This article is going to review the best lunch bags for nurses.
Because even though we may never actually see our lunch box during our shift, we should really have one that looks good and is functional.
An article dedicated solely to lunch boxes for nurses might sound odd to folks outside the nursing field.
But if you’re a nurse, you’re all too keenly aware of just how valuable this information can be.
As a nurse, you know that lunchtime is different for you compared to most other employees.
Why?
Because you don’t get one!
No matter what you’re doing, how your day is going, or how long a shift you’re working, you seldom have time to take even a 5-minute break throughout the day, much less take time to sit down and eat an entire lunch.
And if you do get a lunch break, you probably don’t have much space in which to eat your lunch.
That’s why it’s important for you, as a nurse, to find the right lunch box that will make your life run just a little bit more smoothly.
Here’s information on some of the top-rated lunch boxes available that can work well for the hectic lives of nurses, as well as features to look for the next time you shop for one.
*Disclosure: This article on best lunch bags for nurses may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. For more info, please see my disclaimer.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Srise Lunch Bag
The Srise Lunch Bag is made from sturdy material and comes with several different design options with a very modern and cozy design. The bag looks compact but actually fits a lot more than you think.
Runner-Up: Baloray Lunch Bags
The Baloray Lunch Bag is cute, lightweight, and very portable. It comes in a lot of different designs that are perfect for a guy or girl. Did I mention the bag is insulated, so your food is kept fresh and warm?
The Best Nurse Lunch Box
All of the products we’ve chosen for our list are top-rated lunch boxes that could work well for nurses everywhere.
The following top-rated nurse lunch bags can be found on Amazon.com.
1. Orchidtent Neoprene Water Resistant Portable Lunch Bag Carry Case Tote
This is a cute bag by Orchidtent.
Like all their other lunch bags, it’s made with neoprene (the same material used in wet suits). Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that will help keep your hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
It’s lightweight for easy carrying. Dimensions are 13.1″L x 6.5″W x 11″H and fits containers up to 7″L x 6″W.
This could be a bit small for some nurses, but if you don’t pack a lot or have much space at work to store it, this could work well.
It’s stain-resistant and machine washable.
Pros:
- Compact, if that’s what you need.
- Attractive.
- Stain resistant.
- Machine washable.
- Free of PVCs (polyvinyl chloride)
- Excellent low price.
- Works well to keep food fresh, hot foods hot, and cold foods cold.
Cons:
- Some reviewers state it’s too small for adults.
- No shoulder or hand straps for easier carrying.
- Although this company makes similar-looking lunch bags, at this price, this bag comes in only one color.
- No side or inside pockets or compartments to store extra stuff.
- This bag has a chemical smell when you open it that Orchidtent states will dissipate over time. They recommend airing it, and they state washing it may get rid of this odor.
➡️Check the price of the Orchidtent lunch bag on Amazon.
2. Clear Lunch Bag by Amaro
- Size: 9.5"L x 6.5"W x 10.5"H
- Detachable vinyl liner for easy cleaning and prevent leaking
- Adjustable shoulder straps
This insulated lunch bag by Amaro is a handy tote that comes in several colors, including black, clear, purple, red, and royal blue.
It has a detachable vinyl liner that prevents leaking and makes cleaning easy.
It has a quality construction that’s made with sturdy thick vinyl. Dimensions are 9.5″L x 6.5″W x 10.5″H, and it fits containers up to 7″L x 6″W.
The size can be small for some nurses, but if you don’t pack a lot or have much space at work to store it, this could work well.
It does have an adjustable shoulder strap which makes it easy to carry, and the front zipper pocket is convenient for storing extra stuff.
Pros:
- Insulated.
- Large main compartment.
- Extra mesh side pockets.
- Comes in several color choices.
- Insulated to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
Cons
- Industrial-looking.
- Higher price.
- Dimensions are small.
➡️ Amaro lunch bag is available on Amazon.
3. BALORAY Lunch Bag
This is a super-cute lunch bag that almost looks like a fashionable little handbag.
In fact, you could even use it as a handbag instead of a lunch bag or double up its usage as a handbag and lunch bag.
It’s insulated and made of durable waterproof material. It has a larger capacity than a lot of other lunch bags.
Plus, it’s free of harmful BPA (bisphenol A).
This cute little bag comes in many colors, including black, bright or dark blue, pink, orange, light or dark grey, and black-and-white striped.
Pros:
- Insulated.
- Large main compartment.
- Pocket in front for extra storage.
- Nice low price.
- BPA-free.
- Easy to clean by simply wiping off with a damp cloth.
Cons:
- Several reviewers comment that the handle broke off after limited usage.
- Not machine washable.
- Several reviewers comment that the bag is smaller than it looks in the picture.
- No strap for easy carrying.
➡️ Baloray lunch tote bag is available on Amazon.
4. OPUX Deluxe Thermal Insulated Dual Compartment Lunch Bag for Women
- INSULATED LUNCH BOX FOR WOMEN MEN - Measures 10x7.5x10 (LxWxH). Capacity fits up to 16 soda cans and...
- DUAL COMPARTMENT LUNCH BAG FOR WORK - Designed with two isolated compartments, the adult leak proof...
- THERMAL ADULT LUNCH BOX COOLER - Comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and padded reinforced top...
This is a nice-sized lunch bag that’s both thermal insulated and leak-proof.
Opux boasts it’s spacious enough to hold an entire six-pack of soda.
It comes in eight different attractive colors, including charcoal, heather purple, heather red, heather gray, heather sea blue, heather green, heather navy, and heather pink.
It has an eco-friendly lining that’s great for the environment.
And it has two handy compartments that make for extra storage space.
It’s made of durable, rip-resistant, high-quality nylon and polyester. Dimensions are 10” x 7.5” x 10” (L x W x H).
Pros:
- Spacious interior.
- Comes in an array of pretty colors.
- Good mid-point price.
- Eco-friendly
- Two handy compartments for extra storage space.
- Easy to clean by simply wiping off with a damp cloth.
- Many reviewers comment that it’s durable.
- Several reviewers comment that it’s larger than expected.
Cons:
- Not machine washable.
- Several reviewers comment that the zippers break easily.
➡️ Opux lunch bag is available on Amazon.com.
5. Srise Lunch Box Insulated Lunch Bag For Men & Women
- Leak-proof and Waterproof The lunch tote has an extra thick inner lining and composite waterproof...
Wow, is this a great lunch bag! It’s made of high-quality, high-density oxford cloth and nontoxic aluminum foil.
It’s spacious enough to carry your lunch, snacks, drinks, and more.
It also has two pockets so you can carry utensils, a phone, napkins, etc.
It has a sturdy dual zipper and large zipper opening, so it’s easy to get to your stuff.
It also has a robust and heavy-duty handle, and it comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying options.
It’s great at keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
Plus, Srise has a picture of this lunch bag with water pouring directly into the main compartment with no leaks, so it’s super waterproof!
Pros:
- Waterproof and leak-proof.
- Spacious main compartment.
- Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap.
- Two pockets for extra storage options.
- Heavy-duty material.
- Excellent low price.
Cons:
- This bag has a chemical smell when you open it that must be aired out to dissipate.
- Several reviewers comment that the strap broke after limited use.
➡️ Srise lunch bag is available on Amazon.
The following are top-rated lunch bags that can be customized by getting them monogrammed.
6. Nurse Insulated Lunch Bag
Personalized Monogrammed Insulated Nurse Lunch Tote
An insulated lunch tote that comes in 26+ different color and font combinations.
This lunch bag is adorable! The medical-themed heart and stethoscope are cute additions to the design.
It’s a fully insulated lunch tote that has a nylon lining.
Dimensions are 7.5″ wide (at top), 9″ wide (at base), and 5″ deep which makes it spacious inside for small packed lunches without the overly bulky feel.
The exterior is made of cotton with heavy padding, and the interior is water-resistant.
There’s a side pocket for extra storage of items, such as a small ice pack.
The cotton material should mean you can put it in the washer, but I would probably wash on cold and hang it to dry.
Pros:
- Very stylish and unique, with medical-themed stethoscope exterior design.
- There’s options to embroider your initials on the bag
- Spacious interior.
- Good quality.
- Side pocket for extra storage.
Cons:
- Higher price.
➡️ Check the price of the nurse insulated lunch bag on Etsy.
7. Nurses Lunch Bag (Medical Theme Lunch Bag)
Nurses Lunch Box – Medical Theme
You could design this bag for you or your kids while keeping a very nurse or medical theme.
This is a cute-looking bag that uses medical-themed embroidery to spell out your name or the name of the person you want to gift it to.
If you’ve replaced enough lunch boxes for your kids, this might be the one to consider considering their name can be spelled out.
This lunch box is insulated and measures 8.5″ wide, 6.5″ high, and 6.5″ deep. If you’re like me and you’re having a hard time visualizing that, just think of a 6 pack of soda fitting easily inside of it.
The exterior is made of cotton with padding and a heavy-duty zipper. The strap is made of nylon and can be trimmed to your liking. The bag is designed so the inside and outside can be wiped with a damp cloth. This adorable bag has water-resistant nylon inside.
Don’t let the design make you think this is only for kids. If you like lunch boxes in this style, you can get this lunch box designed for you with more sophisticated designs.
Pros:
- Stylish and unique, with medical-themed exterior designs and monograms.
- Spacious interior.
- Easy to clean inside and outside.
- Good quality.
Cons:
- You might have too many options to customize.
- One of the more expensive options on our list.
➡️ The medical theme lunch bag is available on Etsy.
8. Monogram Womens Lunch Bag
One of the bigger lunch bags on my list. It’s a very stylish bag. Because it’s so big, it can also double as a multi-purpose bag.
This is another wonderful lunch bag that we can’t say enough good things about. It’s made for women, so it’s attractive and stylish.
It can be used as a lunch bag, a cooler, to carry covered dishes to a potluck, and for so much more.
It’s insulated, so your hot foods stay hot, and your cold foods stay cold.
Dimensions are 11″ L x 8″ W x 8.5″ H. It’s made of polyester. It has a zip-around closure and front pocket with Velcro flap closure for convenience and extra storage.
Additionally, it comes monogrammed with a beautifully embroidered letter of your choice.
Plus, the artist states she’s happy to ship to APOs because she’s a military wife! Comes in five beautiful styles/colors.
Pros:
- Large and spacious.
- Extra pocket for added storage.
- Comes in five beautiful colors/styles.
- Insulated.
Cons:
- Mid-to-high price point.
➡️ Check the price of the monogram women’s lunch bag on Etsy.
9. Lunch Bag Insulated (by RightOnTheWalls)
A great way to stand out at work for all the right reasons.
This bag is so pretty, it’s almost a shame to use it as a lunch bag, and it can be personalized!
This is an attractive lunch tote that measures 12″ tall and 12″ wide. This lunch box is insulated and machine washable.
It’s made of thick stretch neoprene, and it’s great for keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
It has an easy zipper closure for easy open and close. Seller states it insulates up to 3 hours. It folds flat for easy storage.
Plus, you can get it personalized with your name or the name of someone to whom you’re gifting it.
What a great idea for a customized nurse’s Secret Santa present!
Pros:
- Large and spacious
- A beautiful bag that can be personalized.
- Insulated.
- Easy zipper closure.
Cons:
- Mid-to-high price point.
➡️ Check the price of the Lunch bag insulated by RightontheWalls on Etsy.
10. Nurses Insulated Lunch Bag (Medical Theme)
Nurses Insulated Lunch Bag by KF Creations
A stylish medical-themed lunch bag that’s fully insulated with a nylon lining.
Here’s another stylish and unique lunch bag from ‘bagitwithfcreations.’
It’s got a medical theme, this time with old-timey nurses’ hats and bags – how cute! It’s a fully insulated lunch tote with a nylon lining.
Dimensions are 13” wide (at the top), 8” wide (at the base), and 6” deep by 10” tall.
The exterior is made of cotton with heavy padding, and the interior is made of water-resistant nylon with insulation to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
The base is constructed of soft vinyl, making for easier cleaning.
And, as with the other lunch boxes on our list from the same maker, there’s a zipper pocket for extra storage of items such as a small ice pack.
Plus, it’s machine washable; all you have to do is pull it inside out, wash, and then hang to dry.
Pros:
- Stylish and unique, with medical-themed old-timey nurse hat and bag exterior design.
- Spacious interior.
- Machine washable.
- Good quality.
- Zipper pocket for extra storage.
Cons:
- Higher price.
➡️ The nurse’s insulated lunch bag is available on Etsy.
Features to Look for in a Nurse Lunch Box
You probably have questions about what to look for in your new lunch box. The most important features to consider are:
1. Size
Be sure to figure out beforehand how much food and other items you’ll be carrying in your new lunch box. You might also need some space to carry containers within it.
2. Insulation
You likely need a bag with some insulation in it. Try to find one that keeps your hots hot and your colds cold longer.
3. Storage Spot
Will you be keeping your lunch in a shared refrigerator or at your desk?
If you are placing a lunch in the fridge, you should opt for a small lunch bag with some kind of identification on it.
You would not necessarily need much insulation unless your drive is especially long.
On the other hand, you will definitely need quality insulation if you’re keeping the bag at your workstation.
4. Handles/Straps
How will you carry your lunch bag? If you need something hands-free, consider an over-the-shoulder or crossbody strap, or maybe even a backpack design.
5. Waterproof
You probably also want something waterproof or at least water-resistant.
6. Ease of Cleaning
You don’t want it to get messy the first time you use it. Try to get something that’s either machine washable or can be wiped off easily.
Conclusion
As a nurse, you spend most of your waking hours taking care of other people.
It’s time you do something nice for yourself, for a change, and isn’t it those little things we do for ourselves that mean the most?
If you don’t have a lunch bag, you might be spending too much cash on lunches, and you probably don’t have much time or space in which to eat it anyway.
Sadly, that means most of the time, you’re going hungry.
So take a little time for yourself, think about which of the features of a lunch box would work best for your busy workday, and pick out the one you like best.