While the school cafeteria serves an important function—feeding our kids—it’s about more than just food. It’s also about school culture, and many argue it’s time to rethink school lunch. That’s why we’re seeing more and more effort put into this area of school. Just look at these cafeterias—they look like works of art! Plus there are some amazing cafeteria food vendors providing the delicious and healthy options our students deserve. Looking for more ways to elevate your school lunch game? Check out our list of the best lunch trays for schools, with options for both reusable and sustainable disposable options for every grade level.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
Reusable Lunch Trays for Schools
New Star Foodservice Blue Plastic Food Tray
Lightweight and durable, this plastic tray is perfect for everyday use. For added convenience, this tray stacks with other big brands, making it easy to switch to this budget-friendly alternative. These trays must be hand-washed.
Buy it: New Star Foodservice Blue Plastic Food Tray at Amazon
Pinkunn Unbreakable Divided School Lunch Tray
These unbreakable divided plates come in four colors: beige, pink, blue, and green. There are six deep sections, allowing you to easily serve a variety of foods. They’re also microwave and dishwasher safe!
Buy it: Pinkunn Unbreakable Divided School Lunch Tray at Amazon
BilliGO Cafeteria Trays
Each package of these lunch trays for schools (which are safe for dishwashers and microwaves) includes nine different colors: white, gray, pink, light green, dark green, yellow, blue, light blue, and orange.
Buy it: BilliGO Cafeteria Trays at Amazon
Skylety Serving Tray
Brighten the cafeteria with these vibrant cafeteria trays made of wheat straw. They come in pink, beige, light blue, purple, orange, green, yellow, dark green, blue, and dark blue. These trays must be washed by hand.
Buy it: Skylety Serving Tray at Amazon
Okuna Outpost Nonslip Serving Tray
These sleek black trays are an ideal choice for schools and cafeterias. They’re made from durable plastic but must be washed by hand.
Buy it: Okuna Outpost Nonslip Serving Tray at Amazon
Cedilis Plastic Food Trays
This set of food trays comes in an assortment of colors—red, orange, black, green, blue, and brown. They’re made from heavy-duty plastic and feature a nonslip handle for safe and easy carrying.
Buy it: Cedilis Plastic Food Trays at Amazon
FEOOWV Wheat Straw Plastic School Lunch Trays
Made from wheat straw material, these divided plates have five compartments, including a spot for utensils! They come in four colors—beige, pink, green, and blue—and are chip-resistant so they’ll look great for a long time!
Buy it: FEOOWV School Lunch Trays at Amazon
Cambro Textured Penny-Saver School Tray
Made of economical co-polymer material, these textured lunch trays are perfect for serving school lunches. The navy blue trays offer five food compartments and one compartment for silverware.
Buy it: Cambro Textured Penny-Saver School Tray at Amazon
Fasmov Stainless-Steel Divided Dinner Tray
These sturdy, divided cafeteria trays are made from food-grade stainless steel. They are dishwasher safe, stackable, and rust and scratch resistant.
Buy it: Fasmov Stainless-Steel Divided Dinner Tray at Amazon
The Party Dipper Serving Tray
This non-flexible, eco-friendly food tray won’t flop around when you carry it. Each has five divided compartments, including a drink holder.
Buy it: The Party Dipper Serving Tray at Amazon
Disposable Lunch Trays for Schools
Vplus Disposable School Lunch Trays
Made from sustainably sourced sugarcane fibers, these disposable lunch trays are 100% biodegradable and suitable for composting. These divided trays do not contain any wax or plastic.
Buy it: Vplus Disposable School Lunch Trays at Amazon
Lyellfe Compostable Heavy-Duty Lunch Tray
These disposable cafeteria trays come with four deep compartments, are made of sugarcane fiber, and can be safely used in the microwave (under 248°F) and freezer.
Buy it: Lyellfe Compostable Heavy-Duty Lunch Tray at Amazon
Outside the Box Papers Compostable School Lunch Tray and Paper Drinking Straw
These compostable lunch trays work for hot and cold food and are microwave and freezer safe. While they are soak-proof, they contain no wax or plastic. Each tray also comes with paper drinking straws.
Buy it: Outside the Box Papers Compostable School Lunch Tray at Amazon
Bekith Compostable School Lunch Tray
There are a lot of compartments in these 100% sugarcane fiber serving trays, which are microwave-safe and resistant to liquids and oils.
Buy it: Bekith Compostable School Lunch Tray at Amazon
Elsjoy Compostable School Lunch Tray
These disposable trays are made from sustainable sugarcane fibers that are 100% biodegradable and compostable. They are microwave and freezer safe, leak-proof, grease-resistant, and conveniently include five separate compartments.
Buy it: Elsjoy Compostable School Lunch Tray at Amazon
Have something to add to this list of lunch trays for schools? Share in the comments below!
Plus, check out The Best Playground Equipment for Schools (and Where To Buy It)!
