Adult lunch boxes and bags for the office, beach and beyond

If you're someone who's always on the go, having a quality lunch box can make all the difference.

Lunch boxes and bags aren't just for kids -- lunch boxes for adults are a practical purchase for those who pack a lunch for work, for travel , or for a day picnicking on the beach.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , "food is unsafe to be eaten if it’s kept in an old-fashioned brown paper bag longer than two hours." They recommend an insulated lunch box to keep food at a safe temperature.

When it comes to cold foods, "you’ll want to use at least two cold sources in an insulated bag to keep perishable foods in your lunch safe; ice or gel packs in your insulated bag or box work best." Perishable foods can be left at room temperature for no more than two hours. So, be sure to shop for a bag that allows room for both cold sources and the food itself.

For hot lunches, the USDA again recommends an insulated container. "Before you warm up your food, fill the container with boiling water and let it stand while you heat your food. Heat your food to at least 165°F, then empty the water out of the insulated container, pack your food and seal it tight."

We're looking out for all of the top-rated best lunch boxes for men and women, from CalPak's insulated lunch bag with a drawstring closure to YETI's water-resistant lunch box, L.L.Bean's soft cooler and Zulay Kitchen's insulated tote lunch bag with a 4.9-star rating. We've also included the Hydro Flask lunch box and a stackable bento box to keep your food separated throughout the day.

We considered both function and style when shopping, eyeing qualities like interior insulation, durability, and pocket organizers as well as water-resitant bags and those you can clean without fuss. We appreciated styles that were available in multiple colors or prints to best suit your personality, too.

Check it all out below.

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