How to Keep Food Warm for Lunch

Between busy mornings and unpredictable lunch schedules, keeping food warm until lunchtime can feel like an impossible mission. We’re sharing these  easy, game-changing hacks to help you lock in the heat and send your kiddo off with a lunch that’s just as warm and cozy as when you packed it!

1. Choose the right container.

We know a regular lunch box won’t cut it. That’s why we designed the Insulated Container and the Explorer Leakproof Lunch Box so that you have the option to send hot lunch to school with your kiddo. The Insulated Container will keep your lunch warm for up to 12 hours while the Explorer gives you the option to reheat lunch with its microwave safe tray.

2. Start with hot food.

If you’re using an Insulated Container, you’ll want to be sure your food is extra hot when you’re packing it. The hotter it is, the longer it will stay warm, so heat your food up a minute or two longer than you would if you were eating right now. Fill your container completely, as the more densely packed it is, the warmer it will remain. 

3. Preheat your Insulated Container. 

Pour boiling water into the container and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then discard the water and fill your container with lunch. This warms the interior so it won’t absorb heat directly from your warm food. 

4. Separate hot and cold food.

Carry your Insulated Container separate from any cold lunch items.

5. Use the hot water bottle method.

Fill an extra Insulated Container or Water Bottle with boiling water and pack it together with your lunch in an insulated bag. Be sure to leave a note so your child knows it’s just water! 

6. Use a towel.

Wrap your Insulated Container in a small towel to help keep the heat in. 

Besides soup, here’s what can you pack in an Insulated Container:

• Macaroni & cheese

• Oatmeal

• Meatballs

• Fried Rice

• Chicken nuggets

• Spaghetti with sauce

• Grilled cheese sticks

• Raviolis

• Scrambled eggs

• Dumplings

• Burrito

If you have access to a microwave, here are some easy lunch ideas to pack in an Explorer Leakproof Lunch Box:

• Stir fry

• Quesadillas

• Sliders

• Lasagna

• Pizza

• Rice casserole

• Soba noodles

• Grilled chicken

• Stuffed potato

• Potstickers 

• Taco meat