Whether you’re preparing lunch for your kids or yourself, chances are you’ll need to keep it cool and not always have access to the refrigerator. When temperatures rise, foods that are supposed to be refrigerated can lose their appeal, become less appetizing, and can be potentially dangerous
However, bento boxes can play an important role in ensuring that your packaged food remains at the expected temperature for several hours between packaging and consumption.
In this article, we will discuss do bento boxes keep food old and how they keep it cold.
- Do you eat bento boxes cold?
In general, bento boxes are not microwaved but cooled (more precisely at room temperature). It’s important that anything you make for the box should taste good after it cools.
- How to Keep A Bento Box Cold
- Pack lunch in an insulated lunch bag.
- Freezer ice packs are a must.
- Fill your child’s water bottle the night before and store it in the refrigerator.
- Place the stainless steel container in the freezer before packaging.
- Put your child’s lunch box in the refrigerator.
- How long does a lunch box keep food cold?
With ice packs, insulated lunch bags can stay cold for about 2 to 2.5 hours, but even that isn’t foolproof. You should put food in the refrigerator as quickly as possible or it will be risky to eat.
- How to keep food cold for 6 hours?
Crushed ice cools food and drinks faster, but ice cubes last longer and are better for refrigeration. Making your own cooler is a great way to keep food cold without spending too much on crushed ice. One solution: pre-freeze drinking water in clean milk cans or two-liter soda bottles.
Different Containers To Keep Food Cold
1. Cooler container
If you’re packing a large lunch that requires more space, or for multiple people, a cooler might be a better option. They’re purpose-built to provide more space, and the insulation acts as some sort of refrigeration to keep the contents cool. There are a variety of options on the market that you can make yourself or buy so you can keep your food cold. They play an important role in ensuring that your packaged food remains at its intended temperature for several hours between packaging and consumption.
2. Insulated lunch bags
One of the more popular options is insulated lunch bags. They come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Many of these lunch bags also have a lot of space and extra storage.
Typically, they consist of an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulating middle layer that helps reflect the core temperature back so that it stays warm for longer.
3. Thermos bottle
Thermos containers are not only suitable for the insulation of beverages, but also for the refrigeration of food and beverages. They are designed with proper insulation to ensure that the temperature of food and beverages is kept within a safe area. Thermos brand containers are also BPA and lead-free.
4. Stainless steel or freezer-safe container
Buy a stainless steel container like a reusable bento or any other freezer-safe container that will keep food cold. All you need to do is put these containers in the refrigerator before packing and they will keep for a long time in the cold.
Tips For Keeping Food Cold the Longer
While it’s wise to use containers and lunch bags to keep food cold, it’s just one step you need to know about keeping your lunchbox cold. You can use these tips to help ensure your packed lunches stay cold for as long as possible.
1. Frozen water bottle
Most people pack a water bottle in their lunch box. To get the most out of it, simply freeze the water bottle overnight and pack it in a lunch bag. It’s a great cooling tool, and it’s refreshing and defrosting when you drink it.
2. sponge ice pack
Before you start, get yourself a sponge, a plastic bag, and a glass bowl. You just fill a bowl with cold water and soak the sponge in it until it’s completely soaked.
Make sure to let the excess water drip off the sponge first, then place the fully wet sponge in a ziplock bag. Then, remove all the air from the bag, seal it, and place it in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Ice or frozen gel pack
Using an ice pack is almost essential when packing a cold lunch. You want to make sure it’s frozen, not just cold.
It cools the lunch box while you wait for the time to pass before you can eat. When you use more than one type of food, your food gets cold. These packs are available at most stores and are fairly affordable.
4. Do-it-yourself ice packs
For those of you wondering how to keep your lunchbox cold with your own do-it-yourself method, we’ve found two easy options for you that you probably already have at home.
5. Dishwashing soap gel pack
To make a dish soap gel pack, you’ll need a zipper bag inside the glass, but make sure the seal is protected so that no soap can get on the zipper. From that, add about ¾ cup of soap to the empty bag and add some food coloring if you want it to be colored.
Make sure to remove all air bubbles from the bag before removing them from the cup and sealing it. Once sealed, place it flat in the refrigerator overnight. Remember, they don’t freeze to a solid, but a gel-like consistency that can be reused.
Final Verdict
There are many ways to keep your lunch box and the food inside cold. Sometimes you just need to use your imagination, and sometimes you need to go to the store and buy the right container.
Always remember to keep food out of the danger zone so you or your kids don’t get sick. Food eaten cold should be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and hot above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Have fun!
