Lunch bags are proving more and more popular for busy nurses, working long shifts.
With the pandemic stretching both stress levels and work hours to the limit, the very least we nurses deserve – actually, this applies whether you are a nurse, therapist, doctor, or any other medical professional – is good food to get us through the day.
And why not, carry our lunches in style. (Forgive my choice of the featured image, I couldn’t find one of lunch bags… I wouldn’t mind having that guy for lunch though 🙂 )
The following tote and lunch bags are a combination of what I feel are the best available along with what has become the most popular on Amazon.
Let’s take a look.
Best Lunch Bags for Nurses – My Top Picks
1. BEST FOR WOMEN: KIPBELIF Insulated Lunch Bags for Nurses
One of my favorites right now is the KIPBELIF Insulated Lunch Bags for Nurses.
This really is a sleek-looking lunch bag with what I feel to be a 1960’s sophisticated style, (I could imagine Audrey Hepburn carrying her lunch in this).
It comes in a range of pastel colors and 2 sizes (large and extra-large), meaning there is plenty of capacity for your items.
If stats are your thing, the KIPBELIF insulated lunch bag showed that it could bear up to 22-pounds over 5,000 times before failing during weight-bearing tests.
I will admit, such information seems a little over the top to me, however, it does prove that the bag is strong.
The insulation aspect is definitely more relevant. I like to bring hot and cold foods to work. This lunch bag comes lined with a high-grade aluminum interior lining so that the temperature of your grub remains consistent throughout the day, (well up to 14 hours in fact).
The inside is also easy to wipe clean, which is a bonus.
Featuring hot-pressed seams make the bag 100% leak-proof. Although let’s face it, you’ll hopefully not have any spillages to test this fact.
On the subject of liquids, the KIPBELIF lunch bag has two deep drink pockets. There are also other pocket storage options on the side of the bag for items such as wet wipes, keys, purses, and phones, etc.
Finally, it has an easy-open front zipper for quick access to your belongings.
Overall, I love this bag and have one of my own. That’s not to say I am speaking with bias mind you. It currently has a 5-star rating out of 5 on Amazon, meaning this popular option has pleased a lot of other medical professionals too.
My top pick, for very good reason.
2. BEST UNISEX OPTION: SRISE Lunch Bag Insulated Lunch Box
This is another stylish insulated lunch bag that comes in 3 colors, black, dark blue, and pink.
The simple aesthetic makes it suitable for both males and females. Srise has opted for a high-quality, high-density oxford cloth and nontoxic aluminum foil for the design of the bag.
This ensures your food stays both hot or cold depending on what you have packed. Although smaller than my top pick from KIPBELIF, there is still ample space for lunch and drinks.
A zip front pocket is also included to house other items such as your phone.
The main bag itself is accessed via a sturdy dual zipper on the top, that opens the bag fully. This is excellent for placing your lunch into the storage space while keeping the container horizontal, (vital for things like soups or other liquid-based meals).
That being said, the aluminum lining will ensure that no liquid leaks out of the bag should spillages occur.
Carrying the bag is no effort with the choice of either the top heavy-duty handle or adjustable shoulder strap.
Overall, a great and effective lunch bag at a very reasonable price too.
- Related Content: Best Bags for Nurses
3. BEST GIFT IDEA: EatRite Insulated Neoprene Nurse Lunch Tote
My top pick for anyone looking for a cute gift for a friend is this rather fetching pink and black tote bag, that is unashamedly designed specifically for medical professionals. (It has a stethoscope and a choice of various taglines such as “healthcare, my career my passion” printed on the side.)
The EatRite Insulated Neoprene Nurse Lunch Tote is made out of stretchy, durable fabric that doubles as insulation to keep your food warm or cool for hours.
It is important to note that this is one of the smaller bags I have reviewed in this roundup. If you often carry large Tupperware to work, this option is probably not for you.
Measuring 13 inches wide, 12.5 inches long, and 6.25 inches deep, the shape of the bag does not carry larger food containers as well as say the lunch bag from KIPBELIF
The interior is insulated of course and has a reinforced zipper along the top. The comfortable Neoprene handle is large and matches the design of the bay well.
As I say, a great option as a gift due to the cute coloring and taglines, just beware of the more limited storage space.
4. BEST RANGE OF STYLES: LOKASS Insulated Lunch Bag for Nurses
The LOKASS insulated lunch bag was very nearly my top pick overall. This is mainly due to the high-quality design, alongside what is a great range of style choices.
From classic black design to kitsch leopard print, there are actually 13 different color and pattern options available here.
No matter your aesthetic preference, you’ll no doubt find something to suit.
The durability factor stems from the fact the bag is made from durable PU leather and high-grade linen.
Again, the LOKASS Insulated Lunch Bag does not have the storage capacity of my favorite KIPBELIF, but at 11 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide, and 6 inches deep the dimensions will accommodate your average lunch.
It is important to realize that although smaller than the EatRite tote bag, the rectangle shape of the LOKASS is better suited to larger Tupperware containers.
The bag also benefits from a wider zipper opening that stretches the full width of its shape for the easier loading and unloading of items.
The main compartment is lined with insulating material of course. This is stated to keep your food hot or cold for up to 6.5 hours.
Those with a good memory may recall that the KIPBELIF can maintain temperatures for up to 14 hours, another reason for my preference towards it.
There are two mesh drink holders for your liquids. There is also a zippered pocket on the front of the lunch bag for items such as your phone.
With its high-quality design, efficient storage space, and range of styles, the LOKASS is a worthy entry to my top 7 lunch bags. Highly recommended.
5. OPUX Deluxe Thermal Insulated Dual Compartment Lunch Bag for Women
Another quality entry in my top 7 is the OPUX deluxe thermal insulated lunch bag. This too has a good range of styles for those that want to go beyond standard colors.
The marketing copy of this states that it can house a 6 pack of soda, which gives you a clear idea of the storage dimensions on offer here.
The thermal insulation is made from a PEVA eco-friendly lining which is an added bonus. This is also easy to wipe clean.
The durable exterior is made with high-quality nylon and 600D polyester fabric. The zippers are also reinforced zippers to ensure the longevity of bag usage.
However, some users have said that the zippers were weaker than expected and did break.
Bear this in mind, because let’s face it, it is annoying when you have a perfectly good bag that you have taken care of, only for the zippers to malfunction making it close to useless.
Finally, the bag has two extra compartments for additional non-food items.
Overall, a great option with a nice range of style options. Just be careful to take care of the zipper if you do decide to buy it.
6. MOST FUN: Fred Medical Insulated Lunch Tote
For anyone with a sense of humor and aims to lighten the workplace, (or public transport on your commute) I highly recommend the Fred Medical Insulated Lunch Tote.
This lunch bag designed for medical professionals features bright red text on the side that reads “Human Organ For Transplant.”
This is sure to raise a smile and a few comments.
It is one of the smaller bags in my top 7, so you are sacrificing space for laughs, however at 9.75 inches wide, 7.5 inches long, and 6.25 inches deep, you’ll still be able to store enough food for your shift.
The tote bag comes with a padded handle and a cute little touch that I really like is the E.M.T. tag; emergency meal transport.
A waterproof and insulating lining is all present and correct, although the manufacturers have not stated the length of time it will keep your food hot or cold.
The inside storage area also includes a mesh pocket for organizing your items.
Related Content: Top 10 Best Backpacks for Nursing School
7. Tiblue Insulated Lunch Bag for Nurses
The Tiblue Insulated Lunch Bag has proved very popular on Amazon with over 15,000 bags sold so far.
Needless to say, this has more of a universal approach and is designed for anyone looking to bring their hot or cold food to work with them.
For reference, the bag can store twelve 330 mL cans in the main compartment making this a very versatile option.
There is also additional storage in the mesh pocket of the inner lid as well as mesh drink pockets on each side of the bag.
The EVA insulation liner can keep your food cold for up to 8hrs, (hot food fares worse at only 4hrs). The internal storage area is leakproof too.
As with most of the other options I have reviewed, the Tiblue can be carried by a top handle or over the shoulder with the padded shoulder strap.
Lastly, there are 12 design options on offer, providing a range of choices for the aesthetically minded.
Final words
And there you have it, my top 7 lunch bags for medical workers. I won’t insult your intelligence by including a “what to look for when buying a lunch bag”, as I assume this is self-explanatory.
As long as the ratings are good, the size and storage design are sufficient to carry what you need, and the style suits you, you’ll be on to a winner.
