I pack lunch for my child at least five days a week, which has led me to test numerous stackable, compartmentalized, and Tetris-inspired food transport systems. After extensive trials, the Sistema bento-style lunch box has emerged as the clear winner in my opinion.
Why It Stands Out
First and foremost, it is highly adaptable. Many other bento-style boxes feature precisely portioned interiors, but I prefer to customize my storage to fit my meal rather than the other way around. The box offers generous main compartments that can accommodate adult-sized servings and can be used as is or personalized with removable trays and a screw-top pot. You can even purchase an extra set of pots to expand its versatility.
Secondly, it is both lightweight and sturdy. Despite the added trays and pots, this lunch box is significantly lighter than other options I have tried, which is crucial when adding it to an already full backpack or diaper bag. It is also dishwasher- and microwave-safe. While it does not claim to be leakproof, the sturdy hinged lid and clip lock closure have never failed me.
Thirdly, at under $10, it is genuinely affordable. I am often baffled by the high price tags of some competing products. Sistema also manufactures other durable, perfectly sized containers in various shapes and sizes, most of which are also priced under $10.
Customer Reviews
With a rating of 4.7 stars from 398 reviews on Walmart's website, it is clear that I am not alone in my enthusiasm for this lunch-prep essential. Here is what some reviewers have said:
- TeachMomma: "Bought this after seeing it viral on TT. It is a really good sized bento style lunchbox. Easy to open, fits a sandwich, chips, tube of yogurt, apple slices in the silicone cupcake holder, and the little container held a Lara bar cut up into bite-sized pieces. It could hold more in the bottom section if not a bag of chips. Great for kids and adults."
- Alyssa: "I use this whenever I go to work! It holds a lot of food. I can fit chips, a sandwich, dressing, and a snack in it. It is big, so if you do not have a large lunchbox, you will not have room for anything else. I have a side pocket for drinks, so it is fine for me."
- Wanda: "I spent $25 each on Bentgo bento boxes for back to school. Could have saved a lot of money! While the Bentgo boxes are leak-proof, we do not always need that feature. The Sistema box holds much more, compartments are more logically sized, and the yogurt cup handles leaky foods. If I had a time machine, I would purchase these instead."
At $11.46 on Walmart, this lunch box is a steal. The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
