Lunchbox solutions with Yumbox

Every time I’ve seen a Yumbox on  blogs or on instagram I’ve kept meaning to get one.  I’m a sucker for food containers, and always looking for one that will fit lots in, be suitable for N and myself and fit in the bag I take to work.  Plus of course, people make their lunches look amazing in them, but I’ve never got round to it.  Then the opportunity arose to review a Yumbox, and how could I say no.

As soon as I unwrapped it, N was there wanting to know if it was his lunchbox and that I couldn’t have it. Hmm, don’t think so Mr!  The Yumbox is a lot more substantial than I thought it would be, it almost feels like metal rather than the thick BPA-free, phthalates-free material it is.  The catch works well, and is more straightforward to use for little hands than many lunchbox catches, and the portioned tray is like a work of art.

I chose the Yumbox Panino rather than the classic version because it has one bigger portion size for sandwiches or salad, rather than all the smaller sections.  The one thing that would make it better for me would be if the trays would fit in both the classic and Panino for maximum flexibility.

Of course the highlight and major benefit of the Yumbox is that it’s fully sealable when closed, so you can include dips and yoghurts without them leaking and without having to include another container.  I included guacamole one day, and everything stayed in place really well.  It’s a truly green packaging-free lunchbox option because everything stays separately in its own compartment.  So whether you’re doing a grown up lunch or bento for children, everything will stay in place until you open it for lunch or snacktime.

So far, we’ve both used it for work and nursery, and nothing’s leaked.  N even managed to open it up the right way which was my main concern although his yoghurt was put in separately because he said he was hungry and there wasn’t room to include it.  I think potentially for a 4 year old eating with his peers, having a yoghurt separate is probably better so he can concentrate on that.  Otherwise I could just imagine him swiping his open Yumbox complete with yoghurt loose, across the table and floor!

*Contains affiliate links

The lunchboxes do fit lots in.  I’m generally eating soup for lunch at the moment, but I could include all my other bits I like to have with it.  I do snack a lot during the day, so I’m still taking separate pots for my snacks rather than having to keep opening the Yumbox.  But all of N’s lunch (apart from a yoghurt) fitted in…and there was a lot!

N did ask how he could carry it, so I explained it would just fit in his normal zip round lunchbox.  Fitting the yoghurt in at the side was a challenge, but it just about fitted as well which was handy.  For me, I usually take my lunch in all the different pots, in a jute bag and then transfer to the fridge at work.  Having the Yumbox makes it a lot easier to keep track of everything in the one place. No losing lots of different pots it in a communal fridge.

Once back home, it’s easy enough to clean, much easier than the fabric lunchbox bags.  Just a rinse under the tap for the tray and the outer case if mucky, no need to put it in the dishwasher.

What are the 3 best points:

• ·         The portioned tray
• ·         The sealable lid
• ·         Ease of cleaning the 2 parts.

Apart from the interchangeable tray wish, there’s only good things I can say about Yumbox.  Ok, so it is really pricy for a lunchbox.  It’s a lot more expensive than I would ever spend on a lunchbox however good.  But sharing it for the 2 of us is working out pretty well for the time being.  I think if N was going to be taking packed lunches once he starts school, I would buy him one as well.  For the amount of lunches and years of use, it would definitely pay off over time.

If you want to try out a Yumbox yourself, you can buy from Amazon or Eatwell UK.

Have you used a Yumbox or what other system do you use for lunchboxes?

Disclosure: We were sent a Yumbox for the purpose of review.  All words and opinions are my own.