How to Pair Mepal Campus Lunchboxes with Thermos Flasks for Hot Meals

Packing a hot lunch for your child or yourself can be a game-changer. Warm meals are comforting, especially during cold months, and they can be more nutritious than cold sandwiches. But how do you keep food hot until lunchtime? The answer lies in pairing the right containers: a sturdy lunchbox for the main components and a thermos flask for the hot dish.

Mepal offers a range of clever products designed to make on-the-go dining easy. By combining a Campus lunchbox with a thermos flask, you can create a versatile lunch system that keeps hot meals warm and cold items fresh. In this guide, we'll explore how to choose the right combination, pack efficiently, and ensure food safety.

Why Pair a Campus Lunchbox with a Thermos Flask?

The Mepal Campus lunchbox is a favorite among parents and kids alike, thanks to its durable design and practical compartments. It's perfect for sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. However, it's not designed to keep food hot. That's where a thermos flask comes in. By adding a thermos to your lunch routine, you can include warm soups, pasta, or rice dishes without worrying about them cooling down.

This combination offers flexibility. You can pack a main hot dish in the thermos, and use the lunchbox for sides like bread, cheese, or cut vegetables. It's a balanced meal that appeals to kids who prefer warm food over cold sandwiches. Plus, it reduces food waste because you can pack leftovers from dinner.

• Thermos flasks keep food hot for hours, perfect for school or work.
• Campus lunchboxes provide separate compartments for cold items.
• Combining both allows for a variety of meal options.

Choosing the Right Mepal Thermos Flask

Mepal offers several thermos flasks and cups designed to keep contents hot or cold. When selecting a thermos for your child's lunch, consider the capacity. A smaller flask (around 300-400 ml) is ideal for a child's portion of soup or pasta, while a larger one (500 ml or more) suits older kids or adults. Look for a flask with a wide mouth for easy filling and eating directly from it.

The Mepal Ellipse lunch pot is a great option for hot meals. It's designed to keep food warm and is easy to open, making it perfect for little hands. Alternatively, you can use a traditional thermos flask with a cup. Ensure the flask is leak-proof and durable to withstand the rigors of a school bag.

• Consider the capacity based on your child's appetite.
• Wide-mouth flasks are easier to fill and eat from.
• Check for leak-proof seals to avoid spills.

How to Pack a Hot Meal in a Thermos Flask

To ensure your hot meal stays warm until lunchtime, follow these steps. First, preheat the thermos by filling it with boiling water and letting it sit for a few minutes. This warms the walls of the flask, so the food stays hot longer. Then, fill the thermos with piping-hot food. Make sure the food is at least 60°C (140°F) when you pack it. Close the lid tightly immediately.

For best results, choose foods that hold up well in a thermos, such as soups, stews, pasta, rice dishes, or even warm oatmeal. Avoid foods that become soggy, like fried items. You can also pack a cold dessert in the lunchbox to balance the meal.

• Preheat the flask with boiling water before adding food.
• Fill with hot food (minimum 60°C) and seal immediately.
• Avoid foods that don't reheat well or become mushy.

Packing the Campus Lunchbox with Sides

While the thermos holds the main hot dish, the Campus lunchbox can carry a variety of sides. Use the compartments to separate items like bread rolls, cheese slices, fruit, or veggie sticks. The Campus bento lunchbox comes with a fork, which is handy for eating the hot meal directly from the thermos or for picking up sides.

For a balanced meal, include a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fruits or vegetables. For example, pack a thermos of tomato soup, a grilled cheese sandwich in the lunchbox, and apple slices. This ensures your child gets a satisfying and nutritious lunch.

• Use compartments to keep different foods separate.
• Include a variety of food groups for a balanced meal.
• The included fork can be used for both the hot dish and sides.

Safety Tips for Packing Hot Lunches

Food safety is crucial when packing hot meals. Always start with hot food (above 60°C) and ensure the thermos is properly sealed. Do not open the thermos until lunchtime to maintain the temperature. If your child is young, make sure the thermos is not too hot to handle, and consider using a thermos with a cup that cools the food slightly.

Also, clean the thermos thoroughly after each use to prevent bacterial growth. Most Mepal thermos flasks are easy to clean, but check the manufacturer's instructions. The Campus lunchbox is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

• Start with food above 60°C to ensure it stays hot.
• Keep the thermos sealed until lunchtime.
• Clean both the thermos and lunchbox properly after use.

Recommended Mepal Products for Hot Lunch Combos

To get started, you'll need a reliable thermos and a versatile lunchbox. The Campus RVS bento lunchbox with fork - PAW Patrol Pups is a popular choice for kids, featuring a stainless steel interior and a fun design. Pair it with a thermos flask like the Sports water bottle Pull 800 ml - Mountain red, which is actually a drink bottle, but for hot meals, consider the Lunch pot Ellipse - Nordic blue. This lunch pot is perfect for keeping soups or pasta warm.

For younger children, the Set children's dinnerware Mepal Mio 6 pcs - Sunshine & Rainbow includes a plate and bowl that can be used at home, but for on-the-go, the Campus drinking bottle with flip cap 600 ml - PAW Patrol Pups is a great companion to keep drinks warm or cold. Remember, the key is to choose products that fit your child's needs and preferences.

• Campus RVS bento lunchbox with fork - PAW Patrol Pups is durable and fun.
• Lunch pot Ellipse - Nordic blue is ideal for hot meals.
• Campus drinking bottle with flip cap 600 ml - PAW Patrol Pups keeps drinks at the right temperature.

Pairing a Mepal Campus lunchbox with a thermos flask opens up a world of hot meal possibilities for school or work. By following the tips in this guide, you can pack warm, delicious lunches that stay safe and enjoyable until lunchtime. Explore the range of Mepal products to find the perfect combination for your family.