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Average Ratings (from 374 ratings)
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How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
Oates Earthly :
4.61 out of 5 based on 374 reviews.

Do you want to make a smarter, more sustainable choice for your household?

Oates Earthly empowers shoppers to make meaningful, affordable steps towards sustainability, without compromising on performance.  

This range isn’t about achieving perfection in sustainability; it’s designed to help make simple, meaningful changes that allow us to be a little kinder to the planet. What truly sets Oates Earthly apart is the commitment to providing environmentally conscious choices at an accessible price point for everyday Australian families. Proven to clean stubborn stains more effectively than other leading branded products, Oates Earthly delivers unmatched cleaning power. Tests show the products are more durable and long-lasting than other leading branded products, ensuring better results with less effort.

What’s in the Oates Earthly range?

Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets
  • Ideal for cleaning any hard surface
  • Tougher on spills, kinder on the planet
  • Responsibly and sustainably sourced bamboo
  • Machine washable up to 80 times. (1 Bamboo Wipe = 80 paper towel sheets)
  • Can be used wet or dry
  • Cheaper than other leading branded products, at RRP $3.50
Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2pk
  • Ideal for delicate surfaces including glass, non-stick cookware and tiles
  • Tougher on stains, kinder on the planet
  • Cleans stubborn stains with cleaning power that is better than other leading products
  • Scourer made from responsibly sourced coconut yarn and recycled polyester
  • Sponge material made from 100% biodegradable cellulose
  • Cheaper than other leading branded products, at RRP $2.90
Non-Scratch Scourer 2pk
  • Ideal for delicate surfaces – glass, non-stick cookware and tiles
  • Tougher on stains, kinder on the planet
  • Cleans stubborn stains with cleaning power that is better than other leading products
  • Scourer made from responsibly sourced coconut yarn and recycled polyester
  • Cheaper than other leading branded products, at RRP $1.75
The Oates Earthly Range is available exclusively at Coles* from September 7th, 2025. *Some products may not be available at all Coles stores, Coles Online, or Coles Express. Availability may vary by store location and format.  

Published 21st August 2025


  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Love that they are reusable and bamboo

    I love bamboo so I had to try and the fact they are reusable even better deffiently will buy again when my 80 washes have been used up saves so much on paper towel I will be as they are amazing and work a treat on many surfaces and they are an amazing price very happy customer
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Excellent quality sustainable cleaning products!

    I recently had the pleasure of trialling Oats Earthly products that are exclusively available at Coles. The reusable bamboo wipes, sponge scourers and non-scratch scourers were very effective and they are such amazing value for money. If you are after effective cleaning products that are sustainable and kinder to the planet, I highly recommend you give Oats Earthly a try! Thank you to @Oatesclean and @mouths_of_mums for allowing me to trial these amazing products!
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Super pleased!

    So stoked with these. I have been a diehard scrub daddy user for YEARS and I can’t believe these actually measure up (and are cheaper!) so pleased. Used these to not only clean my dishes but also clean the benches. Used in combination with non scratch scourers and no scratches on my Tefal pans and I scrubbed really hard as had left it overnight (whoops!). Used multiple times then just chuck in dishwasher through the cycle with the dishes to refresh. Good as new!

    An essential and will be repurchasing. Thank you
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Non Scratch Scourer

    I tried the scourer on the bottom of my pan. Usually I only give it a quick swipe of the sponge without really getting into it because if all the sticky oil residue. I'm surprised that the non scratch scourer actually managed to lighten up the oil residue without too much of elbow grease. Maybe I'll try again next time to get it cleaner.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Finally can get my stainless steel shiny!

    I swapped to stainless steel and it’s been a learning curve, lots of baked on stains on my frypan, but with the help of the Oates Scourer I am able to quickly remove the cooking residue without using strong chemicals which was the whole reason behind swapping away from non stick pans. I love that it a natural fibre and it feels good to do better for the environment!
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Amazing!

    I was pleasantly surprised at how strong the wipes are. My kids spilled glass of water on the table, I tried the Bamboo Wipes and it moped all of the water in one go without any drips and the table was dry! My kid has ben regularly using the wipes to wipe the table after each meal for the past two weeks and the wipes hasn't showed any signs of breaking down yet. Well done! Will definitely recommend and buy a new roll when mine runs out.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Dirty grime no more

    Very well structured and the fibres are quite visible which is a plus for me. Comes with 2 pack which budget friendly. I also like how it is very easy to use. I will surely buy this after i have fo ish the whole packet. Will definitely recommend to other friends too
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Very impressive

    Im a really impressed with these i must say! Feels very soft yet strong enough to hold the liquid in 1 swipe and go. Incan really say incan make the switch instead of our regular use of blue chucks who would normally smell like feet or insect after a few weeks
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 Pack Review

    My new dish sponge

    Love these sponges! Found that they work just as well, if not better than a traditional sponge. Love that it's made of 81 percent of natural materials, I know that the sponge will break down quicker than other ones onthe market which is important knowing how quickly you go through them. Will be making these a regular purchase.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Wow

    Super impressed with this product

    Love the reusability and comes out of the washing machine looking fresh

    Cleans as well as any regular cleaning cloth and better than the disposables. Super soft and a great size. Very happy to know there's now a product like this on the market to purchase.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Love that they are reusable and bamboo

    I love bamboo so I had to try and the fact they are reusable even better deffiently will buy again when my 80 washes have been used up saves so much on paper towel I will be as they are amazing and work a treat on many surfaces and they are an amazing price very happy customer
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Excellent quality sustainable cleaning products!

    I recently had the pleasure of trialling Oats Earthly products that are exclusively available at Coles. The reusable bamboo wipes, sponge scourers and non-scratch scourers were very effective and they are such amazing value for money. If you are after effective cleaning products that are sustainable and kinder to the planet, I highly recommend you give Oats Earthly a try! Thank you to @Oatesclean and @mouths_of_mums for allowing me to trial these amazing products!
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Super pleased!

    So stoked with these. I have been a diehard scrub daddy user for YEARS and I can’t believe these actually measure up (and are cheaper!) so pleased. Used these to not only clean my dishes but also clean the benches. Used in combination with non scratch scourers and no scratches on my Tefal pans and I scrubbed really hard as had left it overnight (whoops!). Used multiple times then just chuck in dishwasher through the cycle with the dishes to refresh. Good as new!

    An essential and will be repurchasing. Thank you
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 Pack Review

    What do you meeeeean!!!! So good

    So stoked with these. I have been a diehard scrub daddy user for YEARS and I can’t believe these actually measure up (and are cheaper!) so pleased. No scratches on my Tefal pans and I scrubbed really hard as had left it overnight (whoops!)

    An essential and will be repurchasing. Thank you
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Impressed!

    I’m actually impressed. 1) it actually cleaned up spills way better than a paper towel. 2) it held up fine in the washing machine!!! 3) didn’t even need to hang it out to dry, literally needed to use it again straight out the machine. Standard with kiddos! Happy to be helping the planet. I usually go through enough paper towel to need to buy a new pack every fortnightly shop. Thats at least 1 roll per week or more. Something I had never considered as an impact on the environment and am now way more mindful.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Fantastic non scratch scourer

    Absolutely loved these. These non-scratch scourers are a great addition to the kitchen. At first I was cautious using them however I used them on all my non-stick cookware and they were fantastic! They removed grime easily and cleaned up any build up. I will be purchasing these again and would definitely recommend them.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Tough at grime

    This scourer really does lift the grime and grease off your dishes. Combined with hot water and detergent, your dishes come out sparkling clean and grime/ grease free. A godsend for households like ours who are dishwasher free.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Premium feel, premium product

    This is a premium feeling dish sponge. It takes a while for the scourer side to soften up but it really does lift the grease and grime off dishes without scratching. I was a bit worried that the scourer being grey (instead of your traditional green) would discolour but so far it has not
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Oates Earthly range Non-Scratch Scourer

    Received the Oates Earthly range Non-Scratch Scourer 2 pack and used the scourer to scrub and remove tough stains on dishes, mugs, pots, pans in the kitchen, and to clean tiles in the bathroom. Reusable and durable. Better for the planet as scourer is made from responsibly sourced coconut yarn and recycled polyester.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Oates Earthly range Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer

    Received the Oates Earthly range Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 pack and used the sponge side to wash and clean dishes, mugs, cutlery, and used the scourer side to remove stubborn stains on pots, pans. Reusable and durable. Better for the planet as scourer is made from responsibly sourced coconut yarn and recycled polyester, and sponge material is made from 100% biodegradable cellulose.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Oates Earthly Range Reusable Bamboo Wipes

    Received the Oates Earthly range

    Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets and used it wet to wipe down the table, sink and benchtop. Also used it dry to absorb and mop up spills on floors. Easily cleaned by rinsing, hand washing or machine washing. Responsibly and sustainably sourced bamboo, so better for the planet.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Non Scratch sponge

    I love that this sponge is biodegradable but I would say that it's as good as other brand sponge. I would love if it's a bit more thicker because I'm used to my old brand. Also after a whole night drying on the sink, the sponge harden up like a piece of dried up toast that I can immediately use it.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Non Scratch Scourer

    I tried the scourer on the bottom of my pan. Usually I only give it a quick swipe of the sponge without really getting into it because if all the sticky oil residue. I'm surprised that the non scratch scourer actually managed to lighten up the oil residue without too much of elbow grease. Maybe I'll try again next time to get it cleaner.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Extremely durable and wash well!!

    I love the idea of these but they smelt a little odd out of the packaging. I washed first before use and they were amazing after that! I have washed one 18 times now and it’s still going strong. Really durable and feels good to be kinder to the planet while cleaning my home.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Finally can get my stainless steel shiny!

    I swapped to stainless steel and it’s been a learning curve, lots of baked on stains on my frypan, but with the help of the Oates Scourer I am able to quickly remove the cooking residue without using strong chemicals which was the whole reason behind swapping away from non stick pans. I love that it a natural fibre and it feels good to do better for the environment!
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Amazing!

    I was pleasantly surprised at how strong the wipes are. My kids spilled glass of water on the table, I tried the Bamboo Wipes and it moped all of the water in one go without any drips and the table was dry! My kid has ben regularly using the wipes to wipe the table after each meal for the past two weeks and the wipes hasn't showed any signs of breaking down yet. Well done! Will definitely recommend and buy a new roll when mine runs out.
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Dirty grime no more

    Very well structured and the fibres are quite visible which is a plus for me. Comes with 2 pack which budget friendly. I also like how it is very easy to use. I will surely buy this after i have fo ish the whole packet. Will definitely recommend to other friends too
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Potential of liking it

    Im impressed with these quality. It is evidently nature looking as fibres are quite visible. For me it needs a little bit of time to get used to it as Im still used to the old brand i used.

    I love the packaging that it is recyclable what are you doing
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Non-Scratch Sponge Scourer 2 Pack Review

    Excellent oven clean!

    The new Oates Earthly range takes care of cleaning while you take care of the planet! It was the perfect way to get built up and baked on residue off my oven glass, while not using extreme harsh chemicals. It felt great to be able to use my oven shortly after cleaning and the Oates Non-Scratch Sponge and Scourer make it feel shiny and new! Highly recommend, I’d buy again!
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.

  • Reusable Bamboo Wipes 10 Sheets Review

    Very impressive

    Im a really impressed with these i must say! Feels very soft yet strong enough to hold the liquid in 1 swipe and go. Incan really say incan make the switch instead of our regular use of blue chucks who would normally smell like feet or insect after a few weeks
    How would you rate this product now that you've tried it?
    This member received this product in exchange for their honest opinion.
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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.

MontiiCo B.Box Frank Green Lunch Container Yumbox Sky Gazer Bentgo Modern The Somewhere Co. Mini EcoCocoon Bright Star Kids Stuck On You Country Road Elysia OmieBox
Style Bag Bento Box Bento Bag Bento Bag Bento Bag Bento Bag Bento
Colour variations YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
Material Fabric & aluminium lining PP & silicone Stainless steel & silicone ABS, tritan & silicone Fabric & PEVA lining BPA-free plastic RPET & aluminium foil lining Stainless steel & silicone Fabric & insulation lining BPA-free plastic 100% cotton canvas & insulation lining Stainless 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 its Roomy size & machine washable design Custom divider 3-in-1 design Portion-controlled sections Unique designs Removable sandwich divider Shoulder strap Dishwasher-safe parts Personalisation Leak-proof silicone seal Internal name label Storage 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.

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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.

    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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