Best Small Lunch Bags

Buying guide for BEST SMALL LUNCH BAGS

Written by Robin Allday

Updated June 2024

When it comes to lunchtime, whether at work, school or during a day trip, a small lunch bag is an essential accessory. Besides keeping your food fresh, it also provides a convenient and sustainable alternative to disposable packaging. When choosing the best small lunch bag, look for those that are well-insulated, easy to clean and have a design you love.

Small lunch bags come in a variety of styles, colors and designs. Some feature freezable gel packs for extended cooling, others have compartments for organization, and some have a compact design for easy portability. The best lunch bag will keep your food at the right temperature and be easy to carry and clean.

Leading the pack is our top pick, the PackIt Freezable Snack Box. This innovative bag offers built-in cooling technology and a smart design. Our budget best, the MIER Portable Thermal Insulated Cooler Bag, combines affordability with functionality.

TOP PICKS

PackIt – Freezable Snack Box
The PackIt Freezable Snack Box stands out as our top pick for its innovative design. This lunch bag has freezable gel built directly into the bag, so there's no need for additional ice packs. Simply fold it flat and freeze overnight to keep your food cool the next day.

The bag features a zip-top closure to lock in the cold, dry air, and a buckle handle for easy attachment to backpacks, totes or strollers. The interior is easy to clean and wipe down. This small but mighty bag is ideal for those short work or school days when you only need to carry a snack or small meal.

MIER – Portable Thermal Insulated Cooler Bag
The MIER Portable Thermal Insulated Cooler Bag is a versatile and budget-friendly choice. Despite its affordable price, it offers a spacious insulated interior that's perfect for snacks and a small lunch. It also features a front zippered pocket for added storage and organization.

This bag comes with an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap, providing various carrying options. The compact design made of soft material is easy to fold up and store when not in use. The bag is available in various colors, making it both practical and stylish.

FlowFly – Insulated Soft Bag Mini Cooler
The FlowFly Insulated Soft Bag Mini Cooler combines convenience with a fun design. This bag is perfect for kids or adults with its wide variety of prints and patterns. The insulated interior can keep food cold or warm for hours, and the soft, flexible material makes it easy to pack inside a larger bag or backpack.

The bag has a handy zippered compartment and an easy-to-carry handle. The durable material and solid zipper make this bag a sturdy and reliable option for everyday use.

Gloppie – Small Lunch Bag
The Gloppie Small Lunch Bag is a stylish and functional choice. Its minimalist design and solid color options make it perfect for professionals. The bag features a durable, waterproof and insulated interior that can keep food and beverages at the desired temperature for hours.

It includes a front pocket for small items or utensils and a sturdy zipper for secure closure. The reinforced handle makes it comfortable to carry. It's a reliable and chic option for those looking to carry their meals in style.

Enyuwlcm – Mini Lunch Tote Pouch
If you want simplicity and compactness, the Enyuwlcm Mini Lunch Tote Pouch is the perfect choice. This lunch bag features a simple tote design with a secure zipper closure and soft grip handles. It's made from waterproof and food-safe material, ensuring your food stays fresh and secure.

Despite its compact size, this lunch tote can accommodate a small lunch box, a piece of fruit and a small drink. It's ideal for those who prefer a smaller, easy-to-carry lunch bag. Plus, it's available in several fun patterns and colors.

The best small lunch bag for you will depend on your specific needs and style preferences. Consider factors like insulation, size, design and added features when making your decision.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A SMALL LUNCH BAG

Types of bags
There are several types of small lunch bags, each designed to fit different needs. The most common types include insulated lunch bags, lunch totes, lunch boxes and freezable lunch bags.

• Insulated lunch bag: This type of bag is designed to keep food at the desired temperature for several hours. Insulated lunch bags usually feature an inner thermal lining that helps maintain the temperature inside the bag. This makes it perfect for packing both hot and cold foods.
• Lunch tote: Lunch totes are fashionable options that often resemble small handbags or tote bags. These bags are usually insulated and come in various designs and materials. They feature handles for easy carrying and may have pockets for extra storage.
• Lunch box: This classic option often has a rigid structure. While they can be bulkier than other options, lunch boxes usually have compartments that help to keep food items separate. They can be made of various materials, including plastic, metal or fabric, and can be insulated or non-insulated.
• Freezable lunch bag: These innovative lunch bags have built-in gel packs that can be frozen overnight. When packed with food, the gel packs gradually release their cold, chilling the bag’s contents for several hours. This is especially helpful when packing perishable items like dairy or meat.

Deciding which bag to choose

When selecting a small lunch bag, consider the following factors.

• Purpose: Will you use the bag for work, school, picnics or all the above? Different scenarios might call for different types of lunch bags. For instance, a stylish lunch tote might be ideal for work, while a durable and easy-to-clean lunch box would suit school settings.
• Size: How much food will you usually pack? Make sure the bag is roomy enough to accommodate your lunch and snack needs but still compact so it will fit in your work bag, school bag or luggage.
• Material: Consider the bag's material in terms of both functionality and aesthetics. Insulated materials, easy-clean interiors, durable exteriors and attractive designs are all factors to weigh.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A SMALL LUNCH BAG

Insulation
The primary function of a lunch bag is to keep food fresh until lunchtime. Look for bags with good insulation that can maintain the temperature of your food for several hours. High-quality insulation can also help to prevent leaks from cold packs or condensation.

Ease of cleaning
No matter how careful you are, your lunch bag is likely to have food or drink spills at some point. Therefore, opt for a bag that's easy to clean. Some bags have removable liners or are machine-washable, while others can be easily wiped clean.

Durability
Choose a bag made of sturdy, high-quality materials that can withstand daily use and occasional rough handling. Look for robust zippers and handles, as these are often the first things to break on a lunch bag.

Design
Your lunch bag should be something you enjoy carrying, so pick a design that suits your style. Whether you prefer a classic, playful or professional look, there's a bag out there for you. Some bags also offer extra features like additional pockets for utensils and napkins, or shoulder straps for easy carrying.

Price
You don't have to break the bank to get a good lunch bag. While you may need to pay more for high-quality materials and insulation, there are plenty of affordable options on the market. Set a budget before shopping, but be ready to spend a bit more if you find a bag that ticks all your boxes.