Lunch bags and Lunch boxes are an important part of every Indian household. These lunch boxes are also known as the tiffin boxes. Carrying a lunch box is to provide wholesome nutritious meals. Right from school, we habitually carried healthy and yummy lunch boxes our mom packed for us. Whether you are going to school, the office, or traveling, carrying lunch boxes should be a part of your routine.
There are different types of tiffin boxes available in the market that have their unique features. Choosing the right lunch box that suits your needs is a must. Through this blog, we will walk you through the different types of tiffin boxes each with their pros and cons. Come and explore the world of lunch boxes!
A walk through the world of tiffin boxes
Right from the school days, You must have seen tiffin boxes with different designs and shapes. Some carry round-shaped tiffin boxes, some have colorful lunch boxes, and some carry tiffin boxes with layers. Not all the lunch boxes are made with the same material. There are stainless steel tiffin boxes, plastic, glass, and many more. Here are a few commonly seen tiffin/lunch boxes.
Sturdy Stainless steel tiffin box
When it comes to choosing the tiffin box, the first thing that comes to mind is the stainless steel tiffin box. It is the most commonly used tiffin box around the world. The metal tiffin boxes were known to mankind late in 1800. Later it evolved as the stainless steel tiffin box. No other material can beat the sturdiness and durability of the stainless steel tiffin box. It is impossibly sturdy and tough.
Pros
- It is perfect for carrying both hot and cold food.
- It is durable and hence it is worth spending the money.
- No fear of breaking when dropped.
- Sustainable and environment–friendly choice leaving no harm to nature.
- It is a healthy option. It is non-porous and thus prevents the build-up of bacteria.
- They do not have any toxic materials and do not rut due to oxidation.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Stainless Steel is quite heavier when compared to other tiffin boxes.
- Though it is ideal for carrying hot food, without proper insulation the stainless steel tiffinbox cannot keep the food hot for a long period.
Glass Tiffin Container
If you want to add an aesthetic appeal to your lunchtime, glass tiffin containers are the best choice. These containers are made from the thermal-resistant borosilicate glass. They are airtight and spill spoof, thus keeping the food fresh. Another interesting factor is that the glass does not react with the food items thus keeping the taste of the food as such. Glass tiffin containers are seen through and hence you can know what is inside the container.
Pros
- They are non-reactive and non-toxic.
- The glass tiffin containers are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- It is free from chemicals and hence 100% safe.
- Unlike plastic tiffin boxes, the glass tiffin container does not get stained by the curry.
- The glass tiffin container is microwave-safe. You can heat the food directly by placing it in the microwave.
Cons
- One of the biggest disadvantages of glass tiffin containers is that they are fragile and tend to break easily when dropped.
- They are heavier than stainless steel tiffin boxes and hence it is not flexible for portability.
- Cleaning should be done carefully as a small carelessness can leave permanent damage to the glass tiffin containers.
Plastic Tiffin Boxes
Plastic Tiffin boxes are also one of the most commonly used tiffin boxes. They are lightweight and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. When compared with glass tiffin containers, the plastic containers do not break easily when it is dropped. Always choose plastic tiffin boxes that are free from chemicals. Nowadays you can find microwave-friendly plastics so that you can heat food directly.
Pros
- Lightweight thus making it easy for kids to carry.
- Easily portable.
- Budget-friendly and easily available in diverse shapes, colors, and sizes.
Cons
- One of the biggest disadvantages is that the plastic tiffin boxes contain toxins like BPA which cause various health hazards.
- They are not bio-degradable and are not environmentally friendly.
- Cannot carry hot meals as it may damage the plastic tiffin boxes and also release harmful chemicals on the food.
- Single-use plastic lunch boxes cause environmental hazards.
Insulated Tiffin Boxes
Who doesn’t like to have hot food during lunchtime? But with normal lunch boxes, having hot meals is a task. To solve this problem insulated tiffin boxes are introduced. They are specially designed to store the food at the desired temperature. It is mostly made from stainless steel. It is perfect for carrying items like soups, and curries that need to stay warm.
Pros
- Ideal for long hours of work, traveling, and outdoor activities.
- Temperature adaptability is the key advantage. You can either store the food hot or cold.
- Since they are made from stainless steel with aluminum foil on the outside, it is eco friendly and sustainable.
Cons
- It is quite costly when compared to other lunch boxes since they have insulation features.
- Mostly the insulated tiffin boxes are not microwave-safe.
- When coming to size the insulated tiffin boxes are quite heavier than other lunch boxes.
Bamboo/Wooden Tiffin boxes
Wooden tiffin boxes are mostly made from bamboo. It was designed as a way to promote a greener environment and as an alternative to plastic tiffin boxes. In recent days bamboo lunch boxes have gained popularity owing to their aesthetic nature.
Pros
- One of the major advantages is that the wooden tiffin boxes are eco-friendly and easily biodegradable.
- They are durable and sturdy enough.
Cons
- One of the disadvantages of wooden tiffin boxes is that they absorb moisture and tend to wrap easily when not sealed properly. This can lead to the spoiling of the food.
- Though bamboo is easily available, the process of making the wooden lunch box is a task, and hence the cost is high.
- It may have the chance to get stained food with certain ingredients stored.
Bento Tiffin Boxes
We all have to carry separate containers for separate dishes. One for the main dish, one for the curry, and one for the salads. Don’t you think it is a daunting task? To make things easier, Bento tiffin boxes are introduced. It is nothing but the tiffin boxes that come in compartments. India Circus has introduced an alluring collection of Bento lunch boxes.
Pros
- It helps in carrying a balanced meal all in one package.
- Great for organizing without the food getting mixed up.
- It is perfect for effective packing as you can carry the meal in the desired portions.
- You can often get them in beautiful designs and patterns that contribute to the visual aesthetics.
Cons
- It may feel bulky and difficult to carry in a small bag space.
- Cleaning may be a task for some.
Conclusion
In India, food is not just to fill the tummy, it is an emotion and part of our culture. Whether you are a college student or a working professional carrying a lunch box is a part of a healthy lifestyle. Here you have seen different types of tiffin boxes each with unique properties. Whether you prefer a stainless steel tiffin box, or a glass tiffin container choose the one that suits your preference.
India Circus brings you a curative collection of alluring tiffin boxes each with unique designs and patterns. You can even pair them up with matching lunch bags. Grab the deal now!
FAQs on tiffin boxes.
1. Which material is best for a tiffin box?
The best material for a tiffin box is stainless steel. You can even use a glass tiffin container. These both are safe and non-toxic.
2. Which tiffin is better, plastic or steel?
Stainless steel tiffin boxes are inarguably the best when compared with the plastic tiffin box.
3. What are the different types of tiffin boxes?
The different types of tiffin boxes are stainless steel tiffin boxes, glass tiffin containers, plastic tiffin boxes, and wooden tiffin boxes.
