Pack Full, Eat Well, Carry Nothing: Meet the Lunch Box That Vanishes

Article published at: Oct 9, 2025 Article author: -Megan Durbl Article tag: How to
Pack Full, Eat Well, Carry Nothing: Meet the Lunch Box That Vanishes
All Durbl Stories Article comments count: 0

Say goodbye to bulky lunch boxes! If you're tired of carrying around containers that take up half your bag, durbl is about to change your lunch game. This collapsible lunch box isn't just another food container—it's your new meal prep best friend.

Let's dive into everything you need to know to get the most out of your durbl.

What Makes Durbl Special?

The Smart Design

Durbl is made from 100% food-grade silicone in a single, seamless piece. The entire container—body and lid—is crafted as one cohesive unit, which means super easy cleaning, totally safe for your food, and built to last for years of daily use.

The genius is in the accordion-style collapsible walls. When you need it, durbl expands to hold a full meal. When you're done? It collapses down to just a quarter of its size. The translucent design lets you see what's inside without opening the lid, and it's available in multiple colors to match your style.

Getting Started: First Use

Your durbl arrives fresh from the factory, but we recommend giving it a quick wash before first use:

  1. Use warm water (104-122°F / 40-50°C)
  2. Add mild dish soap
  3. Pay special attention to the accordion folds
  4. Rinse thoroughly and air dry

Durbl comes in different sizes, so pick the one that matches your appetite (or grab a few for variety).

Master the Basics: Expand, Collapse, Seal

How to Expand

Opening your durbl is satisfying—trust us! Here's how:

  1. Hold the bottom and top edges with both hands
  2. Gently pull apart with even pressure
  3. Watch the silicone walls unfold smoothly, layer by layer
  4. The silicone naturally holds its expanded shape

No clicking, no locking, no fuss. The high-quality silicone has shape memory, so it stays open when you want it to. Press down on the bottom to make sure it sits flat, and you're ready to pack your lunch!

How to Collapse

After you've washed and dried your durbl:

  1. Place it on a flat surface
  2. Hold the bottom edge with one hand
  3. Use your other hand to press down evenly from the top
  4. The accordion walls fold inward naturally

Keep the pressure even on all sides, and durbl will collapse into a neat, flat package. Now it'll slide into any bag, drawer, or pocket.

Sealing & Using the Vent

To seal your durbl:

  1. Make sure the lid edges are clean
  2. Align the lid with the container opening
  3. Press around all edges firmly

Here's a cool feature: there's a vent valve on the lid. When you want to microwave your food, just pull the vent up—no need to remove the whole lid! Steam can escape safely while your food stays moist.

What to Pack in Your Durbl

Durbl was designed for light, portable meals—the kind of food that makes healthy eating on-the-go actually easy.

Perfect For:

  • Sandwiches & wraps - Classic lunch box staples that stay fresh
  • Salad bowls - Pro tip: Pack dressing in a small container inside, then pour it on before eating to keep greens crisp
  • Sushi rolls, rice balls & onigiri - Asian-inspired lunches stay perfect
  • Rice and grain bowls - Best with dry or low-sauce toppings
  • Pasta dishes - Think pesto or light olive oil, not heavy marinara
  • Cooked proteins - Grilled chicken, tofu, or fish work great
  • Fresh fruit - Apple slices, berries, orange segments, grapes. For juicier fruits like watermelon, pat dry first
  • Healthy snacks - Nuts, trail mix, energy bars, granola, protein balls

Want to keep foods separated? Pop small silicone cups inside durbl to create compartments. The see-through walls make your colorful meal prep look as good as it tastes!

A Word About Liquids

We don't recommend carrying soups, stews, or liquidy foods when you're out and about. Even with good sealing, liquids can leak when your bag gets squished or tilted in transit—and nobody wants soup in their backpack! However, durbl works great for storing soups at home in the fridge, just keep it upright and stationary.

Temperature Flexibility

Durbl handles temperatures from -4°F to 428°F (-20°C to 220°C):

  • Cold prep: Make lunch the night before and refrigerate. The silicone stays flexible even when cold.
  • Reheating: Pop durbl in the microwave (pull up the vent valve first). Use medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Freezing: Absolutely! Durbl handles freezing temperatures beautifully—perfect for meal prep.

Keeping Durbl Clean

Daily Cleaning

After each use:

  1. Rinse with warm water
  2. Use a soft sponge with mild dish soap
  3. Fully expand the container to clean inside the accordion folds
  4. Clean the lid edges thoroughly—this keeps the seal tight

The translucent material lets you see when it's totally clean—no hidden spots!

Dishwasher-safe: Yes! Place durbl on the top rack, fully expanded. Keep water temp at 140°F (60°C) or below.

Deep Cleaning (Weekly)

Once a week:

  1. Fill with warm water
  2. Add 1 tablespoon baking soda and a splash of white vinegar
  3. Let soak for 30 minutes
  4. Rinse thoroughly

For light staining from turmeric or tomato sauce, rub with a lemon slice—gentle but effective!

Storage Tips

  • Dry completely before storing, especially in the folds
  • Store expanded in a ventilated area for best results
  • If storing collapsed, make sure it's bone dry inside

Quick FAQs

1. Will it stay expanded or collapse unexpectedly?

Nope! The quality silicone has excellent shape memory. It stays in whatever shape you set it to—expanded or collapsed.

2. Does it stain easily?

Bright or dark foods (curry, tomato sauce) might leave faint traces over time. This is normal for silicone and doesn't affect safety. Lemon water helps lighten any discoloration.

3. Can I use harsh cleaners on it?

Skip harsh chemicals and bleach—they can damage the silicone. Stick with mild dish soap and natural cleaning methods like baking soda and vinegar.

Your Healthy Eating Journey Starts Here

The best lunch box is one you'll actually use. With durbl, packing healthy meals becomes simple and convenient. No more excuses about containers being too bulky or lunch prep being too complicated.

Imagine this: You make a gorgeous salad or sandwich in the morning, pack it in durbl, toss it in your bag, and head out. At lunch, you open up your perfectly preserved meal. After eating, you collapse durbl flat and drop it in your bag—no bulk, no fuss.

That's the durbl difference.

Ready to upgrade your lunch game? Start with light meals, fresh ingredients, and let durbl handle the rest. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Share:

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published