Packing lunch for travel can save you money, keep you on a healthy track, and make those long journeys more enjoyable. However, packing lunch the right way is key to keeping your food fresh, spill-free, and easy to grab on the go. With plastic containers, you can achieve all this and more. Here’s how you can pack your travel lunch like a pro using plastic containers.
Choose the Right Containers
Picking the right plastic containers for food is crucial. Opt for BPA-free plastic containers as they are safe, lightweight, and durable. Choose containers with tight-fitting lids to avoid any leaks or spills in your bag. Some brands have containers with snap-lock lids, which can be particularly secure. Look for different sizes so you can pack a variety of foods without taking up too much space in your bag.
Use Meal Planning to Plan Your Portions
Think about what foods you’ll actually finish. Overpacking can make things bulky and increase food waste. Use small containers for dips, dressings, or snacks, and larger containers for main meals. Planning portions also helps you to avoid lugging around heavy bags with food that might go uneaten.
Check out these easy lunch recipes
Pack Fresh Ingredients First
Fresh ingredients should go in first to keep your meal tasty and nutritious. If you’re packing a salad, layer it with the leafy greens at the bottom and heavier ingredients like veggies and proteins on top. This arrangement prevents greens from getting soggy and keeps your salad crunchy. If you’re packing sandwiches or wraps, place a lettuce leaf or slice of cheese between bread and fillings to keep bread dry.
Check out our Beach Themed Kid's Bento Lunch for a fun idea!
Use Leak-Proof Containers for Liquids
If you’re packing any sauces, soups, or dressings, a leak-proof container is essential. Spilled liquids in a travel bag can be a nightmare, so double-check the seal on any container with liquids. If you’re worried, you can always place the container in a small plastic bag for extra protection.
You can check out these cool reusable bags from HumanGear that are perfect for snacks! You can get them on Amazon.com!
Keep Hot and Cold Foods Separate
To keep food at the right temperature, pack hot and cold items separately. Insulated containers are ideal for hot meals, while standard plastic containers work well for cold foods. You might also want to use a small ice pack in your bag to keep everything cool. You can also wrap your container in a napkin or paper towel to help it maintain its temperature a bit longer and prevent any condensation in your bag.
UVI Self Heating & Cleaning Lunchbox
If you are packing a warm lunch, Unique, the UVI Self Heating Lunch Box is the solution for enjoying hot and healthy meals on the go! It features a plug-in design with a powerful heat source that can heat refrigerated food in 25 minutes, cook rice and steam vegetables.
Other features include an integrated UV light that kills up to 99% of bacteria, and a detachable power cord for easy refrigerator storage. The insulated liner keeps food hot for up to 2 hours without power, and the movable divider easily accommodates different foods.
The durable, leakproof shell with odor-resistant liner makes UVI the smart and stunning on-the-go choice. Get yours here!
Stack Containers Wisely
Plastic containers come in various sizes, which makes them ideal for stacking. Place heavier containers on the bottom of your bag to prevent lighter items from being squashed. Keep snacks and other quick-grab items on top for easy access. Stacking wisely also helps to keep your bag balanced, which can make it more comfortable to carry during your travels.
Don’t Forget Utensils
Packing utensils may seem obvious, but they’re easy to forget. Slip a fork, spoon, or chopsticks into your travel bag to avoid having to buy disposable ones on the road. If possible, use reusable utensils to keep your travel eco-friendly. Some lunch sets come with built-in utensils that can be convenient for travelers. This kit from HumanGear includes utensils!
Label Your Containers
Labeling your containers with what’s inside and the date can be helpful, especially for multi-day trips. This way, you’ll always know what’s in each container without opening it, and you can avoid eating anything that might have gone stale. Small adhesive labels or masking tape work well for this purpose.
Clean-Up Made Easy
When you’ve finished your meal, plastic containers are easy to clean, even on the go. Just rinse them out if you have access to water, or use a wipe to clean them quickly. Stack your empty containers back into your bag to save space.
Packing your travel lunch with plastic containers can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. With the right containers, portioning, and stacking, you’ll have a fresh and tasty meal ready for any journey, so get those containers ready, and pack your travel lunch like a pro.
