Best bento lunch boxes

If you're looking to stay traditional with bento box ideas, see our Japanese-inspired recipes for dishes like miso ramen, okonomiyaki and sushi.

Best bento boxes at a glance

• Best 3-layer bento box: Tiancheng 3-layer bento box and cutlery set, £13.99
• Best simple bento box: Hakoya one tier bento box with belt, £26.98
• Best leak-proof bento box: Jeopace 3 compartment bento box, £12.90
• Best for big lunches: Monbento original bento box, £37.90
• Best accessorised bento box: Umami premium bento box, £29.99
• Most stylish bento box: Sakura bunny bento box, £22.50
• Best for portion control: Tiancheng 2 compartment bento box, £12.99
• Best large bento box: Hakoya chestnut brown bento box, £27.99
• Best kid's bento box: Bibury bento box, £10.19

Best bento boxes to buy 2023

Tiancheng 3-layer bento box and cutlery set

• Available from Amazon (£13.99)

Best 3-layer bento box

If you're looking for a bento box with loads of room and additional compartments, this three-layer lunchbox from Tiancheng is ideal. It offers a ton of space for sandwiches, wraps, salads and snacks. We love the neutral colour palette, which will suit a range of styles and personal preferences. It's made with food-grade PP material, it's BPA-free and non-toxic. It's both dishwasher safe and microwave safe with leakproof protection.

Available from:

Amazon (£13.99)

Hakoya one tier bento box with belt

• Available from Japan Centre (£26.98)

Best simple bento box

For a more authentic Japanese-inspired bento box, look no further than this beautiful lunchbox from Hakoya. The sleek black box is topped with a stunning Seigaiha wave patterned lid and kept together by a striking red band around the middle. The one-tier box opens up to reveal two sealed containers, ensuring your food stays perfectly fresh. Plus, it's microwave and dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.

Available from:

Japan Centre (£26.98)

Jeopace 3 compartment bento box

• Available from Amazon (£12.90)

Best leak-proof bento box

Looking for a simple bento box? This budget-friendly one-tier lunchbox from Jeopace is more of a straightforward option. The sturdy, leakproof lid latches on each side to ensure an airtight seal. It's divided into three sections, and comes with matching cutlery. too. You can choose from different colours and styles, so there's something here for everyone.

Available from:
Amazon (£12.90)

Monbento original bento box

• Available from Monbento (£37.90)

Best for big lunches

Monbento specialises in sturdy, well-made bento boxes, so this investment is sure to last a lifetime. We love the original line, available in a wide range of colours and styles. It's BPA free, made with high-quality PBT and completely airtight due to an internal lid fitted with a hinge. The two tiers are open compartments, better suited for large adult-sized portions. It's microwave safe, dishwasher safe and fully recyclable, too.

Available from:
Monbento (£37.90)

Umami premium bento box

• Available from Amazon (£29.99)

Best accessorised bento box

Looking to go all out on a deluxe bento box? This gorgeous option from Umami comes with all the bells and whistles. The two-tiered box comes with clever adjustable dividers to fit whatever you happen to pack that day, plus it comes with a screw-cap jar for sauces and sides. A full cutlery set is included, all of which lock into place. The sleek, black box is topped off with a natural bamboo lid for a stylish finish.

Available from:

Amazon (£29.99)

Sakura bunny bento box

• Available from Sous Chef (£22.50)

Most stylish bento box

Impress your colleagues with this gorgeous, elaborately designed bento box from Sous Chef. The top opens up to reveal two large compartments, with a sealed lid. The smaller top compartment is 210ml, great for holding snacks, fruit or a small dessert. The larger component is 300ml, which will fit wraps, sushi, sandwiches, rice dishes and more.

Available from:

Sous Chef (£22.50)

Tiancheng 2 compartment bento box

• Available from Amazon (£12.99)

Best for portion control

If you're on a tight budget, this sturdy bento box would be great for kids and adults – at school or in the office. The main compartment is divided into two sections, which is ideal for portion control. Cutlery is conveniently included in the top lid, plus it's dishwasher and microwave safe.

Available from:
Amazon (£12.99)

Hakoya chestnut brown bento box

• Available from Japan Centre (£27.99)

Looking for a large bento box to fit adult-sized portions? This hefty lunchbox fits the bill as the bottom tier holds 800ml and the top tier holds 500ml. It comes with a sealed inner lid to prevent leaks, and it can be collapsed so it's easier to transport. The gorgeous chestnut wood look finish is neutral enough to suit different tastes.

Available from:
Japan Centre (£27.99)

Best kid's bento box: Bibury bento box

• Available from Amazon (£10.19)

Kids are sure to love this colourful bento box from Bibury. This one is unique in that the inner tray can be removed and cleaned separately, or used to mix the components of your lunch together. Cutlery is included in the lid, plus it's microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. This durable lunchbox is made from food-grade PP material, BPA-free and it's non-toxic.

Available from:

Amazon (£10.19)

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