Back to School Lunch Essentials for 2022

Back to School Lunch Essentials for 2022

When parents are shopping for back to school items, they are looking for functionality, durability and of course, things that are easy to clean. 

As a nutritionist and mom of two boys, ages 11 and 13, I've personally packed thousands of lunches. Each year, I share some of my favourite things, from lunch and snack containers to school-safe snacks, to help you make the best choices for you and your kids as they start school this fall. 

Here are my top picks for this year:

1. Planetbox Launch: 

Planetbox Launch
Planetbox's popular stainless steel bento boxes have been around for years. In fact, I ordered my first one about 10 years ago when my oldest was starting daycare. It is by far the only one of our many containers that has lasted this long! In my experience, anything with plastic tends to either break or get stained or mouldy. 

The Planetbox LAUNCH is their largest size, and while the Rover is definitely the most popular of their 3 sizes, the Launch has been increasingly popular at our Healthy Moms Market, and not just for older kids with larger appetites. Parents like the three larger sections because it's simpler to pack and takes less time to prepare lunches. It is also deeper than the Rover so it also allows you to pack larger items like bagels or wraps. You can also divide it into smaller sections using their new silicone pod duos or puzzle pods. 

Planetbox Magnet
Planetbox is one of my favourites for little ones to open and its seamless design means food doesn't get trapped in any crevices. Plus, it's dishwasher friendly - just be sure to remove your magnets first!

Planetbox is more expensive than the plastic bento box alternatives, but keep in mind the longevity of stainless steel and that each one of their bento boxes includes leak-proof containers with silicone lids. 

Planetbox Carry Bag


Fluf Organic Cotton Lunchbag

These big, roomy lunch bags from Fluf are fully machine washable. Their rinseable, food-safe lining contains light spills, while its interior pocket is perfect for holding a water bottle or ice pack. Sustainably and ethically made with a certified organic cotton exterior + recycled materials on the inside with a 100% Post-consumer RPET lining. 

Fluf Cotton lunch bags come in a variety of cute patterns and attractive colours for all ages. 

While these lunch bags are not insulated, if you zip it shut with an ice pack inside, it will keep your child's food cool until lunch. 

Fluf is a Canadian company based in Toronto. All Fluf bags are ethically handmade in a small, family-run facility in India, where they share a commitment to paying living wages, and ensuring fair working hours and safe working conditions for all factory employees.

*Note that Planetbox Rover, Launch and Shuttle and The Good Kiind Explorer bento boxes can fit inside this lunch bag. The Fluf lunch bag can easily fit a bento box, a water bottle, an insulated food jar and several snack containers with room to spare. 

4. Lunchbots Insulated Food Jars:  



Triple insulated, this 8 oz. food jar from Lunchbots keeps 1 cup of your child's favourite soup or pasta hot until lunchtime. A bright silicone sleeve adds a splash of colour and its all-stainless interior means no plastic touches the food. These food jars can even be washed in the dishwasher.

Along with the added grip of the silicone sleeve, the 3.5" lid diameter is ideal for children's hands making it easy for them to open on their own. 

U-Konserve Stainless Steel Snack Container Trio with Clear Silicone Lids
I love these new stainless steel nesting containers with clear silicone lids from U-Konserve! Perfect for school snacks and a great plastic-free option that still allows you and your child to see what's inside their containers. The stainless steel nesting set of 3 (16oz, 9oz and 5oz) gives you a variety of container options for both large and small snacks. 

The flexible silicone lids are easy for little hands to open and make these containers leakproof. Dishwasher safe.

Aviva Allen is a Toronto-based kids' nutritionist, mom of two and founder of Healthy Moms. 

All products mentioned above can be purchased online or in-store at the Healthy Moms Market using your Healthy Moms Discount Card to save 15% off. 

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