I conducted a comparison study of 30 lunch boxes to find out which lunch box would keep edibles at safe temperatures, which is the easiest-to-clean and the most kid friendly lunch box. I was surprised to learn that most lunch boxes don't keep the perishables at a safe temperature for more than two hours when loaded with an ice pack.
This basically means that food is spoiling before lunchtime. The lesson here is pack foods that don't need to be carefully chilled. Good choices are whole-grain breads and snacks, nut butter spreads made from peanuts, almonds, and cashews which contain protein, fiber, and monounsaturated fats (the good fat), and minerals, whole fresh fruit, and a fruit or vegetable juice.
While doing research, I found a new lunch box style that I think is just fabulous. It's the Ore Originals Sugar Booger Lunch Sack and it works great for the little ones. I really like the simple brown-bag-like design, the Velcro closure and the small handle for little hands. There's more than 22 super cool patterns to choose from and it's made from a coated fabric that resists stains and is easy to wipe clean, both inside and out. "B", of course, chose the pattern called "Vroom" with the red sports cars. He's likes to use it to tote all of his cars and trucks around.
