Food containers and bento boxes are a type of storage container specifically designed for storing and transporting food. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different needs:
Types of food containers:
- Food containers: A general term for any container used to store food.
- Bento boxes: Compartmentalized lunch boxes originating from Japan, typically featuring sections for protein, vegetables, rice, and other accompaniments.
- Lunch boxes: Insulated or non-insulated containers designed to carry lunches.
- Meal prep containers: Containers specifically designed for preparing and storing individual meals in advance.
- Storage containers: Containers used for storing food in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry.
- Lunch containers: Another term for lunch boxes.
- Snack containers: Small containers for storing and carrying snacks.
- Salad containers: Containers specifically designed for storing salads, often with a separate compartment for dressing.
- Meal prep bowls: Bowls designed for meal prepping, often featuring compartments or stackable with other bowls for portion control.
Materials:
- Plastic containers: Lightweight, affordable, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, some plastics may contain BPA.
- Glass containers: Non-porous, odor-resistant, and can be microwaved and oven-safe (depending on the type of glass). Heavier than plastic.
- Stainless steel containers: Durable, leak-proof, and eco-friendly. Not microwave-safe and can dent.
Features:
- Divided containers: Have compartments to separate different foods in the same container.
- Portion control containers: Help with portion control by having pre-measured compartments.
- Insulated containers: Maintain the temperature of food for hot or cold meals.
- Leak-proof containers: Designed to prevent spills and leaks.
- Stackable containers: Designed to save space by stacking neatly on top of each other.
- Reusable containers: Eco-friendly alternative to disposable containers.
- Microwave-safe containers: Can be safely used in the microwave for reheating food.
- Freezer-safe containers: Can be safely stored in the freezer.
- BPA-free containers: Do not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in some plastics that may be harmful to health.
