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Average Ratings (from 234 ratings)
Overall star Rating
My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
The fragrance was light and refreshing.
The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
I would purchase this product again.
I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.
etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion :
4.56 out of 5 based on 234 reviews.

etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion is a nourishing, 94% natural* body lotion that won’t compromise your skin, or the planet.

For the etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion review, we’re looking for mums interested in natural and sustainable products to trial the 300mL body lotion at home before sharing their thoughts and opinions on the product.

The etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion combines sunflower seed oil, carnauba wax and castor seed oil (plus a few other top notch ingredients!) to help hydrate skin for 24 hours and protect from dehydration. Switch to etch & ethos and feel good.

The lotion is made and packaged in Australia. It is available in a 300mL keep pack for the bench or basin, as well as a 1L refill pack. Every bottle is made from 50% recycled Aussie milk bottles, to help divert them from ending up in Australian landfill.

By making the simple switch to etch & ethos, you have taken a small but significant step in transitioning to a more sustainable bathroom…and Australia.

What are the benefits of etch & ethos lotion?

  • Contains 94% naturally derived ingredients*
  • Contains ethically sourced beeswax from abandoned hives to help maintain the skin barrier
  • Bottles made from 50% recycled milk bottles

Where can I buy etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion?

etch & ethos nourishing summer citrus body lotion review

Buy etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion from Chemist Warehouse. The range also includes Botanical Bloom Body Lotion, as well as Summer Citrus and Botanical Bloom Hydrating Body Wash.

Apply etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion to skin as often as desired, particularly after showering or bathing. For best results use with etch & ethos Hydrating Body Wash.

MoM Members have also been testing Nourishing Botanical Bloom Body Lotion, read their reviews here.

Find out what our reviewers thought in these videos.

*Contains 94% naturally derived ingredients in accordance with ISO 16128 for full transparency.

What’s happening on Instagram?

#MomReviewAuEtchAndEthosBodyLotion


Published 15th September 2022


  • Refreshingly fragrant and moisturising

    The big winner in this product is that it’s made and packaged in Australia ???????? and made from recycled Australian milk bottles. Etch & ethos has a refreshing fragrance and there is nothing as good as smelling that refreshing citrus on your skin. I just love this product it’s highly recommended by me
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • A beautiful refreshing scent

    This product is beautiful. The cream is light and soft on the skin, easily absorbed, and no greasy feeling after application.

    It has a beautiful refreshing scent that is not at all overbearing. A wonderful lotion that I would love to buy again and again.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Fragrant and hydrating

    Etch & Ethos is a wonderful summer citrus bony lotion, which is hydrating and smooth. Fragrance is amazing. I use the hydrating body wash in the shower and when finished I apply the body lotion, I go to bed feeling amazing and smell great. Highly recommend this product, even my husband uses it
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Loved it

    I was absolutely thrilled to receive this product to trial. The bottle was beautiful and simple, and looked lovely on display in my bathroom. It had a velvety texture that was just the right consistency without being too heavy, and the scent wasn't overpowering but light and summery and enough for other people to notice, and they noticed and asked with interest. It has made my skin feel so soft and nourished.

    I have been using this religiously and will continue to do so.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Beautiful lotion

    Was really impressed with the summer citrus lotion. My skin feels fantastic and my daughter has enjoyed something that is safe for her.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Best lotion

    This has got to be the best lotion I’ve ever used. The moisturising element is fantastic- my skin has never felt so good. I love how light weight the lotion goes on and how quickly it absorbs into your skin. The scent is also light and perfect. I use this every day and night to get my skin smooth and soft. Love it!
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • A New Revolution

    This product blew my mind. I am so in love with the texture, the smell, wow the smell is divine and refreshing.

    The size is fantastic to take everywhere with you on holidays, the kids kids absolutely loved it. I highly recommend this moisturiser, it's made mine and my families skin smoother, for the better!
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • I’m going to buy more!

    I was so impressed with how light it was but how hydrated my skin was! I was shocked at how smooth my skin felt! Used it after a sunburn and it helped ease the pain really well! I’ll be buying more for sure when this runs out!
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Will purchase again! Family favourite!

    This has been a great addition to our bath, book and bed routine. Lovely fragrance, light on the skin and didn’t feel greasy at all! Amazing for the whole family
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Smooth to apply, fast absorbing, soft skin.

    This lotion was quite surprising to me, it was thick when put onto skin but smoothed out an absorbed very well leaving beautiful soft moisturised skin! The scent is very light yet refreshing. Unlike other lotions that are thick and gloopy, that never seem to absorb no matter how much you rub it in, you will not find that with this one. It is perfect when I’m in a rush in mornings busy getting kids ready as well as myself for work I can quickly use this lotion and not have to worry about taking forever to rub it in or it feeling yuck an oily. It feels lovely. I will be buying it again.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Refreshingly fragrant and moisturising

    The big winner in this product is that it’s made and packaged in Australia ???????? and made from recycled Australian milk bottles. Etch & ethos has a refreshing fragrance and there is nothing as good as smelling that refreshing citrus on your skin. I just love this product it’s highly recommended by me
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Smell is amazing!

    I bought this after seeing reviews on here and I wasn't disappointed. The texture is great and it isn't too heavy. The best thing about it is the smell. It isn't overpowering and smells so fresh. The smell lasts on the skin into the day. Definitely purchasing again,
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Beautiful, and light

    I’m picky with what lotions I use on my skin, but this one surprised me as light gentle and felt amazing on my skin
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • The Real Thing

    I am so happy to have heard about this product. I have only just purchased in the past week, but fell in love with it. Such a nice gentle soothing lotion and makes me feel rejuvenated. Just a nice subtle aroma whilst applying it. My skin feels so fresh and clean
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion

    I found the etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion to be lightweight and non greasy. I like the simple but pretty packaging and the handy pump pack. I didn’t overly enjoy the scent however. I did not detect any “summer citrus” which is the only let down of this otherwise nice lotion. The light fragrance might suit others but I myself would have preferred a slightly stronger scent like a lemongrass or something fresh and clean scented.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • The perfect lotion for a pregnant mumma

    Loved it! Super light weight, easily absorbed, didn’t leave a greasy or sticky feeling and was lightly scented. It’s now part of my self care routine.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • A beautiful refreshing scent

    This product is beautiful. The cream is light and soft on the skin, easily absorbed, and no greasy feeling after application.

    It has a beautiful refreshing scent that is not at all overbearing. A wonderful lotion that I would love to buy again and again.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Even my partner that hates all moisturisers, liked it!

    Love that this came in a pump bottle as it really does make it so convenient to leave on the bathroom bench and quickly apply after a shower or before bed. The formula was lightweight, not greasy or heavy and absorbed quickly into my skin. Best of all it passed the fusspot partner test. He thinks all moisturisers are smelly and sticky, but he actually liked this one!
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Fragrant and hydrating

    Etch & Ethos is a wonderful summer citrus bony lotion, which is hydrating and smooth. Fragrance is amazing. I use the hydrating body wash in the shower and when finished I apply the body lotion, I go to bed feeling amazing and smell great. Highly recommend this product, even my husband uses it
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Beautiful and light fragrance

    Lovely
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Love this product

    Just a pleasure to use this product, will definitely continue to use in the future.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Super dry to super happy

    I have always really suffered from dry skin, especially on my legs. This moisturizer really surprised me, it went on super smooth and really absorbed into my skin well, giving my legs a super smooth appearance and didn't dry out after like an hour which I have found some moisturizers do. Would definitely be buying more of this product.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Smells lovely

    This is a good light weight lotion and I love that it's not greasy and absorbed really well so no need to wash your hands afterwards.

    I find this great for daily use and enjoy the light scent. Definitely going to check out the rest of the range!
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Lovely Summery Lotion

    etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion is a lovely body lotion. It is very lightweight and absorbs quickly - unlike some heavy/greasy moisturisers. The Summer Citrus scent is refreshing and not overpowering - I normally purchase unscented lotions as I don't like fragrances so this was a pleasant change. I would happily purchase etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion and recommend it to other mums who are in need of a few moments of pampering!
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Smooth and lovely

    Woah etch & ethos Nourishing Summer Citrus Body Lotion is next level amazing. I love that the scent isn’t to heavy or overpowering. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily. After applying the body lotion my skin feels hydrated and nourished and the feeling lasts for hours
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • After shave lotion

    Today after I shaved my legs I decided to use Etch & Ethos on my legs. Oh my goodness it was the most soothing sensation. It felt fresh, soothing and so calming. All the itchiness and burning sensation from the shaving process disappeared instantly and didn’t return unlike with other moisturisers I’ve used. Plus one for Etch & Ethos as a soothing after shave lotion ????
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Great product

    I am always looking for a moisturising product for my family and this is a great option. I used this on myself and children and we all liked it.

    I love how smooth it is on the skin and does not leave an oily residue. I would recommend this product and will be adding this to my shopping list in the future.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Great lotion

    I really enjoyed using this lotion. It use easy to use & was quick drying (who like their clothes sticking to them ????). My sensitive skin (I’ve had eczema since my last pregnancy) didn’t flare up using this lotion, which is a win. Even my nearly 2 year old used it. My skin feels soft & smooth with no dry patches. The scent is very floral, maybe a bit too girly for me, next time I might use the citrus one for a more refreshing lotion. I love it.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • A pleasant surprise!

    I’m not usually a big fan of lotions but this one was great! Not too heavy and left my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Also loved the subtle scent.
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.


  • Hydrates without the grease factor!!

    My pet hate with all creams and lotions is the "grease factor". I hate feeling like after you use it you still have a coating layered on your skin. I was so impressed that this soaked into my skin so fast and left it feeling hydrated and soft, but without leaving any greasy coating. It even passed the test of being able to open a door handle after using it! Smells delish, 10/10, would buy again!
    My skin felt smooth and hydrated.
    The fragrance was light and refreshing.
    The lotion was lightweight and easily absorbed.
    I would purchase this product again.
    I would recommend etch & ethos to other mums.

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Topics

The right lunch box helps keep little humans nourished while making life a lot easier for mums and dads! So to help you find the perfect one faster, we’ve put the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia in one handy spot.

Kids’ lunch boxes have come a very long way. No longer just plastic boxes for toting treats, they’re now durable, washable, droppable and best of all, easy for kids to use. There are heaps of different styles to choose from, and if you head to the bottom of this article, you’ll find more information on what to look for, how to choose the right one for your child, and even what to put in it!

Whether you’re after a colourful lunch box to match that new drink bottle, or a machine-washable option that saves you time, there’s something in our shortlist for every type of foodie.

The Star Patrol Mini Lunch Case.
The Star Patrol Mini Lunch Case. Image: The Somewhere Co.

Lunch Box Comparison Table

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to lunch box shopping, check out our comparison table below as a handy guide. (Use the bottom slider to see all brands)

The table below is a guide only. Products are subject to changes by brands.

MontiiCoB.BoxFrank Green Lunch ContainerYumboxSky Gazer Bentgo ModernThe Somewhere Co. MiniEcoCocoonBright Star KidsStuck On YouCountry Road ElysiaOmieBox
StyleBagBentoBoxBentoBagBentoBagBentoBagBentoBagBento
Colour variationsYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
MaterialFabric & aluminium liningPP & siliconeStainless steel & siliconeABS, tritan & siliconeFabric & PEVA liningBPA-free plasticRPET & aluminium foil liningStainless steel & siliconeFabric & insulation liningBPA-free plastic100% cotton canvas & insulation liningStainless steel, plastic & silicone
Start price$42.95$27.95$79.95$49.95$34.99$39.95$38$84.95$39.95$54.95$59.95$89.95
Loved for itsRoomy size & machine washable designCustom divider3-in-1 designPortion-controlled sectionsUnique designsRemovable sandwich dividerShoulder strapDishwasher-safe partsPersonalisationLeak-proof silicone sealInternal name labelStorage for hot and cold food
Mouths Of Mums Kids’ Lunch Boxes Comparison Table. (The products above are featured in our shortlist below.)

How to choose the best lunch box for school

When you’re searching for a kids’ lunch box, take the time to work out what will best suit their needs. If you make the right choice and invest in a quality one, it will last many years.

  • Box, bento or bag? If your child doesn’t like different foods touching, a bento lunch box is a great choice. Also, think about whether they prefer cut-up or whole fruit; a bento is better suited to cut food, while bags and boxes suit whole fruit. Bags are fantastic if you like to pack separate containers, like smaller bento or snack containers.
  • Freshness is a must – An insulated bag or box will keep everything cool and fresh until snack and lunchtime. But you can also get boxes that come with cold and ice packs. Remember, kids’ lunches often sit at room temperature for up to 5 or 6 hours before they’re eaten, so insulation and coolness are important. Check out how to keep school lunches safe in the heat.
  • Easy-to-clean design – Check if the box is dishwasher-safe, or for lunch bags, if they’re machine-washable.
  • Leak-proof – The last thing you want is a soggy mess at lunchtime, so if buying a hard lunch box, look for designs that are leak-proof with proper seals.
  • Child-friendly – Depending on your child’s motor skills and independence, you may need to start with a product that’s simple to open and close.
  • The right size – We tend to pack way too much in our kids’ lunches, so think about how much realistically you’ll need to pack for your child when choosing the size of their lunch box. You may also need to consider the size of their school bags.

12 Best Lunch Boxes For School Kids In Australia

Ready to get back-to-school sorted? From stainless steel gems to beautiful bentos, we’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. So sit back and enjoy our curated Mom Guide of the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia.

Any included reviews come via the Mouths of Mums Facebook Page.

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags, $42.95

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags.

These award-winning lunch bags have sold over 200,000 units – and it’s clear to see why. The interior of each large bag measures 29cm x 23.5cm x 7.5cm, making them big enough to fit multiple containers and even many popular bento boxes. Each bag comes with an ice pack for up to eight hours of cooling – and you have a massive range of designs to choose from.

Pros:

  • Interior name label
  • Fabulous large size fits everything!
  • Comes with an ice pack for day-long cooling

“A vote for montii co lunch boxes, lunch bags and freezer bricks (they really do stay frozen all day!!” (Megan)

“Montii lunch bags are the best and the freezer brick can stay frozen for ages I forgot one day and it was still cold after 24hrs” (Sarah)

Where to buy it: MontiiCo, Lime Tree Kids


b.box 2L Kids’ Lunch Box, $27.95

B.box 2L kids bento lunch boxes.

Tired of apples not fitting in hard lunch boxes? b.box has solved this with its flexible ‘whole fruit holder’ that bends around the fruit rather than squashing it – genius! If you’re not keen on cutting up a fruit salad every day, this multi-compartment two-litre lunch box has handy homes for everything. It also comes with a gel cooler pack (a must for Aussie summer!), and it’s freezer-safe. Choose from a range of colours.

Pros:

  • Leak-proof silicone seal
  • Comes with a gel cooler pack
  • The square section is big enough for a regular sandwich

“B-box lunch boxes are the best…all parts come out so you can wash them super easy! So many awesome accessories available for them too!” (Kerrie)

“BBox lunch boxes are great and they fit in the large Montiico lunch bags. As someone has said, the ice brick that comes with it is amazing too” (Tash)

“I really like the B.Box lunch boxes.” (Kendal)

“Bbox is the winner in our community on repeat.” (Mums On A Budget)

Where to buy it: Kitchen Warehouse, Woolworths, b.box


Frank Green Lunch Container, $79.95

Frank Green coloured lunch containers.

Got a Frank Green fan on your hands? This is the lunch box to match their drink bottle. It comes in a gorgeous range of colours suited to all ages and uses 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel and quality silicone lids. Monograms, bumper guards and ice bricks are all available separately.

Pros:

  • Leak-resistant design for mess-free travel
  • Comes with two microwave-safe removable containers
  • Customisable with your choice of bumper, ice brick and monogramming (at an additional cost)

Where to buy it: Frank Green


Yumbox Kids’ Compartment Lunch Boxes, from $49.95 

Yumbox Kids Bento Box shown in pink and purple options.

With the option of four, five or six compartments, it’s easy to see why Yumbox Bento Lunch Boxes are such a hit with Australian kids. They feature handy, pre-measured half-cup serving compartments to help pack a healthy lunch and contain absolutely no BPA or phthalates. Pop it straight into the dishwasher on the top rack for easy cleaning.

Pros:

  • Top rack dishwasher-safe
  • Includes five half-cup sections for portion control
  • Sections are labelled to help parents with a balanced lunch

Where to buy it: Biome, Yumbox


Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bag, from $34.99

Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bags.

If your little (or not-so-little) one wants a lunch bag everyone will comment on, this is it. Available in a range of stunning designs, they come with a long and strong handle and easy-use zippers. But good looks aside, what’s winning heart about these is their capacity – they hold up to seven litres of food!

Pros:

  • Water-resistant
  • PEVA internal lining
  • Side pocket for a water bottle

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Sky Gazer


Bentgo Modern Bento Boxes, $39.95

Bentgo Modern Lunch Boxes.

After something a bit more mature? Bentgo’s Modern lunch boxes are a great option. They have a sleek matte finish in a choice of four stylish shades, including Mint Green, Orchid, Dark Grey and Navy. Each is cleverly designed with a removable divider that allows you to choose between using three or four compartments. Even better, they are leak-proof, microwave-safe and fine to pop in the dishwasher.

Pros:

  • Kid-friendly latch
  • Antibacterial silicone seal
  • Includes four large compartments

Where to buy it: Kitchen Warehouse, Amazon


The Somewhere Co Mini Lunch Case, $38

The Somewhere Co. Mini Lunch Bags.

Colourful and easy to carry, these bags are insulated, eco-friendly and secure. It features aluminium foil lining that keeps food fresh all day long, and it comes with top-level carry handles and a shoulder strap, which is brilliant for those days when kids have a lot to tote. Choose from a range of styles.

Pros:

  • Roomy and stylish
  • Shoulder strap makes carrying easy (and great if schoolbags are too full!)
  • Zip-front pocket handy for cold packs or notes from mum

Where to buy it: The Somewhere Co.


EcoCocoon Leak-Proof Bento Lunch Box, $84.95

EcoCocoon Leak-Proof Lunch Box with a bagel and fresh food inside.

Large enough for the hungriest of school kids, this stainless steel wonder has a removable silicone seal in the lid to stop thick liquids from leaking. No more soggy anything! There are five handy compartments to make sure all of the food groups are ticked off, with a large compartment perfect for sandwiches, and smaller ones for snacks.

Pros:

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Every compartment is leak-proof
  • Easy to open and close (suitable for younger kids)

Where to buy it: Biome, EcoCocoon


Bright Star Kids Personalised Lunch Bags, $39.95

Bright Star Kids insulated lunch bags in a row.

Practical and customisable with your child’s name, these insulated bags tick all the boxes. You have a choice of five bag colours, and from there you get to choose from a huge range of designs and fonts to personalise it! Each comes with a mesh pocket for ice bricks, a top carry handle, a secure zip closure and enough internal space to fit a medium bento box.

Pros:

  • Machine-washable
  • Internal mesh pocket for an ice brick
  • With their name on it, you won’t need to visit lost property!

Where to buy it: Bright Star Kids


Stuck On You Large Personalised Bento Lunch Box, $54.95

Stuck On You Large Kids' Bento Boxes.

With a leak-proof silicone seal, these colourful lunch companions keep sauces and dips right where they belong. They come with six compartments, which convert to three for easy washing on the top shelf of the dishwasher. They’re free from any nasties and customisation with your child’s name – no more lost property, yay! Choose from box colours of Matte Navy, Pink Lemonade, Dusky Blue or Seafoam Green- if you can!

Pros:

  • BPA and phthalate-free
  • Top rack dishwasher-safe
  • Separates into three parts for easy cleaning

Where to buy it: Stuck On You


Country Road Elysia Lunch Pack, $59.95

Country Road Elysia Lunch Packs in pink and green.

Uber stylish and as roomy as can be, these contemporary bags are perfect for kids of all ages who prefer to pack several separate containers. It has a 100% cotton canvas outer, an insulated lining and comes with a super handy internal name label. Just as great for preschool as they are for high school.

Pros:

  • Easy-carry handle
  • Internal name label
  • Stylish design, great for kids who prefer muted shades

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Country Road


OmieBox Hot/Cold Bento Lunch Box V2, $89.95

Omiebox hot and cold kids' lunch boxes in pink and blue styles.

Finally, a kids’ lunch box that stores hot AND cold food in one place! Designed out of necessity by a problem-solving mum, the OmieBox encourages low-waste lunches and ends the need to use multiple clunky containers (which always get lost!). The spill-proof individual compartments mean no mixing of savoury and sweet, and the  280ml double-wall thermos keeps soups and pasta hot for up to six hours!

Pros:

  • Keeps food hot for up to 6 hours
  • Fabulous for ‘nude food’ lunches
  • Awesome carry handle for younger kids

Where to buy it: Biome, Woolworths


What to put in kids’ lunch boxes

Health professionals agree that kids need a good balance of lean protein, grains, fruit and vegetables throughout the school day. Skip the processed food and try to reach for whole foods that pack a punch in the nutrient department. Here are some great ideas:

  • Grilled chicken or turkey wraps with fresh salad
  • Crackers and vegetable sticks with healthy dips like hummus
  • Whole-grain pasta with cherry tomatoes and your choice of cheese
  • Zucchini slice cut into rectangles for easy stacking in an insulated box
  • Almond-meal slice with raspberries or blueberries – or both!
  • Vegetarian sausage rolls – these freeze well and make a great meat-free lunch when cold.

Top image: MontiiCo

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Do your kids hate sandwiches? Check out these 10 sandwich alternatives that dial up the YUM! 

  • That lunchbox comparison table is handy to have. It helped me make a decision on which lunchbox to buy next for my daughter who is starting kindergarten. I needed to upgrade her lunchbox but wasn’t sure which way to go. The table helped me with my decision. I ended up going with the BBOX and have found a cheaper lunch bag from a department store that it fits in.

    Reply

  • I do not know if anyone else has picked up on this or not, but every bag mentioned in the table above is a ‘designer’ brand. There are plenty of more affordable options that aren’t over $40. I have never spent that much on a lunchbox – even from Smiggle. The cheaper brands last just as well too.

    Reply

  • Getting ready for the return to school has started to kick in so this was a timely read. We have the yum box and i love it, it is so easy for my daughter to open and close on her own. I find the lunch cooler bags also a great idea however some days depending on what else needs to go to school, they can be quite bulky to include in the school bag. I need to do some more research this year as i like the idea of being able to watch it in the washing machine, that is a clever idea.

    Reply

  • Along with all of the other back to school products; there is also a good range of lunch boxes available for people to buy. It has been fun to see the wide range of bottles and lunch boxes that are available for the new year for school and for work.

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  • Lunch boxes have come such a long way since my eldest was a kid, he’s now 26! There’s really a solution to everything from food heating, cooling, dividers, pockets etc etc. Lunch boxes are a real fashion accessory and so on-trend these days. I personally love the Bento lunch boxes. They save on plastic and separate different foods.

    Reply

  • I am such a huge fan of Bento lunch boxes and Bento. Food should be so many wonderful things; including delicious, fun, colourful and nutritious too. Lunch is a favourite meal because the body is ready for some more calories and a boost of energy. Food looks so good in Bento lunch boxes.

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  • So so many fantastic options! We use the montii co ones for our kdis and swear by it. Its lasted 3 years so far and still standing strong, like new since the first day using it. They are so durable and i find cleaning them to be the easiest for us.

    Reply

  • There are so many great lunch box option out there indeed ! I’ve always liked the Bento style lunch boxes for my kids. It reduces the use of plastic lunch bags and packaged food which aren’t very good for the environment and it encourages to present a good variety of foods (which is not only better nutrition wise but lao to prevent our kids from getting bored with same foods all the time.

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  • There are some really fabulous options here. So many variations of colour, shape and size. I love the bento style lunch boxes, so handy to keep food separate and eliminate the use of plastic packaging. The machine washable bags are a great idea too. They can get grubby so fast, this would be so much easier to maintain

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  • This has gotten much easier since my kids hit high school – they have strong opinions about their lunch boxes, so I don’t have to think about it so much anymore! However, I am strongly in favor of bento style boxes regardless of their age. They’re easy to clean, easy to pack, and invite appropriate sized portions.

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  • Great article! Our kids are so lucky, when it comes to lunchboxes, they really are spoilt for choice. There are so many to pick from. Regarding sandwiches, my eldest son, used to hate sandwiches for school lunches. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered that he’d throw out his sandwiches in the playground bins. My son’s an adult now and he still hates sandwiches. He only likes “hot” lunches. So glad he lives on his own now and can make his own “hot” lunches just the way he likes them.

    Reply

  • This is an extremely useful article!! 2 schppl going kids and third starting kinder soon means we are always on the lookout for lunch ideas and lunch boxes. This is a great list with features and prices listed to make the search easier and help with decision making for purchasing of the lunch boxes

    Reply

  • This is super useful article and thank you. I can see so variety of lunch boxes from every store. Always wonder which one would be more convenient to use by little hands. I love some of these lunchboxes to give it a try for this year. And then decide to go with suitable ones

    Reply

  • Wow, lunch boxes have really come such a long way from when I was taking a lunch box to school. Feel old, like “back in my day”, but we were lucky to have options like are available now. While I like some of these designs, I feel like they aren’t super practical.

    Reply

  • These lunchboxes are beautiful but are they really worth the expensive price tag? I have been through so many lunch boxes and bags over the years and found the best it to use an insulated lunchbox bag with ice brick and use small containers to keep individual items fresh and assessable.

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  • I love the bbox lunch boxes. They are so reliable and tough when kids throw their bags around. Easy to wash and store. I have used the we can be tiny snackies at home too. The boys love choosing a certain animal shape. They wash well, are durable and great quality.

    Reply

  • My kids are old enough now to pack their own lunches and I am so happy to see the great choices they are making. They take left over meals, cook food in the morning to take and now I am confident they aren’t throwing away sandwiches! I do have the chilly bags for them, I find they fit better into bags

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  • Love our bento b.boxes. So easy to pack. I do however worry that they’re made of plastic, not metal….

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  • My daughter uses a bento box now for work and sometimes an insulated bag in summer, but when she was at school it was a rectangular lunch box with no compartments. It was very easy to wash each day, just the box and lid, and it could still be filled with rolls/sandwiches and snacks.

    Reply

  • Lunchboxes are so important these days. Back in my day it was a brown paper bag or the exact same lunch box that everyone else had and there were three compartments. Today its such a fashion statement and as much as the lunchbox itself is judged so are the contents.

    Reply

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