Insulated Backpack with Compartments–Benefits for Kids

Introduction

In this article, we’re checking out one of the most convenient, practical options for packing school lunches, snacks, or even a picnic trip – the insulated backpack. We’re extensively reviewing this product, and helping you pick the best option for your young one. We’ll examine why these products are so effective, and even outline our choices for the top options on the market! Let’s get started.

What is an Insulated Backpack?

An insulated backpack is a great option for keeping the contents of your bag cool (or warm). An insulated backpack is just what the name implies – it’s a backpack that has extra insulation for locking in a certain temperature. It saves you from carrying a separate insulated lunch box or cooler bag.You can fit your lunch, snacks, an ice pack, water bottle or a cold drink and keep it chilled using the built-in insulated cooler.

However, when you actually break it down, you’ll see that there are many different options available on the market. A cooler backpack can come in all sorts of designs, with different compartments and pouches, and different types of insulation. Below, we’ll examine a few of our favorites, but first let’s look closely at how these bags actually work:

How Does it Work?

Insulated backpacks are normal backpacks with an insulated pouch and multiple pockets for keeping warm or cold food crisp. This insulated pouch works with a multi-layer design – with a middle, outer, and inner layer. These backpacks typically have a large capacity and can work great as a lunch backpack.

The outer layer is typically the same material as the backpack itself. It’s generally a high-performance, durable, and soft material. It’s meant to be strong enough to hold everything within the backpack, and soft enough to retain some flexibility.

The inner layer of the insulated compartment is meant for waterproofing. It protects the interior cooler compartment of the backpack from water damage, and also prevents your backpack from leaking. Additionally, it makes the backpack easy to drain (should this become an issue). Typically, the material used for waterproofing will be a type of plastic or vinyl with a zippered pocket.

Then we have the middle layer. The middle layer is the primary insulation material. It is the layer that prevents any heat from transferring. It keeps cold (or warm air) in, and the outside air out. Typically, this material is a foam-like substance such as polyurethane, polyethylene, or thermal batting. All of these substances are heat/cold resistant, and will provide ample insulation for the backpack itself.

What to Look for In an Insulated Backpack

Many choose an insulated backpack for obvious reasons. It’s the best of both worlds. It provides you a convenient place to keep your things, and also a separate compartment to keep everything cool and fresh. When it comes to lugging things around all day, the less things you have to carry, the better (especially for young kids). Kids will love the functionality of an insulated cooler backpack.

To pick the best insulated backpack, consider these factors:

Quality of the Backpack: We can’t talk about the quality of an insulated backpack without talking about the quality of the backpack itself. Pay special attention to the backpack’s design. This includes materials used, strength of the shoulder strap, padded shoulder on the strap, where each pocket and pouch are, and more! There are so many backpacks for kids, and you want a quality backpack with an insulated pouch. If you want some recommendations, skip to the section below.
Size of the Insulated Compartment: Of course, the size of the insulated compartment is a worthy consideration as well. Ideally, you want it to be large enough to fit a child’s lunch, a water bottle, or perhaps snacks for later in the day. Basically, you want it to be practical, and that will largely depend on the size of a child’s lunchbox as well.
Quality of the Seal: Pay special attention to the area that seals the insulated compartment. The tighter the better, as its more efficient in keeping the area controlled for temperature. For example, something like a zippered pocket will be a much more efficient insulator than something like Velcro. However, it’s also worth noting that you don’t need to overdo it. An insulated backpack isn’t meant to totally prevent all temperature from escaping. It’s really just supposed to keep a lunch cool or warm for the few hours until lunch time. So, if you’re focused on getting the absolute best insulated seal, you might be overdoing it!

Some of Our Favourites

Before we wrap up our article, we thought we’d check out a few of our favorite insulated backpacks. There are so many choices out there, and you might get a little overwhelmed by all the picks on the market. Here are a few of our favourite insulated backpacks. These are fun choices that are highly efficient as well!

Yodo Kids Insulated Backpack

Here’s a really fun option for an insulated lunch bag. The Yodo Kids insulated pack is meant to look like a dinosaur! It’s a really fun, cool backpack that kids can easily support on their backs.

This one comes in a variety of options. There’s the basic insulated backpack, the larger insulated backpack, and even the 3-in-1 school backpack. So, whether you simply need an insulated bag, or you also need a backpack to pack your child’s school supplies, you can find what you need with Yodo Kids products.

Skip Hop Insulated Backpack

The Skip Hop Insulated Backpack is another really fun design. This one comes in various designs that kids love – from unicorn, to fox, to butterfly!

This is a fully functional school backpack, with an extra insulated pouch for your child’s lunch. The insulated compartment is quite effective, and will keep kids’ lunches cool until lunch time.

The insulated pouch is located at the front of the bag, while the larger main compartment is completely separate. This allows you to easily separate your child’s lunch from their supplies, so that will only open the insulated pouch when they need to. This prevents temperature loss, and keeps food fresh!

Conclusion

Thanks so much for reading our guide to insulated backpacks. These products are a great solution for kids to keep their school lunches fresh and tasty! As a parent, you can be secure in the fact that your culinary creations will make it to lunch time. Insulated backpacks are a great 2-in-1 product for school supplies and school lunches!

December 5, 2020February 12, 2022

Keeping Lunch Cool: How Does an Insulated Lunch Box Work?

Introduction

In this article, we’re talking all about keeping lunches cool! That’s right, we’re talking about insulated lunch boxes! An insulated lunch bag is a great, convenient choice for packing a cold lunch. These products tout numerous benefits, and we’ll examine them all below. Specifically, we’re going dig deep and actually examine how these products work!

So, if you have an inquisitive mind, read on to learn more about this useful lunch cooler that’ll keep your packed lunch cool.

What is an “Insulated” Lunch Box?

An insulated lunch box is just what the name implies. It’s a lunch coolerbag that has extra layers of insulation to keep cold food at a certain temperature. There are several options of insulated food containerson the market, but most of them tend to follow a pretty similar design pattern. In the next section, we’ll explain how they work. Understanding how these lunch boxes work can help you to evaluate the product offerings on the market.

How Does It Work?

An insulated lunch box works by having a multi-layered design. Each layer of the lunch box (or lunch bag) serves a certain purpose. Typically, there is an outer layer, an inner layer, and a middle layer.

An insulated lunch bagor lunch container starts with a hard outer-layer. This layer is typically made of a hard plastic or vinyl material (or even stainless steel). In the case of an insulated bag, it might also be polyester or nylon. Regardless of the material, the primary function is similar, to provide a layer of rigidity and protect the lunch boxes contents from damage. In the case of a lunch box, the outer layer holds its shape quite well, and will prevent the lunch box from getting crushed when placed into a bag (such as a backpack).

There is also an inner layer. The primary purpose of the inner layer is waterproofing. The inner layer is typically made of something like plastic, aluminum, or vinyl, although other options are available as well. The waterproofing keeps any water that may run off the food (or even ice) from damaging the lunch box (or anything surrounding it). Any water would stay inside the lunch box, so that it can be easily drained. A leak-proof lunchbox is essential if you are storing your lunch box in a bag with your valuables. Of course, you probably want to minimize water regardless, as it could make your meal wet and soggy!

Then there’s the middle layer. The middle layer is the primary layer for insulation. The insulation material will vary, but often it is a foam-like substance, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, or thermal batting. Basically, this insulation material prevents heat transfer. It prevents heat and cold from escaping the lunch box, keeping your food at the desired temperature.

How Effective Is It?

It goes without saying that there are various degrees of quality when it comes to an insulated lunchbox. Numerous factors will actually influence how well it performs. These factors include:

Temperature Outside:The outside temperature is one of the top variables when considering how effective an insulated lunchbox will be. It goes without saying that, if you live in a hot climate, your food will quickly heat up to room temperature You need to consider this when you’re packing lunch and when you buy your lunchbox. Hotter areas may require a more extensive lunch box!
Materials: The quality of a lunch box’s design will also influence its effectiveness. The materials used, as well as how much of the materials are used, and how the lunch box is actually constructed. Materials with thicker, more durable middle linings will provide more effective insulation.
Quality of the Seal: Another important variable is that actual quality of the seal on the lunchbox. The seal is found in the area where the lunchbox opens. If temperature is able to escape through this seal, then you have a lower quality insulated lunch box on your hands. For example, a Velcro seal on the lunch box is less effective than a zipper seal.
Contents Within the Box: What you are actually packing for lunch makes a pretty big difference as well. For example, you probably won’t be able to get away with packing actual frozen food without expecting some melting. Insulated food containers are meant to keep food cool, but they aren’t meant to be perfect. They don’t provide total insulation, and are really only good for holding temperatures for about 3 hours (the distance from breakfast to lunchtime). So, unless you get a top-of-the-line lunchbox, you probably can’t get away with packing things like popsicles in a school lunch.

Is There Any Way to Make It Better?

Now that we’ve examined the typical properties of an insulated lunch box, is there a way to actually improve the performance of these products? Yes!There are a few ways that you can keep your food cooler (or warmer) longer!

First, if you want to keep things extra cool, try a cooling pack. An icepack or a gel pack will emit cold throughout the day, and further extend the cooling properties of the lunch box. Additionally, the lunch box will insulate the temperature emitted from the pack, so the two work together quite nicely!

Next, be sure to add some layers of “insulation” to your food as well. This insulation can be as simple as plastic wrap for a sandwich, or keeping your food in a Ziploc bag. This simply provides yet another layer to keep the temperature locked in!

And finally, don’t open the bag! Every time you open the bag, you let a lot of the inner temperature escape. Everything that was efficiently being insulated escapes the bag, and a lot of the efficiency is lost. Definitely keep your bag closed until you need to use it!

Conclusion

Thanks so much for checking out our guide to insulated lunch boxes! Hopefully we’ve given you some useful tips and tricks for buying your next lunch box, and keeping your food cool or warm until it’s time for lunch!

December 5, 2020February 6, 2022

How to Use Insulated Hot Lunch Container to Keep Meals Safe

Introduction

In this article, we’re concerning ourselves with one thing – hot lunches! Specifically, we’re looking at how you can pack a hot lunch for school, and keep it at a desired temperature until lunch time. We’re going to evaluate the effectiveness of various insulated lunch containers, and see which product you will require to keep your lunches at an ideal temperature. After that, we’re going to give you some safety tips to ensure that kids know how to properly handle these hot meals!

Hot Lunch Containers

First up, the most important thing in keeping a lunch hot is the actual container in which you pack the lunch. There are a few options to get the job done, and each has a varying degree of effectiveness. However, they all have specific purposes. Generally speaking, each are better for storing different types of food. For example, packing soup would require a different lunch container than packing chicken breast.

The best way to decide on the ideal insulated lunch container for yourself is to view the options available. Here are the main types of containers for keeping lunches warm:

Types of Insulated Lunch Containers

Insulated Lunch Bag

First up, you have the insulated lunch bag. The insulated lunch bag achieves just what the name implies. Its layer of insulation is ideal for keeping heat (or cold) inside the bag. It keeps external temperature out, and keeps internal temperature in.

Typically, these bags work through a series of layers. The external layer is the outer material, responsible for the durability and form of the bag. The inner layer is primarily for waterproofing, and it ensures that no leaks escape the bag, or damage the bag itself.

The middle layer is what is primarily responsible for insulation. It is typically a foam-like material such as polyurethane. It is an insulated substance, and prevents heat transfer, keeping the contents of the bag warm or cold.

These bags are pretty good for packing hot lunches. Although they are effective insulators, they aren’t perfect. They’re usually only good for keeping things warm for a few hours. In all likelihood, your child would still have to use the school microwave to reheat a meal once they get to lunch time. However, they keep the heat well enough that your hot food won’t get cold, and won’t need extensive heating up in the microwave, which could dry it out.

Insulated Lunch Box

An insulated lunch box is very similar to the insulated bag above. Its function is generally the same: to keep food’s temperature consistent.

The main difference is in the outer layer, or “shell.” As you can see from the picture, this one has a hard outer-shell. This outer-shell is better for durability purposes. For example, it can be placed inside a backpack, and you don’t have to worry about the food inside the box getting squished.

Similar to the insulated bag above, these are generally good insulators, but not perfect. They have different degrees of effectiveness, but generally, your child will still need to reheat a hot meal that you pack into an insulated lunch box.

Thermos

If you want to pack hot food and keep it hot, then a Thermos is your best bet! Depending on the Thermos, it is often very insulated, and some even utilize double or triple insulation, with a vacuum seal on the lid to keep hot food hot.

If you buy a quality thermos, it should keep your food hot for roughly 6 hours. Many only think of Thermos containers for soup, but they’re quite useful for solids as well. You can pack whole meals into a Thermos if you want to keep them hot until lunch time.

Insulated Bento Box

Here’s another fun option. An insulated bento box gives you the benefit of multiple compartments for your food. You can pack separate parts of your meal, and keep them apart so that the taste and textures don’t mix.

Many insulated bento boxes are quite efficient. Stainless steel options will keep food hot, and come with an additional insulation pouch where the entire bento box can be placed. The example above is very efficient at keeping multiple components of your lunch warm until lunch time.

However, as with all insulated products, different options on the market will have varying degrees of effectiveness.

Safety Tips for Kids

When packing a lunch for kids, there are additional considerations associated with packing hot lunches. These considerations revolve around safety. Simply put, hot meals can be dangerous for kids, as they present a burning hazard. So be sure to follow these safety tips when packing a hot lunch:

Teach Your Kids to Use the Container: While these products might seem pretty intuitive to us, it might be your kid’s first experience with them. For example, a child may not know how to properly use and reseal a Thermos. You need to teach them the importance of opening and resealing these products properly. Also, keep them aware that the food might be very hot, and that they might want to wait a few minutes before eating it.
Don’t Pack Food Too Hot: If you’re packing food into a container that is particularly insulated (such as a Thermos) it’s probably a good idea to not pack food that is overly hot. Remember, these products keep their heat very well, so only try to pack food that is at the proper temperature for a child to eat.
No Metal in the Microwave: If your child is going to need to use the microwave to reheat their meal, be sure to tell them the #1 rule of microwave usage – no metal in the microwave!

Conclusion

Thanks very much for checking out our guide to insulated hot lunch containers. Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand the various uses for different products on the market, and opened your eyes to some of the safety concerns associated with these products. Remember, the best insulated lunch container is just the one that is best for you!

August 10, 2018May 5, 2020

Srise Insulated Lunch Box Review

Srise Insulated Lunch Box: QUICK OVERVIEW

Review of: Srise Insulated Lunch Box

Category: Lunch Bags

Construction

Design

Size

Affordability

What We Like

Suitable for men, women, and children
The main compartment can be divided into three
Reliable and responsive customer support

What We Don’t Like

Doesn’t hold warmth for longer periods

Finding the balance between a healthy and convenient lunch can often prove to be difficult. This depends upon a variety of factors such as the proximity of your workplace to possible dining options or the availability of a canteen. One thing commonly agreed is that lunches have to be quick in order to allow enough time to purchase and consume it in time to return to work.A packed lunch can help you beat those queues and dodge the unhealthy food options as you pre-pack all of your favorite goodies yourself. Consuming your food throughout the course of the day rather than at one specific time is also better for your general health and metabolic rate. As a result, you’ll find your energy levels balanced throughout the day.This review aims to help you decide whether or not the Srise Insulated Lunch Box is a good fit for you and your food storage requirements.

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Srise Insulated Lunch Box Review

The Srise Insulated Lunch Box offers all of the practicalities and functionality of a modern day lunch box in a minimalist, easy-to-carry design. Great for work, school, and days out, this insulated lunch box will easily keep your food warm or cool for significantly longer periods.Srise ensures they use the highest quality materials during production in order to deliver a durable yet lightweight lunch box. Customers can rest assured in the product they’re buying as Srise even offer a lifetime warranty with each purchase.

Who’s This Product For?

From the design aspect, this lunch box has been kept relatively neutral with its minimalist look, making it great for a range of customers whether it’s for kids heading to school or adults on our way to the office.Srise designed this lunch box with a heavy focus on practicality. Hence, its uniform and larger than normal design. This makes it great to store a higher quantity of goods, goods of varying sizes and shapes, or even other separate food containers with ease.Its large carry handles and adjustable shoulder strap also make it a great lunch box for those on the go who need to grab it on their way out of the door.

What’s Included?

Srise Insulated Lunch Bag
Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap

Overview of Features

Main compartment 9.45″ x 5.5″ x 9.45″
Back pockets 8.6″ x 1.1″ x 1.5″.
High-density Oxford cloth and nontoxic aluminum foil construction create an extremely durable and efficient lunch box
Convenient carry handles and adjustable shoulder strap that can be attached or detached to suit the user’s needs
Available in five different colors to suit a selection of tastes.
Lifetime warranty allows for easy return in the case of any production faults
24-hour online customer service
Completely waterproof to help contain any spills in transit as well as making it incredibly easy to clean
Dual and large zipper openings for quick and easy access

How to get the most out of it

Lunch boxes serve a basic but extremely useful function of keeping our food warm or cold for longer periods. In addition to that, they also allow us to store our food in one easy-to-access location where it is less likely to get damaged or ruined.

The Srise lunch bag doesn’t simply offer protection for your lunch, but the side pockets make great places to store keys and other essential daily items rather than cramming them into your pockets. The large dimensions and single open space allow for numerous configurations of items inside the lunch box.

This means that no matter what items you’re taking for lunch that day, you shouldn’t have any problem fitting them in. It may take a couple of reshuffles to separate the hot from the cold, but if you’re also using insulated items, such as thermos, then you shouldn’t have to worry about this too much.

Alternatives

The Srise Insulated Lunch Box is a great practical lunch box befitting any occasion. However, if you’re looking for something with a bit more character, then you might want to check out the Nicole Miller of New York Insulated Lunch Cooler.The Nicole Miller Lunch Cooler still offers a larger than average capacity of 11″ x 5″ x 9″ while also being available in over 30 different colors and styles. With this many choices, you will surely find the right one to match your personality! It also offers two conveniently located side pockets that are great for storing other items.If you love the idea of something with a greater variety of designs, but you’re looking for something a bit more compact then perhaps the AosBos Reusable Insulated Tote Bag would be a better fit. It’s a bit smaller than both the Srise and the Nicole Miller of New York Lunch Cooler at 9.4″ x 6.3″ x 7.1″, but it also offers more style options than the Srise.

Conclusion

The Srise Insulated Lunch Box is great for all occasions and offers ample storage that is easily accessed through its sturdy, dual zipper. Its easy-to-transport design makes it great for those of us on the move. However, its larger than average design can make it harder to store on our way to work or school as well as when we get there.

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August 10, 2018May 5, 2020

MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag Review

MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag: QUICK OVERVIEW

Review of: MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag

Category: Lunch Bags

Construction

Design

Size

Affordability

What We Like

Padded shoulder straps are made of the same orange fabric as the lunch bag
Friendly and helpful customer support
The front pocket is excellent for storing utensils

What We Don’t Like

Not recommended for someone looking only to pack a sandwich and a drink
Zipper quality is not too good
Bottom base not solid enough; bag doesn’t maintain shape when empty

Packing your own lunch not only assures you get a varied diet filled with the nutrients but also guarantee that you get to eat your favorites. Being able to pack a variety of snacks also allows you to eat numerous times throughout the day, keeping both your energy levels and metabolic rate at healthier levels as opposed to eating larger but fewer meals.Aside from that, packed lunches also increase productivity, as the vast majority of individuals typically opt to take their lunch at their desks rather than go out and deal with the queues for vendors. This not only increases productivity but also relieves the pressure of not making it back to work on time.This review will help you decide whether or not the MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag is the right purchase for you and can meet all of your lunch bag requirements.

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MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag Review

The MIER 16 offers both functionality and style, letting you store a nice amount of goodies as well as differentiate your lunch bag from others. This makes it great whether you’re heading off to work, school or even on your way to a family picnic.MIER is an outdoor adventure company specializing in durable apparel and equipment that can withstand the harshest conditions. This should reassure parents that are looking for lunch bags that will last their kids through the years. Actually, it is also the perfect lunch bag for adults who are working in more testing environments.

Who’s This Product For?

If you’re looking to kick your bad eating habits as well as save your bank balance from the continuous lunches out, then packing a lunch for work or school is the best move for you!The MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag is built for those who appreciate quality constructed goods that offer style alongside practicality. With four different style options to choose from, this lunch bag can happily suit any occasion.This lunch bag is great if you’re looking for one that can hold a healthy sized meal for one or even two individuals. It is also fully insulated, offering full waterproofing for when the inevitable spill occurs. This feature will stop the spill from seeping out of the bag.The MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag also boasts heavy-duty stitching and fabric handle, as well as a durable shoulder, carry strap. The attachable shoulder strap also makes it great for those who may have other things to carry or who need to keep their hands free while transitioning between home and work.

What’s Included?

Brand new MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag
Attachable, adjustable shoulder carry strap with max 24″ drop

Overview of Features

Thick, leakproof PEVA insulation with heat-welded seams that make it easy to clean
Max 24-inch drop shoulder carry strap
Heavy-duty SBS zippers for quick and easy access
Larger than average lunch bag with dimensions of 11″ x 7.5″ x 9″
Padded, heavy-stitched, Velcro closure carry handles
Durable 600 denier polyester construction with double stitched stress points
Zippered front compartment for extra storage
Four vibrant colors to choose from, making it great for any occasion
100% waterproof
Incredibly lightweight at only 1.2 pounds

How to get the most out of it

Lunch bags serve one simple yet extremely important function of keeping our food cooler or warmer for longer periods and stored in a single, easy-to-access location. Although these bags are insulated to help keep our lunch at the correct temperature, mixing hot and cold food can sometimes be problematic.In order to combat this, it is best to use insulated containers for food or drink that needs to be kept hot or cold. This will help you keep your treats nice and tasty.Not only protecting your food, but the MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag also has a side compartment, which is great to keep things such as keys or accessories like cutlery or napkins. Making the most of these extra spaces will help to free up space for more snacks!

Alternatives

If you want to stick with a brand you know and trust but also want a bit more space or a few extra compartments for easier food separation, then perhaps you will be better off with the MIER Double Compartment Large Cooler Bag.It offers two large compartments, with the top measuring 13″ x 8.3″ x 3.5″ and the main compartment with dimensions 13″ x 7.8″ x 8.7″. These compartments give you a huge amount of space to store both your hot and cold food without the problem of having to buy separate insulating containers.In addition to that, it also offers the same quality of production as the MIER 16. In fact, the MIER Double Compartment Large Cooler Bag also has a front pocket for the convenient storage of accessories.

Conclusion

The MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag is great for busy people from all walks of life. Whether you are hiking up the side of a mountain and want to keep your treats safe, or it is for your kids that are heading to school and need a lunch bag that can put up with a lot of handling, the MIER 16 Can Insulated Lunch Bag has got it covered.

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August 10, 2018August 11, 2020

Lunchtime Tips: How to Keep Lunch Box Cold

Whether you’re packing a lunch for your little one or yourself, there’s a good chance that you need to keep it cool and don’t always have access to a refrigerator.

Food that’s meant to be kept cold can lose its appeal and become less appetizing when the temperature increases, and it could be potentially dangerous. That is why we’ve created this guide that’s full of suggestions to keep your food fresh and out of the danger zone.

Carrying Containers

There are a variety of options available on the market that you can either make yourself or purchase so that you can keep your food cold. They play a large part in ensuring that the goodies you pack remain at the temperature they are supposed to be for few hours between packing and eating.

1. Insulated Lunch Bags

One of the more popular options is the insulated lunch bag. They come in a broad range of shapes, sizes, and designs. Many of these lunch bags also have lots of space and extra storage pockets.Typically, they are made of an outer layer, inner layer, and an insulating middle layer that helps with reflecting the core temperature back, so it remains cooler longer.

2. Stainless Steel or Freezer Safe Containers

Purchasing a stainless-steel container such as a reusable bento or any other freezer-safe container works to keep food cold. All you need to do is put the containers in the freezer before you pack them, and they can hold on to the cold for an impressive amount of time.

3. Thermos

Thermos containers aren’t just suitable for keeping beverages hot, but they can also be used for keeping food and drinks cold. They are designed with the proper insulation to ensure food and drinks maintain a temperature that is within the safe zone. The Thermos brand containers are also all free from BPA and lead.

4. Cooler Containers

If you are packing a large lunch that needs more space or packing for more than one person, a cooler could be a better option. They are made specially to provide more space, and the insulation acts as refrigeration of sorts to keep the content cool.

Cooling the Content

While using containers and lunch bags that are made to keep the contents cold is smart, that’s only one step when you need to know how to keep lunch box cold. You can use some of these tips to help ensure that the lunch you pack remains cold for as long as possible.

1. Ice or Frozen Gel Packs

Using an ice pack is almost imperative when packing a cold lunch. You want to ensure that it’s frozen, and not just cold.It works to keep the temperature of your lunch box down while you wait for the time to pass before you can eat. When you use more than one, your food stays colder. These packs are available in most stores and are quite affordable.

2. Frozen Water Bottles

Most people pack a water bottle in their lunch boxes. To maximize it, just freeze a water bottle overnight and pack it in the lunch bag. It acts as a great tool to keep the temperature down, and it’s refreshingly cold and thawed when it comes the time to drink it.

3. Do-It-Yourself Ice Packs

For those of you looking to know how to keep lunch box cold with do-it-yourself methods, we’ve found two simple options for you, and you likely have the materials at home already.

Sponge Ice Packs

Get yourself a sponge, a plastic bag, and a glass bowl before starting. You simply fill the bowl with cold water and dunk the sponge into it until it’s thoroughly soaked.Make sure to let the excess water drip off the sponge first, and then place the fully wet sponge in a ziplock bag. Then, remove all the air from the bag, seal it up, and put it in the freezer overnight.

Dish Soap Gel Pack

To create a dish soap gel pack, you need to line the inside of a glass with a ziplock bag, but make sure that the seal is guarded so that no soap gets on the zipper. From there, add approximately ¾ cups of the soap to the empty bag and add in some food coloring if you want to make it colorful.Make sure to remove all air bubbles from the bag before you remove it from the cup and seal it. After it’s sealed, lay it flat in the freezer overnight. Keep in mind that they won’t freeze to a solid, but to a gel-like consistency that can get reused.

FINAL VERDICT

There are plenty of ways to keep your lunch box and the content of your lunch box cold. Sometimes you just need to use your imagination, and other times you need to make a trip to the store to buy the right containers.

Always remember to keep your food out of the danger zone, so you or your kid don’t get sick. The food being eaten should remain below 40F for cold and above 140F for hot. Happy eating!

August 10, 2018February 6, 2022

Feeding Your Kids: Do Insulated Lunch Bags Keep Food Warm?

There’s no question that children are amongst some of the pickiest eaters, especially when they’re in their younger years.

It might feel like a headache at the time because they have no qualms about telling you, but as a parent, you likely want to give your kid what they want.

So, what do you do if they say that they don’t want cold lunches at school and there’s no microwave available? Do insulated lunch bags keep food warm enough to satisfy your little one? Do you need to invest in a thermos and feed them nothing but soup?We’ve gathered a few tips and tricks to help you keep your kid’s happy with warm meals.

Food Keeper Options

When cooking a hot meal for your kid’s lunch, the first thing you want to do is ensure that it’s something that can be eaten while cold, too. The last thing you want is for your kid to get sick because of eating something that should be hot when it’s too cold. Once you’ve made that decision, it’s time to prepare.

Thermos

There are plenty of thermos options available on the market so that you can keep your kid’s food warm until it’s time to eat. Food such as soups, pasta, and stews can be added to the thermos to give them a warm lunch.

If you go with this option, remember to preheat the thermos with boiling water for ten minutes, as it helps keep it warm until lunchtime. Once you’ve heated up the food, you can add it to the thermos and seal it tight, so no heat escapes.

Insulated Lunch Bags

Over the years, insulated lunch bags have become increasingly popular, and some even include gel packs that can be heated at the base. Many also include dividers for hot and cold food. If you choose to go with an insulated lunch bag, you still need to prepare the food to the recommended temperature adequately, and then reheat it before packing.Whatever food you choose, wrap it in aluminum foil after it’s been cooked to seal in the warmth. You can add an additional layer of insulation by wrapping it in a tea towel, napkins, or paper towel.

All About Insulated Lunch Bags

Whether you’ve been packing lunches for years or you’re new to the concept, you’ve undoubtedly asked the infamous “Do insulated lunch bags keep food warm?” question, and the answer is “Yes.” Plastic or metal lunch boxes don’t provide the proper amount of insulation to keep food hot or cold, and plastic and brown bags are even worse. Unless you or your kid will eat the food right away, you need an insulated lunch bag to retain the heat long enough, so it’s still warm three to five hours later.Layers are incorporated in insulated lunch bags, and they’re the key to everything. Typically, each bag has an outer layer, an inner layer, and then a layer of insulation between the two.

You can purchase the lunch bags in a variety of materials such as vinyl and plastic, but it’s the middle insulation layer that’s the essential part and is usually made out of a type of foam. On the other hand, inner layers are traditionally waterproof and made from foil, plastic, or vinyl.While the primary purpose of an insulated lunch bag is to keep your prepared food hot or cold, it’s still recommended that you use a gel pack to help the process. Some lunch bags come with them, but if it doesn’t, they are affordable and easy to use.Heated gel packs have a flexible gel inside of their plastic pouch and can be heated in the microwave. They are built to hold temperatures, so it helps keep the food inside warm.

Extra Tips

Make the food too hot to eat since the extra heat helps with keeping the food warm during the hours between preparation and consumption.
Do not open the thermos once it’s been sealed because that will allow the heat to escape.
Wrap a tea towel around the thermos to add additional insulation. This also helps with separating hot containers and cold food such as juice boxes and fruit cups.
Add a heated gel pack or bottle to the insulated lunch bag to add extra warmth.
Always ensure hot and cold food are kept separated to the best of your ability.
Make sure that perishable food gets prepared at their recommended temperature.
Test out your insulated lunch bag by preparing your own lunch and seeing how long it remains warm.

FINAL VERDICT

Using insulated lunch bags to keep food warm is the most recommended way of doing so, but you should always take additional steps to ensure that the food stays as hot as it can and for as long as it can. You can use all the information provided here to help you keep your and your kid’s lunches warm and edible. Happy eating!

August 10, 2018October 20, 2020

DIY Projects: How to Make an Insulated Lunch Bag

It might come as a surprise to you, but you don’t need to be a sewing master to make your own lunch bag because understanding the steps that are required isn’t that complicated, even for those who have never used a sewing machine before.

This brief article is going to break down how to make an insulated lunch bag quickly so that you can get started on your next do-it-yourself craft project.

The Preparation Stage

Before you start constructing your insulated lunch bag, there are tools and materials that you need so that you can put it together correctly. There are plenty of options out there, but to keep things simple, we are sticking with a handful of items that you can easily find at your local craft, hobby, and art stores.

Fabrics and Textiles

There are thousands of materials available on the market, and they all come in different designs and colors. The great thing about making your own insulated lunch bag is that you can let your creativity shine by using one fabric design for the outside layer, and another design for the inner. There are no rules to the fabric that you use, but it’s recommended to choose something durable as well as machine washable.

Patterns

You will probably have the quickest time getting going if you use a purchased pattern, simply because the authors have spent time testing and tweaking to make instructions easy, but you don’t have to go that route. Doing a quick search on the internet is all you need to do to find a wide variety of lunch bag patterns that are free, beautiful, and easy to follow. If you choose to work from a design, we recommend picking one for beginners if it’s your first time. However, for the sake of this article, a pattern isn’t required for the construction of the lunch bag.

Measuring Devices

Rulers such as the Omnigrid Ruler are essential parts of making a lunch bag at home. To ensure your fabrics have the same measurements, are the right size, and all cuts are made in a straight line, rulers are needed.

Adhesives

The Sulky Spray Adhesive is recommended to keep your fabrics stuck together before moving to the sewing machine, while fabric glue sticks can be used to temporarily hold the Velcro in place before stitching it to the materials.

Insulation

One of the critical parts of an insulated lunch bag is the insulation; otherwise, you just have a regular lunch sack. You can find Pellon Insul-Fleece at your local craft store, and it’s perfect to use for the insulation layer of your lunch bag and helps to reflect the temperature of the food stored in the sack.

Other Tools

A rotary cutter for cutting the fabric, fabric pen for marking the material, an iron, optional wonder clips, and a sewing machine.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Make an Insulated Lunch Bag

Now that you have all of the materials and tools that you need, it’s time to start using them. We’ve included an in-depth YouTube tutorial that we’ve found so that you have a visual to help you follow along. All of the steps provided in this article match up with the tutorial to ensure things remain simple.

Cut two 16’’x 13’’ pieces of your outer layer fabric along with coordinating pieces of your insulation fleece.
Lay the insulation on your workspace table with the shiny-side facing down, and use your spray adhesive to adhere the cotton side of the outer layer of fabric to the insulation. Ensure that you repeat the step for the other piece so that you end up with two.
Bring the pieces of cloth to the sewing machine and quilt stitch them so that they hold together. Make sure that you smooth your fabric out as you sew so that you aren’t left with any jumps or puckers in the material.
Take the pieces as well as the folding and square rulers and then cut the sides down to size using your rotary cutter. The recommended measurement is 15 ½’’ x 12 12’’.
Measure two inches down and two inches inward with a small ruler, and use your fabric pen to mark the place where your Velcro should sit. One piece of your lunch sack should have the rough side of the Velcro, while the other part of the lunch bag should have the soft. Adjust the size of the Velcro to your preference.
Use fabric glue to stick the Velcro pieces to the material and then use a basic straight stitch on your sewing machine to sew them to the fabric.
Cut two inner lining pieces to match the outer lining at 15 ½’’ by 12 ½’’.
Apply a single piece of Velcro to each piece of the inner lining directly in the center of the fabric, and stitch it into place.

If you want to know how to make an insulated lunch bag, you can find the rest of the steps required in the YouTube video that we’ve included below.

FINAL VERDICT

While there might be a lot of steps included in making your lunch bag, they are quick and easy to follow. Not only does making your lunch sack save you money, but you get to let your personality show by choosing fabrics that you want, and even ones that match your mood.You can bring a different lunch bag to work or school every day, all while keeping your food warm or cold. Who knows? Once practice makes perfect, your friends could be asking you to make them lunch sacks of their own.

August 10, 2018September 24, 2020

Best Insulated Lunch Bags of 2019: Complete Reviews with Comparison

Many benefits come with using an insulated lunch bag, and safety is just one of them. Storing your food in a bag that helps maintain the temperature of your food helps to ensure it remains in the safety zone, preventing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

As a way to assist you with making sure you get the best insulated lunch bag for your dollar and one that does what it’s supposed to do, we’ve compared five insulated lunch bags.

Top 5 Insulated Lunch Bags Comparison Chart

Srise Lunch Box Insulated Lunch Bag For Men & Women Meal Prep Lunch Tote Boxes

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Betsey Johnson KITCH Cat Face Oval Top Handle Insulated Snack Lunch Tote Bag – Black

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MIER 16 Can Large Insulated Lunch Bag for Women, Soft Leakproof Liner, Orange

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Hango Adult Lunch Box Insulated Lunch Bag Large Cooler Tote Bag (Set of 2 Sizes) For Men and Women, Black

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Aosbos Insulated Lunch Box Bag Cooler Reusable Tote Bag Women Men 7.5L Black

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Best Insulated Lunch Bag Reviews

1. Srise Insulated Tote Lunch Bag

The Srise Insulated Tote Lunch Bag allows you to pack a well-balanced meal while maintaining the warmth and cold of the food inside. We took a look at some of the great features provided with the lunch bag, so we could determine just how good it really is.

Review

A non-toxic aluminum foil material was used to line the surface of the inside of the Srise lunch bag, making it resistant to liquids and stains while still making sure that no chemicals leak through the food stored. The insulation material also reflects heat by bouncing the thermal energy back to the content of the lunch bag. It retains all taste, textures, and moisture.The bag was also constructed using highly durable, 1680D Oxford fabric on the outside. It comes with an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap and handles, providing multiple ways of carrying the lunch bag.Srise created a bag that utilizes every bit of space but in a universal size. It has a main compartment for the majority of your meal, including containers, and a separate section for drinks and other colder items. Also, there’s a small pocket at the front for storing keys, cell phones, and more. There is also a lifetime warranty that comes with this lunch bag, and the company offers consistent customer support.

PROS

Suitable for men, women, and children
The main compartment can be divided into three
Reliable and responsive customer support
Risk-free purchase

CONS

Doesn’t hold warmth for longer periods

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2. Betsey Johnson Be Mine Top Handle Tote Lunch Bag

Betsey Johnson is known for her creativity and vibrant designs, and the Be Mine Top Handle Tote doesn’t disappoint in that regard. As a world-renown designer, there’s no way we could leave out her line of lunch bags without comparing them to others first.

Review

It’s an insulated tote that includes both a detachable shoulder strap as well as a top handle for multiple ways of carrying. There is a very roomy main compartment for all of your meal, as well as a cute zippered pouch at the front of the bag. It even has a third section at the bottom, which is perfect for holding an ice pack to keep food colder even longer.

PROS

Unique and stylish design
Two insulated sections
Has attachable and adjustable shoulder straps

CONS

The top compartment is not wide enough
Cannot stand completely upright unless weighted down
Smaller than expected

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3. MIER Large Insulated Lunch Bag

As a highly recognizable name on the insulated lunch cooler market, MIER has always been amongst the top-rated. This is an affordable lunch bag from a company that has worked hard at maintaining their excellent reputation while providing a reliable product at a fraction of the cost of some others.

Review

The MIER Large Insulated Lunch Bag is exactly as it says. It’s an insulated and leak-proof cooler-style bag with PEVA lining that helps with keeping food and drink fresh and at their desired temperature for hours. It has an insulated heat-welded system that prevents leaks and can be wiped down with a wet cloth easily.Without being too big, the bag can comfortably hold two meals within its main insulated compartment and has been tested out and was determined that it can carry 16 cans. There is also an additional pocket at the front of the bag to hold smaller items.Durable, heavy-weighted 600D polyester with double-stitched stress points was used with constructing the MIER bag, and strong zippers are there to keep the compartments safely closed until it’s time to eat. The bright and playful color makes it suitable for a variety of situations including time at the beach, work, school, and picnics.

PROS

Padded shoulder straps are made of the same orange fabric as the lunch bag
Friendly and helpful customer support
The front pocket is excellent for storing utensils

CONS

Not recommended for someone looking only to pack a sandwich and a drink
Zipper quality is not too good
Bottom base not solid enough; bag doesn’t maintain shape when empty

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4. Hango Adult Insulated Lunch Bag Set

As the fourth lunch bag on our comparison list, we brought in the Hango Lunch Bag Set. It’s the first one on our list where you get two lunch bags instead of one, and we thought it would be a great idea to see how the different sizes compare with each other.

Review

The fact that you receive two Hango lunch bags of different sizes at an affordable cost is one of its main selling points. The large model and smaller model provide a higher chance of you getting a lunch sack that perfectly suits your needs.It has a fantastic design that is suitable for men, women, and children, and it is made from highly durable, 300D polyester that’s built to last. The leather handle strap on both the small and large bag made them easy to carry.We found that the larger bag of the two was good for holding lunches while the smaller was built more for snacks and drinks. The thermal insulation system that is integrated made it possible to keep food cold for a few hours.

PROS

Includes a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Great value for money
Top-tier portability

CONS

The smaller bag is very small
Bags are durable but slightly flimsy

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5. Aosbos Insulated Lunch Bag

Aosbos is the last lunch bag on our list and a known Amazon Choice. The company has produced a variety of insulated lunch bags that have been popular over the years, and we included the Aosbos Insulated Lunch Box in our list because of the upgrades that the company has made.

Review

Over the course of the last year, Aosbos has worked diligently to upgrade their lunch bag starting with the thickening of the EPE, by incorporating a double sewing process and an improved interior lining. The 4mm EPE foam helps to keep food hot or cold for an extended period, while the comfortable handle and adjustable strap makes it easy to carry around.The lunch bag is made out of a heavy-duty, 600D polyester that ensures the bag is safe and doesn’t obtain scratches, while PVC fabric is used to make the lunch bag easy to clean. Aluminum foil is used as an internal lining to reflect the temperature back, ensuring that the content remains hot or cold.

PROS

Clamshell-style opening lets you see everything inside at a quick glance
Simple, stylish design that’s perfect for women, men, and children
Two methods of carrying

CONS

Requires ventilation prior to use to remove after-production smell
Slightly flimsy
Smaller than initially expected

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FINAL VERDICT

After a reasonable amount of time testing out different insulated lunch bags and testing them with prepared hot and cold lunches, we were able to determine what we think is the best insulated lunch bag.

When making our comparison, we looked at things such as the quality of the fabric used in the design, how well the insulation held up, whether or not an ice pack was needed to maintain a cold temperature, and how easy it is to clean.The MIER Large Insulated Lunch Bag is the lunch bag that we selected for a variety of reasons. In this case, although the bag bright and colorful and is marketed for women only, it is still available in other colors that make it perfect for men as well. Also, it has some of the highest ratings, is extremely affordable, and has more than enough space needed to pack more than one meal.Testing out these lunch bags was a lot of fun and gave us more reason to dip into a few extra snacks during the day (all for the sake of research, of course), but we suggest picking up the Mier Large Insulated Lunch Bag as it surely won’t disappoint you or the person whom you are buying it for.