6 Tips for Keeping Lunch Cool

We spend a lot of time pinning school lunch ideas—healthy, balanced meals that are fun to pack and delicious to eat. Regardless of what you're packing, you'll want to make sure your homemade lunch is cool, safe and healthy for your little one to eat when it's lunchtime. Not only is a warm turkey sandwich that's falling apart unappetizing, it could be dangerous to eat too. 

The Danger Zone

Researchers at the University of Texas Department of Nutritional Sciences conducted a study, which found that over 90% of the food parents packed in their kid’s lunches weren’t kept at a safe temperature. For reference, food should be below 39.2°F or above 140°F. When food isn’t in that range, kids run the risk of getting a foodborne illness with symptoms that can include diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. So that doesn’t happen to your little one, follow our 6 simple tips!

6 Tips for Keeping Lunch Cool

1. Pack lunch in an insulated lunch bag.

It’s time to trade up from the brown paper lunch bag and invest in a well-constructed insulated lunch bag that will keep food at a safe temperature. Plus, a reusable lunch box is much better for the environment! Our collection of lunch bags are all made from safe, non-toxic materials.

2. A frozen ice pack is a must.

An ice pack that’s frozen (not just cold) will keep the temperature in your lunchbox down. Our favorite is a Sweatfree Ice Pack with a liner made from recycled bottles!

3. Fill your kid’s water bottle the night before and place it in the freezer.

While it’s not a substitute for an ice pack, a frozen beverage bottle is another way to keep your lunchbox cool. Plus, your kid’s water will be cool and refreshing at lunchtime! Shop reusable kid-friendly bottles that are safe and non-toxic.

4. Put stainless steel containers in the freezer prior to packing.

Simply put, cold food packed in cold containers is your best bet. Our reusable bentos are made from the highest quality 304, 18/8 stainless steel and are all freezer safe.

5. Store your kid’s packed lunch in the fridge.

After packing the lunch, store the packed lunch box in the fridge so it doesn’t warm up on the counter. Just before heading out the door, pop in the frozen ice pack.

6. Use insulated food containers to keep food COOL or HOT.

Insulated food storage containers are the best containers for ensuring soup and chili stay warm. They’re also the best for keeping food like fruit, yogurt and applesauce cold and at a safe temperature. Shop insulated food containers that are all free from BPA, phthalates, and lead.