If you're not a fan of plastic and want to avoid it while transporting your lunch, you're in luck: there are plenty of stainless steel lunch containers out there. But our favorite of the bunch has to be this 3-in-1 set from ECOlunchbox. 

I usually tuck some type of whole fruit in my bag to eat with lunch or snack on later in the day. It might roll around a bit or — if I put it directly into my backpack or purse — encounter who-knows-what at the bottom of my bag. To protect apples, pears and other fruit with edible peels, I've come up with an quick way to keep them clean and protected from bruises.

Is it any wonder why we are crazy for canning jars? They are cheap, easy to find and leak-proof. They can be frozen, microwaved (minus the lids, of course) and even baked in the oven. And they make great containers for lunches prepared in bulk, individually portioned, and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, so it's easy to grab a wholesome, homemade meal on even the busiest afternoon.

Although we've been in our current house here in Seattle over a year now, I'm still unpacking a few stray boxes from the basement. Last weekend, I unpacked an old, beloved friend: my panini press. And I got right to work preparing this heavenly new sandwich that marries tart marmalade, spicy arugula, creamy brie and little-bit-salty ham. More

Some days we have our acts together. Some days we just plain don't. That's life. For the days when those good intentions to make lunch ahead don't go quite as planned, here are a few pantry staples that make a very good emergency lunch.

I find in my day-to-day life that lunch can really go one of two ways: it can be quick, convenient and filling. Or it can be a bit more inspired and energizing, and really satisfy me well into the afternoon. While it's always easier to focus on the former (grabbing a bagel on the run or packing a ho-hum sandwich), it's the hearty salads or warm grain dishes that really leave me energized and ready to take on the rest of the day. More

The Takenaka Bento Boxes are simple, and that's what we like about them. They come in a bunch of fun colors, and they're not too big — which makes them ideal for packing lighter lunches. More

Q: My boyfriend just got back from a year in London, where he discovered fresh baked breads with lots of fillings at the local grocery store — veggies, nuts, etc. Now that he's back, he's disappointed in the bread selection. I'd like to make him some bread, and was hoping y'all might have some recipes!

Sent by Jacquie

When did lunchboxes get so stylish? (I mean, I know you used to rock that Care Bears lunchbox back in the first grade, and yes, it is hard to top that.) But in case you thought your best lunchbox days were behind you, you should know that there are quite a few sturdy, stylish boxes designed for adults on the go. In celebration of Lunch Week here on The Kitchn, we're highlighting a few of our favorites. Today's pick? The Monbento. More

Let's talk sandwiches. Specifically, the bread with which these vessels of lunchtime sustenance are assembled. They come in all varieties: homemade and storebought, whole grain and fluffy white, fancy ciabatta rolls and standard square-shaped slices. What's your pick? What makes a really good sandwich bread?