Bentgo Kids Prints Stainless Steel Lunch Box
Lower concern. Stainless steel core has no known PFAS risk.
Bentgo Kids lunch box uses stainless steel construction with plastic components. No PFAS disclosure from brand, but stainless steel itself poses low PFAS risk; plastic lid merits minor caution.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
stainless steel body, plastic lid/components
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What Bentgo Kids Prints Stainless Steel Lunch is made of, ingredients and materials
The Bentgo Kids Prints lunch box uses a stainless steel body, which is chemically inert and does not leach metals, BPA, or other compounds into food regardless of temperature or acidity. The lid and hinges are plastic (likely polypropylene or similar commodity plastic), which are food-contact compliant but can degrade if exposed to high heat or dishwasher cycles repeatedly. Stainless steel is one of the lowest-concern food storage materials because it forms a stable oxide layer that prevents interaction with contents.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Degradation of plastic lid and seals over time
Repeated dishwasher cycles, hot water exposure, or contact with acidic foods (e.g., vinegar-based dressings) can gradually degrade plastic hinges and seals, potentially releasing small amounts of polymer fragments or plasticizers. Regular hand washing extends component life.
Microplastics
If the plastic lid becomes visibly worn or cracked, small plastic particles could theoretically shed into food. This is not a documented issue with Bentgo but reflects a general risk of hybrid steel-plastic containers over many years of use.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Bare uncoated material
Recorded as a bare, uncoated material with no surface coating or treatment.
BPA & bisphenols
Bentgo has not disclosed plasticizer content for this product's plastic components. Food-contact plastic in lunch boxes marketed for children in the US typically complies with FDA rules excluding BPA, but independent confirmation is not on record for this specific model.
Source, FDA ↗Leaching from stainless steel body
Stainless steel does not leach chromium, nickel, or other metals into food under normal use. The material is chemically stable and food-safe across all pH ranges and temperatures typical in lunch storage.
Bacterial growth in seals or crevices
No recalls or contamination reports exist for this product. Risk is standard for any lunch box with hinged lids; mitigated by drying thoroughly after cleaning and storing uncovered.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Bentgo does not publicly disclose detailed material composition or third-party certifications (such as FDA confirmation or safety testing reports) on this product. The brand has no known recalls, safety investigations, or documented contamination incidents involving this lunch box line. No formal statements on BPA, phthalates, or plasticizer use in their plastic components are readily available, though they market the product as a safe lunch solution for children.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel lunch boxes are among the lowest-concern options compared to plastic-only containers or those with non-stick coatings. Glass alternatives offer equal or slightly lower risk but are heavier and breakable; plastic-only lunch boxes introduce potential leaching from polymers, particularly if heated. The Bentgo's hybrid design (steel body, plastic lid) represents a reasonable middle ground, the primary food-contact surface is inert, while plastic components are secondary and not typically heated.
If you buy it
Hand wash the lid and plastic components rather than using the dishwasher to extend their lifespan and reduce heat exposure that can degrade plastic over time. Do not fill with very hot foods (above 160 degrees Fahrenheit) immediately after preparation, as rapid thermal stress can shorten the lid's life and potentially increase polymer leaching risk. Inspect the lid and seals yearly for cracks, discoloration, or warping; replace if visible degradation occurs. Store the box dry and uncovered between uses to prevent bacterial growth from trapped moisture.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Bentgo has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Lunch Boxes
Klean Kanteen
Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Food Canister Container with Leak Proof Lid
- Stainless steel body, silicone gasket lid seal
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Silicone gasket degradation
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
More lunch boxes grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.