While there are quite a few brands making non-toxic lunch bags and boxes for kids, there aren’t nearly as many for adults. There are a few nice options though. Let’s take a look at what materials are used in traditional lunchboxes and check out the best non-toxic lunch bags for adults.
This post will focus particularly on soft lunch bags or lunch coolers as some may call them with enough room for adult portions of food.
Toxins in Traditional Lunch Bags
Lunch bags seem harmless enough, right? Well, not exactly! The very nature of keeping something cool or hot is a recipe for toxic materials unfortunately. Let’s look at the most common toxins found in lunch bags.
Many lunch bags are made of PVC, one of the most commonly used thermoplastic polymers. PVC often contains unhealthy chemical additives including phthalates, lead and cadmium. These additives can leach over time, posing unnecessary health dangers to children and adults.
Bisphenols (BPA and BPS) in Lunch Bags
BPA is one of the most talked about plastic toxins. BPA and BPS are two types of bisphenols. Bisphenols are used to harden plastic. BPS has been around even over a hundred years and BPA has been around over 50 years. Plastics often contain BPA, which is linked to various health concerns.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Exposure to BPA is a concern because of the possible health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children’s behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Is BPS Safer than BPA?
BPS is often used to replace BPA. Ironically, BPS may not be any safer than BPA. You can read the details in this journal article published in Endocrinology if you want to learn more.
BPS began to be used as an alternative to BPA about a decade ago when concerns about BPA grew stronger. So, that BPA free item, may have BPS in it, which is likely not any safer. The EU (European Union) has worked hard to ban and restrict the use of Bisphenols by banning it in food containers and some items related to childcare for many years now.
The U.S. does not have any restrictions on the use of BPA and BPS, so it’s up to us, the consumer, to look out for and avoid these toxic ingredients.
If you choose to use plastic in your kitchen from time to time, there are a few things you can do to limit leaching like gently handwashing the items rather than putting them in the dishwasher. Damage or wear to the surface can increase the likelihood of leaching.
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Phthalates in Lunch Bags
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable often called plasticizers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has banned the use of some phthalates in certain items (mostly children’s items).
The restriction came from the recommendation of the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP), which determined that five phthalate chemicals cause harmful effects on male reproductive development: diisononyl phthalate (DINP), di-n-pentyl phthalate (DPENP), di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHEXP), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP).
Three more phthalates were added later on: di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP). While this is a helpful restriction, there are still many more allowed phthalates that may be concerning.
Antimicrobials in Lunch Bags
There has been a surge of antimicrobial everything especially post-Covid, but there is no evidence that it protects against the spread of anything. Antimicrobials in general contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is why standard soap and water cleaning remains the recommended way to clean despite the non-stop marketing campaigns saying otherwise.
In addition, antimicrobials can be toxic to humans and the environment. I personally avoid antimicrobials in all items including lunch bags.
Non-Toxic Lunch Boxes and Lunch Bags for Adults
Now, onto the fun part! Let’s take a look at some non-toxic lunch bags for adults. These are all soft lunch bags or personal coolers that you can use to keep items cold for longer periods of time rather than hard lunch boxes. Some of the brands offer kid’s lunch bags as well.
PackIt Non-Toxic Lunch Bag
PackIt is a favorite in my home! We have owned four of five different PackIt lunch bags. They do not contain the noteworthy toxins mentioned above. The lunch bags are PVC, BPA, phthalate and lead free.
These lunch bags are unique as they contain nontoxic gel and gel liner built into the walls, so that the entire bag actually freezes. There is no need for additional ice packs. PackIt lunch bags are super affordable, which I appreciate! The brand carries child and adult lunch bags.
The Hampton, pictured above, is the largest PackIt lunch bag overall. It measures 8.5”L x 10”W x 7.5”. This bag is perfect for a long day out and about or at work. Keep in mind that you don’t need extra room for ice packs if you freeze the bag the night before.
U-Konserve Non-Toxic Lunch Bag
U-Konserve is contains high-quality, non-leaching materials. The lunch bag brands tests by CPSIA-accredited independent labs to ensure that they are free of BPA, BPS, phthalates and lead. The lining is made of recycled PE #1. The strap is polyester, and the insulation is polyethylene.
The U-Konserve lunch bag is 9.5 x 5 x 9.75 x 5 inches making it really similar in size of the PackIt lunch bag above. U-Konserve is a Certified B Corporation and member of 1% for the Planet. The brand also offers some really cool stainless steel lunch containers and kitchen essentials.
Life Without Plastic Non-Toxic Lunch Bag
If you are looking for the most non-toxic lunch bag available, this may be the one for you. This Wool Insulated Organic Cotton Lunch Bag is made of 100% unbleached certified organic cotton canvas. The insulation is made of 100% wool. The fabric dyes are all-natural vegetable dyes, and the zipper is metal.
This wool lunch bag is understandably more expensive than the other options, but it’s a great option for anyone trying to live totally plastic free!
All three of these non-toxic lunch bags for adults are quite different, so hopefully, one of them will meet your needs. If you are reducing toxins in your kitchen, be sure to read my related post, 5 Best Non-Toxic Dinnerware Brands.
