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If you’re packing kai for school, work or weekend adventures, the right lunch boxes make all the difference—keeping food fresh, organised and easy to carry. Below you’ll find a simple buyer’s guide, sizing tips, and a few standout lunch boxes you can grab from Goodie Goodie in New Zealand (with free shipping on orders $60+ within Auckland).

What makes a great lunch box?

Materials that last. Stainless steel lunch boxes are durable, odour-resistant and easy to clean. Goodie Goodie’s Stainless Steel Lunch Box is made from 316 stainless steel (a premium food-grade alloy).

Smart construction. Hybrid designs (PP plastic + stainless steel) give you the best of both—lightweight exteriors with sturdy, food-safe interiors. Look for tight lids and seals so yoghurt, dressings and curry stay where they should: inside your lunch boxes.

Insulation matters. If you want noodles warm at lunchtime or fruit cool till the bell, combine an insulated container with an insulated carry bag. Goodie Goodie stocks both insulated lunch boxes and matching carry bags, making it easy to build a temperature-friendly setup.

Finding your perfect size

A quick rule of thumb is to match capacity to appetite and activity level:

• 400–600 ml: snackers and younger kids; also great as a side container for fruit, nuts, hummus or yoghurt.
• 600–900 ml: most school lunches or lighter adult meals (sandwich or wrap + sides).
• 1.0–1.6 L: hearty portions, athletic teens and adults, or anyone who likes a full bento with multiple components.

Remember: capacity adds up. A main box plus a small jar for soup or a side container for salad can be more flexible than one giant box. Multi-piece lunch boxes also make portion control and meal variety easier.

Top picks from Goodie Goodie

LocknLock Yummy “Vacuum” Lunch Box (1450 ml set)

A brilliant value set for big appetites and variety lovers. You get a 1450 ml main box plus a 320 ml food jar and a 450 ml container—ideal for separating mains, sides and snacks. The PP + stainless build is tough enough for daily use, and the leak-proof compartments mean you can pack saucy dishes with confidence. RRP $49.99.

B.box Lunchbox

This is a modern bento-style lunch box designed for growing kids, with clever features that let you pack whole pieces of fruit, wraps, mains and sides—no squishing required. The stretch-and-flex silicone fruit section is a unique touch, and it also includes leak-proof compartments, an ice-pack slot under the sandwich tray, and a removable divider for flexibility.

Insulated Stainless Steel 500 ml (Cinnamoroll/Kuromi)

Cute meets practical. These 500 ml insulated lunch boxes suit kids and smaller adult meals, keeping contents warm or cool till lunchtime. They’re stainless inside, easy to hand-wash and sized right for snacks, rice bowls or pasta—fun designs make them instant favourites. Price at $39.99.

Tip: Pair any of the picks above with a matching insulated bag to keep temperatures steadier during commutes and on hotter days.

Don’t forget the carry: insulated lunch bags

An insulated lunch bag adds protection, temperature control and pockets for cutlery or napkins—turning lunch boxes into a complete carry kit. Goodie Goodie offers several sizes, including 25 × 22 × 13 cm bags (great for compact setups) and roomier 27 × 19 × 16 cm options for bulkier boxes or multiple containers. Prices start at $9.99 and $12.99 respectively, with lots of colours and character styles to match your vibe.

Packing smarter with lunch boxes

Build a bento balance. Aim for a mix of protein (chicken, tuna, tofu, beans), carbs (rice, wraps, noodles), colourful veg and fruit, plus a small treat. Bento-style lunch boxes with sections or add-on containers make this dead simple.

Separate wet from dry. Keep crackers crisp and salads perky by portioning dressings and dips into mini containers. In multi-piece sets, use the smallest jar for sauces, the mid-size for sides and the main box for your hero dish.

Use freezer-friendly sides. Pre-portion muffins, bliss balls or mini burritos on Sunday; freeze, then pack frozen—by lunch, they’re perfectly thawed and help keep the rest of the meal cool.

Pack to the brim. Air is the enemy of temperature retention. Fill containers so there’s minimal headspace, especially for hot foods in insulated lunch boxes.

Care & cleaning tips that extend the life of lunch boxes

• Hand-wash lids and seals. Even if the base is dishwasher safe, silicone seals last longer with gentle hand-washing.
• Air-dry fully. Store lunch boxes slightly open so trapped moisture doesn’t cause odours.
• De-smell with a paste. A quick baking-soda paste removes lingering curry or kimchi scents from stainless interiors.
• Check your bag liner. Wipe insulated bags daily; a quick spray-and-wipe keeps crumbs, spills and smells at bay.

Why shop Goodie Goodie for lunch boxes?

You get a wide, in-stock mix of lunch boxes (stainless, insulated, character designs and value sets), plus matching bags and bottles to complete your kit. The site makes it easy to browse by category—Lunch / Bento Boxes and Lunch Bags—and there’s free shipping on Auckland orders over $60, which is ideal if you’re kitting out the whole whānau.