The bento box is no longer just a Japanese tradition—it's now a fast-growing food trend in the United Kingdom. Loved for its variety, balance, and convenience, the bento box has earned a place in modern British lunch culture. Whether you're packing a lunch for work, preparing meals for your kids, or picking one up from a local cafe, the bento box makes eating well easier than ever.
What is a Bento Box?
A bento box is a single-portion meal container that includes different compartments for a balanced combination of food. Typically, it features rice or noodles, protein like chicken or tofu, vegetables, and sometimes fruit or dessert.
The focus is on balance and portion control, making it ideal for people who want variety without overeating. It's popular among students, office workers, and health-conscious eaters.
Why is the Bento Box So Popular in the UK?
The UK food scene has embraced the bento box for several reasons:
Portion Control: Helps maintain a healthy diet.
Diverse Options: Suits vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.
Quick and Convenient: Perfect for busy schedules.
Sustainable Packaging: Often uses reusable containers.
In a 2024 survey by Food Trends UK, over 47% of urban office workers said they preferred a bento box over traditional sandwiches for lunch.
Top Health Benefits of Bento Boxes
Eating from a bento box offers clear health advantages:
Promotes balanced eating
Encourages more vegetables and fibre intake
Reduces overeating with controlled portions
Limits processed food
According to NHS guidelines, an adult’s lunch should include lean protein, grains, and at least two servings of vegetables. A well-made bento box ticks all these boxes easily.
Best Ingredients to Include in a Bento Box
You don’t need to be a chef to make a tasty bento box. Just follow a simple mix of:
Grains: White rice, brown rice, quinoa
Protein: Boiled eggs, grilled chicken, tofu, tuna
Veggies: Steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks
Fruit: Apple slices, grapes, berries
Snacks: Seaweed, nuts, rice crackers
How to Make a Bento Box at Home
Making a bento box at home is easy and saves money. Here’s how:
Choose the Right Box: Pick one with multiple compartments.
Cook in Batches: Prepare rice, protein, and veggies in advance.
Keep it Colourful: Use at least three different colours to make it appealing.
Pack the Night Before: Saves time in the morning.
Avoid Liquid Foods: Prevent spills and soggy meals.
Bento Box vs Traditional Lunches - Which is Better?
| Feature | Bento Box | Traditional Sandwich Lunch |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | High | Medium |
| Variety | Wide range | Limited |
| Presentation | Visually appealing | Basic |
| Prep Time | 10-15 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Portion Control | Precise | Varies |
A bento box offers more variety and better nutrition, making it the smarter lunch option.
Where to Buy a Bento Box in the UK
Whether you want a DIY container or a ready-to-eat meal, options are everywhere:
Retailers: Amazon UK, Lakeland, John Lewis
Meal Prep Services: HelloFresh, Mindful Chef
Restaurants and Cafés: Wasabi, Itsu, Yo! Sushi
According to a 2023 YouGov report, over 32% of UK foodies have purchased a bento box meal at least once a month.
Top Bento Box Trends in 2025
The bento box trend is growing fast in the UK, especially among Gen Z and millennials. Popular styles include:
Vegan and Plant-Based Bento Boxes
Korean-Style Bento Boxes (Dosirak)
High-Protein Fitness Bento Boxes
Kids’ Character Bento (Kyaraben)
"People want food that looks good, tastes great, and keeps them full longer," says Chef Lara Hill from London’s FitEats Cafe. "That’s why the bento box is dominating our lunchtime orders."
Best Tips for Packing a Bento Box for Kids
Kids love the fun, colourful look of a bento box. Here’s how to make it kid-friendly:
Cut food into fun shapes
Include familiar snacks
Keep strong smells away
Use leak-proof containers
According to Mumsnet, 78% of UK parents said their children ate better when served a bento box compared to a regular lunch.
Is Bento Box Good for Weight Loss?
Yes. A bento box supports weight loss by:
Controlling portions
Including whole foods
Reducing the urge for unhealthy snacks
Keeping calories in check
A typical bento box contains between 400–600 calories, depending on ingredients.
Affordable Bento Box Options in the UK
You don’t need to spend much. Affordable containers and ingredients are widely available. You can build a full week’s worth of bento box meals for under £20 using supermarket staples like:
Frozen vegetables
Canned tuna
Boiled eggs
Brown rice
How Often Should You Eat from a Bento Box?
Many UK health experts recommend using a bento box 3–5 times a week for lunch. It offers balance, convenience, and helps develop mindful eating habits.
Is Bento Box Just for Japanese Food?
Not at all. While it began in Japan, UK food lovers have made it their own. Some British-style bento box ideas include:
Roast chicken with sweet potatoes and green beans
Mini sausage rolls with couscous salad
Cheese cubes with wholegrain crackers and grapes
Conclusion
The bento box offers a smart, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy your meals. It works for every lifestyle—busy professionals, students, parents, or anyone looking to eat better.
With benefits like portion control, variety, and visual appeal, the bento box stands out as one of the best lunch options in the UK today.
Give it a try this week. Whether you make it at home or pick one up in town, a bento box could change the way you lunch.