But the Bentgo recently caught my attention. I thought it looked convenient and practical, with built in compartments and a attached lid. However, to my dismay, I saw prices triple that of what it cost in America! I couldn’t justify spending 9,000¥ plus for a lunch box.
Fortunately, since my mom was already headed over to Japan, I asked her to pick one up for about 25 or 30$ and she luckily snagged the last one at her Target!
First impressions
The lunchbox turned out to be surprisingly thin but weightier than my initial expectations. What caught my eye were the helpful illustrations on the back, detailing the precise measurements of each compartment!
I later discovered what added to the lunchbox's weight. The built-in ice pack. Also, the fuchsia pink shade wasn't exactly my top choice, so I'm contemplating adding some dinosaur stickers to give it a personalized touch for my daughter.
Features
Upon opening the box, I was surprised by how slim and reminiscent of a toy laptop the lunchbox looked. The key features include its leakproof design, dishwasher-safe materials, a solid 2-year warranty, and the added durability of drop-proof rubber corners.
What stands out the most for me is its playful yet non-character-specific design, making it suitable for my daughter's use over the next few years, unlike her previous character-themed lunchboxes that she will outgrow quite quickly.
Positive Experience
Once again, I appreciate the thoughtful portion-specific compartments. It's a relief not having to purchase additional silicon or paper cups, or those artificial grass dividers. This means no more worries about juices from one food item seeping into another, and my daughter's meals stay neatly separated (She's a bit picky).
What sets this bento box apart is its user-friendly design. Unlike traditional Japanese bento boxes for kids that often feature a rubber gasket creating a vacuum seal effect, making them a challenge to open—even for adults—this one opens easier with minimal risk of spills.
Another highlight is the optional built-in ice pack. Its inclusion means I can do away with the numerous small ice packs I have lying around. It's a practical addition that simplifies meal prep considerably.
Negative Experience
This bento's design suits American-style lunches perfectly, which often consist of drier, finger-food-friendly options. In contrast, Japanese-style lunches replicate complete meals like pasta, curry, or saucy dishes that might not sit well in certain containers.
The difference in design is noticeable too. Traditional Japanese boxes are bulkier and more box-shaped, whereas this one is flatter. This poses a packing challenge—while it's easy to stash sandwiches and chips vertically in a backpack, dishes like fish or curry require a flat position to prevent sauces or oils from spilling into other compartments. The rubberized lid seems like a promising solution to this issue, though.
Moreover, the compartments in this bento are noticeably larger than those in Japanese bentos. It's tempting to fill them all, despite knowing my daughter can't possibly consume that much. To tackle this, I've started using the largest compartment to store her juice or milk box, making more balanced and realistic meal portions.
My Daughter's Experience
She enjoyed having something different, and she didn't struggle with soggy paper cups or have to remove the paper separators, but she didn't quite like the empty space when I took out her milk box. She asked me to put my lunch inside. haha
I haven't let her open the lunchbox by herself yet, but I will the next time I use it!
As I continue to customize this lunchbox to suit my daughter's preferences, I really appreciate its ability to evolve with her ever changing tastes. The Bentgo has certainly earned its place in our lunchtime lineup, promising practicality and ease for years to come. Cheers to hassle-free lunches and happy mealtimes!
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