Hydroflask Insulated Food Jar

An insulated food jar that keeps soup hot for 6 hours and salad cold for 12 is a lunch container that solved the problem of bringing real food to campus instead of relying on meal plans and vending machines. Vacuum insulation is the same technology as their water bottles, double-walled stainless steel with a vacuum between the layers. Wide-mouth opening is large enough to eat from directly with a spoon. Lid seals tight enough that you can throw it in a backpack sideways without leaking. I tested this with chili on a bumpy bus ride and survived without a stain. What this jar does well is replace the microwave dependency that most packed lunches require. Hot food that stays hot means you can eat anywhere without searching for a kitchen. At about $30 it comes in the same color range as their bottles. Brand consistency means your water bottle and food jar match if that matters to you.