A snack box is a small lunch box or container that makes it easy to bring smaller portions of food from home. It is ideal for fruit, vegetables, nuts, crackers, and other small meals, and can be used on its own or as a supplement to a larger lunch box.
For both children and adults, a small snack box can be practical when a full packed lunch is not necessary or when individual parts of a meal need to be kept separate.
What is a snack box?
A snack box is typically smaller than a regular lunch box and is designed for smaller portions. It can be used for a morning snack, an afternoon snack, fruit for school, or as an additional container alongside lunch.
The advantage of its smaller size is that you do not need to use a large lunch box for a small portion of food. This makes a snack box easy to fit into a school bag, work bag, or larger lunch box.
A snack box can be used for items such as:
- Fruit and berries
- Vegetable sticks
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Crackers and small snacks
- Small sandwiches
- Cheese or other small snacks
Snack boxes for children
A snack box can be particularly practical for children because food throughout the day is often spread across several breaks. A smaller container makes it easy to take out a little food without having to open the entire lunch box.
For example, it can hold fruit for the morning, vegetables for the afternoon, or a little extra snack for a long school day.
When choosing a snack box for children, size is not the only important factor. Your child should also be able to handle the box independently. The lid should therefore be relatively easy to open and close while still staying securely fastened inside the bag.
Snack boxes for adults
Snack boxes are not just for children. A small container can be just as practical at work, in the car, or when exercising.
If you want to bring nuts, fruit, vegetables, or a small snack with you, a snack box makes it easier to pack exactly the amount you need.
Several small containers can also be used to divide your food throughout the day if you prefer different snacks at different times rather than one large packed lunch.
How big should a snack box be?
The right size depends primarily on what you want to use the box for. A very small snack box is practical for nuts, berries, or small snacks, while a slightly larger model provides room for fruit, vegetables, or a small meal.
It is therefore worth considering the types of food you usually pack before choosing a size.
If you plan to use the snack box alongside a larger lunch box, it is also worth checking whether the two fit together well in your bag or can conveniently be stored together.
Stainless steel snack boxes
Stainless steel is well suited to snack boxes because the material is durable, retains its shape, and is suitable for repeated everyday use.
A stainless steel snack box can be used for many different types of food and is also easy to clean. Stainless steel generally does not absorb colour, odours, or flavours from food in the same way that more porous materials can.
This makes a stainless steel snack box suitable for switching between different types of snacks from one day to the next.
Should a snack box be leakproof?
It depends on what you plan to put inside it.
For dry snacks such as nuts, crackers, and bread, a standard closure is often sufficient. However, if the snack box will be used for juicy fruit, vegetables, or other moist foods, a well-sealed design can be an advantage.
It is important, however, to distinguish between a box that closes tightly around ordinary food items and a container designed to hold liquids. Soup, dressing, and other liquids should only be transported in products specifically designed for that purpose.
Snack box or lunch box with compartments?
Both solutions can be used to keep different parts of a meal separate, but they work in different ways.
A lunch box with compartments keeps the entire meal together in one container. A separate snack box, on the other hand, allows you to take out individual items whenever you need them.
A snack box can therefore be a good choice if you:
- Bring snacks for different times of the day
- Want to keep fruit or vegetables separate from the rest of your packed lunch
- Only need a small portion of food
- Want to supplement an existing lunch box
You do not necessarily have to choose one or the other. For many people, a larger lunch box and one or two small snack boxes work well together.
A small lunch box offers greater flexibility
Bigger is not always better when it comes to storing food on the go. If a container is much larger than its contents, it takes up unnecessary space in your bag.
With containers in different sizes, you can instead choose the one that suits your needs for the day. Some days call for a full lunch box, while on other days, a small snack box is enough.
This can make it easier to adapt your packed food to your appetite, activities, and the length of the day.
What should you look for when choosing a snack box?
A good snack box does not need to be complicated. The most important thing is that it suits the way you intend to use it.
Look for features such as:
- A size that suits the snacks you normally bring
- A durable material for everyday use
- A lid that is easy to open and close
- A shape that fits well in your bag or lunch box
- A design that is easy to clean
For children, it is also a good idea to check that they can open the box themselves before taking it to school or nursery.
Snack boxes from SteelMate
SteelMate's snack boxes are designed for smaller meals and snacks in everyday life. The focus is on simple functionality, durable materials, and sizes that are easy to take with you.
Use them on their own for a quick snack or combine them with a larger lunch box when you want to divide the day's meals into smaller portions.
Ready to find your next SteelMate?
SteelMate is a Danish brand focused on thoughtfully designed products for everyday life. We develop functional products for children, adults, and families, with an emphasis on durable quality, good materials, and simple design. Our products are made to be used again and again.
We have a particular appreciation for stainless steel, but always choose materials based on the function of each product. Whether you are looking for something for your packed lunch, work, school, kitchen, or life on the go, our aim is to make it easy to find products that work in practice.
If you have questions about sizes, materials, features, cleaning, or which product best suits your needs, you are always welcome to contact us. We are happy to share our experience and help you find the right solution.
You can explore our full range of lunch boxes here. We ship from Denmark with delivery in 1–2 business days, and you get free shipping to a parcel shop on orders over 499 DKK.
SteelMate – products made to be used, and made to be your mate in everyday life.
