baseballs.

California Innovations

California Innovations just knows what kids love – Disney favorites on their lunchbox! From Cars to Princesses, their PVC-free and Lead-safe zippered lunch bags will keep your child’s lunch cold with high-density thermal insulation. In addition to being PVC-free & lead-free, all of California Innovations’ coolers and lunch bags incorporate Microban to provide antimicrobial protection and inhibit bacterial odors/stains. Offered in a variety of styles, sizes and colors for all ages, California Innovations’ affordable collection can also be found at your local Target.

PACkit Cooler Bottle & Lunch Bag

Ingenious and just plain smart, this freezable, insulated bag eliminates the need for gel packs because it is already lined with eco-friendly gel. Simply fold and storethe PACkit Cooler Bottle & Lunch Bag in the freezer until you are ready to use on busy school mornings! For tweens and teens who do not wish to carry an animal-shaped lunchbox, this lunch bag is unobtrusive and folds up neatly to tuck in a backpack or messenger bag after being used. It will keep food and bottles fresh and cold for up to 10 hours.

ReUsables Natural Tableware

Just say no to plastic forks, spoons, and knives! Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods now offers reusable & earth-friendly utensils made from corn! The ReUsables Natural Tableware Feeding line is made from cornstarch bioplastic, and all items are BPA-free, Phthalate-free, Lead-free, and PVC-free. Sold in multi-packs of 8 for convenience, the utensils are perfectly shaped for small hands. In addition to the utensils, the Natural Tableware Feeding line includes plates, bowls, utensils, and an infant feeding set (perfect for little ones in daycare!).

Lunchopolis by Enviro Products

Like a tiny city for all of your lunch items! Both stylish and innovative, Lunchopolis was designed with everything you need to pack a nutritious, planet-friendly lunch! Yes, that is correct – no more plastic sandwich bags, aluminum foil, milk and juice boxes or other unnecessary waste to toss out with the trash. Available in bold, bright colors, each Lunchopolis lunchbox comes with a drinking bottle and modular containers in a variety of sizes that are reusable and stack neatly together inside the soft lunchbox. Perfect for older children and tweens! All Lunchopolis products are BPA-free, as well.

Skip Hop Zoo Lunchies

Lions and tigers – oh my! Skip Hop’s Zoo Lunchies are “Mom’s” new favorite when it comes to a functional yet just plain adorable lunchbox for her little one. BPA-free and Phthalate-free, all Zoo Lunchies feature a roomy main compartment large enough for a sandwich, fruits & vegetable, and a milk or juice box. (“Mom” packs almond milk singles in her child’s lunchbox.) Plus, there is an interior mesh compartment for utensils or reusable freezer gel pack, and the top handle includes a clip that can be hooked to other bags or matching Zoo Pack. Each zipper is too, too cute – they feature a fun matching zipper-pull!

*Companies geneorusly provided samples and images for this article.*