The benefits of carrying your own homemade lunch to work are countless. This is regardless of whether you’re a vegan, flexitarian, meatatarian, ovo-vegetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, you have a specific eating disorder or you eat both meat and vegetables. This is not only the best way of living healthy but also cost-friendly.
A little bit about me;
Before quitting my full-time job which I had been in for four years, I used to carry a simple tuna or chicken sandwich wrapped in a piece of paper to work almost every single working day. One and a half years down the line, I got married to my beautiful wife and then my lunch routine completely changed.
Since then, I can count the days I didn’t carry my wife’s homemade food to work for the four years I was working a full-time job with two hands. She bought me this simple insulated lunch bag and honestly, for the next two and a half years I was still in my 9 to 5 job, she made sure I didn’t leave for work without it. This versatile stylish lunch bag made sure my meal stayed warm or cold depending on how I wanted it to be. Amazingly, we still use it to date when traveling.
They say sharing is caring. Therefore, I want to help you narrow down your choices when it comes to choosing the best stylish lunch bag for you.
Your kids might get jealous when you get yourself one of these bad boys (mine did) as such, here is an article covering one of the most sort after backpacks with matching lunch bags.
Without further ado, let’s get right to it. By the end of this article, I guarantee you’ll find something that suits you best.
Best Stylish Lunch Bags for Work Reviews 2022
1. AO Coolers Original Soft Cooler – High-Density Insulation
Introducing a work of art from AO coolers, this lunch bag is widely used as a cooler but has more than one purpose as you’ll find out.
It has twice the insulation you’ll find in other lunch bags. With five layers of insulation, it’s safe to say that this is one of the best stylish lunch bags for work. Soft insulation on the inside and a leak-proof lining are ideal for keeping whatever you stored in the same state(in terms of wetness and distortion). If needed, the pack can hold frozen ice for a whole 24 hours without replacing it on 120-degree weather.
With Original Soft Cooler from AO, you get nice options of basic colors to match your pack and a nice handy side zipper pocket for keeping your snacks. The side pocket is also insulated and cozy enough to avoid crushing your crisps hence getting them as packed.
Additionally, it’s easy to carry thanks to the presence of both a handle and a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is strong, durable and detachable so when you don’t need it you, just remove it. It’s that simple!
Original Soft Cooler Dimensions;
This lunch bag comes in different sizes for all types of situations. Namely; 12-Can(14Lx7W x12H); 24-Can(17L x10W x12H); 36-Can(21L x10W x12H); 48-Can(21L x13W x13H)
Pros
- Great double insulation
- Durable five layers of fabric
- Versatile for all types of endeavors
- Large enough
- Also comes in a family pack
Con
- A little pricey
2. TOURIT Voyager 20 Lunch Bag – Best Cooling System
It’s surprising how much you’ll find out when in search of the right lunch carrying solution. When design and style are your main concern you’ll probably need to go all out. Meet a soft cooler by TOURIT. However, the design and style are not enough. You’ll need to go deeper. Lucky for you, I’m doing just that.
TOURIT Voyager 20 comes with an advanced cooling system and other awesome features outdoing all its competitors. Needless to say, this one of a kind lunch bag has earned a spot as one of my personal favorites. Here are the reasons why.
The cooling system is awesome with 3 layers that work ergonomically to keep food or drinks at top-notch state for up to three days. It doesn’t get better than this(but it does). The outer layer is shell-like hard which acts both as sun rays reflector and an anti-puncture barrier. With such material, you’re sure nothing in your pack will break(in case you’re carrying a beverage with a glass bottle) when it falls.
The lunch bag is fully water-proof from zippers to the lining. This is ideal for all types of weather conditions. All the materials used are BPA free and won’t contaminate your meal.
Carrying this lunch bag is made easy in not two but three ways. You can opt to use the detachable padded shoulder strap, its twin top handles or the reinforced side grab-n-go side handles. TUORIT fully stand by its high tech cooler giving buyers a three-year warranty against product defects.
TOURIT Voyager 20 Lunch Bag Dimensions
15″ x 10″ x 13 1/5″ (L x W x H), Interior size: 12 4/5″ x 7 9/10″ x 9 9/10″(L x W x H)
Pros
- Best cooling system
- Durable material
- FDA approved
- Easy to carry(many carrying options)
- Great reviews
Con
- Pricey
3.ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Bag – Many Accessories
Introducing a masterpiece from ThinkFit. The ThinkFit insulated lunch bag. This handy pack is the ultimate solution for carrying lunch to both kids and adults.
Unlike most bags, it focuses on all kinds of meals. It comes with six plastic containers to ensure you carry every portion of your meal for a balanced diet. The containers have high quality, four-sided, leak-proof snap lids and are both microwave and dishwasher friendly.
The bag also comes with a BPA free shaker cup with three storage containers, a reusable ice pack, 1-7 pills box and additional side pocket for napkins and utensils. What else would you need?
Moreover, it is made of double stitched heavy-duty material to avoid tears and dropping out of your hand when carrying a heavy meal (Hello bodybuilders!). Keeping your food at the required temperatures is the most essential part and thanks to its dual-layer insulation, this bag does just that.
It also has an adjustable shoulder strap for easier and comfortable carry which is also detachable allowing removal when not needed. Additionally, it comes with a 100% lifetime warranty. If you’re not satisfied with the bag, you’ll get a refund or a replacement with no questions asked.
ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Bag Dimensions
The main lunch bag measures 16.5 x 7.5 x 8 Inches
Pros
- Well compact with all you might need
- A great and fit portion control system
- Easy to carry, handheld or by shoulder straps
- FDA approved
Con
- Plastic containers aren’t recyclable
4. HSD Tactical Lunch Bag – A Cool 8mm Protective Foam
Upon seeing this lunch bag all my thoughts shifted to its lavish yet rugged and durable design. I wonder if someone can have more than one favorite because I really think that I might just do. It’s made of military-grade 1600 denier waterproof polyester, a game-changer in durability. No matter the operation this bag will serve with zero stress.
Unlike other lunch bags, this tactical bag is filled with not the normal 5 mm of protective foam but a cool 8 mm instead. With an awesome appeal of a multi-cam and black color, this pack just like its name is ready to tackle any endeavors with first priority. The inside is made of aluminum foil to maximize storage space and keep your meal warm or cold longer.
Its uses range from food and beverages carrier, diaper carrier to the gym bag. Yes, it’s that versatile. With a 56’’ adjustable and detachable padded shoulder strap and a reinforced stitching, heavy-duty comfortable handle, it doesn’t get any better than this.
As if all that is not enough, it comes with two sides mesh pockets for carrying extra drinks and a pouch attachment ladder system (PAL) on the rear to add extra load. A notable mention is that it comes with a Velcro strap on the front for morale patches attachment.
HSD Tactical Lunch Bag Dimensions
10in x 7.5in x 6.5in(488-cu)
Pros
- Tough and durable
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile
- Great capacity
5. Pranzo Lunch Tote – Comes with Utensils & Customizable Logo
Meet Pranzo Pack. A lunch bag you can relate to comfortably and is made by ONIVA, A Picnic Time Brand. This is the only bag in our list that can come branded in your favorite team logo, your initials, your favorite company name, anything. Just name it and it will be delivered to your doorstep with your custom logo. The design is unique and so are its capabilities. Let’s dig deeper.
The lunch bag is made from tough top-notch polyester for both exterior and interior. It also has great thermal insulation in its two main compartments to separate hot and cold foods. This is great for carrying different types of meals all in one bag for a balanced diet.
The bag has a front flatware pocket that comes with lots of stuff well arranged in fitted pockets and straps. These contents include; a knife, a spoon, a fork all stainless steel, a napkin and two shakers for salt and pepper.
It has zippered side mesh pocket for a protective extra storage unit. The shoulder is both detachable and adjustable to tackles needs. If you don’t want to use the straps you have a soft padded handle to use. This is a durable bag built to last with an amazing lifetime warranty.
Pranzo Insulated Lunch Tote Dimensions
11.75 x 7.25 x 12 Inches (LxWxH)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice design
- Amazing dual thermal capability
Con
- Come in one size only
6. BALORAY Lunch Bag – Very Stylish
This is for all the ladies, gender neutrals and unbiased individuals out there. With this handbag like lunch pack, you’ll be counting down minutes to lunchtime so as you unveil this unique yet stylish lunch bag. This bag is adorable and a must-have for fashion frenzies.
Fine workmanship with the main interior compartment made of soft leak-proof material and high-density thermal insulation to keep your food fresh for long durations. This not only keeps your food uninfected by bacteria but also prevents that sweet meal aroma from coming out of the bag. No more temptations to taste your meal before lunch break.
Furthermore, it comes with two collapsible meal prep containers one small (27oz) and the other large (47oz). These containers are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. You get a hassle-free cleaning, easy leftover storing and fast heating solution.
The main space is accessed via a high-quality water-resistant zipper and so is the front one. It also comes with a side mesh pocket for an extra drink. You can carry it as a purse with the top handle or using its adjustable shoulder strap (detachable). BALORY gives a lifetime warranty and a neat 30 day on purchase refund policy.
BALORAY Lunch Bag Dimensions
10.5”L x 6”W x 11.8”H
Pros
- Great fashion statement
- Awesome thermal insulation
- Spacious
- Comes with eco-friendly lunch boxes
- Good customer service
Con
- Shoulder strap not padded
7. Arctic Zone Pro 30 – Zipperless Cooler
Here’s another user-friendly lunch pal by Artic Zone. The Pro 30 is as tough as they come and made of fully recyclable material. An 840 denier polyester is relatively strong and toughened with a hard body lining. The base is rugged for placing anywhere and the general inside and outside materials are super easy to clean.
Arctic zone installed a dual ergonomic thermal insulation. One being the leak-proof reflective fleece inside to keep desired temperatures at optimum and the sun rays barrier between the fabrics. This lunch bag is best for blue-collar jobs but can also serve white-collar ones too.
The top is zipperless and has Velcro attachment for opening. The bag also has a large main compartment separated by an FDA compliant smart shelf. You also get a top hidden zippered space for extra storage and a side mesh pocket for extra drinks. Additionally, the shoulder strap is adjustable with anti-slip padding. It’s water and stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Arctic Zone Pro 30 Dimensions
Length; 15.25″. Width; 10.25″. Height; 11.38″
Pros
- Huge capacity
- Easy to organize
- Leak-proof
- Safe
- Zipperless lid that allows quick access to food and drinks
Con
- Comes in only one size
8. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze – Zipperless Hardbody
Here’s another lunch bag by Arctic Zone. The Deep Freeze. The design is different from Arctic Zone Pro 30 but overall, the properties are almost similar.
It features a strong 840 denier polyester and toughened with a hard body lining, just like the pro 30. However, Deep Freeze can keep solid ice longer(up to 3 days). The base is also rugged for placing anywhere and the general materials used to construct the bag are not only water but stain-resistant. Needless to say, it’s super easy to clean.
Arctic zone installed a dual ergonomic thermal insulation, one being the leak-proof reflective hard body removable material inside to keep desired temperatures at optimum and the sun rays barrier between the fabrics.
The top is zipperless and patented with a Velcro attachment for opening giving fast and easy access with just one hand. The bag also has a large main compartment separated by an FDA compliant smart shelf to keep hard bottles separate from fragile or soft foodstuff. You also get a front insulated zippered space for extra storage when the main compartment is full and a side mesh pocket for extra drinks.
Designed for convenience usability, this cooler also features an adjustable back saver shoulder strap that is adjustable and has anti-slip padding. The strap is detachable ideal when using the lunch bags handheld reinforced top handle.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Dimensions
- 9-Can; Length9.75″ (24.77cm) depth8.0″(20.32cm) height9.5″ (24.13cm)
- 16-Can; Length12.25″ (31.12cm) depth8.0″(20.32cm) height12.25″ (31.12cm)
- 30-Can; Length 16.5″ (41.91cm) depth11″(27.94cm) height12.75″ (32.39cm)
- 48-Can; Length20.00″ (50.80cm) depth13.00″(33.02cm) height12.5″ (31.75cm)
Pros
- Variable capacity
- Easy to organize
- Leak-proof
- Relatively safe
Con
- Not versatile enough
9. CANWAY Cooler – Relatively Large Lunch Bag
Just like beauty, style is in the eyes of the beholder, it can be color or design. People are different and so is style and individual preference. CANWAY presents a cooler lunch bag that is stylish and made of great top quality material. A bag of 1680 denier heavy duty oxford fabric which is easy to dry and clean.
It is a soft-sided cooler with three main compartments and two extra ones including a mesh pocket inside. The main one is well insulated to make sure warm foods stay warm for a long period. Cold drinks and desserts stay that way. The two ice packs fit perfectly in the mesh pockets. The front zipper pocket is ideal for napkins and utensils.
The easily accessed side pockets are perfect for fruits and other snacks. CANWAY installed a top Velcro opening for quick access and zippers when settled both for gaining access to the main compartment. Also, it comes with a two-sided Velcro attached handles and a padded shoulder strap. Lastly, it’s finished with a leak-proof lining and can be used for more than just work. All this at a pocket-friendly price.
CANWAY Cooler Lunch Bag Dimensions
Maximum capacity is 28 L. It measures 14.1 x 11 x 11.6 inches (L x W x H).
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Durable
- Appealing design
- Versatile for more than a work situation
- Easily foldable
Con
- Too big for a single meal
10. Carhartt Deluxe – Affordable Lunch Bag
This is a handy pack to store your leftover delicious homemade meal that you’d want to carry to work. With an insulated fleece, your meal will stay warm as long as possible for whenever you need it.
What about meals you’d to stay cold you ask? Well, this pack is just right for that too. Whether its ice cream or your favorite cold beverage you are covered.
The pack also has an insulated top compartment to keep your side dish. For example, a sandwich you wouldn’t want to get mushed in the main pocket. That’s not all though, the lunch pack comes with a front zipped pocket to keep your utensils too. Talk about over the top and easy organizing.
There is more, it’s made of 1200 denier heavy-duty polyester that isn’t just durable enough but also water repellant. As such, this lunch bag will easily keep your contents dry in light rain. However, it’s important to say that water repellant doesn’t necessarily mean it’s waterproof hence cannot be submerged in water.
Back to the good parts, Carhartt installed both a carry handle and a shoulder strap. How easy can carrying your lunch ever get? Overall, this lunch pack is just amazing.
Carhartt Deluxe Dimensions
It measures 10W x 9H x 7D inches; weighs 0.7 lbs. Can perfectly fit a six-pack of your drinks and do go the extra mile to adapt as an outdoor lunch bag.
Pros
- Good customer service from Carhartt
- Extremely affordable
- Great temperature control
- Above-average ratings
Con
- Quite small
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Stylish Lunch Bags for Work
Now that we’re done with the reviews of the best stylish backpack for work, allow me to walk you through the last bit of factors to consider when choosing the best stylish lunch bags for work while still focusing on today’s topic. Style. Remember, design and style come hand in hand.
a. Hard or Soft Body Lunch Bags
There are two main types of lunch bags available, hard and soft ones.
- Hardbody
The hardbody lunch bags will keep your food better protected and typically have a metal or strong plastic material that allows them to retain their shape no matter the force suppressing them.
- Soft body
Soft body lunch bags will still have a general shape and perhaps some a hard layer to keep all the compartments in place, but in most cases have a soft side hence distortable. This allows a little room of expansion hence fitting additional food inside and irregular-shaped bottles or containers. It is also easily foldable when empty thus taking up less room when storing them.
b. Insulation
The best lunch bags of this design have some sort of insulation whether an insulated fleece or other insulation mechanisms. This way, your food will stay at the required temperature throughout the workday till you’re ready to dig in. Some may come with a reusable ice pack which cut cost on buying an extra one.
c. Carrying Handles
No matter your reason for buying a lunch bag, the handles are one of the most vital consideration. You will need something with perfect and reinforced stitching that is also easy to carry. Check whether the handle is well padded, soft and comfortable. Also, make sure it’s strong enough to hold and support all your lunch containers when fully loaded without slipping or snapping.
Some bags may have optional shoulder straps to further aid the carrying process. Ensure it’s detachable so it doesn’t get in the way when not in use and adjustable to get you a snug fit regardless of your size.
d. Lunch Bag with Containers
Well, most lunch bags come with removable containers while others are inbuilt. The inbuilt ones save the packing time. On the other hand, removable containers are generally easy to organize meals as desired.
Some come with as many as six containers. In this case, you have so many options when separating different types of meals. Even better, some lunch bags have additional accessories like shaker cups, water bottles, napkins, shakers, and cutleries. Talk about carrying a balanced diet to work all thanks to the bento lunch box.
Bento lunch box style
The bento style is the current trend. This is the typical way that modern lunch boxes come, separate portions for a different meal of a similar course but all in one container improving convenience. However, you should check whether the compartments are wide enough to hold food without spilling. Other than the size, the container itself should be easy to clean and dishwasher friendly.
Also, whether removable or inbuilt(bento box style), make sure that they are all microwave safe. This ensures you easily heat up your lunch at work without having to get/carry an extra plate that you will later have to wash.
e. Size of the Lunch Bag
The size of your lunch bag is another very critical consideration. You’ll need to make sure there is enough room for all your food, an ice pack, and your chosen beverage.
At the same time, you don’t want to go for a too-large lunch bag which is extra bulky and will occupy so much space on your work desk if it’s not necessary. Consider the amount of food you take before making a purchase and get one that will properly fit.
f. Spill-Proof Lunch Bag
Correct me if I’m wrong but if you’ve used a lunch bag before, you probably have had spills in your backpack at least once. These type of mess create inconvenience of washing your pack at work and don’t get me started on the feeling knowing you wasted a meal that took you hours to prepare.
Basically, a catastrophe like this happens once in a while as we’re all humans and mistakes like these are bound to happen. As such, it’s prudent to get a pack with a BPA free top-grade inner lining so that you can easily transfer the meal to a plate.
To avoid this altogether, always make sure the containers have high quality four-sided, leak-proof snap lids and are properly closed before leaving for work.
g. Color of the lunch pack
Color is one of the many factors that come down to your own specific preference. Color tells a lot about one’s character, it goes further with the lunch bag’s pattern, logo, and gradients.
In most cases, lunch bags for work should have neutral colors, unlike a school lunch bag where you can go for more vibrant colored options.
h. Stain-resistant lunch bag
Well, this isn’t such a major feature but cleanliness is next to godliness and a man is judged by his cleanliness (just made that one up). As such, select a bag that’s stain-resistant that is, easy to wipe clean in case it comes into contact with that gravy or stew which is inevitable. Not a good look carrying a stained lunch bag.
i. Ease Of Cleaning
For an item you’ll be carrying every day to work, it’s bound to get dirty, therefore make sure that it is spotlessly clean at all time and that’s not up for debate. And not only the outside part of the bag, the inside part, and all the utensils too.
For a soft body lunch bag, ensure it’s machine washable and for hard-bodied ones, confirm whether it’s dishwasher friendly. As stated above, the included containers and other cutleries should be dishwasher safe too. However, never forget to remove the utensils inside while doing the washing. Generally, choosing an easy to clean lunch bag is a no brainer.
j. Lunch Bag Durability
I always keep in mind that cheap is expensive and you always get the value for your dollar. Therefore, don’t go for the extremely cheap lunch bags which break after weeks if not days of use. Be prepared to spend a little bit extra if you want to make a good investment.
k. Lunch Bag Warranty
When shipping online shopped products, unavoidable circumstances like breakage occur especially if products are not handled well or have not been packed properly. To prevent all these, make sure your lunch bag comes with a warranty or money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
Taking care of your health should be priority number one. Most fast foods are usually unhealthy. The only way you can ensure you’re eating healthy food is by preparing the food yourself, or rather at home and what better way to do this than to carry your own self-prepared food?
With one of these best stylish lunch bags for work, I’ve got you covered. Happy healthy living!