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  3. 10 Best Bento Boxes UK 2023 | Sistema, Umami, and More
  • 10 Best Bento Boxes UK 2023 | Sistema, Umami, and More 1
  • 10 Best Bento Boxes UK 2023 | Sistema, Umami, and More 2
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10 Best Bento Boxes UK 2023 | Sistema, Umami, and More

Why waste your valuable lunch break searching for food when you can bring your own? Investing in a bento box, or Japanese-style lunch box, can help you to save both time and money - no more queuing to buy overpriced sandwiches! Using a bento box is eco-friendly and can also be healthier, as separate compartments or multiple tiers allow you to control portion sizes and create a balance between different food groups.

Bento boxes come in such an exciting range of shapes and sizes for both kids and adults that it can be difficult to know which to choose. To help you decide, we have created a guide which covers the main factors you should consider when buying. Read on to discover our top bento box picks!
Last updated 14/07/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Bento Box in the UK – Buying Guide

In order to find the right bento box for you, it’s essential to consider factors such as durability, capacity, and convenience. In this section, we will explore the pros and cons of the different materials and styles that are available.

1

Metal or Plastic – Which Material Is Best for Your Needs?

Since you are likely to use your bento box every day, it’s important to choose a material which is suitable for long-term use. As well as being durable and lightweight, you may require a container which is microwave or dishwasher safe.

Stainless Steel Is Sturdy and Easy to Clean, but Not Suitable for Microwaves

Stainless Steel Is Sturdy and Easy to Clean, but Not Suitable for Microwaves

Heavy-duty and reliable, a metal bento box will keep your food secure until lunchtime. The smooth surface of metals such as stainless steel means they are easy to clean by hand and do not absorb odours, making lunch prep quick and effortless! Another plus is that metal is free from phthalates and BPA. 


However, steel does have some disadvantages. As it is not microwave-safe, this kind of bento box is only suitable for food that you want to eat cold or hot food you'll be eating soon after preparing it. Acidic foods such as tomatoes and rhubarb may also cause the bento box to corrode over time.

Plastic Is Lightweight and Microwave-Safe, Perfect for Heating up Leftovers

Plastic Is Lightweight and Microwave-Safe, Perfect for Heating up Leftovers
Plastic bento boxes tend to be lightweight, even when filled with lots of food, which is useful if you need to carry your lunch around all day. The majority are also are suitable for use in the microwave and dishwasher, so you can easily heat up your leftovers and then leave the clean-up to your machine.

Due to concerns over health issues, most plastic bento boxes available online are certified BPA- and phthalate-free and so are safe to use. They are an affordable choice, and the variety of designs available means that you’ll be sure to find one that not only falls within your budget, but that matches your personal style too!

2

Choosing the Style of Your Bento Box

When deciding on a bento box, you’ll want to choose one that is convenient in both size and style. Ideally, it should be compact enough to fit in your bag but big enough to hold your lunch – and maybe a few extra snacks!

Multiple Tiers Can Be Used to Keep Foods Separate

Multiple Tiers Can Be Used to Keep Foods Separate
Some styles of bento box have two or three stackable tiers, so you can divide your food up into different sections. 

This means you can keep savoury and sweet foods separate, or you could even take all three meals of the day with you to work! A popular way to use the tiers is to put rice or noodles in one, meat and/or vegetables in another, and dessert in the last tier.


If you don’t need to use all of the tiers, you can typically remove one or more and still use the bento box as desired. Being able to adapt the container to suit your needs is convenient if you are trying to watch your portion sizes, or if you simply want to have smaller meals.

Removable Compartments Allow You to Change up Your Lunch Each Day

Removable Compartments Allow You to Change up Your Lunch Each Day
Another popular style of bento box is one large container with removable compartments inside, which allows you to add or remove sections depending on your mood. During the winter you might only feel like one large meal with some fruit, whereas a tapas-style lunch in several compartments may be more appealing in the summer months.

These interchangeable compartments are also useful for controlling portion sizes and ensuring that you get your five-a-day. You can easily include a range of different fruit and vegetables in the different sections. 


Best of all, you can keep salad dressing separate from your greens – no more soggy lettuce at lunchtime!

3

Choosing the Right Size for Your Needs

Choosing the Right Size for Your Needs
Depending on your appetite and lifestyle, you may need a smaller- or larger-sized bento box. The capacity of most boxes is measured in millilitres, which can help you to choose which size is right for you. The recommended capacity for adults of an average height and build is 600 ml for women and 900 ml for men.

However, if you are looking to lose weight, you may want to buy a bento box which is smaller in size. For example, reducing the capacity by 100 ml should help you to control your portion size. 


When buying a bento box for a child, the capacity is much lower – 400 ml is ideal for children aged 3-5, and 500-600 ml is recommended for those aged 6-11.

4

Insulated Containers Keep Your Food Hot or Cold, Whatever the Weather

Insulated Containers Keep Your Food Hot or Cold, Whatever the Weather
Insulated bento boxes can keep your food hot or cold for several hours, meaning you won’t need access to a refrigerator or microwave at meal time. 

Although this kind of bento box can be a little bulky and is typically more expensive than other types, it is extremely convenient and eco-friendly because it doesn’t require gas or electricity.


In order to make sure that the container stays hot or cold as required, you will need to fill it with either ice cold or boiling hot water for approximately ten minutes, and then drain it before putting your food inside. The vacuum technology will keep your food at the desired temperature so it is ready to eat at any time.

5

Go For Leakproof Containers to Avoid Mess and Keep Food Fresh

Go For Leakproof Containers to Avoid Mess and Keep Food Fresh
Perhaps the most important factor in deciding whether a bento box is worth buying is how leakproof it is, as there's nothing worse than open your bag at lunchtime to find your belongings drenched in food. To avoid spillages, you should look for a container which closes securely and stays put all day.

As well as being mess-free and allowing you to bring soups and sauce-based meals on the go, the tight seal on leakproof bento boxes will keep your food fresher for longer. 


This means there’s no risk of your sandwiches becoming mushy or yoghurt seeping into savoury snacks. Just in case, though, try to keep your bento box upright if you’re commuting or travelling.

6

Check for Extra Features Like Built-in Utensils and Sauce Containers

Check for Extra Features Like Built-in Utensils and Sauce Containers
Some bento boxes even come with extra features for your convenience, such as a cutlery set or small containers for sauces or dips. Having cutlery inside your box means that you’re ready to go, no need to pack a knife and fork from home! 

The addition of a small leakproof pot means you can easily jazz up your meal with some sauce or a dressing.

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Top 10 Best Bento Boxes in the UK

Having explored all of the important features you should look for when choosing a bento box, it’s time to check out our recommendations below. We’ve included boxes suitable for a range of lifestyles and budgets, so you’ll be sure to find your perfect lunch companion!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Sistema

1. Sistema Bento Lunch Box to Go with Fruit/Yogurt Pot

Sistema 1. Sistema Bento Lunch Box to Go with Fruit/Yogurt Pot 1枚目

Versatile and Spacious, With an Affordable Price Tag

2

Zojirushi

2. Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar Set – Grey

Zojirushi 2. Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar Set – Grey 1枚目

Keeps Food Hot or Cold for up to Six Hours

3

Nifty Kitchen

3. Nifty Kitchen Magic Space Saver Lunch Box

Nifty Kitchen 3. Nifty Kitchen Magic Space Saver Lunch Box 1枚目

Designed to Save Space After Lunch

4

Umami

4. Umami Original Bento – White

Umami 4. Umami Original Bento – White 1枚目

An Elegant Multitasker With Cutlery Included

5

Yumbox

5. Yumbox Classic – Bijoux Purple

Yumbox 5. Yumbox Classic – Bijoux Purple 1枚目

Illustrated Sections to Help You Pack a Healthier Lunch

6

Mepal

6. Fun Life Lunch Box – Green

Mepal 6. Fun Life Lunch Box – Green 1枚目

Stylish and Fully Customisable

7

Monbento

7. Monbento MB Square – Black

Monbento 7. Monbento MB Square – Black 1枚目

A King-Sized Cube for Big Appetites

8

Sistema

9. Sistema Triple Split Lunch Box – Blue

Sistema 9. Sistema Triple Split Lunch Box – Blue 1枚目

Cheap, Cheerful, and Perfect for Children

9

Hakoya

8. Antom Lunch Box – Pink

Hakoya 8. Antom Lunch Box – Pink 1枚目

An Adorable Traditional Three-Tier Set

10

Black+Blum

10. Black+Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box – Ocean

Black+Blum 10. Black+Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box – Ocean 1枚目

Hard-Wearing and Secure With a Minimalist Aesthetic

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No.1

Sistema1. Sistema Bento Lunch Box to Go with Fruit/Yogurt Pot

1. Sistema Bento Lunch Box to Go with Fruit/Yogurt Pot Image 1
Source：amazon.co.uk
1. Sistema Bento Lunch Box to Go with Fruit/Yogurt Pot Image 2
Source：amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.99
    • Reference price
    £9.99

    Versatile and Spacious, With an Affordable Price Tag

    This extremely versatile bento box can easily be adapted to suit your needs. With a capacity of 1650 ml, it can hold a lot of food, but the removable compartments allow you to mix and match the contents. This encourages you to incorporate a range of snacks, so it’s ideal for those trying to maintain a balanced diet.

    Although the box itself is not leakproof, the small pot which is included has an airtight seal. If you make sure that your food is tightly packed and the container is kept upright, it should be easy to avoid spills. It is also microwavable (if you remove the lid), so can be used for lunches all year round. When it comes to value for money and convenience, this product ticks all the boxes.
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    No.2

    Zojirushi2. Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar Set – Grey

    2. Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar Set – Grey Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £38.33
    • Reference price
    £38.33

    Keeps Food Hot or Cold for up to Six Hours

    This vacuum-insulated bento set keeps your food at the desired temperature for up to six hours, so it's perfect for those who are on the move or who lack access to a microwave or fridge. With its matching grey tote bag, it looks professional enough for the office or to carry on your commute.

    The three containers are designed to hold a main dish, a soup, and a side dish, so you are guaranteed a filling meal at lunchtime. Everything fits neatly together and there is even a spork included – although it’s a little expensive, this bento set really has it all!
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    No.3

    Nifty Kitchen3. Nifty Kitchen Magic Space Saver Lunch Box

    3. Nifty Kitchen Magic Space Saver Lunch Box Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    3. Nifty Kitchen Magic Space Saver Lunch Box Image 2
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £18.95
    • Reference price
    £18.95

    Designed to Save Space After Lunch

    This bento box is designed to take up as little room in your bag as possible, whilst still holding a decent amount of food. The two containers stack together, but once they’re empty you can fit the smaller one inside the other in order to save space – perfect for those who like to travel light!

    Fully microwavable and leakproof, this product really is designed to make life easier when it comes to lunch. It even includes a stainless steel cutlery set for your convenience, and small plastic separators so you can customise the inside of your bento box.
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    No.4

    Umami 4. Umami Original Bento – White

    4. Umami Original Bento – White Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    4. Umami Original Bento – White Image 2
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £24.99
    • Reference price
    £24.99

    An Elegant Multitasker With Cutlery Included

    This Japanese style bento box is simple yet beautiful, with a natural bamboo lid and minimalist colour scheme. Even the interior cutlery holder is intended to stay silent during transportation, demonstrating the thoughtful design behind this elegant product.

    The two stackable containers each have a capacity of 600 ml so you can fit plenty of food inside, and their silicone seals are airtight to protect against spills. This bento box is absolutely worth paying a little more for! 
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    No.5

    Yumbox 5. Yumbox Classic – Bijoux Purple

    5. Yumbox Classic – Bijoux Purple Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    5. Yumbox Classic – Bijoux Purple Image 2
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    5. Yumbox Classic – Bijoux Purple Image 3
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £25.95
    • Reference price
    £25.95

    Illustrated Sections to Help You Pack a Healthier Lunch

    This eye-catching purple bento box is popular with parents because it’s completely leakproof and has an easy-open latch. Its stylish and compact design is far from childish though, so it is sure to appeal to adults too!

    A unique feature of this product is the illustrations on each compartment, which are labelled with the main food groups. This is a really innovative way to ensure that you pack the correct portion of each type of food. Despite this great feature, it is not microwave-proof so may only be suitable for warmer weather.
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    No.6

    Mepal6. Fun Life Lunch Box – Green

    6. Fun Life Lunch Box – Green Image 1
    Source：johnlewis.com
    6. Fun Life Lunch Box – Green Image 2
    Source：johnlewis.com
    Reference price
    £16.00
    • Reference price
    £16.00

    Stylish and Fully Customisable

    Consisting of seven compartment options, this clever bento box can help you to create variety in your meal. As a result, it’s a good choice for those who want to include a range of fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet. There's also one lidded tub for yoghurt or sauce-based dishes.

    Whilst this container is portable, chic, and not too expensive, it is not completely leakproof so you'll need to take care when transporting it or be conscious of the items you fill it with. 
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    No.7

    Monbento 7. Monbento MB Square – Black

    7. Monbento MB Square – Black Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    7. Monbento MB Square – Black Image 2
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    7. Monbento MB Square – Black Image 3
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £25.50
    • Reference price
    £25.50

    A King-Sized Cube for Big Appetites

    This incredibly stylish cube-shaped container is big enough to fit two meals, making it an excellent choice for those with big appetites or who have long shifts at work. The two tiers stack neatly on top of each other, keeping your lunch and dinner separate until you’re ready to eat.

    Microwave- and dishwasher-proof, with a silicone seal to prevent leaks, this bento box is very dependable. Just bear in mind that it may be a little too big and bulky if you prefer a lighter lunch!
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    No.8

    Sistema9. Sistema Triple Split Lunch Box – Blue

    9. Sistema Triple Split Lunch Box – Blue Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    9. Sistema Triple Split Lunch Box – Blue Image 2
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £8.99
    • Reference price
    £8.99

    Cheap, Cheerful, and Perfect for Children

    This brightly coloured bento box is a great size for children’s meals. It has enough space for a sandwich, an apple, and even a yoghurt, which can be stored in the leak-proof pot included. The three compartments keep food extra fresh, so your little ones will look forward to their lunchtime!

    Made from phthalate and BPA-free plastic, it’s a lightweight and affordable option if you are looking to buy your first bento box. Safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher, it’s easy to clean and is reliable for everyday use.
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    No.9

    Hakoya 8. Antom Lunch Box – Pink

    Reference price
    £26.98
    • Reference price
    £26.98

    An Adorable Traditional Three-Tier Set

    With it's super-cute lucky cat design, and a bowl as part of its three tiers, this belted bento box is the perfect pick for those looking for a way to store and serve traditional Japanese dishes. 

    Including the bowl, the tiers total a generous 1.2 litres, and there are airtight lids for in the middle two to keep food fresh. Without the lids, the bowls are also microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Despite its adorable looks, however, this container should be kept upright if you're transporting liquid-based meals. 
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    No.10

    Black+Blum 10. Black+Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box – Ocean

    10. Black+Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box – Ocean Image 1
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    10. Black+Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box – Ocean Image 2
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    10. Black+Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box – Ocean Image 3
    Source：amazon.co.uk
    Reference price
    £30.79
    • Reference price
    £30.79

    Hard-Wearing and Secure With a Minimalist Aesthetic

    This highly durable bento box is ideal for transporting food, and it even comes with a fork for added convenience. Combining a sleek metal case and a blue or green strap, this design will appeal to minimalists who like a pop of colour.

    Made from 304 stainless steel, this box will ensure that your lunch survives any journey. Its silicone lining and vacuum valve will prevent leaks and keep your food fresh. However, it’s a little pricey considering it can only be used for cold lunches or hot food eaten straight away.
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    Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps for On the Go

    Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps for On the Go

    Whether the appeal comes from saving money on shop-bought sandwiches or coffees or you're trying to do your bit for the environment, it's easier than ever nowadays to switch from single-use food and drink containers to their reusable counterparts. Here are three articles to get you inspired! 

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    Summary

    With such a wide range of bento boxes available, you’ll easily be able to save valuable time and money on your lunch break. Now that you know which useful features to look out for, we’re confident that you can find the right container to suit your lifestyle.


    Author: Nicola McClements

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    Top 5 Bento Boxes

    No. 1: Sistema｜1. Sistema Bento Lunch Box to Go with Fruit/Yogurt Pot

    No. 2: Zojirushi｜2. Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar Set – Grey

    No. 3: Nifty Kitchen｜3. Nifty Kitchen Magic Space Saver Lunch Box

    No. 4: Umami ｜4. Umami Original Bento – White

    No. 5: Yumbox ｜5. Yumbox Classic – Bijoux Purple

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    When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
    The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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