I love this thing!
Now I need to find different recipes to keep it interesting.
Anyone know of good ones from food I can find in a regular American grocery store?

I got irritated at the lack of healthy food options in my office cafeteria so I bought a Mr Bento and it paid for itself in less than 3 weeks.

I found a community of Mr Bento users on a popular social networking photo site, and it gave me tons and tons of ideas on what to take for lunch. Pitas w/ hummus, veggies, yogurt and granola, pasta and beans, rice and grilled red peppers... And if you fill all of these containers, it's actually quite a bit of food. Maybe more than you would normally eat, so be careful with potentially overpacking the calories.

The included bag has a pocket on the front that I'd use to slip in a packet of oatmeal, some crackers, or teabags. The bag itself when zipped, has enough room on top that you can add a piece of fruit like an apple, or an orange (on top of the Mr Bento) and still have plenty of room to cinch the bag.

I didn't love the included spork, so I would just bring my own fork.

It's a great unit and I highly recommend it!

Works like a charm. Nothing breaks a dull day like a four course lunch. Hardest part has been getting creative enough to fill the jar. Works very well, the thinner lids warped a bit with heat from hot food, but still snap on pretty tight. Insulated food jar, and soup cup work for at least six hours. Wouldn't trade this thing in for a bag for anything.

Pros:
1. The advertising is 100% true - this lunchbox keeps food warm for a long time

Cons:
1. Tiny containers - I can't imagine anyone with a normal appetite feeling satisfied after eating the minuscule amount of food this product holds.
2. Hand wash only - This especially drives me nuts when I eat messy foods that are hard to clean (esp. oatmeal!)
3. Retains smell - This is my number one complaint. If you put strong smelling food into any of the containers, they will smell for a long time thereafter! It is VERY HARD to get rid of the odor, even if you follow the instructions!

Do I recommend it? If you eat like a bird and don't mind nightly dish-washing, then sure. Otherwise, settle for the sandwich box.

I bought this for my girlfriend in honor of her first day of grad school. She has used it for the last three months and absolutely loves it. It's compact and is very creatively organized. Her only complaint is the top riming is coming apart a little bit, but it is still perfectly functional and still snaps back in. We still highly recommend this piece of fine school-ware!