Frazzled parents are going back in time for school lunch solutions. The bento box dates back to the fifth century in Japan when it served to refuel the travelling labourer. Bento, which simply means a packed, portable lunch; a single portion, home-packed meal, is a presentation of food in one boxed container. For parents, a bento-style food system not only eases the stress of lunch-packing, but also satisfies the appetites of all types of lunch eaters; from nibblers to gobblers; from the selective to the adventurous. Here’s a look at the top four bento-style food systems selling at Readi Set Go.
1. Yumbox is the ideal concept for children who can get confused and careless with multiple containers and their myriad of components. One easy-to-handle latch opens a leak-proof container that comes in a wide range of cheery colours. The silicone lid engages with the Original’s six-compartment or the sandwich friendly Panino’s four-compartment tray. Both feature delightful nutrition themed graphics. The tight seal keeps food in place, even wet foods like yogurt or applesauce. The inner tray can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher. Yumbox now has a three-compartment MiniSnack box and their own brand of lunchbags.
2. Launch lunch in PlanetBox’s stainless-steel food trays with compartment sizes that fit every lunch explorer. Stainless steel means easy cleanup and no lingering food odours. The five-compartment Rover tray holds an ideal variety of foods with smaller serving sizes. The three-compartment Launch tray can hold a three-course meal for those with bigger appetites. The two-compartment Shuttle is perfect for smaller meals and snacks. PlanetBox is built to last. Their high quality stainless steel is warrantied for five years and has been known to survive getting thrown off the school bus (not that they recommend that). PlanetBox designs its own carrying cases and food accessories, including its insulated BottleRocket water bottle (no straws!) as well as its JetPack Backpack which has a special docking station for storing your PlanetBox lunch tray. Personalize your lunch kit with a selection of magnet sets. PlanetBox is dishwasher safe.
3. Bentology was early on the litterless lunch scene, bringing in their bento-style Laptop Lunch System in 2003. Now they’ve updated and improved their six-piece sets that allow you to pack everything from sandwiches to salads and sushi. The long-lasting, durable, food-safe plastic boxes, with air-tight lids, are made in the U.S., and can be reconfigured endlessly. Microwave and dishwasher safe, and perfectly sized and versatile for small appetites, yet big enough to keep bigger kids fuelled all day with last night’s leftovers. Great for parents who are trying to keep a handle on calorie intake, too!
4. Based in France, monbento probably comes the closest to redesigning the bento box to its original Japanese artistry. Available in a gorgeous range of colours, the stacking boxes are air-tight, microwave safe and dishwasher safe, with some exceptions for lids. They’ve created some fun smaller boxes for kids with darling interchangeable tokens to add flair for the younger gourmands. Be sure to check out their air-tight compact snack box with the easy-to-close clasp. They have a range of leak-proof dipping containers as well as lunchbags, cutlery sets, chopsticks, and water bottles.
All items can be purchased at Readi Set Go, 793 Bank Street, in Ottawa, Ontario, 613-695-8688, or online at readisetgo.ca
