Best Snack Containers (for Kids and Adults!)

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

Snack Containers

I’m a big fan of having the right product for the job, and having 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 trip to the park.

It can also save money in the long run to invest in a few containers 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.
• Affordability.
• Usefulness beyond toddler years.

TIP: 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 specific container picks may help, too.

Divided Snack Containers

If you’re needing 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.

I often use this if I’m packing snacks for my two younger kids and I don’t want to have 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.

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 that might fit your snacking needs.

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.

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!

We have a pile of these and I use them 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.)

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.

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

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.

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

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 (which are 4 and 2 ounces) are perfectly toddler sized. (And great for big kids, too.)

This three pack holds together easily and includes cups that hold ⅓ cup, and 1 cups. They also come in a few really fun designs. Kids love these!

Glass Storage Containers

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.

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.

This classic toddler snack container is handy for dry cereal and 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!

This toddler snack cup has a fabric lid that the kids can easily slide their hands into to get to their snack. Families LOVE this product! There’s also an airtight lid that can be switched in, and the product is made in California from all U.S.-sourced materials. (Plus, it’s BPA-, Phthalate-, and PVC-free and made from FDA food-grade compliant materials.)

Favorite Reusable Pouch

We’ve had a Squeasy Gear for almost 6 years and use it for snacks including 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.

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 for myself and my husband.

From the options above, we regularly use:

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

TIP: You may also like my Road Trip Snacks.

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 to limit food that might spill at once, or a snack box to hold multiple snacks at once for a less 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.