How to Bento 101: Tools of the Trade: A Further Discussion on Containers

In the last How to Bento 101 we covered our favorite Basic Containers. Today we're going to go more in depth discussing  alternatives. 

Part One: Traditional Japanese Style Bento Boxes

The bento box style that comes to mind when I think of 'traditional' are hand made wooden boxes. Although beautiful, these styles can get pricey and are not as practical for every day use.

A more modern take on the traditional are plastic bentos made in the same style. These can include leak proof lids and are much more convenient and affordable. They come in many different colors and styles.

Part Two: Modern Partitioned Bento Boxes

Moving a bit further away from traditional, are new style partitioned bentos. There are a few brands that are popular. First we'll talk about the BentGo:

This lunch system is a box, with a removable compartment tray. The lid features rubberized seals to prevent leaks. I love the removable microwave and dishwasher safe tray. You can purchase extra trays to have several on hand.

Another similar box is the YumBox. Like the BentoGO, there are removable compartment trays.

The YumBox has food group labels for each compartment, with cute kid-friendly designs. Sharper lines evoke a more grown-up look when compared to the BentGo. It is also available in different sizes, ranging from snack (great for half day little's that don't eat lunch at school), all the way up to the full size model. No matter which box you go with, you can purchase extra trays. While this tray is not microwave safe it is dishwasher safe. (Top rack only.)

Heading into the pricier side of this style of box, we find the the PlanetBox. This stainless steel box system is well designed with separate magnets that can dress it up.

The main box is neither leak proof or microwaveable. The set includes a sauce container and a wet foods container that holds one cup. Both have silicone lids to prevent leaking. The PlanetBox comes in two other sizes, a smaller snack size and larger size that holds a three course meal. 

Part Three: Accessories

One recurring theme in the three above boxes is a dip container, something that many boxes do not include. The solution here is buying separate small containers to hold sauces and dip.

For thinner sauces, you can purchase small refillable bottles. These inexpensive sets often come with a funnel or dropper to make filling easy. 

For thicker dipping sauces, a tiny dip container is the answer. These come in a variety of styles and you're sure to find some that are perfect. 

Part Four: Hot Food Containers

Sometimes, especially in cold winter months, a cold lunch is unappealing. Of course, we have the trusty old Thermos. Great for keeping soups, oatmeal, rice, and even items like chicken nuggets at the same temperature they went in at for up to five hours. 

However, I would like to offer a Bento alternative, one that I have used myself for years. The Zojirushi Mrs. Bento. This container is vacuum insulated like a thermos, but has containers that go inside to hold your food items. It's our number one choice for keeping hot food hot.

*Note: Tiny Bee's Bentos has received no compensation to review or recommend the above items. We do receive a small compensation from amazon if you use one of the links above to purchase any of the items.