Best Lunch Boxes for Teens

The best lunch box for packing lunches for teens and high schoolers is one that fits enough food, is practical, and has no embarrassing characters.

Below you’ll find the ones we’ve tested with our teens that have performed best and have held up!

Best Lunch Box for High Schoolers

While some teens don’t care much about the color of a lunch box, others are very particular about the shape, size, and look of their lunch box. Without a doubt, characters are out (for the most part) and solid, neutral colors is where it’s at.

When it comes to packing teen lunches, a lunch box should hold more food since teens require more volume of food to get them through the day. 

If you’re packing lunch for an active teen or an athlete you might need a lunch box, a snack box, and definitely a larger lunch bag to hold it all. 

Teen Lunch Boxes

Remember that a lunch box will hold your teen’s food and the lunch bag is what holds the lunch box and any other snacks and possibly drink container you pack along.

Here are our top teen-approved lunch boxes:

Thermos Lunch Containers for Teens

When it comes to packing hot foods for teens who do not have access to a microwave, an insulated thermos container is the best way to go.

You’ll want to heat up the food properly in the morning and then place it inside the thermos container to be enjoyed at lunch.

Our top thermos picks for teens:

School Water Bottles for Teens

When it comes to water bottles, teenagers are particularly selective when it comes to size, shape, and what’s trending. 

If your teen stores their water bottle inside their backpack or side/mesh pocket, you’ll need a taller and narrower option. While bigger ones with a handle, either on the lid or on the side, are preferred for carrying by hand.

One thing I’ve learned (I have two teens) is that they tend to lose lids and need replacement straws from time to time and “dupes” don’t tend to sell the replacement parts. This is where it pays to buy the name brand but the “dupe” pick below fits the name-brand parts.

Teen’s top water bottle picks:

Best Ice Pack for School Lunch

If you’re packing food to-go, even in an insulated lunch bag, an ice pack is a good idea to keep foods cold or preserve their texture and taste longer.

Teens like having choices and what they love most for their lunches is a lunch box that holds their food and doesn’t stand out. Inside your teen’s lunch bag, pack a lunch container, an ice pack if you need to keep foods cold, a thermos if your teen is into hot lunches, and a water bottle to keep them hydrated.