Kmart shoppers divided over popular $8.50 storage item: 'Honestly awful'

If you’re like me and have a cupboard full of various shaped plastic containers - which are seemingly impossible to organise no matter how hard you try to stack, arrange and display them - it might be time to turn to a more eco-friendly storage solution. Kmart introduced a range of products last year using wheat straw plastic, a renewable and sustainable alternative to solid plastics which is both food-safe certified and BPA-free.

One of the most popular items in the range is the $8.50 Oatmeal Wheat Straw Lunch Box with Cutlery, which is partly made from plant-based plastic as well as polypropylene. The 2-section lunch box has a 950ml capacity, comes with a knife/spoon and fork, and is microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe.

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While the entire wheat straw range has received rave reviews on TikTok, with content creators praising the products for being eco-friendly and having multiple sections to keep food separated, one woman received a mixed response when she posted about the Oatmeal Wheat Straw Lunch Box with Cutlery in a popular Facebook group recently.

“Hi all was wondering if anyone has used these for hot food to send to school. Does it keep the food somewhat warm by lunchtime?” she wrote. “My youngest loves to take warm meals with rice and hates it all mixed up was so trying to find something I could send it in.”

Shoppers share mixed response

Some people said they had purchased the product and didn’t like it, with one person writing: “It's honestly awful, wouldn't recommend.”

“They aren’t insulated at all so no,” another added. “It’s a tough one, I would look at a stainless steel bento box.”

Meanwhile, others said they thought the lunch box was “great” and both themselves and their children love it.

“I love my one of these. It doesn’t keep food warm, as it’s just a plastic container, but I love it for taking food to work and reheating etc,” a shopper replied, followed by someone else who said, “Two of mine use these for their fruit break, they are great”.

The item also has a 4.5-star rating on Kmart’s product page, with people describing it as “brilliant, “excellent” and “good value”.

“Just the right size for my lunch bag. Love the built-in cutlery that comes with, and the secure clips holding the lid down are secure for no spillage or leaks,” one satisfied customer wrote.

How does wheat straw plastic compare to solid plastic?

Not only do wheat straw plastics have a low carbon footprint, but they’re also extremely durable and can last 5 to 10 years. Wheat straw plates and kitchenware are often lightweight, easy to clean, and - best of all - inexpensive.

Wheat straw plastic is also completely biodegradable, making it the perfect alternative to single-use plastic items like straws, plates or cutlery.

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While wheat straw plastic containers can be used in the microwave, it’s recommended that you do not heat food in them for more than three minutes as the food’s temperature can damage the product.

Also, in case you were wondering, wheat straw is completely gluten-free - so coeliacs need not fear!

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