How to Pack Condiments and Dips for School Lunches

Did you know that with the right leak-proof container, you can pack all sorts of dips, dressings, and sauces in your school lunches mess-free?

Below, I share all my tips for making sure they don’t spill, plus the ones I own and recommend to family and friends.

How to Pack Dressings & Dips for School Lunches

After years of lunches coming back soggy and finding uneaten food that I carefully packed, I’ve learned that packing dressings and dips separately from the food is key to keeping school lunches fresh in the lunch box.

A small, leak-proof container is key to keeping liquids from spilling and preventing a healthy salad for lunch from getting soggy by the time it’s time to enjoy it.

You’ll need a container that can fit 2 tablespoons of liquid, about 2 ounces, for most salad dressings and condiments and possibly a little larger for dips, about 4 ounces.

Best Lidded Dip Containers for Packed Lunches

The best leak-proof lidded dip containers are those that are large enough to fit what you plan on putting inside, it’s easy to open by a child (this is important for younger kids), and one that’s easy to clean! Here are a few of my favorites:

Keeping Condiments and Dip Fresh for Lunch

Other than packing the condiments, dips, and salad dressings separate from the main foods, another recommendation to keep everything fresh until lunch is to include an ice pack inside the lunch bag to help regulate the temperature inside.

I’ve tried many and these are the best ice packs for school lunches. Adding an ice pack is one of the best ways to ensure that the food inside stays fresh until lunch and keeps food at a safe-to-eat temperature.

Now that you have the right containers and know how to pack salad dressings and condiments, all you need are packed lunch ideas to pack along! Grab your copy here: