Our Favorite Lunch Box That You Won’t Forget on Hectic Mornings

Lisa Freedman
Lisa FreedmanExecutive Lifestyle Director
Lisa Freedman is the Executive Lifestyle Director at The Kitchn. She has never met a cheese or a washi tape she didn't like. She lives in New York state with her husband and their pup, Millie.
updated May 1, 2019
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(Image credit: Cathy Pyle)

It’s happened to the best of us: You stay up late or wake up early to make the most amazing lunch. You get super excited about it and pat yourself on the back. You’re saving money and eating something delicious! And then you get halfway to work and realize that, in the morning chaos, you left said delicious meal in the fridge — or worse, on the counter where it’s sure to spoil before you can get home to rescue it.

Fun fact: Packing your lunch is only successful if you actually take it with you. If this happens to you again and again, you’re wasting money (on the food you didn’t get to eat and the lunch you now have to buy in the afternoon). You’d be better off spending a little bit of money now ($40, to be exact) to invest in a lunch box situation that you’re sure to remember to grab on your way out the door.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Allow us to suggest the BUILT NY Verdi Tote Bag. It’s a tote! With a detachable lunchbox. Simply unzip the insulated lunch bag, pack your lunch inside, and stash it in the fridge. When it’s time to head out the door, grab your tote (it’s what all your important work papers will be in!) and you’ll notice that the bag isn’t complete. Oh right! Your lunch! Get your food and zip the bag onto your tote. Now you’re good to go. Bonus: The tote has an external neoprene pocket for your water bottle.

If this doesn’t work: Put a Post-It note on the front door or on your keys with the word “LUNCH” scribbled on it. If that doesn’t work, we’ve got nothing for you.

How do you remember to bring your packed lunch to work on hectic mornings?