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Average Ratings (from 269 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?
McCormick Flavour Shots :
4.42 out of 5 based on 270 reviews.

As a busy Mum, it’s hard to come up with interesting meal ideas for every day of the week. But McCormick has solved this problem with their new Flavour Shots range of recipe bases.

Introducing McCormick Flavour Shots …

McCormick Flavour Shots are single-use little pots of specially selected herbs, spices and seasonings that are infused in Sunflower Oil. They add a real explosion of flavour to anything you cook!

And what’s really great about Flavour Shots – is that you add them to ordinary ingredients you already have in your fridge or pantry – chicken pieces, veggies, canned beans, rice – to create something really special.

There’s a range of five McCormick Flavour Shots that create endless variety.

Each Flavour Shot gives you the freedom to create all sorts of delicious meals, quickly and easily.

  • Chicken Fried Rice for brilliant Chinese dishes – including the easiest, most authentic tasting fried rice you’ve ever made!
  • Chilli Con Carne has the true Mexican Flavour everyone loves.
  • Pad Thai is an unbelievably fragrant blend of spices that also makes fantastic salads.
  • Zesty Chicken Curry adds real depth of flavour without the heat.
  • Spanish Chicken Hotpot also lets you create magic with mince meat.

You may have tried recipe bases in the past – but nothing like these. McCormick Flavour Shots really are unique.

Where to find McCormick Flavour Shots

McCormick Flavour Shots are available now. Look for all 5 flavours in the recipe bases section of Woolworths and other major and independant supermarkets. RRP $2.49.

Visit McCormick’s website for more information, recipe ideas and flavour inspiration.

Mums are now reviewing McCormick Flavour Shots …

All Mums who are selected for this review are receiving five McCormick Flavour Shots – one of each flavour. We’re asking them to create a different meal with each pack, share it with their family and friends, then post their reviews and ratings on this page.

Applications for the McCormick Flavour Shots product review are now closed. If you missed out this time, don’t worry. There’ll be lots more opportunities for you to join a review team in the future. If you’re not a member of Mouths of Mums join here and then you’ll receive invitations to participate in future reviews.

Stay in touch with all the good news about Flavour Shots and Like McCormick Foods Australia on Facebook   

 

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Published 11th May 2014


  • Marvellous McCormick

    I happily purchased McCormick products after reading the reviews by Mom’s community members. I decided to test McCormicks out on the family over the weekend as they love good food. The verdict from everyone is a bug thumbs up- five stars! We will continue to buy and enjoy McCormick products.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Big taste, small package!

    After seeing this nifty little product during my grocery shop, I’m very impressed how yummy it tasted! Even the usual fussy hubby was impressed! So, so, easy to use & super tasty as well. It’s great that they don’t take up much space either in the pantry ;-). We tried the Zesty Chicken Curry — loved it! Well worth a try!

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • pad Thai ... yummy

    Brought the pad Thai flavour and was seriously delicious….
    My kids loved it and wanted more.
    So will be buying more 🙂

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Surprisingly good!

    I’m always looking for new flavours to give our family so that our 1 year old girls try new things and the Pad Thai was a hit!! I purchased this after seeing other reviews but tried not to have any expectations and I wasn’t disappointed at all — the flavours were rich and had just the right amount of everything with nothing overpowering anything else, even my husband who isn’t a big fan of Pad Thai normally has asked me to get this one again!

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

    This product was not something I had initially wanted to try, but after hearing some positive feedback about it, I purchased the Spanish Chicken Hotpot and Pad Thai. Tonight, we tried the Spanish Chicken Hotpot.

    To say the flavours are FANTASTIC is an understatement. This was SO GOOD! Super easy steps to follow, and our bowls were polished clean. I added an extra capsicum to bulk up the veggie content (and also because I needed to use up both capsicum in the fridge). Hubby has put in a request for this to be added to our menu on a regular basis!

    Can’t wait to try the Pad Thai!

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Chilli is GOOD!

    Chilli is GOOD! That’s what my son said when he tasted it! (Chilli Con Carne) A suttle flavuor, not overpowering, Just fantastic!

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • deliciously time saving

    we loved these all so much.
    They came on special this week at my local supermarket and I broke the budget by buying two of each variety for both us and our 16 year old grandson who is living away from home.
    He tried them here and they fit nicely into his budget and give him options rather than just plain boring foods.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Chicken Curry

    The flavour was intense without being overpowering. So convenient & easy to prepare. I look forward to trying other flavours

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • too good to be true!

    The chilli con carne I tried making last night was too good to be true! Easy as, & delish, my whole family enjoyed it, would def. buy again & keep when in a hurry, but still want to make something yummy, nut just the frozen pies we keep for emergencies!

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Chilli con carne - yum!

    Made Chilli Con Carne and it was delicious, thought it might be hot and spicy but it wasn’t, the family loved it, put pasta with it for the kids and we had salad wraps. So quick and easy. Yum yum yum 🙂

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Not good on flavour : (

    I tried a few McCormick Flavour Shots, and I didn’t find the flavours that great. Yes they are quick and easy, but the end product always tasted a little processed, compared to some sachet’s I’ve used in the past. I always ended up adding more salt, or herbs to balance out the flavours. I wouldn’t buy them again.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Love them!

    When you want to serve up something relatively healthy, tasty and quick, McCormick Flavour Shots are what you want!
    The instructions are easy to follow, not at all hard, just needing to add meat and a bit of veg.
    McCormick Flavour Shots can be found in my pantry for those nights when I’m not sure what to cook and I want something that requires minimal effort.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Great authentic taste

    These are such a great idea! So easy to use and tasty flavour combinations. I tried the Spanish Chicken Hotpot but used it with mince and it made a quick and delicious mid-week meal. Will definitely try the Zesty Chicken Curry and the Chilli Con Carne – lovely winter warmers now the cooler weather is here!

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Love it

    My Family just loves the fried rice flavour infusion paste for the fried rice they really enjoyed eating it. Its so easy to use just cook your rice add the paste and half a cup of frozen veggies and stir fry quickly for added taste add a couple of sliced up omlettes and yummo.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Easy to use!

    For the mid week blues, when your out of ideas of what to cook, McCormick Flavour Shots are your hero.
    They provide a great recipe base for you to mix and match with different types of veggies and meat.
    The instructions for McCormick Flavour Shots are simple, being very easy to follow. A basic recipe is provided and other suggestions are given to provide a jazzed up version of the sample recipe.
    McCormick Flavour Shots are handy to have for those nights when you just want someone else to do the thinking about what’s for dinner.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Lke it

    Lke it

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • McCormicks flavour shots are the best

    I am buying these flavoured shots on a regular basis now. I recently cooked with the chicken fried rice one & my fried rice tasted amazing. So easy to use with a delicious flavour. I’m testing the Pad Thai tomorrow night & have a few I keep in my pantry as they are so handy.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Instantly injects flavour into any dish!

    These McCormick flavour shots are a great idea. I used the chilli con carne one in my spag bol yesterday (to see what it was like) and it instantly lifted the flavour. It was so easy to use – just open the packet and pop in! My hubby and little 2 & 1/2 year old loved it – said it was one of the best spag bols I’ve ever made! I am planning on using the pad thai one tomorrow for dinner.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Quick, easy and great flavour

    These cute little packages caught my eye at the shop so thought I would give it a go. The flavour was fantastic and so quick and easy to use. will be buying again and trying different flavours. I have already recommended to my mum to try for my dad who is Mr Fussy and doesn’t like package foods and doesn’t really like trying new foods. He gave a thumbs up to amazingly

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Great Concept!

    I love the whole concept of McCormick Flavour Shots, a blend of oil with lovely herbs and spices.
    McCormick Flavour Shots are easy to use and can be added to a range of ingredients.
    The instructions are simple with a basic recipe included, as well as suggestions to modify the meal however, you really are only limited by your imagination and what’s in the fridge!
    Our favourite flavour is the zesty chicken curry, it has a lovely fresh taste!

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • recommendations were right

    I happened across these after seeing very positive reviews in amongst this community and I am glad that I followed advice. The flavour shots give a little extra to the meal compared to other recipe bases (especially the powdered ones) and are simpler to use and also don’t create another dish to wash as some bases do. This was a great little find that I will definitely use again over similar products in the future



  • The Chili Flavor shot was very hot hubby loved it but it was too hot for me

    The Chili Flavor shot was very hot hubby loved it but it was too hot for me

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Handy in the pantry

    I usually use McCormick Zesty chicken curry but was also pleasantly surprised by McCormicks flavour shot Chilli Con Carne recently. The kids ate it all up and for the adults I added a touch of chilli to jazz it up. I usually prefer to make my meals from scratch however, for those times when I simply can’t be bothered, this is a very handy product to have.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Full of flavour!

    McCormick Flavour Shot Zesty Chicken Curry is one of my favourite flavour shots to use. The flavour shots are so simple to use and make a great recipe base. You can either follow the instructions or easily adapt the recipe to suit your own tastes and preferences. These marvellous little shots are full of flavour!

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Fantastic

    I decided to purchase the flavour shots after reading about them on this site and also seeing adverts on television. I had a family tea planned so I decided to incorporate this into my cooking, we were already having stir frys etc so I thought I’d try the chicken fried rice. It was a big hit with everyone and we have since purchased a few of the others. Great product.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Marvellous McCormick

    I happily purchased McCormick products after reading the reviews by Mom’s community members. I decided to test McCormicks out on the family over the weekend as they love good food. The verdict from everyone is a bug thumbs up- five stars! We will continue to buy and enjoy McCormick products.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • amazing quick, delicious, affordable all in a shot

    tried this product as I need quick, easy, delicious and affordable meals when returning to work fulltime and yes it definitely ticks all of these boxes

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Little tubs of tasty!

    Hubby and I are definitely fans now! Lovely hit of flavour to mix into the ever boring meat and 3 veg roundabout that is the dreaded “weeknight dinner”. Chilli con carne is definitely our favorite! That being said our kids aren’t as into it – but our lot are little fusspots anyway, and are happy just eating the corn chips we serve on the side. Only 3 star recommendation as a lot of our friends have fussy kids too, if you don’t have picky eaters these are sure to be a hit!

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • Handy kitchen helper

    The McCormick Flavour Shots are a handy kitchen helper to have when you don’t want to think to hard about dinner but, still want to serve up something relatively healthy and tasty. I find the instructions easy to follow and usually just add extra veggies. I like to keep a couple of McCormick Flavour Shots in the pantry for those lazy cooking night.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?


  • McCormick

    After reading the McCormick reviews by Mom’s community members; I have decided to try them out on my always ravenous family. I have bought McCormicks from my local grocery store and will try them out over the weekend. I have always enjoyed McCormick products and hope these live up to my high expectations.

    Did Flavour Shots deliver a better flavour than other recipe bases?
    Was McCormick Flavour Shots quick & easy to use?
    Would you recommend McCormick Flavour Shots?
    Were the Flavour Shots recipes inspiring for mid week meals?

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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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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

    Reply

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

    Reply

  • 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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