Happy Earth Day all! This school year we tried yet another new lunch container. We have been trying to move away from plastic storage containers in favor of glass or stainless steel for the family, especially for the items the kids use. Yes it is more expensive, more messy (read lots of broken glass, no completely sealed products), but it has been really worth it.

Affiliate links in post!

If you’ve been a long reader of my bento/lunch posts you’ll know I have gone through a few types of containers (Sistema and Easy Lunch Boxes), but I really like the easiness of the LunchBots Uno Stainless Steel Food Container, Stainless Steel (link to buy).

See it in Action:

Pros:

  • Stainless steel. Can put in the dishwasher if needed. No warping.
  • Easy to wash/wipe by hand as needed.
  • Sturdy – no squashed sandwiches

Cons:

  • Lid – I use a thick rubber band to keep the lid on tight. (Updated 4/2016: Stopped using the rubber band, the lid stays on pretty well!)
  • Watery food – I get around this by trying to pack everything in tight so there’s no sliding, but if I have to I’ll use one of the stainless steel rounds. (Harder to clean, small portions.)

At first I was not sure about the size of the Lunchbots, because I felt like I did not have much room to put all the lunch items I want, but with some trial and error we are now in a groove!

Lunch Staples

  • SunButter (made from sunflower seeds, and is tree-nut/peanut free) and Jelly sandwich
  • Fruit, fruit, fruit! Almost always an apple, and then something else. We lean towards seasonal or frozen items.
  • Fruit or Vegetable
  • Crackers
  • Cheese (stick or cut cheese) – I added the cheese and crackers in a few weeks into the year because everyday the first thing I hear off the bus is ‘I’M HUNNNNNNNGRY.’ The cheese and crackers killed that conversation quick!

Packing to Go:

  • This packs in a flat bottomed Thermos lunchbag with a square ice pack on top.
  • When shopping for a new lunch bag/box for school, take the container and or lid along to make sure everything fits!
  • I have a variety of Wilton Silicone Muffin Cups I use to portion the food.

How many different ways can you pack this thing? If you need to fit a whole sandwich, just cut in half and stack on top of each other.

Lunchbots Uno - School Lunch Lunchbots Uno - School Lunch  Lunchbots Uno - School Lunch Lunchbots Uno

Lunchbots Uno Lunchbots Uno - with Guacamole from Costco

Cool Food Finds

  • Costco Guacamole. My kids looooooooove guacamole, but it’s incredibly difficult to keep from turning brown. I’m not sure what magic is in the guacamole packages from Costco (this came in a large tub, but they sell individual servings too). We opened it for dinner and I portioned out a bit for lunch the next day and well not much change in color! So now if we have guacamole for dinner, I put some aside for lunch the next day.
  • Aldi’s Guacamole – I swear it tastes exactly like the guac you can get at Costco. I love the squeezeable packs they come in too, snip a corner and portion out.
  • Costco Seed and Berry Mix. This is perfect for us because finally, FINALLY there’s a trail-mixish type snack that does not have tree nuts. I love it because it has Goji berry in it!
  • Eat with the seasons whenever possible! That’s when you’ll find the best fruit and vegetable prices.

I have already bought a second Uno container for next school year for our other child, and are looking into the Lunchbot Bento Uno for my husband and I. Small steps!

 

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a few cents  if you make a purchase using this link, but I don’t know who you are!)

https://i0.wp.com/www.thesugarpixie.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wpid-20141024_073739-e1414461438374.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1https://i0.wp.com/www.thesugarpixie.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wpid-20141024_073739-e1414461438374.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1thesugarpixieBentobento,kids,lunch,lunchbotsHappy Earth Day all! This school year we tried yet another new lunch container. We have been trying to move away from plastic storage containers in favor of glass or stainless steel for the family, especially for the items the kids use. Yes it is more expensive, more messy...Misadventures and fun in the kitchen and beyond