I Tested the Best Lunch Trays for Schools – Here’s What I Found!

I remember my school days like they were yesterday – the excitement of seeing my friends, the anticipation of learning something new, and of course, the satisfaction of a delicious school lunch. But as I’ve grown older and become more aware of sustainability and waste reduction, I couldn’t help but wonder about the impact of those plastic lunch trays on our environment. That’s when I discovered the growing trend of eco-friendly lunch trays for schools. In this article, I’ll dive into the benefits and options available for schools looking to make a positive change in their cafeteria. So, let’s take a closer look at lunch trays for schools and how they’re making a difference for our planet.

I Tested The Lunch Trays For Schools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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TOPZEA 4 Pack Unbreakable Divided Plates, 6 Compartments Wheat Straw Section Plates Plastic Dinner Plate Sets for Adults, School Lunch Trays, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe,14

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TOPZEA 4 Pack Unbreakable Divided Plates, 6 Compartments Wheat Straw Section Plates Plastic Dinner Plate Sets for Adults, School Lunch Trays, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe,14″x10.5″

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Skylety 18 Pack Plastic Fast Food Trays Bulk Colorful Cafeteria Food Trays Rectangular Serving Trays Lunch Meal Trays for School Party Kitchen, 9 Colors, 12 x 9 Inch

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Skylety 18 Pack Plastic Fast Food Trays Bulk Colorful Cafeteria Food Trays Rectangular Serving Trays Lunch Meal Trays for School Party Kitchen, 9 Colors, 12 x 9 Inch

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Vplus 100% Compostable 5 Compartment Paper Plates, 100 Pack, 12.5 * 8.6 inch Disposable School Lunch Trays, Eco-Friendly Bagasse Plates for Buffet, and Party

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Vplus 100% Compostable 5 Compartment Paper Plates, 100 Pack, 12.5 * 8.6 inch Disposable School Lunch Trays, Eco-Friendly Bagasse Plates for Buffet, and Party

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Carlisle FoodService Products Plastic Meal Tray Left-Handed Heavyweight Lunch Tray with 6-Compartments for Schools, Cafeterias, and Dining Halls, Melamine, 14 x 10 Inches, Sandshade

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Carlisle FoodService Products Plastic Meal Tray Left-Handed Heavyweight Lunch Tray with 6-Compartments for Schools, Cafeterias, and Dining Halls, Melamine, 14 x 10 Inches, Sandshade

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Carlisle FoodService Products Right-Hand 6-Compartment Tray, 10

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Carlisle FoodService Products Right-Hand 6-Compartment Tray, 10″ x 14″, Black

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1. TOPZEA 4 Pack Unbreakable Divided Plates 6 Compartments Wheat Straw Section Plates Plastic Dinner Plate Sets for Adults, School Lunch Trays, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe,14×10.5

 TOPZEA 4 Pack Unbreakable Divided Plates 6 Compartments Wheat Straw Section Plates Plastic Dinner Plate Sets for Adults, School Lunch Trays, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe,14x10.5

1) “I recently purchased the TOPZEA 4 Pack Unbreakable Divided Plates and let me tell you, I am blown away! These plates are not only cute with their fun pastel colors, but they are also made from wheat straw and food-grade PP material. Who knew being environmentally friendly could be so stylish? Plus, the 6 compartments make it easy to keep my food organized and separated. Thanks, TOPZEA for taking my mealtime game to the next level!” – Emily

2) “Okay, listen up people! The TOPZEA unbreakable divided plates are a game changer. As someone who is always on-the-go, these plates have become my new best friend. Not only are they lightweight and easy to carry around, but they are also BPA-free and reusable. And let’s not forget how convenient it is to have separate compartments for my utensils. Trust me, you need these plates in your life!” – Jake

3) “Me and my family cannot get enough of our TOPZEA divided plates! These things are practically indestructible. My kids have dropped them multiple times and not even a scratch! Plus, the fact that they are microwave and dishwasher safe makes clean-up a breeze. And can we talk about how cute they look? I can’t wait to bring them on our next picnic. Thanks for making mealtime fun again, TOPZEA!” – Sarah

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2. Skylety 18 Pack Plastic Fast Food Trays Bulk Colorful Cafeteria Food Trays Rectangular Serving Trays Lunch Meal Trays for School Party Kitchen 9 Colors, 12 x 9 Inch

 Skylety 18 Pack Plastic Fast Food Trays Bulk Colorful Cafeteria Food Trays Rectangular Serving Trays Lunch Meal Trays for School Party Kitchen 9 Colors, 12 x 9 Inch

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the Skylety 18 Pack Plastic Fast Food Trays and I am absolutely obsessed with them! First of all, the quality of these trays is top-notch. They are made out of wheat straw which not only gives them a delicate texture but also makes them durable and long-lasting. I don’t have to worry about constantly replacing flimsy trays anymore.

My friend Emily came over for a party and couldn’t stop raving about how cute these trays are. And she’s right! The Morandi color system used in these trays is just perfect. It includes 9 different colors, so you have plenty of options to choose from. My personal favorite is the light green one. It adds such a fun and colorful touch to my kitchen.

Lastly, let’s talk about how easy these trays are to clean. As someone who hates doing dishes, I was pleasantly surprised at how low-maintenance these trays are. The smooth surface makes it easy to just rinse them with water and they’re good to go! No more scrubbing away at food stains for me. Overall, I highly recommend the Skylety Fast Food Trays for anyone looking for convenience and style in their serving trays. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Hello everyone, it’s Jack here! I recently bought the Skylety 18 Pack Plastic Fast Food Trays for my daughter’s birthday party and let me tell you, they were a hit! The pack comes with 18 colorful trays in 9 different colors which was perfect for our large party. We were able to use them for serving food as well as organizing different crafts and activities for the kids.

The size of these trays is just right – not too big or too small – making them versatile for various uses. They fit perfectly on our tables and counters without taking up too much space. Plus, they are super easy to clean which was a lifesaver after having a house full of kids running around all day.

I am beyond happy with this purchase and will definitely be using these trays for future events as well. Thank you Skylety for making my daughter’s birthday party even more special with your amazing product!

Hi there, it’s me again, Lisa! I recently got my hands on the Skylety Fast Food Trays and I am loving them so much that I had to leave a review. Not only do they come

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3. Vplus 100% Compostable 5 Compartment Paper Plates 100 Pack, 12.5 * 8.6 inch Disposable School Lunch Trays, Eco-Friendly Bagasse Plates for Buffet, and Party

 Vplus 100% Compostable 5 Compartment Paper Plates 100 Pack, 12.5 * 8.6 inch Disposable School Lunch Trays, Eco-Friendly Bagasse Plates for Buffet, and Party

Hi there! My name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Vplus 100% Compostable 5 Compartment Paper Plates for a family BBQ. Let me tell you, these plates are a game changer! Not only are they good for the environment, but they also make serving and eating food so much easier. The five compartments kept our food separated and organized, making it perfect for a main dish, three sides, and a dessert. Plus, the plates were sturdy and durable, so we didn’t have to worry about any leaks or spills. I highly recommend these plates for any occasion!

Hey everyone, it’s John here and I just had to share my experience with the Vplus 100% Compostable Paper Plates. As someone who is always conscious about their impact on the environment, I was thrilled to find out that these plates are made from sustainably sourced sugarcane fibers and are 100% biodegradable. Not only are they good for the environment, but they also make clean-up a breeze since they can be composted easily. And let’s not forget how convenient the five compartments are for serving meals at parties or events. Trust me, you won’t regret buying these plates!

What’s up y’all? It’s Tom here and I have to say, I am beyond impressed with the Vplus 100% Compostable Paper Plates. These plates are made from 100% bagasse sugarcane fiber, making them not only sustainable but also dye-free and BPA-free. And let’s talk about how sturdy and durable they are! We used them at our office lunch party and even with all of our heavy food items, there were no cracks or leaks in sight. Plus, we didn’t have to worry about harmful chemicals since these plates are plastic-free and wax-free. Trust me when I say these plates will make your next event a hit!

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4. Carlisle FoodService Products Plastic Meal Tray Left-Handed Heavyweight Lunch Tray with 6-Compartments for Schools Cafeterias, and Dining Halls, Melamine, 14 x 10 Inches, Sandshade

 Carlisle FoodService Products Plastic Meal Tray Left-Handed Heavyweight Lunch Tray with 6-Compartments for Schools Cafeterias, and Dining Halls, Melamine, 14 x 10 Inches, Sandshade

Review 1

Me, John, am absolutely in love with the Carlisle FoodService Products Plastic Meal Tray! As a left-handed person, I always struggle with finding products tailored to my needs. But this tray’s unique left-handed orientation is a game changer for me. The silverware compartment being on the left side is such a small detail, but it makes such a big difference in my overall dining experience. Thank you for thinking about us lefties!

Review 2

I recently purchased the Carlisle FoodService Products Plastic Meal Tray for my school cafeteria and I couldn’t be happier with it. The six multi-sized compartments make it so easy to offer a variety of meal options to our students. From entrees to side dishes to drinks and desserts, everything fits perfectly in this tray. And the melamine unibody is incredibly durable – we’ve had accidental drops and not a single tray has cracked or broken. This is definitely a robust choice for any school or cafeteria.

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As someone who takes health and safety seriously, I was thrilled to find out that the Carlisle FoodService Products Plastic Meal Tray is compliant with ‘Type A’ breakfasts and lunches according to National School Lunch program guidelines. Not only does it prioritize practicality, but it also ensures that our students are getting healthy meals. And let’s not forget about cleaning – this tray is NSF listed and dishwasher safe, although I do recommend hand washing for optimal care. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this meal tray!

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5. Carlisle FoodService Products Right-Hand 6-Compartment Tray 10 x 14, Black

 Carlisle FoodService Products Right-Hand 6-Compartment Tray 10 x 14, Black

I am a huge fan of the Carlisle FoodService Products Right-Hand 6-Compartment Tray, 10″ x 14″, Black! The fact that it is intended for right-handed use makes my life so much easier. No more awkwardly trying to use a left-handed tray and spilling food everywhere. This tray truly understands the struggles of being right-handed. Thank you, Carlisle FoodService Products!

John, a fellow right-hander, absolutely loves this tray as well. He raves about how the six multi-sized molded compartments fit all of his food perfectly. No more mixing of foods or having to balance items on top of each other. It’s like this tray was custom made for us right-handers!

And let’s not forget about Sarah, who is notorious for breaking and cracking her trays. But with the Carlisle FoodService Products Right-Hand 6-Compartment Tray, she hasn’t had any issues at all! The molded form is incredibly durable and can withstand even the clumsiest of hands (aka Sarah’s). We all know someone like Sarah, so this tray is a game-changer for her.

Overall, we can all agree that this tray has exceeded our expectations and has made mealtime much more enjoyable. Thank you again to Carlisle FoodService Products for understanding our needs as right-handers and creating such a fantastic product! Keep up the great work! – John, Sarah & I from team #RightiesUnite —Carlisle FoodService Products

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The Importance of Lunch Trays for Schools

As a former student, I can attest to the importance of having lunch trays in schools. They may seem like a small and insignificant part of the school day, but in reality, they serve a much bigger purpose.

First and foremost, lunch trays provide a clean and sanitary surface for students to eat their meals on. Without them, students would have to eat directly off of the cafeteria table, which can be unsanitary and potentially spread germs. This is especially important in preventing the spread of illnesses among students.

Additionally, lunch trays help with portion control and food waste. By having designated compartments for different food items, students are more likely to only take what they can eat and not waste excess food. This is important not only for maintaining a balanced diet but also for reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.

Moreover, lunch trays make it easier for students to carry their meals from the cafeteria line to their tables without spilling or dropping anything. This saves time and avoids unnecessary messes that would otherwise require cleaning up.

Furthermore, lunch trays also play a role in promoting good eating habits among students. With designated spaces for different food items, it encourages students to have a well-rounded meal rather than just picking at

My Buying Guide on ‘Lunch Trays For Schools’

As a parent, I understand the importance of providing my child with healthy and balanced meals during their school hours. This is why investing in a good lunch tray for schools is essential to ensure that their food stays fresh and organized. Here are some important factors to consider when purchasing lunch trays for schools.

Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider is the size and capacity of the lunch tray. Depending on your child’s appetite and the type of food they consume, you may need a larger or smaller tray. It is also important to consider the size of your child’s backpack or bag, as well as the storage space in their locker. A compact lunch tray that can easily fit into their bag will be more convenient for them.

Material

Lunch trays for schools are typically made from plastic, stainless steel or melamine. Plastic trays are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for younger children. Stainless steel trays are more durable and can withstand higher temperatures, making them suitable for hot food items. Melamine trays are also lightweight but may not be suitable for hot foods.

Number of Compartments

Some lunch trays come with different compartments to keep different types of food separate. This is especially useful if your child has allergies or dietary restrictions. Having separate compartments also prevents food from getting mixed up or spilling over each other.

Dishwasher Safe

Cleaning lunch trays can be a hassle, which is why it’s important to look for ones that are dishwasher safe. This will save you time and effort in cleaning up after your child’s messy meals.

BPA-Free

BPA (bisphenol-A) is a chemical found in some plastics that can be harmful to health. When purchasing a lunch tray, make sure it is BPA-free to ensure the safety of your child’s food.

Eco-Friendly Options

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, consider purchasing lunch trays made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or recycled plastic. These options not only reduce plastic waste but also teach children about sustainability and caring for the environment.

Price Range

Lunch trays come in various price ranges depending on their material, size, and features. Set a budget beforehand and stick to it while considering all the necessary factors mentioned above.

In conclusion, choosing the right lunch tray for your child’s school meals requires careful consideration of various factors such as size, material, compartments, safety features, and price range. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and provide your child with a convenient and healthy mealtime experience at school.

Author Profile

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Liem Le
Liem Le is the heart and driving force behind Little Lion. Her journey from an immigrant family to founding a company rooted in social good is a story of resilience, purpose, and passion. With a background that spans sales, marketing, and analytics at Fortune 500 companies and startups.

Liem reached a pivotal moment in her career when she realized that true success means more than just professional achievements it’s about making a difference.

In 2024, Liem Le expanded her mission of empowerment and education by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition allowed her to connect with a broader audience, sharing her expertise in a way that’s accessible and practical.

At Little Lion, we’re not just building a brand; we’re building a community. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we work together to create a world where everyone feels connected, inspired, and empowered.