TL;DR: Packing warm food on the go can be intimidating, especially when it comes to your kids. However, if you keep a few key rules in mind and get the right products, you can rest assured that your kiddo will have a warm lunch that won’t go bad.
How to Pack Warm Food on the Go
Entering parenthood, there are many stand-out stages. One of them includes when you first start packing lunches for your little one. Whether they are in daycare, school, or going off to Grandma’s, you want to make sure they are eating food they like, that is nutritious, and that will last a few hours until lunchtime. If you want to take advantage of those pasta leftovers, it is important to learn how to pack warm food on the go. Keep reading to learn our best tips and tricks for packing warm food on the go, including some must-have products to help you every day.
What Foods Are the Safest to Pack?
Here are some important tips from the USDA regarding food safety and what foods to pack and not to pack:
Perishable food (refrigerated), including meat, poultry, and eggs, must be kept cold at all times. Eggs should be purchased cold at the store and kept cold at home. In between store and home, transport perishable food as fast as possible when no ice source is available. At home, refrigerate perishables promptly. Food should not be left out at room temperature more than 2 hours — 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees F (32.2 degrees C).
Prepackaged combos are sometimes packed for lunch. These combos often contain perishable foods such as luncheon meats, cheese, and cut fruit that must be kept refrigerated, even though they may be cured or contain preservatives.
Use an insulated container to keep food like soup, chili, and stew hot. Fill the container with boiling water, let it stand for a few minutes, empty it, and then put in the piping hot food. Keep the insulated container closed until lunchtime to keep the food hot — 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) or above.
[source: USDA.GOV ]
Some safe go-tos include:
- Soups
- Stews
- Pasta
- Macaroni and cheese
- Meatballs
- Pasta salad
- Rice
- Chicken nuggets
- Sausages
- Pizza slices
- Quesadillas
- Oatmeal
- Pancakes
- Chili
How Can I Ensure My Food Stays Warm On The Go?
When packing warm food on the go, it is best to keep it in a stainless steel container or an insulated bag.
Another rule of thumb includes that if it can keep you warm in the winter, it can keep your food warm! Wrapping your food in warm blankets, a jacket, or even in an insulated hat can help when you’re in a pinch.
However, with children, it is important to keep the number of things they take places to a minimum to reduce the risk of losing your stuff.
Best Products for Meals On The Go
Stainless Divided Lunchbox
Here it is: A stainless steel lunchbox with a shell to keep your child’s hands safe from temperatures! Plus, Innobaby's Keepin' Fresh Stainless Steel Snack Box has a unique removable divider design that keeps food separated and mess-free to your customization.
The double-lined wall keeps food cold or warm up to 2 times longer than standard containers, and it acts as a protective shell to shield little hands from extreme temperatures.
The airtight hinged lid is a snap to open and close, seals in freshness, and is simple enough for toddlers and small children to use!
The perfectly portioned stainless steel bentos are easy to wash, too, thanks to the removable stainless insert. Top rack dishwasher safe. Innobaby's Keepin' Fresh Bentos are also freezer safe, BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, and lead-free.
Aquaheat Lunchbag with Cool Pack
It is super easy to keep your meals, snacks, and baby food at the perfect temperature with the Aquaheat Insulated Lunchbag Set!
Designed for both warmth and coolness, this versatile set is the ideal solution for keeping your food fresh and secure while you’re on the go. Whether you're packing a hot lunch or storing snacks, this set keeps them at the right temperature for 4-5 hours (depending on external conditions).
The Aquaheat Lunchbag is made from lightweight, waterproof neoprene material, and it includes a handy Aquaheat Cool Pack that helps keep food and drinks cold without the mess of traditional ice packs.
Perfect for busy families, this lunchbag comfortably fits the Aquaheat Container and is spacious enough to store everything you need for the day. Plus, the Aquaheat Cool Pack is reusable—simply store it in the freezer, and it's ready to keep your items cool for your next outing.
Innobaby Din Din Smart Stainless Divided Platter with Sectional Lid
Perfect for busy little toddlers, this slim lunchbox is great for packing warm food without taking up too much space in their bag, your stroller, the fridge, or your cabinet.
The kid-friendly, bus-shaped divided plate has five separate compartments, perfect for introducing a balanced diet and new foods. This divided plate for kids has separate compartments to prevent food from sliding or mixing, and the sectional lid keeps food in place on the go.
This kid-friendly, nontoxic, worry-free dinnerware solution is made with the highest quality food-grade type 304 stainless steel. Our children’s separated plate is sure to outlast any other; it will not stain, harbor odors, rust, or crack!
FAQ
Q: What material is best to pack warm food with?
A: Stainless steel is the best option to pack warm food with. It is a good idea to have a lunchbox that offers an outer shell to protect your child’s hands from hot temperatures.
Q: What are some warm on-the-go lunch ideas?
A: Some of the best warm on-the-go lunch ideas include quesadillas, pizza slices, rice dishes, and pastas.
Q: How long is warm food good when on the go?
A: Warm food is generally safe to eat for 4-6 hours after packing it, according to the USDA.
Written by Jaclyn Uloth, Marketing copywriter and Mom of 3 boys, 5 and under