Omar Khalid
Before plastic, lunch was kept in a variety of containers, including metal lunch pails, glass jars, cardboard boxes, tin cans, wooden boxes, and cloth bags. The first significant innovation in lunch boxes occurred in the 1920s when the Thermos Bottle Co. introduced the first official lunch box with a thermos to keep liquids hot or cold. In the 1950s, lunch boxes became popular with licensed images of popular culture icons, such as Disney's Mickey Mouse. Metal lunch boxes remained common until the 1980s when plastic boxes took over due to their lower cost. Today, lunch containers vary from plastic boxes to insulated cloth sacks, tiffin containers, and bento boxes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal, paper, glass, tin, aluminium, cardboard, wood, cloth, clay, and more |
| Container Type | Boxes, barrels, bags, bottles, jars, tins, pails, and baskets |
| Purpose | To keep food together, protected, and at a desired temperature |
| Innovations | The first official lunch box with a thermos was introduced in 1920; decorated lunch boxes in the 1950s |
| Changes Over Time | Metal was common until the 1980s when plastic took over due to lower cost; vinyl appeared in the 1960s and 1980s |
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What You'll Learn
Metal lunch pails and boxes
Metal lunchboxes, or lunch pails, have been used for decades. In the early days, workers repurposed old containers they had around the house, such as tobacco tins, to protect their lunches from the perils of the job site. In the 1920s, the first official lunch box was introduced by the Thermos Bottle Co., featuring a domed lid to contain a thermos and a latch on the front. This is easily recognizable as the classic industrial lunchbox.
The first commercial lunchboxes, which resembled metal picnic baskets decorated with scenes of playing children, came out in 1902. Mickey Mouse was the first popular character to grace the front of a lunchbox in 1935, with Disney introducing its original version that year. In the 1950s, television and pop culture took over, with characters like Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger, and Howdy Doody adorning lunchboxes.
Metal lunchboxes remained popular until the 1980s, when they were replaced by plastic due to the latter being cheaper to manufacture. Some school districts banned metal lunchboxes after parents complained that they could be used as weapons. Metal lunchboxes have seen a bit of a renaissance in recent years, with retailers like lunchbox.com offering a range of options.
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Waxed paper
Despite this, waxed paper still has its uses. Cookbook authors and pastry chefs continue to use it for wrapping sticky confections like caramels, as wax lets go more readily than silicone.
However, waxed paper is not suitable for baking, as it will melt or potentially combust in a hot oven. Parchment paper, on the other hand, can withstand temperatures up to 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Glass jars and containers
Glass containers provide an airtight and durable option for storing and transporting food. They can be used to store dry goods, such as grains, nuts, and snacks, as well as liquids such as soups, sauces, or drinks. Glass jars with airtight lids can be used to preserve foods through methods like canning and pickling, which were popular before the widespread use of refrigeration.
Glass containers come in various sizes and shapes, allowing for versatile food storage options. Smaller jars can be used for individual servings of condiments or snacks, while larger jars can be used for bulk food storage or for storing meals. Glass containers are also microwave and oven-safe, making them suitable for reheating or cooking meals directly in the container.
In terms of portability, glass containers can be heavier and more fragile than plastic alternatives. However, with proper care, glass containers can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for storing and transporting lunches. They can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing waste associated with single-use plastic packaging. Additionally, glass does not leach chemicals into food, which can be a concern with some types of plastic packaging.
Today, glass containers are still widely used alongside other materials like metal, cloth, and modern plastics. Many people appreciate the aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits of glass containers, opting to use them for storing leftovers, meal prep, and packing lunches. Glass jars and containers continue to be a practical and eco-conscious choice for those seeking alternatives to single-use plastics.
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Paper packets
Paper has been used for a long time to store food and other items. In the past, paper was used to wrap sandwiches and other lunch items, especially waxed paper, which was once common as a liner for cardboard boxes. Waxed paper was also used to wrap meat and cheese at the butcher's.
Paper is a good alternative to plastic, as it is more environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Paper is also a good option for those who are concerned about deforestation, as it can be recycled and reused.
Paper bags were also used to "brown bag" lunches, which were placed inside metal lunch pails, which were popular with workmen and children. These metal pails often included a Thermos flask, which could keep food and drinks hot or cold.
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Cloth bags
The use of cloth bags for carrying lunches emerged after the popularity of metal lunch boxes started to wane in the 1980s. Metal lunch boxes, which were common in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, were durable and often featured decorative elements that made them desirable to children. However, concerns arose about their potential use as weapons in schools, and some districts began to ban them. Additionally, plastic lunch boxes became cheaper to manufacture, making them a more affordable alternative to metal.
As a result, the lunch box industry evolved, and cloth bags became a popular option. These cloth bags were designed to be lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for carrying lunches in backpacks. The insulation in the cloth bags helped regulate the temperature of the food, ensuring that cold foods remained cool and hot foods stayed warm. This was particularly useful for those who did not have access to refrigerators or microwaves at work or school.
The specific type of fabric used for cloth lunch bags could vary depending on the intended luxuriousness of the item. More expensive fabrics, such as poly canvas, were used for higher-end lunch bags, while less costly materials were utilized for more affordable options. Regardless of the fabric choice, cloth lunch bags provided a practical and stylish solution for carrying meals on the go.
Today, cloth bags continue to be a popular choice for carrying lunches, especially among those who are environmentally conscious and seeking reusable alternatives to plastic bags. Cloth bags offer a durable and fashionable option for transporting meals while also reducing the amount of waste generated by single-use plastic products. By choosing cloth bags, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future while still enjoying the convenience and functionality of a reliable lunch carrier.
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Frequently asked questions
Before plastic, lunchboxes were made of metal, wood, wicker, or heavy-duty cardboard.
Before plastic lunch bags, people used paper bags, wax paper, or butcher paper to wrap their sandwiches.
Before plastic lunch boxes, people used metal lunch boxes with a Thermos to keep food cold.
