12 Lunch-Packing Tricks from Food Experts

Packing lunch can be overwhelming, especially when considering the logistics of what to pack, how much effort is reasonable, and whether the food will still be appealing by noon. To get some insight, food experts and editors from Serious Eats, Real Simple, and EatingWell shared their strategies for packing lunches that are realistic, balanced, and hold up until lunchtime.

## Get a Big Ol’ Lunchbox Food experts recommend using a big, open lunchbox instead of bento-style lunchboxes with small compartments. This allows for more flexibility when packing lunch and makes it easier to fit in a variety of foods.

## Start With a Can of Tuna or Beans Using canned proteins like tuna or beans can be a great way to add protein to a lunch salad or grain bowl. Simply add the canned protein to a bed of greens or grains, bulk it up with whatever is in the fridge, and punch it up with pickled vegetables.

## Keep Lunches Hot on the Go A good food thermos can be a game-changer for keeping lunches hot on the go. Simply add warmed soup, pasta, or leftovers to the thermos in the morning, and it will stay hot until lunchtime. Some thermoses can also be used to keep cold foods cold by pre-chilling them in the fridge.

## Make a Big Pot of Soup Making a big pot of soup over the weekend can be a great way to have lunch ready for several days. Simply portion out the soup into containers and refrigerate or freeze for later use. This can be a big time-saver and ensures a healthy, filling lunch.

## Plan Ahead for Protein-Packed Stews and Salads Planning ahead can make a big difference when it comes to packing lunch. Making a big batch of quinoa or other grains at the beginning of the week can provide a base for stews and salads throughout the week. Adding protein sources like beans, tuna, or chicken can make for a filling and satisfying lunch.

## Get Some Containers That Don’t Leak Having containers that seal tightly can be a lifesaver when it comes to packing lunch. Mason jars or containers with tight-fitting lids can be used to pack salads, soups, or other foods without worrying about leaks or spills.

## Consider a Cooler Lunchbag For those who need to pack lunch and keep it cool for several hours, a cooler lunchbag can be a great option. These bags can be frozen overnight and used to keep lunch cool until lunchtime.

## Avoid Afternoon Slumps With a Balanced Lunch Packing a balanced lunch with a combination of vegetables, fiber-rich carbohydrates, filling protein, and satisfying healthy fats can help avoid afternoon slumps. Aim for at least three of these food groups to ensure a lunch that will stick with you until the afternoon.

## Lean Into Store-Bought Shortcuts Store-bought shortcuts like salad kits, rotisserie chicken, and canned beans can make packing a healthy lunch easy. These options can be combined with other ingredients to create a balanced and filling lunch.

## Pack Your Lunch the Night Before Packing lunch the night before can save time and brainpower in the morning. Simply prepare the lunch ingredients, portion them out into containers, and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

## Motivate Yourself With Something Aesthetically Pleasing Having a cute and functional lunch container can make packing lunch more enjoyable. Consider investing in a bento box or other container that adds a little fun to the practice of packing lunch.

## Try a Tiffin Using a tiffin, a tiered container popular in India, can be a great way to pack lunch. Each layer can hold a different food, making it easy to pack a variety of ingredients and keep them separate until lunchtime.