Stainless Steel Snack & Lunch Containers For Kids

Ditch plastic baggies and choose stainless steel snack containers for a durable, non-toxic, plastic-free way to eat on-the-go at school. I’ve rounded up the best snack and lunch containers that are free from BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals, and kids of all ages will love these non-toxic, plastic-free containers for snacks and lunch. From preschool to high school and beyond, there’s a stainless steel non-toxic food storage option for all! 

stainless steel snack containers with food

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

It’s time to ditch the plastic baggies you’re using for food storage and replace them with stainless steel food storage containers. It may be more expensive up front to stock up on all stainless steel food storage, but these durable, reusable containers will last forever, won’t leach harmful chemicals, and you’ll save money in the long run.

Plastic food storage may be convenient, but you run the risk of the plastic containers leaching chemicals into your food, and plastic containers contribute to the plastic waste piling up in landfills. Make the switch to reusable lunch containers that you can use again and again!

Although public outcry has resulted in many companies removing BPA, a known endocrine disruptor, from a slew of plastic food storage containers, plastic containers labeled “BPA-free” don’t necessarily mean they’re any safer. They may contain other bisphenols, such as BPS, which have the same harmful properties as BPA (1). Even bisphenol-free plastics may contain other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (2).

Plastic wrap and plastic baggies are just so handy…but they’re made with potential endocrine disruptors. Although phthalates were phased out of plastic wrap in 2006, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) are now used (3). LDPE may contain diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), a potential endocrine disruptor and carcinogen (4).

Although I use glass for food storage at home, I don’t recommend sending your kids off to school with any glass containers, even if they are wrapped in silicone sleeves. I had a baby bottle break in my local library, and although no one got hurt, this material is not safe for taking on the go. Also, some schools ban the use of glass food storage for safety reasons.

WHY USE STAINLESS STEEL SNACK & LUNCH CONTAINERS?

Stainless steel is durable, long-lasting, non-toxic, does not leach harmful chemicals, and, because it’s reusable, it’s a money-saver in the long run. Stainless steel is also 100% recyclable without any loss of quality, whereas plastic quality is downgraded when it’s recycled.

According to an ECOlunchbox lunch waste study, a typical family using conventional throw-aways generates approximately 4,320 pieces of trash annually and the disposable packaging costs more than $400 annually!

Beyond stainless steel snack containers, lunchboxes and backpacks are school items that also may contain harmful chemicals like PVC, phthalates and other endocrine disrupting chemicals. Look for non-toxic lunchboxes and non-toxic backpacks to reduce your child’s exposure to harmful chemicals.

I’ve rounded up my favorite stainless steel food storage options for snacking and eating on-the-go. These containers are great for school because they can be dropped on the ground and won’t break, and they can be washed in the dishwasher again and again. The lids are made from non-toxic silicone, so you won’t have to worry about any plastic leaching with these either. Look below for stainless steel food storage containers I recommend for school snacks and lunch time. These non-toxic snack and lunch containers are perfect for kids of all ages!

Stainless Steel Snack Containers

Ukonserve

Cost | $31.49
Sizes | 16 oz,. 9 oz., and 5 oz.
Highlights | These Ukonserve Stainless Steel Lunch Containers are long-lasting, durable and designed for the whole family to eat healthier and ditch single-use disposables. As a Certified B Corporation, they meet rigorous social and environmental standards. They are a proud member of 1% for the Planet, and give 5% of every online purchase to our non-profit partners.
Shop | Ukonserve Stainless Steel Lunch Containers

Klean Kanteen

Cost |$53.35
Sizes | 34 oz., 20 oz., and 7 oz.
Highlights | With durable stainless steel construction and food-grade silicone lids, the Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Food Box Set is 100% plastic-free. All three sizes come with leakproof, press-fit lids with flexible corner for easy venting. Lunch and Meal size boxes feature snap-and-lock tabs for extra protection against leaks and spills.
Shop | Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Food Box Set

Weesprout

Cost | $20.99
Sizes | 13.5 oz., 6.8 oz., and 5 oz.
Highlights | Weesprout Stainless Steel Food Containers are indestructible, ultra-lightweight and won’t leach harmful chemicals. The 100% leakproof silicone lids ensure that liquids never leak in lunch bags, work bags, or backpacks, and they’re dishwasher safe.
Shop | Weesprout Stainless Steel Food Containers

Tavva

Cost | $27.49 for 3 containers
Sizes | 12oz., 7oz. and 3oz
Highlights| These Tavva Stainless Steel Food Containers with silicone lids are dishwasher & oven safe, eco-friendly, reusable & recyclable, durable & lightweight, BPA free and plastic free. They’re totally kid-proof and unbreakable, and the perfect vessel to cart all your healthy foods & snacks around with.
Shop | Tavva Stainless Steel Food Containers

Ecolunchbox

Cost | $34.99 for 3 containers
Sizes | 20 oz., 12 oz., and 7 oz.
Highlights | These Ecolunchbox Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers are plastic-free and leak-proof, and made from 18/8 stainless steel topped with silicone lids. All parts of the metal and silicone bento boxes are dishwasher safe, including the lid. The Ecolunchbox mission is to help families reduce their dependence on plastic by providing high-quality, plastic-free food container options. They purchase carbon offsets for UPS shipments to help combat global warming.
Shop | Ecolunchbox Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers

Lunchbots

Lunchbots Kids Leak Proof Snack Containers & Lunchbots Snack Bento
Cost | $17.99
Highlights | Made from high quality 304 food grade 18/8 stainless steel, and includes BPA-free lids with silicone seals. Completely leak proof and great for snacks like yogurt, applesauce, and pasta salad. Easy to open and close, lid twists on and off; Dishwasher safe
Shop | Lunchbots Kids Leak Proof Snack Containers & Lunchbots Snack Bento

stainless steel water bottles for kids

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Hydroflask Kids Water Bottle
Cost | $29.99 – $34.95 12, 18, 20 oz options
Highlights | This kids stainless steel water bottle features a BPA-free straw cap for sipping easy, and the double-wall stainless steel construction keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel for durability, pure taste and no flavor transfer, and the Color Last™ powder coat is dishwasher safe and stays slip-free and colorful. For ages 3+.
Shop | Hydroflask Kids Water Bottle

Klean Kanteen Water Bottle
Cost | $29.99 – $34.95 12, 18, 20 oz options
Size | 12 oz
Highlights | This kids stainless steel water bottle features an inner stainless steel straw and an outer silicone flip straw with leak-proof twisting lid. Klean Coat colors and fun designs are great for kids. NOTE: Twist Cap not suitable for liquids above room temperature. Not intended for hot or carbonated beverages because of steel straw.
Shop | Klean Kanteen Water Bottle
Also Available | Klean Kanteen 16 oz Twist Top Water Bottle, Klean Kanteen 32 oz Twist Top Water Bottle

Ello Kids Water Bottle
Cost | $20.99
Size | 14 oz
Highlights | This kid-friendly water bottle features vacuum insulated 18/8 stainless steel that keeps beverages cold for 14+ hours and a silicone spout and straw. The leak-proof locking flip lid features an XL push button for smaller hands and a fully-covered and yuck-free straw that minimizes spills. A built-in carry loop makes it super easy to stay hydrated on-the-go. All parts are BPA free. Not intended for children under 3 years.
Shop | Ello Kids Water Bottle

Camelbak Water Bottle
Cost | $24.99
Size | 12 oz
Highlights | This water bottle is leak-proof when closed and spill proof when open. Made from 18/8 Stainless Steel with a BPA, BPS, and BPF free cap. Recommended for ages 3+.
Shop | Camelbak Water Bottle

Pura Kids Sport Water Bottle
Cost | $34.49 for 28 oz
Sizes | 11 oz, 18 oz, 22 oz , 28 oz
Highlights | This water bottle is made of 18/8 stainless steel with a medical grade silicone spout that is leak and spill proof. It’s the only 100% plastic-free stainless steel bottle on the market and the only Made Safe® Certified bottle on the planet.
Shop | Pura Kids Sport Water Bottle
Also available | Pura Sport 11 oz Water Bottle, Pura Sport 18 oz Water Bottle

stainless steel thermoses

Stainless Steel Food Containers For Kids

Hydroflask Kids Insulated Food Container
Cost | $34.95
Size | 12 oz
Highlights | This leakproof insulated container is made of 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel. It features TempShield® to keep food fresh, the grippy lid and perforated Flex Boot make it easy to open, and the colors are bright and fun.
Shop | Hydroflask Kids Insulated Food Container

Lunchbots Kids Insulated Thermos & Lunchbots Kids 12 oz Insulated Thermos
Cost | $16.99 – $23.39
Size | 8 oz, 12 oz
Highlights | This leakproof insulated container has a 100% stainless steel interior, including the lid, so no plastic touches your food. It’s triple insulated for superior heat retention and keeps your meal hot for 6 hours. Dishwasher safe; the seal removes easily for thorough cleaning.
Shop | Lunchbots Kids Insulated Thermos & Lunchbots Kids 12 oz Insulated Thermos

Thermos Funtainer
Cost | $11.89 – $39.54
Size | 10 oz, 16 oz
Highlights | This thermos features vacuum insulation technology for max temperature retention. It’s made of stainless steel and has a push button lid.
Shop | Thermos Funtainer

Mira Insulated Food Container
Cost | $17.58
Size | 9 oz and 13.5 oz
Highlights | With double-walled vacuum insulated technology, foods stay hot for 5 hours, or cold for 10 hours. Made of high quality 18/8 stainless steel and free from BPA, phthalates, lead and PVC.
Shop | Mira Insulated Food Container

stainless steel lunch bowls

Stainless Steel Lunch Bowls

Ello Stainless Steel Lunch Bowl
Cost | $16.99
Sizes | 52 oz (6.5 cups)
Highlights | This non-insulated stainless steel lunch bowl has a leak-proof Tritan plastic domed lid. All parts are BPA/BPS free. The lid and base are top rack dishwasher safe, and it is freezer safe. Not for microwave and oven use. Not intended for temperature retention.
Shop | Ello Stainless Steel Lunch Bowl

Rigwa Stainless Steel Insulated Bowl
Cost | $21.99
Sizes | 21 oz
Highlights | This insulated, food-grade stainless steel travel bowl keeps food hot for up to 4 hours and cold for up to 8 hours. It has an air-tight & leakproof lid.
Shop | Rigwa Stainless Steel Insulated Bowl

Hydroflask Stainless Steel Insulated Bowl
Cost | $24.95
Sizes | 32 oz
Highlights | This insulated stainless steel bowl features TouchShield™ double-wall insulation to keep food fresh and shield from temperature transfer. It’s made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel for durability, pure taste and no flavor transfer and has a press-in lid for mess-free transport.
Shop | Hydroflask Stainless Steel Insulated Bowl

stainless steel snack containers