A well-packed lunch starts with more than choosing what to eat. The containers you use can affect how easily you organise your food, prevent spills and fit everything into your lunch bag.
If you use a PackIt lunch bag for work, school or day trips, selecting suitable containers can help you make better use of the available space and keep different parts of your meal organised.
From container size to lid design, here are the key things to consider when choosing food containers for your PackIt lunch bag.
1. Check Your Lunch Bag's Dimensions
Before buying new containers, check the dimensions and capacity of your particular PackIt bag. Different models may have different shapes and storage space.
Measure your usual food containers and compare their length, width and height with the bag's interior. Remember to allow room for drinks, fruit, snacks and any other items you plan to carry.
A container may fit along the length of the bag but still be too wide or tall. Checking all three dimensions can help you avoid buying something that doesn't suit your setup.
2. Choose Containers with Secure Lids
Secure lids are important when transporting food in a lunch bag, backpack or work tote. They help keep food contained and reduce the chance of accidental spills.
Consider the type of food you usually pack. Sandwiches and dry snacks may need a different container from yoghurt, sauces or salad dressings.
Look for products specifically designed for the food you intend to carry. Don't assume a container is leakproof unless the manufacturer confirms that feature.
For liquids and dressings, keep containers upright where possible and avoid overfilling them.
3. Consider Compartments for Different Foods
Compartmentalised containers can help separate different parts of a meal. This can be useful if you prefer to keep fruit away from crackers or separate a main dish from side items.
For example, you could pack a sandwich with fruit and vegetable sticks in separate sections. Alternatively, a divided container may suit a grain bowl with different toppings.
Choose the number and size of compartments based on your usual meals. Larger sections may suit a main course, while smaller compartments can help organise snacks.
Remember that compartments don't necessarily prevent liquid from moving between sections. Check the manufacturer's design and instructions if separation is important.
4. Select a Shape That Fits Your Bag
Food containers come in rectangular, square, round and other shapes. The most suitable option depends on the design of your lunch bag and the meals you pack.
Rectangular containers can make efficient use of space in some bags, while round containers may suit foods such as salads, fruit or yoghurt.
If you carry multiple containers, consider whether they stack securely. Avoid packing them so tightly that the bag becomes difficult to close.
A little planning can help you fit your meal, snacks and drink without overfilling the bag.
5. Compare Container Materials
Containers are available in several materials, each with different properties and care requirements.
Plastic containers are often lightweight and convenient for everyday transport. Check the manufacturer's instructions for temperature limits, cleaning and reuse.
Glass containers can be useful for certain meal-prep routines, but they may be heavier and more fragile. Make sure the size and weight are suitable for carrying.
Stainless steel containers can be durable, depending on their design. Check whether the container is suitable for the type of food and use you have in mind.
Regardless of the material, confirm whether the container is safe for the intended use. Don't assume every product is microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe or leakproof.
6. Match the Container to Your Meal
Different foods may need different types of containers.
Here are some examples:
| Food | Container feature to consider |
|---|---|
| Sandwiches and wraps | A shape that prevents unnecessary crushing |
| Salads and grain bowls | Enough room to mix ingredients |
| Fruit and vegetable sticks | Separate sections or a suitable small container |
| Yoghurt and dips | A secure lid designed for moist foods |
| Pasta or rice meals | Enough capacity for a complete portion |
| Crackers and dry snacks | A container that helps protect them from moisture |
Choose a container that fits your food and the space available in your bag. You don't need a different container for every meal if a few versatile options meet your needs.
7. Pack Chilled Food Correctly
Suitable containers help organise your lunch, but they don't replace proper temperature control.
Keep perishable foods refrigerated before packing them. Prepare your PackIt bag according to the instructions for your specific model, and consider how long your food will be in transit and the temperature of the environment.
A freezable lunch bag is designed to help keep contents cool, but cooling performance can vary. It doesn't guarantee that food will remain at a safe temperature indefinitely.
For longer journeys or warmer conditions, take appropriate additional food-safety precautions and follow recommended storage guidance.
8. Test Your Packing Setup
Before relying on a new container for a full workday or school day, try it with your usual lunch.
Place your main meal, snacks and drink in the bag. Check whether everything fits comfortably and whether the bag closes without forcing the zipper or compressing the contents.
If you carry your lunch in another bag, consider how the container's shape affects the overall space available.
Testing your setup before buying multiple containers can help prevent unnecessary purchases.
Create a More Organised Lunch Routine
Choosing food containers is about more than appearance. Size, shape, lid design, compartments and material can all affect how convenient your lunch routine becomes.
Select containers that fit your meals and your PackIt bag, and follow the care instructions for each product. With a suitable setup, packing lunch can become a simpler part of your everyday routine.
Looking for a lunch bag that suits your needs? Explore the Lunch Bags & Coolers collection at Chef Supply Co. to browse the available options.
Final tip: Measure your lunch bag before buying new containers. A container that fits your space and your daily routine is more useful than one that simply looks good.
