How to Pack a Healthy Lunch with Ello Lunch Tote and Bottle Bag
By Ello® | Water Bottles, Food Storage, Travel Mugs & More | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn practical steps to pack a balanced, fresh lunch using the Ello Lunch Tote and Bottle Bag. Get tips for portioning, keeping food cold, and staying hydrated on the go.
Quick answer
To pack a healthy lunch with the Ello Lunch Tote and Bottle Bag, plan a balanced meal, pack it in reusable containers, keep it cold with an ice pack, and carry your water bottle in the sling for hands-free hydration.
Why the Ello Lunch Tote works for healthy lunches
The Ello Lunch Tote is designed to replace paper bags and boring lunch boxes. It has multiple pockets and secure straps, giving you room to separate food groups and keep utensils organized. This makes it easier to pack a variety of healthy items without everything shifting around.
One trade-off: the tote is not insulated, so you'll need to add an ice pack to keep perishable items cold until lunchtime. That's a simple step that makes a big difference for food safety.
How the Bottle Bag fits into your lunch routine
Staying hydrated is part of a healthy lunch. The Ello Crossbody Sling Water Bottle Bag fits bottles up to 40oz and keeps your drink upright with a built-in drawstring holder. Wearing it crossbody frees your hands and makes it easy to carry your water bottle separately from your lunch tote.
The sling has two zippered pockets, so you can also stash snacks, napkins, or your phone. That means fewer bags to juggle and more room in your lunch tote for food.
Steps to pack a healthy lunch
- Plan your meal around a balance of food groups: Choose a protein, a whole grain, a vegetable or fruit, and a healthy fat. For example, grilled chicken, quinoa, roasted veggies, and a few avocado slices. This keeps your lunch satisfying and nutritious. Check that your lunch includes at least three food groups before packing.
- Pack your food in reusable containers: Use leak-proof containers that fit inside the Ello Lunch Tote. Separate wet and dry items to avoid sogginess. The tote's multiple pockets can hold utensils, napkins, or a small dressing container. Ensure all containers are sealed properly to prevent leaks and keep food fresh.
- Add an ice pack to keep perishables cold: Place a frozen ice pack at the bottom of the tote, then layer your containers on top. This keeps yogurt, deli meat, or salads at a safe temperature until lunch. If you're packing a sandwich, keep it away from the ice pack to avoid a soggy bread. If your lunch includes dairy or meat, always use an ice pack; if it's all shelf-stable items, you can skip it.
- Fill your water bottle and place it in the Bottle Bag: Choose a bottle up to 40oz, fill it with water or a healthy beverage, and secure it in the Ello Crossbody Sling Water Bottle Bag. The drawstring holder keeps it upright, and the zippered pockets can carry snacks or your phone. Make sure the bottle is fully sealed before placing it in the sling to avoid leaks.
- Carry your lunch and bottle together: Slip the Bottle Bag crossbody and carry the Lunch Tote by its straps. The tote's secure straps make it comfortable to hold, and the sling keeps your hands free. If you're commuting, this combo makes it easy to grab both without juggling. Do a quick check that both bags are securely closed before you head out.
Ello products that help
- Bottle Bag: The Ello Crossbody Sling Water Bottle Bag fits bottles up to 40oz and features a built-in drawstring holder to keep your bottle upright and secure. This lets you carry a large water bottle hands-free, so you stay hydrated without sacrificing convenience.

Bottle Bag - Lunch Tote: The Ello Reusable Lunch Tote has multiple pockets and secure straps, providing plenty of space for lunches and on-the-go essentials. The pockets help you organize different food items and utensils, making it easier to pack a balanced meal.

Lunch Tote

