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Mighty Spice Express Cookbook - Simon & Schuster book review :
4.49 out of 5 based on 36 reviews.

The King of Spice, John Gregory-Smith, returns with a new cookbook which pays tribute to the influences of international street food.

In Mighty Spice Express Cookbook  John writes, “Street food shows the best a place has to offer and a snapshot of what’s hot right now. It is always served fast and furious, and can be hot or cold, savoury or sweet. But, guaranteed, it will be tasty, fresh and cooked to perfection. Quite simply, if the food doesn’t cut the mustard it won’t be there the following morning.” From Fez in Morocco, to Essaouira, Goa, Mumbai, Hanoi, Beirut, Seoul, Laos, Thailand and China, Mighty Spice Express Cookbook will take you on an international culinary journey and show you how to make speedy and delicious dishes which are bursting with flavour. Full of time-saving techniques and clever shortcuts, many of the recipes can be prepared from start to finish in under 15 minutes. Mighty Spice Express Cookbook is the easy way to transform familiar ingredients into fantastic dishes, and your fast-track ticket to spice heaven!

Mighty Spice Express Cookbook, written by John Gregory-Smith, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available in hardback where all good books are sold for $35.00.  Also available as an ebook for $12.99.

Find out more about The Mighty Spice Express Cookbook here.


Published 12th August 2013


  • love it

    I love cooking with different herbs and spices... This book is great for anyone who loves cooking and experimenting with food
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Great book, fantastic recipes, happy family!

    I highly recommend this recipe book for anyone and everyone. The images are beautiful, the recipes taste great and most importantly are not too hard to make!

    Thank you Mouths of Mums for selecting me to review, I was so excited when it came in the post and have had a lot of fun trying the recipes at home.
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Yummy salad

    I made the eggplant salad last night it was fantastic. It was basic but worked well with eggplant parsley chilli and spices and lemon juice it goes well with almost any meal.
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Fantastic Cookbook to begin a spice journey.

    This book has not failed in delivering delishious meals in a beautiful and easy to use way. I cannot wait for wednesday's now (spice night at our place) .
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Follow Up Review

    This book is an absolute gem! I've had a chance to cook some more recipes from it, and I have to say they are winners through and through. The midweek life-saver section of the book is fantastic for quick meals for two, and the desserts are inspired! Some of the recipes make my mouth water just thinking about them, and what's better is that none of them are bland or unpleasant. The mighty spice express is one mighty cookbook. I heartily recommend it if you're a flavour lover like me!
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Buying another copy for mum

    My mum loves reading cooking, gardening & mostly learning. I know she would love this cookbook as she has recently started taking up an Indian cooking class & mentioned she is soooooo into spices at the moment so with Mother's Day approaching this is going to be in her hamper. Along with a couple of others that I have liked & read from MOM's :)
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Coffee Table Book

    I was given this book along with many spice packets in a basket from a neighbour for Christmas.

    I have since made many recipes from the book. I have found a local Indian shop to supply me with

    the spices I need and we are enjoying this new cuisine. I cook a dish that I have mastered and presented

    it to our neighbours and they were amazed. They said it tasted perfect!!
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • fantastic

    I reviewed this book couple mont ago and just want to let yo. Know that Im still using this book weekly fantastic and a must buy
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Great mixture of cooking and other recipes

    This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,

    very good story , would be happy to read it again,When i received this book i was very excited as it was a recipie book and i love them. The recipies are very nice and easy to make glad i could review this book thank you
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Sure is mighty

    I so wanted to review this mighty book as I so love cooking but especially with spices, especially chilli & this book has the lot. I couldn't resist so went & purchased it. I know a lot of spices however, there are a few in here I have never heard of. With a selection of interesting & exotic dishes from around the globe this is the book for spice lovers. The book itself is beautifully presented with glossy pictures. I will enjoy experimenting :)
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Liked this cook book!

    In amongst all my other cookbooks. I recieved this as a gift. I must say it has been an easy book to read and the recipes are lovely. Everything we have made from it (as my family) has been full of yummy flavours. It takes lots of preping and you have to make sure you have lots of the ingredients in most dishes.. but apart form that. I love this book!
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Spicy!

    I absolutely love cooking and I love collecting and using a variety of good and interesting cookbooks. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of ‘Mighty Spice Express’. I love the exotic and spicy food/recipes in this Cookbook. I love this cookbook; it is perfect for lovers of this style of food.
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • I really like this book

    The Mighty Spice Express Cookbook, written by John Gregory-Smith, has a lot of recipes that can be made easily and quickly while still maintaining the flavour with the use of spices. I love cooking something new and this book is perfect for that. I love the photos, big beautiful shots of delicious looking food. I really like this book.
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Beautiful recipes and photos

    I am so in love with the beautiful pictures in this book the 'Mighty Spice Express Cookbook', written by John Gregory-Smith. I must admit when I do buy cook books it's often because of the photographs! However, besides the photos this is a must have cook book for anyone who adores cooking with herbs and spices. Beautiful photos, beautiful recipes, what more could you want?
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Recipes for everyone

    The Mighty Spice Express Cookbook, written by John Gregory-Smith is a stunning. The photos are big, glossy and beautiful. If you enjoy cooking, especially with a range so spices, this book is for you. The recipes are broken down into manageable steps and there is something for everyone from the beginner with 'mighty bites', to the more seasoned cook with 'something spectacular'. I am thoroughly enjoying reading and cooking from this book.
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • love it

    I love cooking with different herbs and spices... This book is great for anyone who loves cooking and experimenting with food
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • very very good

    well i dont use many cook books but i saw what people had wrote so i thought i go buy this, well it was great i enjoy it and so did the family lots and lots of yummy things to cook and easy enough some where a bit hard but very enjoyable go and buy it and have a go
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Buying another copy for mum

    My mum loves reading cooking, gardening & mostly learning. I know she would love this cookbook as she has recently started taking up an Indian cooking class & mentioned she is soooooo into spices at the moment so with Mother's Day approaching this is going to be in her hamper. Along with a couple of others that I have liked & read from MOM's :)
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • It's a mighty great cookbook

    Whist I wasn't fortunate enough to review this After reding some comments here & flipping through it at the book store I purchased it & I love it. Cook at least one recipe a week & they are all very tasty, 10/10 for this book.
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Coffee Table Book

    I was given this book along with many spice packets in a basket from a neighbour for Christmas.

    I have since made many recipes from the book. I have found a local Indian shop to supply me with

    the spices I need and we are enjoying this new cuisine. I cook a dish that I have mastered and presented

    it to our neighbours and they were amazed. They said it tasted perfect!!
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Great mixture of cooking and other recipes

    This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,

    very good story , would be happy to read it again,When i received this book i was very excited as it was a recipie book and i love them. The recipies are very nice and easy to make glad i could review this book thank you
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Put It On Your Coffee Table For A Great Read

    A really great cookbook filled with colorful photos to compliment the recipes. For me wanting to take food to a new flavour level was a nice surprise. Personally I wasn't expecting what I got out of extraordinary book and I'm over the moon. Don't put it hidden away in your cupboard, put it on your coffee table.
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • good

    This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,

    very good story , would be happy to read it again!
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • fantastic

    I reviewed this book couple mont ago and just want to let yo. Know that Im still using this book weekly fantastic and a must buy
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Great mixture of cooking and other recipes

    Was not too sure of the book at first once I got into it, I was trying to think what the recipes would be like. Was surprise to see drink recipes in this and this made it complete book. As you always need the right drink to go with the meals. My son's partner was so interested in this book, will surprise and buy her her own copy. Not bad for a beginner cook to start out on but still interesting enough for an expert cook to have some fun with some of the recipes.
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Sure is mighty

    I so wanted to review this mighty book as I so love cooking but especially with spices, especially chilli & this book has the lot. I couldn't resist so went & purchased it. I know a lot of spices however, there are a few in here I have never heard of. With a selection of interesting & exotic dishes from around the globe this is the book for spice lovers. The book itself is beautifully presented with glossy pictures. I will enjoy experimenting :)
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Brilliant beautifully written

    This show us how to use spices. The recipese are great. They are easily explained not to hard to make ... Full of flavour .. And I like the idea of using fresh or dried spices herbs. I love the ideas in this beautiful cook book. Also you can buy on kindle which was a bonus but you do not get the benfit of the beautiful coloured photoes. .. I borrow my from the Liibbary but now will be going out to buy my own copy ..
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • lovely book with great food

    i won this book and i love it. the recipes are all so yummy and the book itself is well presented and easy to read. I love the ideas in the book and use it for many meals. my kids eat everything ive made and i will use it when guests are around
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • Tasty food that's family friendly

    I am really enjoying the mighty express spice cookbook. The recipes are realistic and easy to create. The spice is flavoursome as opposed to spicy "hot" so my kids have actually eaten it which for me is the biggest challenge with spicy food. The cookbook has a great assortment of recipes and is presented beautifully with colourful vibrant photos. Loving this book
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?


  • great mix of recipies hubby enjoyed verg much

    When i received this book i was very excited as it was a recipie book and i love them. The recipies are very nice and easy to make glad i could review this book thank you
    Did you enjoy the mix of recipes?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    If you saw this in a shop would you buy it?
    Are the recipes family friendly and easy to make?

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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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

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  • 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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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