Choosing a food jar for school lunches seems simple — until you realise there are several Thermos options that look almost identical. The question many parents ask is: what is actually different between the Thermos FUNtainer 470ml and the standard Thermos 470ml Food Jar?
Here is a clear, simple breakdown to help you choose the right one for your child.
Are they the same size?
Yes — both hold 470ml. From a practical point of view, this is a genuinely useful size for school lunches. It is bigger than a snack jar but not so big that it becomes heavy to carry.
A 470ml food jar works well for:
For younger or lighter eaters, 470ml can feel like a lot. But for primary school children with a good appetite, it is a practical everyday size.
Do they keep food warm the same way?
Yes, in most cases. Both use vacuum insulation designed to keep food warm until lunchtime. For a normal school day, either jar should maintain food temperature adequately when packed correctly.
- Fill the food jar with boiling water
- Leave it for 5–10 minutes to preheat
- Empty the water
- Add very hot food straight away
- Fill the jar as much as practical
- Close the lid tightly and do not open until lunchtime
This simple step makes a noticeable difference. Food jars always perform better when preheated properly before filling.
The main difference: style and who it is for
The core difference is not about capacity or insulation — it is about design and target user. Here is a simple side-by-side view:
| Feature | FUNtainer 470ml | Thermos 470ml Food Jar |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 470ml | 470ml |
| Insulation | Vacuum insulated | Vacuum insulated |
| Design style | Playful, child-friendly | Classic, neutral |
| Best for | Primary school kids | Older kids & adults |
| School lunch use | ✅ Very well suited | ✅ Good option |
| Adult use | Works, but styled for kids | ✅ Great for adults too |
| Wide mouth opening | Yes | Yes |
Which one should you buy?
- More child-focused design
- Great for school lunch bags
- Suits pasta, rice, soup, noodles
- Easy for kids to use
- Feels made for school
- Classic, grown-up look
- Suits tweens & teens
- Great for family sharing
- Parents can use it too
- Simple everyday design
For most primary school kids → choose the FUNtainer
The FUNtainer is designed with school lunches in mind. The playful style, practical size and wide mouth make it the easier, more natural choice for parents buying for younger children.
It works especially well for:
For older kids or family use → choose the Thermos 470ml
Some older children do not want lunch gear that looks too young. The standard Thermos 470ml Food Jar has a more neutral design that will not feel out of place for tweens or teens — and it works just as well for adults too.
What about the Thermos Stainless King 470ml?
This is a different model and worth mentioning because it can look similar. The Thermos Stainless King 470ml Food Jar typically has stronger heat retention and a more adult-oriented design.
Choose the Stainless King if you need food to stay warm for longer than a standard school day, you are packing heartier meals like stew or congee, or the jar will also be used by an adult for work lunches.
For most primary school children, the FUNtainer remains the more practical everyday choice.
Simple buying guide
- Buying for a primary school child
- Your child loves warm lunches
- You want something school-lunch focused
- You pack pasta, rice, noodles or soup
- You want a child-friendly design
- Busy mornings need a simple solution
- Your child is older (tween or teen)
- You prefer a neutral, simple design
- Kids and adults may both use it
- Your child prefers a grown-up look
- You want a classic everyday food jar
- Sharing across the family
- Lunch needs to stay warm extra long
- Packing hearty stews or congee
- You want the strongest heat retention
- An adult will use it for work too
- Prefer an adult-style food jar
- Later lunch times at school or work
Common questions
What is the difference between the Thermos FUNtainer 470ml and the Thermos 470ml Food Jar?
Both hold 470ml and use vacuum insulation. The main difference is design and target user. The FUNtainer has a more child-friendly, playful design suited to primary school children. The standard Thermos 470ml has a classic, neutral look that suits older kids and adults too.
Are both food jars 470ml?
Yes, both are 470ml — a practical size for pasta, rice, noodles, soup, leftovers, yoghurt or fruit salad.
Which one is better for primary school children?
For most primary school children, the Thermos FUNtainer 470ml is the better choice. It is more child-focused, easier for kids to use, and designed with school lunches in mind.
Which one is better for older children?
The standard Thermos 470ml Food Jar suits older children who prefer a simpler, more grown-up look. It can also be used by adults, making it a good family option.
How do I keep food warmer for longer in a Thermos food jar?
Preheat the jar with boiling water for 5–10 minutes, then empty, add very hot food, fill as much as practical, close the lid tightly, and do not open until lunchtime.
What is the Thermos Stainless King and how is it different?
The Thermos Stainless King 470ml is a different model with stronger heat retention and a more adult design. It is better for longer days or heartier meals. For primary school children, the FUNtainer is usually the more practical choice.
Keep School Lunches Warm and Easy
Whether your child loves pasta, rice, noodles or soup, a Thermos food jar makes school mornings easier and lunchtime more enjoyable.