PackIt Lunches: Stylish, Cold Lunch Ideas for Back-to-School

If you’re planning back-to-school lunches, these PackIt freezable lunch bags are a great solution.

I’ve used PackIt bags for years as a favorite travel hack for keeping gluten-free food cold. In this post I explain why they’re ideal not only for travel but also for back-to-school season.

This post is sponsored. I only work with brands that meet my celiac disease needs and that I personally use.

About This Blog Post with PackIt

One of the biggest challenges I’ve had living with celiac disease is reliable food storage.

Long travel days made it difficult to keep meals and snacks cold. As a teacher, I couldn’t rely on the cafeteria to provide celiac-safe options, so I needed dependable storage for my lunches.

Recently I also needed a way to keep pumped breastmilk cold while at school.

Traditional ice packs melt, frozen water bottles can leak or burst, and lunch bags often end up wet with spoiled food. That changed when I found PackIt.

Since using PackIt, keeping food cold has become simple and reliable.

I partnered with PackIt to show how their freezable bags and boxes help during back-to-school season, whether you’re a teacher prepping lunches or a parent sending kids to school.

I’ll also share a few favorite gluten-free lunch ideas that work well inside these freezable lunch bags.

Back to School with PackIt

What is Packit?

PackIt is “The Bag That’s an Ice Pack™.” It keeps food cold for hours without separate ice packs, because the cooling material is built into the walls of the bag.

Think of it as a compact, portable fridge that’s foldable and easy to store. PackIt offers several sizes and styles, including bags and boxes to match different storage needs.

Their EcoFreeze® Technology is the patented cooling material integrated into the product, so you simply freeze the bag or box and it provides hours of cold storage.

Because it’s reusable, one purchase can serve daily lunches throughout the school year and beyond.

Why I Love PackIt

Simple preparation.

All I do is freeze the bag or box—usually the night before—and pack food into it the next morning. No ice packs or extra prep required.

Long-lasting cold.

I use PackIt daily for school lunches and have taken it on long flights, to concerts, and to the beach. Items stay cold for hours.

Less food waste.

Keeping food properly chilled reduces spoilage, which helps prevent throwing away meals that could have been eaten.

Reusable and eco-friendly.

My original PackIt from 2021 still works well. Reuse reduces single-use ice packs, bottles, and wasted packaging.

Portable and compact.

PackIt fits easily into work bags, backpacks, beach totes, or luggage—making it a convenient grab-and-go option.

Multiple uses.

I’ve packed full lunches, snacks, yogurt parfaits, and even used it to keep pumped breastmilk cold while at school or work.

Variety of colors and designs.

PackIt comes in plain and playful patterns suitable for both kids and adults, so you can choose styles that suit personal preferences.

PackIt Products Available For School Lunches

PackIt offers lunchboxes, bags, coolers, totes, and snack-sized boxes and bags. They also sell bento-style containers that fit inside the freezable boxes and bags, though those containers do not include the EcoFreeze material.

Options I’ve used myself

The freezable lunch bag has a soft exterior, folds flat, and fits containers plus a drink. Snack-style boxes freeze flat for compact storage and hold a few items like cheese, fruit, or yogurt.

Snack boxes are my go-to for quick items, while snack bags are compact but can be a bit harder to pack neatly compared with the rigid snack box.

Bento-style containers have removable dividers and snap-on lids, which help separate foods and reduce spills. I like these for offering a variety of snack items like baby carrots, crackers, and fruit.

While I prefer plain styles, PackIt’s range includes colorful patterns—rainbows, space themes, tie-dye, and camouflage—that kids often enjoy.

Why PackIt Is Great For School Lunches

Cold lunches that are ready to eat.

Without access to a refrigerator, keeping food cold at school can be hard. PackIt keeps meals chilled so children and teachers can eat when they’re ready without worrying about spoilage.

Fewer messes for parents.

Using PackIt eliminates melted ice and leaking containers that can soak backpacks or damage schoolwork.

Safer food options.

Proper cold storage reduces the risk of foodborne illness and helps ensure packed lunches remain safe to eat throughout the day.

Fun options for kids.

A lunchbox in a favorite color or pattern, filled with fresh food, can encourage kids to enjoy their meals and feel confident about bringing lunch from home.

Back to School Lunch Ideas with PackIt

Here are gluten-free lunch ideas that work well inside PackIt bags and boxes. These recipes are meant to stay cold until ready to eat.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

A chicken salad made with cooked chicken, mayonnaise, dried cranberries, celery, and walnuts pairs well with greens or gluten-free bread. It’s easy to pack and stays fresh when chilled.

Get the gluten-free chicken salad recipe here.

Gluten-Free Cobb Salad

A versatile cobb salad can be customized with vegetables, proteins, and dressings to keep kids full and satisfied during the school day.

Get the gluten-free cobb salad recipe here.

Gluten-Free Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Blueberry streusel muffins make a great mid-morning snack and can be made dairy-free if desired. They travel well in a PackIt box.

Get the gluten-free blueberry muffin recipe here.

Peanut Butter Cups

For treats, peanut butter cups are easy and freeze well. To accommodate allergy-sensitive schools, consider almond butter or sunflower butter versions. These freezeable treats are ideal for freezable lunch bags.

Get the recipe for peanut butter cups here!

For more snack ideas, see a list of 20+ gluten- and dairy-free snacks.

Final Thoughts: Back to School Lunches with Packit

PackIt freezable lunch boxes and bags make it easy to send cold, safe, and fresh meals to school. They’re reusable, portable, and available in a variety of sizes and designs to suit different needs.

Have you tried a PackIt bag for back-to-school? Which style would you choose?

Share your thoughts or plans to try one in the comments.