The Best Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Snack Containers for Toddlers and School Aged Kids

As parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is always a top priority, and this extends to the products we use daily. When it comes to snack time on-the-go, choosing non-toxic and eco-friendly containers is essential for maintaining both our children’s health and the health of the planet. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options available, highlighting why these containers are a smart choice for your family.

Why Choose Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Snack Containers?

Healthier for Your Child: Traditional plastic containers often contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, BPS, and phthalates, which can leach into food. Non-toxic snack containers are made from safe materials like stainless steel, silicone, and glass, ensuring your child’s snacks remain free from harmful substances.

Better for the Environment: Eco-friendly snack containers are always reusable and are typically made from sustainable materials that are biodegradable or recyclable. By choosing these options, you’re reducing your family’s carbon footprint and helping to minimize plastic waste in our oceans and landfills.

Durable and Long-Lasting: High-quality eco-friendly containers are designed to last. They can withstand the rough and tumble of daily use, meaning fewer replacements and less waste over time. They are often versatile enough for use with kids and adults alike and can last even for more than one generation supporting your minimalist lifestyle. 

Top Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Snack Containers

Stainless Steel Snack Containers

Why Stainless Steel?

• Highly Recommended: Food-grade 304 stainless steel is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics as the safest material for kids' dinnerware.
• Chemical-Free: Free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, melamine, and lead.
• Durability: Completely non-breakable and the most durable option, often lasting for generations.
• Eco-Friendly: High durability and recyclability make stainless steel a very environmentally friendly choice.
• Easy to Clean: Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup.

Cons:

• Microwave Unsuitable: Stainless steel cannot be used in the microwave.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Gets cold or hot easily, though double-walled stainless can mitigate this issue.

Brands We Love

 

EcoLunchbox: Provides a range of stainless steel snack boxes and lunch containers. For example, this 3 piece set is great for storing leftovers as much as it's a perfect option for lunches or snacks on-the-go. Another good option is this 3 layer stainless steel 3-in-1 container - perfect for storing multiple snacks for your little ones' adventures or your own. 

 

Avanchy: Offer a variety of stainless steel and silicone non-toxic dinnerware for kids options. This bowl and spoon set is a highly versatile option - comes with a removable suction feature, a silicone lid. It is perfect for storing leftovers or using this bowl as a snack container for quick meals on-the-go for your toddler. 

LunchBots: Offers a variety of sizes and configurations, perfect for any snack. Here is a good example of a versatile stainless steel snack container. Check out other options available to fit your specific needs, including small leak-proof containers for dips, yogurt, apple sauce and more. 

PlanetBox: Known for their divided stainless steel lunch containers, they do have smaller size options perfect for snack storage. 

Silicone Snack Bags and Snack Containers

Why Food Grade Silicone?

• Safe and Flexible: Made from BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free silicone.
• Reusable: Perfect for reducing single-use plastic waste, as they can be used over and over.
• Versatile: Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, and ideal for various snack types.
• Durable: Sturdy and long-lasting, able to withstand daily wear and tear. Does not break when dropped regularly by your little ones. 

Cons:

• Staining: Can sometimes retain colors from certain foods.
• Not Biodegradable: Although durable, silicone is not biodegradable.

Brands We Love

 

HYDAWAY: Offers unique ultra-portable collapsible silicone snack and food containers that come with insulated sleeves and spill-proof lids. These are a great space saving solution for on-the-go family needs. 

 

Stasher: Known for their high-quality, reusable silicone bags. Available in many different sizes and configurations. 

Zip Top: Offers a range of versatile silicone containers that stand up for easy filling.

WeeSprout: Has a variety of kids' non-toxic dinnerware options, including these silicone snack catcher cups that come with lids and are perfect for messy toddlers. 

Mushie: Offers spill-proof, soft silicone snack cups toddlers love (and parents appreciate)!

Glass Containers with Silicone Sleeves

Why Glass?

• Pure and Safe: Glass is a natural material that is free from harmful chemicals.
• Taste Preservation: Does not impart any flavors or odors to food.
• Eco-Friendly: Glass is easily recyclable, which makes it highly sustainable.

Cons:

• Weight: Glass can be heavier than other materials, making it less ideal for on-the-go.
• Breakable: Despite silicone sleeves that are sometimes available, glass can still break if dropped.

Brands We Love

Wean Green: Offers glass containers for kids and babies made from tempered glass, which makes it 4-5 times stronger than regular glass. They are dishwasher and freezer safe - perfect not just for snacks and meals on-the-go or for packing for daycare and school, but also for storing baby food in the freezer. These are highly versatile and can be used from infant all the way to adult. 

Elk and Friends: Offers a variety of non-toxic meal and drinkware products for babies, toddlers and older kids. Their glass straw cups with silicone sleeves are highly versatile and come with regular lid, so they can be used both for drinking as well as snack storage for babies, toddlers and even older kids. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Snack Containers

• Size and Portability: Ensure the containers are the right size for your child’s snacks and are easy to carry in a backpack or lunchbox.
• Ease of Cleaning: Choose containers that are dishwasher-safe or easy to hand wash to save time.
• Leak-Proof: Opt for containers with secure lids to prevent spills and keep snacks fresh.
• Versatility: Consider containers that can be used for multiple purposes, such as storing leftovers or meal prepping.

Bottom Line

Investing in non-toxic and eco-friendly snack containers is a simple yet impactful way to prioritize your child’s health and the environment. These containers not only provide a safe way to store snacks but also help reduce waste and promote sustainable living. For more tips on choosing non-toxic and eco-friendly products for your child, check out our guide on The Best and Safest Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Dinnerware for Kids.

By making mindful choices about the products we use daily, we can create a healthier, more sustainable world for our children to grow up in.

 

 

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