How to Keep Kids' Lunches Fresh in Singapore's Heat

Packing lunch or snacks for school, enrichment classes or a day out is a daily routine for many Singapore families. In our hot and humid climate, though, food can lose its freshness quickly. With a little planning and the right bag, you can help your child's lunch stay fresh and appetising until it is time to eat.

Why does food spoil faster in Singapore's heat?

Bacteria multiply faster in warm temperatures, and Singapore is warm all year round. Food safety authorities generally advise not leaving perishable food out of the fridge for more than about two hours, and for less time when it is hot. A lunch that sits in a school bag all morning, or in a car on the way to an activity, can easily go beyond that.

That is why it helps to think about both what you pack and how you pack it.

Which foods travel best in a lunch box?

• Choose foods that hold up well, such as whole fruit, crackers, bread, rice balls and baked snacks.
• Take extra care with dairy, eggs, cooked rice, meat and seafood, and keep them cold.
• Cut fruit and vegetables just before packing, and keep wet and dry foods in separate compartments.
• Pack portions your child can finish in one sitting, so leftovers are not saved for later.

How do I keep cold food cold?

• Prepare food the night before and keep it in the fridge until you leave.
• Pack it straight from the fridge into an insulated lunch bag.
• Add an ice pack or a frozen water bottle alongside the food.
• Keep the lunch bag out of direct sunlight and away from hot car interiors.

How do I keep hot food warm?

If your child prefers a warm meal, use an insulated food jar. Fill it with hot water for a few minutes first, empty it, then add food that has been heated right through. Close the lid tightly and pack it upright.

What should I look for in a kids' lunch bag?

• Insulation: a lined bag helps keep food fresh for longer.
• The right size: big enough for a lunch box and a drink, but light enough for your child to carry.
• Easy to open: zips and buckles that small hands can manage.
• Easy to identify: a name or distinctive design so it does not get mixed up.

Our Munch Bag, Munch Mini and Thermal Lunch Bag all have an insulated PEVA lining that keeps food fresh for 1 to 2 hours. For longer days, simply add an ice pack. The Munch Bag and Munch Mini clip onto LPS backpacks using the lunch bag buckles, so your child has their hands free. All three are personalisable with your child's name or initials. Browse our lunch bags.

Can a water bottle bag keep drinks cold?

Our water bottle sling bags are water-resistant and handy for carrying a bottle hands-free, but they are not insulated. If you want a drink to stay cold, use an insulated bottle, or pack a cold drink inside an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack. See our water bottle bags.

How do I keep a lunch bag clean between uses?

• Empty the lunch bag as soon as your child gets home.
• Throw away any leftover perishable food rather than saving it.
• Leave the bag open so it can air out overnight.
• Wash lunch boxes and ice packs daily.

For care tips on our bags, see how to care for your Le Petit Society clothes, swimwear, bags and personalised items. For more on getting ready for the school year, read our primary school essentials guide or browse our school essentials.

FAQs

How long will an LPS lunch bag keep food fresh?

Our insulated lunch bags keep food fresh for 1 to 2 hours. Add an ice pack if food needs to last longer.

Can I attach a lunch bag to my child's school bag?

Yes. The Munch Bag and Munch Mini clip onto LPS backpacks, which have buckles for attaching a lunch bag.

Can I add my child's name to a lunch bag?

Yes. Our lunch bags are personalisable with a name or initials. Personalisation takes around 3 to 5 working days, and personalised items are final sale.

Should I freeze my child's water bottle?

A partly frozen water bottle can act as an extra ice pack. Check that the bottle is freezer-safe first, and leave room for the water to expand.