Organizing weekly lunches can quickly become a headache… but with a bento box lunch, everything gets simpler and more enjoyable! Whether it’s for school lunches, day camp, the office, or family outings, a bento box makes it easy to put together balanced, fun lunch option, and compartmentalized meals. In this blog post, we’re sharing easy-to-make bento box lunch ideas that will please both kids and adults — from main dishes to snacks and desserts!
Why Choose a Bento Box?
Bento boxes are more than just cute lunch containers — they’re a game changer for busy families! With their built-in compartments, they make it easy to serve balanced meals with the right portions of proteins, grains, fruits, and veggies, all in one place. No need for multiple containers or plastic wrap — everything stays neat, organized, and mess-free. Plus, bento boxes encourage variety and make meals more visually appealing, especially for picky eaters. Whether you’re packing lunch at preschool or elementary school, work, or a picnic, a bento box offers a practical, eco-friendly, and fun solution that simplifies your daily routine.
Not sure which bento to choose? We recommend the one from Colle à moi: a full silicone bento lunch box that can be personalized with your child’s name or a sweet message engraved on the lid. With its three separate compartments, microwave-friendly valve, and dishwasher-safe design, it’s the perfect option for practical, durable, and plastic-free lunches!
Bento lunch box ideas
1. Cold lunch ideas
The idea here is to use the compartments to separate the main item from its sides. Raw veggies, fruits, and nuts are perfect for the smaller sections, while the larger compartment offers just the right space for sandwiches.
| Larger compartment | Smaller compartment |
| Mini ham tortilla roll-ups Pesto pasta salad Hard-boiled eggs Spinach egg muffins Cold chick pea balls Cold grilled marinated tofu Cheese sandwich cut into fun shapes (with a cookie cutter!) Mini bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese | Baby carrots Green grapes Bell pepper slices Cheese sticks Whole wheat cracker Apple slices Cucumber slices Strawberries Grape tomatoes Orange wedges Rice cakes Pineapple chunks Celery sticks Mango Mini chocolate chip cookies Broccoli salad veggie pieces Fruit salad Veggie pieces Fruit salad |
2. Hot Lunches
Those who love compartmentalized meals will enjoy prepping a heat-and-eat lunch in our silicone bento box. Made of 100% silicone and free from harmful plastics, it’s designed to safely release steam thanks to its built-in valve — perfect for warm meals! Once again, the large compartment is great for the main dish, while the smaller ones are ideal for sides.
| Larger compartment | Smaller compartment |
| Chicken quesadillas Mini meatballs Cooked pasta with pesto sauce Homemade fried rice Mac and cheese Noodles with Asian-style sauce and baby spinach Vegetable gratin Cooked Rice | Mexican rice Corn pieces Mashed potatoe Cooked green beans Crispy tofu Steamed snap peas Baked chicken cubes Roasted cauliflower Vegetarian meatballs Turkey pieces Sautéed vegetable mix with black bean Breaded fish fillet Potato wedges Mexicain chili |
3. Healthy lunch snacks
Perfect for a quick energy break—no utensils or complicated prep required. I use the largest compartment for bigger items and the smaller ones for little sweet surprises. Since there’s something for everyone, it’s the ideal solution to satisfy my family when I hear the classic “I’m huuuungry!”
| Larger compartment | Smaller compartment |
| Homemade trail mix with seeds Apple slices Mini rolled pancakes with nut butter Homemade energy balls Homemade banana bread Granola bar Watermelon slices Muffin Oat cookie | Dried fruit Rice cake Crackers Banana slices Carrot sticks Fresh fruit Whole grain cookies Pear slices Cheddar cheese Cheese cube Orange |
3. Desserts
Bento boxes aren’t just for meals — they’re also perfect for carrying desserts or slightly sweeter snacks!
| Larger compartment | Smaller compartment |
| Date square Homemade brownie Mini waffle pieces Sweet zucchini bread Cereal bar Soft oatmeal cookie Banana muffin | Berries Mini chocolate chip cookies Almonds Raspberries Dried fruit Strawberries Mini oat cake Diced apples Coconut flakes Kiwi slices Dark chocolate chunks Dates |
4. Summer or Day Camp Lunch Ideas
No microwave access? Opt for fresh, colorful meals that are easy to enjoy outdoors. To make a bento appealing, it’s important to include a variety of foods.
| Largest compartment | Smaller compartment |
| Veggie couscous salad Turkey and veggie wrap Mini pitas with hummus Tortellini salad Black beans salad Cold mini pizza | Watermelon cubes Cheese Hard-boiled egg slices Cold pasta salad Grapes Bell pepper strips Strawberries Whole grain crackers Salade Grape tomatoes Cantaloupe |
With these ideas, planning the lunch time becomes a breeze! Say goodbye to endless plastic containers to wash — everything fits in one place in separate compartments. Plus, kids end up eating balanced lunch box with their fruits and veggies without even noticing. Whether it’s cold meals, hot dishes, or snacks, the bento box is a fun and practical way to pack balanced, on-the-go lunch at preschool!
