Packing and serving snacks is about to get way easier with these durable, affordable, and easy-to-use snack containers for kids and adults. I have options including stainless-steel, stacking, divided, reusable bags, and more, plus tips for the best less-messy snacks to pack.

kids-snack-containers-on-countertop

Snack Containers

I’m a big fan of having the right product for the job, and owning a stash of snack-size containers can make it easier to pack food to take on the go—whether for daycare, preschool, a road trip, or just a walk to the park.

Investing in a few good containers can also save money in the long run since they will last for years (and years).

These containers have been vetted by me in my real life and endorsed by my Instagram community. The ones I’ve included here were chosen for:

  • Durability
  • Ease of use (including washing)
  • Affordability
  • Usefulness beyond toddler years

It’s important to me to recommend products that last and that we can use even as our kids grow, so the majority of these picks are great for babies and toddlers, yes, but also big kids and adults. My baby-food storage containers picks may help, too.

(You may also like Preschool Snacks, Baby Snacks, and Toddler Lunch Ideas.)

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easy lunchboxes snack containers

Divided Snack Containers

If you need a container to hold snacks for more than one child at a time, to hold more than one snack, or just a few different food groups, the options below are great choices.

EASYLUNCHBOXES SNACK BOX

I often use this if I’m packing snacks for my two younger kids and I don’t want to use a bunch of separate containers. It is also helpful if I need multiple snacks for one child throughout a day out of the house. (It also makes a super toddler lunchbox.) This option is affordable, sold in a set of four for about $14, and nests for easy storage.

Yumbox mini Snack Box in purple

Yumbox Mini Snack Box

My Instagram mom community loves this snack box as an easy option to pack and take on the go. It has trays that are removable for easy cleaning, a leak-proof seal, and a smaller size (the sections hold ¾ cup, ⅓ cup, and dip) that’s ideal for snacking.

TIP: There are also some handy options from Sistema and Bentgo that might fit your snacking needs.

Bumkins Reusable Bags in teal

Favorite Reusable Bags

There have been a lot of new reusable bags on the market in the past few years and I have two favorites.

Bumkins Reusable Bags

These close with a zipper, so they’re easier for little kids, and they’re super easy to wash in the washing machine. They come in a few sizes and lots of patterns, too!

stasher-snack-bag-in-teal

Stasher Snack Bags

We have a pile of these that I use for food storage (in the fridge and freezer), and the smaller sizes are great for packing snacks. (The kids may need help opening and closing these. Zipper bags are a little easier for little hands.)

Kids Konserve nesting containers

Stainless-Steel Snack Containers

Stainless containers have the benefit of being both incredibly durable and really easy to clean. They last forever—through multiple kids and as they grow—and are great for adult snacking needs, too.

U Konserve Nesting Trio

This 3-set nesting trio is made of durable stainless steel and is an incredibly convenient option for packing snacks (and lunches).

Replay-Snack-Stack-containers

Stacking Snack Containers

This type of container allows you to pack a lot of snacks while keeping them contained in your bag—which is a giant win.

Replay Recycled Snack Stacker

I’ve had this set for more than four years and it’s incredibly durable, easy to use, and leakproof (when closed tightly). They’re super convenient for packing snacks for travel days. These attach very securely.

Beaba-Clip-Containers

Beaba Clip Containers

This might be one of the most used storage products I’ve had in my kitchen over the past 5 years. We use these containers for everything—and the two sizes in this set (2 and 4 ounces) are perfect for toddlers (and great for big kids, too).

Whiskware Snack Container in unicorn

Whiskware Stackable Snack Pack

This three pack stacks together easily and includes one cup that holds ⅓ cup and two cups that each hold 1 cup. They are available in a few really fun designs. Kids love these and they are easy to carry or stash in a diaper bag or purse.

leftover-smoothies-in-jars-on-counter-top

Glass Storage Containers

WEE SPROUT GLASS STORAGE JARS

If you follow me on social media, you will have seen these over and over. We have them in both the 4-ounce and 8-ounce sizes and they are just so useful. (We have had them well over a year and have never had one break.)

Use code YUMMYTODDLER for 20% off.

Munchkin Snack Cups in blue and green

Toddler Snack Containers

This category includes containers with lids that help prevent messes, but allow little hands to get inside. I view these as more temporary purchases—since you won’t need them forever—but they can be helpful for the toddler years.

Munchkin Snack Cup

This classic toddler snack container is no-spill and handy for dry cereal and baby puffs and helps to contain any potential mess. It won’t be used forever, but it’s a good option for 1-4 year olds!

squeasy-gear-reusable-pouch-in-teal

Favorite Reusable Pouch

We’ve had one Squeasy Gear for almost 6 years and use it for snacks like smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, and purees. It’s really great for on-the-go, and the mess factor is limited since it’s very hard for the kids to deliberately (or accidentally) spill. Plus, it’s made of silicone and is easy to wash.

Best Snack Containers for Adults

In our house, we share snack containers, but I have a few favorites that I use regularly for myself:

  • Stasher bags
  • Bumkins bags
  • Eco Lunchbox stainless-steel containers

TIP: You may also like my Road Trip Snacks.

toddler-travel-food-in-containers

Favorite Snacks for On-the-Go

Here are some of my favorite less-messy snacks for kids. I can’t guarantee zero mess, but these are nice options to have in the mix!

Best Tips for Success

  • Wash and dry according to manufacturer’s directions.
  • Use individual containers with foods that might spill, or a snack box to hold multiple snacks at once (and have fewer containers to keep track of).
  • Pack any food that is safer stored cold in an insulated bag with an ice pack.
  • Check out lunch boxes, baby lunch boxes, lunch bags, water bottles, and thermoses for more product picks.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, especially if I missed one of your favorite storage containers!

This post was first published August 2021.

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Comments

  1. Hi Amy, do you know if the Squeasy gear 3.5 or 6 oz pouch will fit the OmieBox lunchbox? I need a way to include smoothies with my son’s preschool lunches. I tried the thermos, which works, but I’d rather have a cup he can drink it out of with a straw, rather than the thermos, which makes him use a spoon. Thank you for all of your great reviews! I bought the Omiebox from your recommendation. It is a game changer!

    1. Hi- I just tried both sizes and they both fit. The 6 oz is just slightly snugger, but I was still able to close the box without any issue. (I actually assumed they didn’t fit, so I am so glad to know this is an option!)