To a large extent, employees do not have time to return home at midday to eat. This means that they must look for alternatives in their work environment for lunch and the majority prefer to go to a restaurant to eat a hot meal, according to data from the European Union’s FOOD program. However, almost a third of them choose to take food from home, an increasing trend that is being joined by people who take their diet into account and want to have healthy habits.
In EL PAÍS Showcase We have prepared a list designed especially for those who spend time at night or on the weekend filling the containers that they will take to their workplace. In this selection of items from department stores on-line Like Amazon or eBay, you can choose between different models of bags and lunch boxes, so that you can find the one that best suits your needs. And even if you have these basics, we have also included other more curious products such as a food bag that heats up when connected to the computer with USB or a foldable coffee cup.
TAPERS
Set of airtight glass containers
We are perhaps facing the most complete and safest option to store and transport food to work. This package includes nine containers of different sizes and made with highly durable borosilicate glass and a transparent polypropylene lid. Each features four latches for a leak-proof, airtight and waterproof seal. According to the manufacturer, this product is suitable for the oven (up to 400 ℃) and for the microwave, where glass becomes the healthiest element for heating food. It’s also freezer safe, plus easy to clean both in the dishwasher and by hand. On Amazon, seven out of ten buyers have given the item the highest score.
Containers with curious designs
For those who have less modesty and like to show off design even in the containers they take to the office, we offer some funny alternatives. The first, more suitable for those nostalgic for the nineties and lovers of the retro, is shaped like a Game Boy, the popular portable console (available for 16.20 euros on Amazon). The same brand, Mustard, offers another more traditional alternative: a bright red refrigerator to show that you are keeping your lunch safe (available for 21.60 euros on Amazon). Both pieces include plastic cutlery and have different compartments.
Electric lunch box
For those who do not have a microwave at work or simply want to save time heating food, having an electric lunch box can be a good option. This model has two compartments, one large and the other removable, so you can separate the foods you consider or carry dessert. The top handle it has makes it easier to transport and, according to the manufacturer, the item is easily washable. It is the best-selling item on Amazon within its category and has a good rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Ecological bamboo container
A more ecological alternative to resorting to disposable plastic containers is offered by this reusable box with a 100% bamboo fiber lid and a container made of 45% this same material. According to the manufacturer, this minimalist design item is free of BPA, phthalates or lead, and features a tight seal for support and is complete with an elastic band. For those who need round containers, you can find a good alternative in this three-piece package also made with organic products such as bamboo fibers, corn starch, wood fibers or melamine resin (available for 15.30 euros on Amazon).
Containers with compartments
Finally, another different option compared to traditional tupperware is found in these containers with compartments, similar to those found in takeaway food establishments. They have the advantage that you can separate the different plates easily and, thanks to their dimensions of 19.5 x 25 x 5.5 centimeters, you can carry them in a bag or backpack without problems. The manufacturer recommends washing the product before first use, not closing the lid when heating in the microwave and remember that it is designed for food and not liquids.
BAGS
Tatay thermal bag with tapers
It is the most classic in terms of design and most portable in terms of size. The Tatay brand has become a reference in quality bags for carrying food to the office and, as in this case, offers different designs to choose from. This 22.5 x 10 x 22 centimeter item is made with semi-rigid textile material to protect the contents from impacts and has an interior that insulates against both cold and heat to ensure better food preservation. Additionally, unlike other bags, it includes four containers to store food. An alternative to this model could be these stackable lunch boxes, which are carried comfortably as if they were a thermos with a cute bow on the handle (available for 29.99 euros on Amazon).
USB heating thermal bag
When it comes to systems for making minimal effort, this model would take first prize. To heat food with this bag you don’t have to get up from your chair in the office; Just connecting it to the computer through a USB port will be enough. The article has a modern and functional design, has an interior covered with thermal insulating material and a resistant exterior fabric and has dimensions of 21 x 9 x 13 centimeters. Shipping is free.
Shoulder-type thermal bag
One of the great advantages of carrying a shoulder-style thermal bag is that its capacity to store food is maximized. This is the case of this PuTwo brand product that has a capacity of 8 liters. Made with quality materials that guarantee good food preservation and with a more robust shock-proof design, this item available in different colors has the approval of 230 Amazon customers, who with their reviews have given it a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
thermal hand bag
For people who prefer to carry the food bag in their hand rather than hanging it around their neck, the best thing we can recommend is this type of product. The functionalities are the same, since this type of items are made with insulating materials that facilitate food preservation. We recommend two alternatives with attractive designs: one from the Slosh brand with a flamingo print, which has two units with a capacity of 21 × 17 × 15 centimeters each and another casual in two colors (gray and blue) and dimensions of 23 x 14 x 20 centimeters (available for 7.99 euros).
CONTAINERS FOR DRINKS AND OTHER COMPLEMENTS
foldable coffee cup
Who doesn’t need coffee to keep going with energy during work days? With this model you will have it easier to prepare a good coffee maker to get you through the day, highlighting its ability to reduce its size. The manufacturer of this product, made of silicone, recommends cleaning its interior with boiling water before using it for the first time. It can hold up to 350 ml of liquid.
Thermal bottle
To avoid breakage and wear of the product, it is best to opt for stainless steel when choosing the thermal bottle that we use at work. Designed to store all types of liquids, this product suitable for all seasons of the year can keep a drink hot for up to 12 hours and keep it cold for 24 hours, according to the manufacturer. This model, precisely, is available in a wide variety of colors and has two leak-resistant lids.
Book with recipes for container
For those who are short of ideas, chef Ada Parellada, owner of several restaurants in Barcelona and distinguished with the Cross of Sant Jordi, elevates the kitchen from a container to a gastronomic category and proposes varied, tasty and healthy dishes, ideal to take to work. in this recipe book. Among them you can find simple formulas for the days when you only have ten minutes to cook as well as other options to show off when there is time to prepare during the weekend, freeze and enjoy them whenever we want.
Portable electric toothbrush with case
We often think that we have to take food to work, but we forget what comes next: oral cleaning. To solve this problem, a good option is to get a model like this one from Oral-B, which comes with a practical travel case to transport it wherever you want and also has a discount of more than 50%. According to the manufacturer, thanks to the rounded head you can achieve healthier gums in just 30 days of continuous use.
Containers for oil or vinegar
When you eat a salad, for example, it is not possible to transport all the products with which we are going to season it. For this reason, it doesn’t hurt to have containers like these at our workplace, which allow you to put the oil and vinegar you want. This product is made of polypropylene and has a capacity of 350 milliliters.
Cutlery with portable case
Sometimes when we buy a container the cutlery is not included and other times we don’t want to bring the ones from home either because they are too heavy or bulky. For cases like this, the best thing to do is to buy a four-piece package like the one Amazon sells—two forks (one of them to use with fruit), two spoons, a knife and a bottle opener. The item has a blue cover for easy transportation.
*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of September 12, 2019.