The Best Lunch Bags for Students & Teachers

One year, my mom was late to school supply shopping and all the “cool” lunch bags were gone. My school year was ruined and I would clearly not make any new friends with a lame lunch bag. (You can read my tween drama in that, right?)

Luckily, mom to the rescue. We bought a plain lunch bag and crafted the heck out of it! We took off the original stickers for some cartoon I never watched and replaced them with my name and “Out to Lunch” on the back. I loved it and used it for years, even into high school. It became my thing.

As an adult, lunch bags are still important, but for much more practical reasons. I’m c~~heap~~ frugal and brought my lunch every day to work. While I could have used brown paper bags, that’s just wasteful. So, I bought a lunch bag, reusable snack bags, and a water bottle. Look at me – saving money AND the planet at the same time!

If you’re shopping for a new lunch bag, check out some of my favorite bags and accessories. You just might find your new favorite lunch bag in the bunch! Happy eating!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Thanks for your support!

The Best Lunch Bags for Students & Teachers

Classic Lunch Bags

BUILT Neoprene Lunch Tote

This is my lunch bag. I’ve used this brand for years and I ❤️ them! The bag holds my entire lunch, squishes up in my bag on the way home, and is easy to clean. I’ve also seen many of my students carrying these as well!

VAGREEZ Insulated Lunch Bag

Love the brown bag style but still helping to save the planet! This is also waterproof and insulated to keep your food cool for hours.

Buringer Reusable Insulated Lunch Bag

Make a statement with this insulated bag! It comes in MANY colors and patterns. There is even a front pocket to stow utensils, napkins, or your keys.

Tirrinia Insulated Lunch Tote

I’m pretty sure my husband took this one to work for years. Insulated and leak-proof! The adjustable shoulder strap is great when your book bag is already full.

MIER 2 Compartment Lunch Bag

Need to keep some food cold or some of it dry? This bag allows you to separate food into different sections and temperatures.

UPPER ORDER Durable Insulated Lunch Box Tote

Also a classic, but a bit smaller. You can use the shoulder strap or take it off if it will fit in your bag.

Bento Boxes

Many people love these Japanese style bento boxes. Keep the parts of your lunch separate and packed efficiently at the same time!

SAYOPIN Bento Box for Kids & Adults

This bento box comes with a beautiful bag to put it in! My inner organizational expert loves being able to stack my meal 🙂 And you can heat the food in the microwave!

LA BOITE Bento Box with Bag & Ice Pack

Looking for a smaller bento box? Try this one! It would hold lunch for younger kids or snacks galore for a teen or adult! It also comes with a ice pack for those who don’t have fridge access during the day.

Clean Lunch’N Stainless Steel Lunch Box and Bag

Worried about plastic all the time? Try this stainless steel bento box instead. This can easily go in the dishwasher! And notice that it comes with a bag, too!

Lunch Bag Accessories

GLAMFIELDS Reusable Storage Bag

If you want to limit trash, ditch the plastic bags. This set of reusable bags is perfect for lunch! They close easily and can be washed.

Pantry Elements Bento Bundle Lunch Box Dividers

If you already have a lunch bag, but want to divide food, try these silicone baking cups. They will keep those foods separate and can go in the fridge, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.

DaCool Hot Food Jar Insulated Lunch Box

If you like to bring hot foods for lunch and need to keep them hot, grab a thermos! This one can keep food hot or cold for 12 hours. And it comes with its own spoon because I’ve definitely forgotten my spoon before.