The prepared box lunches sold at specialty markets, butcher shops and delis are a real treasure. All you have to do is grab one, head to the nearest park or corner office and enjoy. Boxed lunches are a great alternative to a sandwich and chips or a salad. They’re more thoughtful than takeout, healthier than most restaurant options and they’re usually a whole lot less expensive than ordering in.
Here are our best fresh prepared box lunches.
Our Editor’s Best Fresh Prepared Box Lunches Reviews
- Held to higher ingredient standards, so you can feel good about what you're buying (and eating)
- No hydrogenated fats, high-fructose corn syrup or added MSG
- CHICKEN SALAD WITH CRACKERS KIT: Premium, fresh-tasting chicken salad; Includes canned chicken salad, six crackers and spoon; Simply open the box and enjoy
- DELICIOUS CHICKEN SNACK WITH CRACKERS: Pack of 3, 3.5 ounce Bumble Bee Snack on the Run! Chicken Salad with Crackers Kit will satisfy you and your family whenever you want a tasty snack or quick lunch on the go
- PROTEIN SNACKS: This delicious Bumble Bee chicken salad with crackers kit is a good source of protein (See product packaging for nutrition information)
- SHELF STABLE CHICKEN SALAD KIT: Bumble Bee Snack on the Run! chicken salad with crackers kits require no refrigeration and are already mixed and ready-to-go wherever life takes you; Perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping and sports
- CONVENIENT SNACKS: Enjoy Bumble Bee Snack on the Run! chicken salad with crackers kits as a great-tasting, protein packed snack, lunch or as part of any other meal; Perfectly sized for your lunch box or lunch bag
- Quick and Convenient Meal Prep: Perfectly portioned to feed the appetite of both older children and adults, prepare multiple meals in advance and safely store them in the fridge until you’re ready to transport one meal to school or work in the leak-proof lunch box included with the set
- Leak-Proof Compartment Tray: Entrees, sides, and snacks stay separated on-the-go without the inconvenience of multiple lunch bags or containers
- Customizable Compartments: Keep the 3-compartment structure as-is to pack larger main courses or add the optional divider to create 4 compartments. Note: The divider will not create a leak-proof division between foods with juices or other liquids.
- Purchase With a Purpose: Bentgo continues to be a proud supporter of Feed the Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives hope and resources for hungry children and families. Since 2017, Bentgo has donated more than $300,000 to help put an end to hunger.
- What You Get: Bentgo Fresh leak-proof lunch box, 3 compartment trays with removable divider, 2 meal tray covers, user manual, industry-leading 2 Year Warranty, and caring customer support
- QUICK & EASY LUNCH PREP: Prepare meals and snacks the night before, or for the entire week, and safely store in the fridge until you’re ready to pack or eat
- HEALTHY PORTION CONTROL: Each compartment is portioned perfectly for packing a healthy and balanced lunch; Tray is BPA-free and dishwasher and freezer-safe
- IDEAL TO TRANSPORT DRY SNACKS & MEALS: Tray and cover can be used as-is to take dry snacks and meals on-the-go; NOTE: For mess-free transport of meals with liquids, pack the tray inside your leak-proof Bentgo Fresh lunch box (sold separately)
- TRANSPARENT, CUSTOMIZED LID: Convenient see-through lid is customized to snugly fit each compartment so your meals and snacks stay fresh longer; NOTE: The lid is not leak-proof
- INTERCHANGEABLE DESIGN: Fits perfectly with any Bentgo Fresh lunch box! Coordinate the colors, or mix and match your tray and lunch box for a playful combination!
- ✅ A COMPLETE MEAL IN ONE BOX: This 15-Pack set of Bento Boxes features 3 different compartments so you can freeze or take with you a complete meal just in one container. Use them for your main course, salad and dessert and enjoy your meal everywhere, hassle free. Each meal prep container can store a total of 32oz (16-8-8 oz) which are the perfectly controlled portions to stay full, yet fit and healthy!
- ✅ HEALTHY MEAL EVERYWHERE: Featuring food storage containers to help your meal prep plan and lose weight. These plastic containers can also be used asadult lunch box or last night’s dinner. (Recommended for ages 3 and above)
- ✅ DURABLE DESIGN: Most meal prep containers don’t last for a long time. They crack after a few uses and melt in the microwave. Not Freshware, our heavy duty lunch containers are built to be more strong and reusable than our competitors.
- ✅ MICROWAVE, DISHWASHER AND FREEZER SAFE: Made of the highest quality food safe materials, these bento box can withstand temperatures from -40C to +120C (-40F to 250F) - so enjoy without worry about harmful chemicals leaking into your food.
- EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY - Totally 66 oz (1960 ml) capacity, 2 layer stackable adult lunch bento box, which can store various of food, salad, sandwishes, fruits, and more, specially include reusable tableware and 2 sauce containers. Whether you're packing a hearty meal for work or school, this spacious bento box ensures you'll never go hungry
- 100% LEAK-PROOF - Featuring a premium rubber seal. Crafted to perfection, this innovative seal ensures your food stays deliciously fresh and leak-free throughout the day. Whether you're packing vibrant salads or hearty sandwiches, rest assured, every bite will be as crisp and flavorful as when you prepared it. Embrace convenience and freshness with our Bento Box – your new essential for healthy, on-the-go meals
- FOOD GRADE BPA-FREE LUNCH BOX - Crafted from premium PP material that is BPA-free and food-grade. Safe, durable, and designed for your healthiest meals. Whether you're packing lunches for work, school, or travel, trust in our bento box to keep your food fresh and your family safe. Elevate your meal-prep game with confidence and style
- MICROWAVE/DISHWASHER SAFE - Can be stored in the refrigerator cold, put to the microwave oven to remove the lid to heat, and put into the dishwasher to wash, so you can enjoy the freshly baked delicious
- OUR SERVICE - The material has been thickened and reinforced, wear-resistant and drop-proof, if you find any quality problems, we provide free replacement within one year, if you have any other questions about the use, we are happy to answer for you 24 hours
- CHICKEN SALAD WITH CRACKERS KIT: Premium, fresh-tasting chicken salad; Includes canned chicken salad, six crackers, one mixed fruit cup, one cookie and a spoon; Simply open the box and enjoy
- DELICIOUS TUNA LUNCH KIT: Pack of 4, 8.2 ounce Bumble Bee Lunch on the Run! Chicken Salad Kits; Includes canned tuna salad, six crackers, one cup of diced peaches, one cookie and a spoon
- PROTEIN SNACK OR LUNCH: This delicious Bumble Bee chicken salad with crackers kit is a good source of protein (See product packaging for nutrition information)
- SHELF STABLE CHICKEN SALAD KIT: Bumble Bee Lunch on the Run! chicken salad with crackers kits require no refrigeration and are already mixed and ready-to-go wherever life takes you; Perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping and sports
- CONVENIENT SNACKS: Enjoy Bumble Bee Lunch on the Run! tuna salad with crackers kits as a great-tasting, protein packed snack, lunch or as part of any other meal; Perfectly sized for your lunch box or lunch bag
- Romaine lettuce blend, swiss cheese, carrot, white meat chicken and ham with ranch dressing
- 15 grams of protein per serving; 320 calories per serving
- Fork included
- Best when enjoyed within a couple days of arrival
- Our Fresh brand products are all about high-quality food that fits every budget, every day
- Delicious, Convenient Lunch: Starkist Lunch To-Go Chunk Light Mix Your Own Tuna Salad is always ready with all of the fixings for a delicious tuna salad made the way you like it
- Good Source of Protein: Tuna is an excellent, natural source of protein and Omega 3s This tuna salad kit has 18g of protein per kit
- Includes: StarKist Lunch To-Go Chunk Light Mix Your Own Tuna Salad kit comes with one 2.6 oz Chunk Light tuna pouch, reduced calorie mayonnaise and relish packets, a mixing spoon, 8 butter crackers and a napkin. There are no artificial colors or flavors
- For Lunch, School and More: Whether you're squeezing in lunch between meetings, or on the go between errands, our tuna lunch kit is the perfect choice. Bring it to the office, pack it for your little ones lunch at school and much more
- Easy to Store: This tuna pouch is easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes, whether you’re on the go, at the office or at home
- Tender beef strips with colorful pepper medley and jasmine rice, topped with bold black pepper sauce
- Ready in Minutes
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes
- Brought to you by Amazon Kitchen, grab-and-enjoy meal solutions, prepped for what’s next
- To ensure freshness, enjoy within a couple of days of arrival
Best Fresh Prepared Box Lunches Buying Guide
Before choosing the best fresh prepared box lunches you should consider following options:
1. Portion size: Portion sizes can vary widely, so it is important to understand what you are getting for your money.
The standard sizes are usually a half or whole sandwich, small or large snack/side, fruit, a protein bar and a cookie.
If you are ordering a sandwich, make sure it is not one of those overstuffed monstrosities. You are paying for the entire contents of the box, not just the sandwich.
2. Ingredients: We all have our preferences when it comes to certain ingredients. If you don’t like turkey, you probably aren’t going to be happy with a turkey sandwich.
Make sure the ingredients are fresh. Look for things like “prepared fresh daily” on the packaging.
3. Protein: If you are trying to incorporate more protein into your diet, this is the perfect opportunity. You can easily get a protein bar or two in your lunch for very little money.
4. Snacks: If you are trying to eat healthier, you may be tempted to throw out the snack. Don’t do that.
Snacks make a great addition to your lunch, and they can be a great way to get some variety.
5. Variety: Having a variety of items in your lunch is essential. We tend to get bored easily, so we tend to eat less if our lunch is boring.
Having a variety of items in your lunch will help prevent this, and it will help you get more nutrients.
6. Cost: There is a big difference in price. You can get a box with a lot of variety and decent quality for $7-$12.
On the other hand, you can get a lunch in a restaurant for that same amount.
7. Convenience: Some places will deliver. Some places will even deliver cold. Others will even deliver hot!
If you are trying to eat healthier, having a healthy lunch delivered to you can be a lifesaver.
8. Customer service: Of course, you want to have good quality food, but you also want good customer service.
You should be able to get the information you need about their products and be able to contact them if you have any issues.
9. Portability: While you may not be taking your lunch to go, you may be eating it away from your desk.
You will want something that will not make a mess if you are eating in your car or on a park bench.
10. Taste: Obviously, this is something you will have to decide for yourself. If you have an opportunity to try out a company’s products, do so.
If not, you may have to take a chance. If you don’t like what you get, you can always throw it away and get something else.
11. Variety of items: This is especially important if you are trying to lose weight. Having a variety will ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need.
Having a variety of items will also help you from getting bored. You will not want to throw away food if it is something that you like.
12. Brand: Some companies have a good reputation for quality and customer service. Some are known for their variety of healthy options.
Some companies are known for their quality and variety, but they are more expensive. You will want to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.
13.
What else you should know about fresh prepared box lunches
1. How are the box lunches prepared?
The box lunches are prepared by a professional catering company.
2. What type of food is included in a typical box lunch?
A typical box lunch may include a sandwich, a side item such as chips or a pickle, and a dessert.
3. How long will the box lunch stay fresh?
A box lunch will stay fresh for about four hours.
4. How much does a box lunch cost?
A box lunch typically costs between $10 and $15.
5. Where can I find a place that sells fresh prepared box lunches?
There are many places that sell fresh prepared box lunches, but some examples include grocery stores, delis, and catering companies.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best fresh prepared box lunches. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best fresh prepared box lunches will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.