Stainless Steel Food Containers
Unbreakable, plastic-free food storage that lasts a lifetime. Perfect for kids, packed lunches, and anyone who's tired of broken plastic lids.
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18/8
Stainless Steel
BPA
Free
Dishwasher
Safe
Lifetime
Durability
Brands Available in the UK
LunchBots
Founded in 2008, LunchBots makes some of the most popular stainless steel bento boxes. Their containers come in various sizes (750ml to 1500ml) with leak-proof silicone lids. Made from durable 18/8 stainless steel and designed to last a lifetime.
UK stockists: Eqo Living, By Nature UK, Green Tulip, Amazon UK (limited stock)
U-Konserve
A certified B Corporation and member of 1% for the Planet. Their containers feature food-grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel and are tested BPA-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free and lead-free. Available in round, square, and rectangle shapes with clear silicone lids.
UK stockists: Green Tulip, Plastic Freedom, Amazon UK
PlanetBox
Premium bento-style lunch boxes with multiple compartments. Uses certified 49% post-consumer recycled stainless steel. Their Rover model is designed for younger children, while the Launch suits larger appetites. Features leak-proof silicone seals.
UK availability: Ships internationally from planetbox.com
What We Love
Truly unbreakable
Drop them, throw them in a bag, let the kids handle them - stainless steel survives it all.
No plastic liner
Unlike some "stainless" containers that have plastic inside, quality brands use pure steel with silicone seals.
Perfect for kids
Lightweight enough for small hands, durable enough for playground drops, and no worry about breakage.
Easy to clean
Both container and lid are dishwasher safe. No staining from tomato sauces or curries.
Things to Consider
Not microwave safe
Metal and microwaves don't mix. You'll need to transfer food to a plate or bowl before reheating.
Can't see inside
Unlike glass, you can't see what's in the container without opening it. Some brands offer clear silicone lids to help.
Higher upfront cost
Quality stainless containers cost more than plastic, but they'll last decades rather than years.
UK availability varies
Some popular US brands have limited UK stock. Check specialist eco retailers for best selection.
Who It's For
Stainless steel containers are perfect for:
- Parents packing school lunches (unbreakable and kid-proof)
- Anyone who's tired of cracked plastic lids
- Office workers who don't need to microwave their lunch
- Hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts
Where to Buy in the UK
- Eqo Living (eqoliving.com) - LunchBots stockist
- By Nature UK (bynature.co.uk) - LunchBots bento boxes
- Green Tulip (greentulip.co.uk) - U-Konserve and LunchBots
- Plastic Freedom (plasticfreedom.co.uk) - U-Konserve containers
- Amazon UK - Various brands, check stock availability
Our Verdict
Stainless steel containers are the toughest option for plastic-free food storage. They're especially brilliant for packed lunches and anyone who's fed up with cracked plastic lids. The inability to microwave is the main trade-off, but if that works for you, these containers will last literally forever.
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