How to Pack Lunch in a 17 oz Zojirushi Food Jar
By Zojirushi Online Store | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to pack a satisfying lunch in a 17 oz Zojirushi food jar. Step-by-step tips for layering, preheating, and keeping meals hot or cold until noon.
Quick answer
Pack a hot or cold lunch in a 17 oz Zojirushi food jar by preheating or pre-chilling the jar, layering ingredients in the right order, and sealing the lid tightly to keep food at the right temperature until you eat.
Why 17 oz is the right size for a packed lunch
A 17 oz food jar holds roughly two cups of food, which is enough for a main dish like soup, pasta, or rice with toppings. It is smaller than a full thermos but larger than a snack-sized jar, making it a practical choice for a single adult lunch or a hearty child's portion.
Because it is vacuum insulated, the jar keeps food hot or cold for hours. The key is to start with the jar at the same temperature as the food you are packing, so the insulation works with you instead of against you.
How to pack your 17 oz jar in 5 steps
- Preheat or pre-chill the jar: Fill the empty jar with boiling water for hot meals or ice water for cold meals. Close the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes, then pour out the water. This conditions the walls so your food stays hot or cold longer. Skipping this step cuts holding time noticeably.
- Layer hot foods from bottom to top: For a hot lunch, put the densest, wettest food first—like soup or stew—then add rice, noodles, or vegetables on top. For a cold lunch, put yogurt or pudding at the bottom and fruit or salad on top. This keeps textures separate and prevents sogginess. Pack foods that need to stay hottest at the bottom, closest to the insulated walls.
- Fill the jar to the brim: Leave as little air space as possible. Air is a poor insulator and lets heat escape. Fill the jar almost to the top, then wipe the rim clean so the gasket seals properly. A full jar stays hot or cold longer than a half-full one.
- Close the lid tightly: Screw the lid on firmly until the gasket makes contact. A loose lid lets heat or cold escape and can cause leaks. Check that the gasket is clean and in place before sealing. If the lid is hard to turn, the gasket may be misaligned—adjust it before sealing.
- Carry the jar upright: Keep the jar upright in your bag to avoid leaks and to keep the food layers intact. When you are ready to eat, stir the contents to redistribute heat or cold, then enjoy. If you need to reheat, transfer the food to a microwave-safe bowl—do not microwave the jar.
The jar that makes it easy
- 17 oz. ZOJIRUSHI x HELLO KITTY® Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-EAE50KT: This 17 oz Zojirushi x Hello Kitty stainless steel food jar features vacuum insulation to keep foods hot or cold for hours and is made of durable, sanitary 18/8 stainless steel. Vacuum insulation and stainless steel construction mean your lunch stays at a safe temperature and the jar is easy to clean and reuse every day.
17 oz. ZOJIRUSHI x HELLO KITTY® Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-EAE50KT
