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Including leak-proof, dishwasher-safe, and silicone options. Stand Up Pouch Packaging Supplier
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Whether you're packing lunch on the go or attempting to keep leftovers fresh in the fridge, reusable sandwich bags can do it all. These bags reduce the use of single-use plastic—plus, they are sturdier than disposable bags, so you can keep foods, liquids, and other contents protected.
To determine the best reusable food storage bags, we tested 13 options in our Birmingham testing lab and evaluated them on type and material, food compatibility, care, and other factors. We also consulted Elia Wolberger, founder and meal prep chef at Feed Your Sister, and Anita Fortes, professional organizer and founder of A Neater Life, a professional home organizing service, for expert insight on what to look for when shopping for a reusable storage bag.
They're leak proof and easy to clean.
The material is not totally see-through, so it may be tough to see the contents.
Whether you want reusable food storage bags for weekly meal prep, traveling, or regular storage, the Qinline 10-Pack Reusable Food Storage Bag Set is a versatile, functional, and reasonably-priced option. During the one-month testing period, we found that the bags kept our food fresh, especially avocados, which are notoriously quick to brown. Since they're made of food-grade PEVA, these bags are easy to clean by hand or toss in the dishwasher on the top rack.
Even after crushing up berries in the bags, there was no residue left behind. We particularly like that this 10-pack offers three sizes to keep everything from produce to sandwiches fresh, boasting an impressive leak-proof, air-tight, and pinch-lock seal. If you want to keep these bags upright, we recommend stuffing them with bulkier items to help them stand up for a more organized look. While the material of these bags is not completely transparent, they are clear enough to identify the bags' contents easily.
Sizes: Gallon, sandwich, snack | Quantity: 10 bags | Material: PEVA | Safe For: Top rack dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator
The set comes with 20 pieces, which should take care of all your food storage needs.
They’re not dishwasher safe and can be challenging to air dry.
Reusable sandwich bags are often more expensive than disposable ones due to their durability, but the budget-friendly Ideatech 20-Pack Reusable Storage Bag Set reduces single-use plastics while remaining inexpensive. While most reusable storage bag sets come in packs of 10 or less, this bundle offers double that, including three different sizes to fit various foods. Throughout one month of testing, these bags were resistant to leaks and stains (although odors did linger for a bit), and the thick PVC and PEVA material kept the contents of the bags fresh and protected.
While we noticed a vinegar-like smell when we first opened them, hot soapy water quickly eliminated the scent. Keep in mind that they aren’t dishwasher safe and might be tricky to air dry since they don’t stand upright and moisture can get trapped in the corners. Despite this, these bags did an excellent job of keeping foods like herbs, carrots, and cookies sealed and stored.
Sizes: Gallon, sandwich, snack | Quantity: 20 bags | Material: PVC, PEVA | Safe For: Freezer, refrigerator
The seal is tight enough to hold liquids.
The material is quite frosted and isn’t available in a gallon size.
Unlike disposable sandwich bags, reusable food storage bags are made of thicker materials that can stand upright, making them especially helpful when you can't use both hands in the kitchen. This was the standout feature of the (Re)zip 5-Piece Stand-Up Pack 'n Go Kit. We found the seal strong enough to hold liquids, and the bags didn't warp at all throughout the testing period, a testament to their durability.
In addition to their ability to stand upright on flat surfaces for convenience, we also appreciate that the bases of these bags can fold to lay flat for compact storage. Although the label says these bags are top-rack dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended for optimal longevity. We were impressed at how little the bags stained—once we washed them with dish soap, the tomato sauce residue was completely gone.
The frosted material makes the contents a bit difficult to see, but we think this is a small tradeoff given its convenient stand-up shape. Since the set only comes with five bags, we recommend it for a single-person or two-person household. This set doesn't come with a gallon size bag, which is something to keep in mind if you need to store large items. However, its versatility and overall quality make it one of the best reusable food storage bag sets we tried.
Sizes: Quart, 2-cup, snack | Quantity: 5 bags | Material: PEVA | Safe For: Top rack dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator
The silicone material is durable and secure.
Without proper cleaning, some food and liquids can get caught in the deep grooves and corners.
Reusable food storage bags made of silicone are typically sturdier, more durable, and less prone to tears than those made of PEVA, PVC, and other commonly used materials. Although the Stasher 4-Pack Storage Starter Bundle is one of the most expensive options on our list, its quality and durability make it a worthy investment.
Unlike its competitors, Stasher bags are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, completely transparent, and have the ability to stand upright. The silicone material allows for freshness and durability, while the size variation is suitable for storing smaller items and larger foods alike. Throughout our testing period, we microwaved leftover lentils and stored foods like diced tomatoes, frozen fruit, and roasted peanuts, and each test yielded impressive results. Thanks to the secure seal, our dry goods stayed fresh for a week and our berries lasted without forming ice crystals.
Although we noticed that some food and liquids became trapped in the deep grooves and corners of the bags when hand washing, the dishwasher cleaned them effectively without any warping or discoloration. These bags are worth the price if you want your reusable food storage bags to last for years.
Sizes: Gallon, stand-up mid, sandwich, snack | Quantity: 4 bags | Material: Silicone | Safe For: Dishwasher, microwave, freezer, refrigerator
The mouth of the bag opens wide so it’s easy to fill.
The plastic sealers can get too hot and even melt with boiling liquids.
Leaky food storage bags, whether disposable or reusable, can be a huge downside when storing foods you want to keep fresh. The Homelux Theory 6-Pack Silicone Food Storage Bag Set was impressively leak proof during testing—plus, it's a less expensive silicone option. It passed our leak test with flying colors and kept foods like strawberries, shredded chicken, and dry cereal fresh. We also tested these bags with a boil-in-bag omelet recipe, and while the plastic sealers couldn't handle the heat, the bag remained intact and could handle up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit.
Available in four sizes, each bag has measuring lines, which is especially helpful if you want to keep track of quantities. You can fold them flat for compact storage, but they also have an extendable base to stand on a flat surface. We particularly like that the mouth of each bag has a wide opening that's easy and mess free to fill. If you want reusable food storage bags made of silicone that are also leak proof, this pick is your best bet.
Sizes: Gallon, 50 ounces, 30 ounces, 16 ounces | Quantity: 6 bags | Material: Silicone | Safe For: Microwave, dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator
They double as cooking/sous vide bags.
The coloring makes them slightly opaque and the seal is challenging to clean.
Whether packing your lunch or your kid's lunch, a sturdy and durable storage bag is a must. We love that the Stasher 4-Pack Lunch/Travel Bundle has two sizes perfect for sandwiches, trail mix, cookies, fruit, carrots, and more. We also tested their cooking capabilities by boiling fish and warming cookies, so we can confirm that these are suitable to heat up your lunch or leftovers. The silicone material makes them extra durable, so they’re great for kids, and the pinch-loc seal keeps things from leaking. We also like that these bags are safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher for easy use and maintenance.
Although the color pattern of these reusable sandwich bags makes them slightly opaque, we think they look chic in any fridge or lunch pail. The seals also have small, thin grooves that might require some meticulous cleaning. Still, we like how convenient these are for packed lunches, whether heating them up or packing leftovers.
Sizes: Sandwich, snack | Quantity: 4 bags | Material: Silicone | Safe For: Microwave, dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator
Our top pick is Qinline 10-Pack Reusable Food Storage Bag Set for its versatility, functionality, and reasonable price. These bags kept our food fresh during testing and seem to be a reliable and long-lasting option. If you want a high-quantity bundle on a budget, we recommend the Ideatech 20-Pack Reusable Storage Bag Set, which has double the amount of food storage bags at a comparable price.
To find the best reusable food storage bags on the market, we tested 13 popular options for over one month in real-world conditions. Over the test period, we conducted three tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the reusable food storage bags.
For our leak test, we filled a bag with water, tightly sealed it, and laid it on its side on a paper towel for 5 minutes. We noted how much water, if any, escaped the bag. We also conducted a stain test by storing foods like tomato sauce, turmeric, and beets for three days in the sealed bag. After the elapsed time period, we removed the contents and washed and dried the bag. We then looked for any residual stains or lingering odors that remained.
To assess how well the reusable food storage bags kept food fresh, we placed half of a peeled and pitted avocado in a bag before sealing it. After three days, we evaluated the appearance of the avocado, noting any changes.
In addition to these tests, we incorporated the food storage bags into our regular routines, using them for various purposes. We tested the bags by storing a perishable item for an extended period of time in the refrigerator and freezer, and, if applicable, used the bags in the microwave. We followed the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations, whether via dishwasher or hand-washing.
After the testing period, we assessed the design, size, performance, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value of the reusable food storage bags.
Reusable food storage bags can come in several types and materials.
Plastic or silicone food storage bags can store pretty much any type of food—the leak-proof standing ones can even hold soup. These types of reusable bags are also great for storing food in the freezer. Wolberger particularly likes using reusable storage bags for meal prepping meals like a veggie frittata so it’s ready to go the next day.
Beeswax wraps, vegan alternatives, and cotton bags aren't as ideal for pantry use, so you're better off using them for storing daily lunches and dry food instead. It's also worth noting that beeswax-style wraps aren't suitable for raw meat.
Unless specifically stated, you shouldn't wash reusable food storage bags in the dishwasher or washing machine. However, many are dishwasher safe, and some of the cotton ones are suitable for the washing machine. Washing them gently with dish soap with warm water is all that's required to get reusable food storage bags clean, and they must all be thoroughly air dried before storage.
If a reusable food storage bag has been ripped or punctured, it won't be effective for keeping food fresh. If you don't want to throw it away, you might be able to find use in it for other things such as keeping bits and bobs neat in a storage cupboard, i.e., nails, screws, etc.
Though they're technically designed for storing sandwiches, reusable sandwich bags can do so much more than that. You can store pretty much anything in a sandwich bag, from half a lemon to bread, cheese, cold cuts, and herbs. Silicone bags can be used to poach fish, steam vegetables, and marinade food. Instead of buying expensive snack-sized bags of chips, candy, and popcorn, you can empty large family-sized snack bags into reusable sandwich bags to make smaller portions for the family during movie nights.
Along with keeping snacks and produce fresh, the function of these bags extends beyond just food. Ideal for travel, these bags can be used to carry dog treats when you take the dog for a walk or store jewelry, makeup, and toiletries on the go. You can also use them for storing other items in the kitchen, such as small utensils, pastry cutters, and food mixer attachments. They're even good for organizing small craft items like beads and sequins, and office supplies like paper clips, and staples. Wolberger raves about their versatility, using them for everything from “storing medications, packing charging wires, and even holding wet umbrellas in your handbag.”
Xoomoo 6-Pack Reusable Storage Bag Set: We like these reusable sandwich bags since they’re stable, can stand upright, and are strong enough to put in the oven and freezer. While they aren’t the most leak-proof option, they’re still great for packing lunches and for cutting down on single-use plastics. Plus, they’re safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher.
SPLF 12-Pack Reusable Storage Bag Set: If you want a variety of sizes and a larger quantity of reusable food storage bags, these are a great option. While these don’t stand upright, stain easily, and dent slightly when turned inside out for hand washing, we think they’re an affordable way to make the switch to reusable sandwich bags. We especially recommend these for those with kids who can get messy and rough with their packed lunches.
Much like reusable grocery bags, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to reusable food storage bags. Nevertheless, it's always a good idea to evaluate both when shopping for the best reusable food storage bags for your needs.
Fortes says that food storage bags are an eco-friendly and popular choice for those who want to stop using single-use plastic and find it wasteful to throw away a plastic bag after only a few hours of use. In fact, many reusable food storage bags are made from certified food-safe materials like BPA-free plastic or don't contain any plastic at all. “Unlike disposable plastic bags, many reusable bags are safe to go from the freezer to the microwave to the oven,” adds Wolberger.
Another main perk, Fortes tells us, includes the extra secure, leak-proof seal, which keeps food fresher for longer and prevents any spills or nasty surprises in your work bag. Some even have a protective interior lining that avoids snack crushing.
Though initially more expensive than disposable options, reusable food storage bags can last for years, so they may actually end up cheaper in the long run. They also often come in sets with a variety of size options, providing more flexibility for storing different foods. In addition to being suitable for storage, many reusable storage bags are also dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe, and some can even be be used for cooking.
Reusable food storage bags come in a wide choice of materials, styles, and designs to appeal to everyone, including those who like to color coordinate or who have a preference for specific fabrics. There are even sandwich bags with cute and jazzy designs for children that might encourage them to eat their packed lunches. Since they're lightweight, these bags are easy to handle and carry on the go, and you can label them or write directly on them for pantry organization. Some are even stackable and space saving, and many can be used as storage containers too. “From traveling to medications to lunch and snacks, they’re so versatile and easy to care for," says Wolberger.
"Reusable sandwich bags can be a bit of an expensive up-front cost," says Fortes, "especially if you need many, for instance, if you have several kids who are taking packed lunches to school." She also mentions that some food storage bags might not be as eco-friendly as the manufacturers claim, i.e., silicone manufacturing uses a lot of energy and some cotton bags have a plastic lining. Check the labels and the company's websites for eco-certifications if that's an important aspect for you.
Another con is maintenance— unlike disposable bags that can be thrown away after use, reusable bags need to be washed. Some reusable bags, like the (Re)zip 5-Piece Stand-Up Pack 'n Go Kit, are hand wash recommended, which may make the process even more tedious. However, the majority on our list are dishwasher safe.
And finally: manageability. When choosing he right food storage bag for your needs, consider who will be using them. "If the seal is extremely good, that's great for the seal-proof factor, but then they might be hard to open for children, the elderly, or those with a disability," Fortes says.
Plastic and silicone versions are among the most durable types of reusable food storage bags available and have the potential to last many years depending on the usage. Cloth and beeswax/vegan alternatives, Fortes says, are less durable, lasting approximately 12 months, but they can be composted afterward.
“I’ve had my reusable storage bags for about six years and they are as good as new,” says Wolberger. “Many brands also have a recycling program if your bags get damaged.”
Since they can withstand multiple uses, reusable food storage bags are a bit more expensive than single-use ones. However, once you calculate the price per use, reusable bags end up being less pricy than expected.
The majority of bags on our list range between $20 and $40, with our best overall pick, the Qinline Reusable Storage Bags, being less than $15. Reusable storage containers made of PEVA (Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate)—a more environmentally-friendly type of plastic— tend to be cheaper than ones made of silicone, which is more durable. For example, the Stasher 4-Pack Storage Starter Bundle is by far the priciest on our list, which can be attributed to the long-lasting, durable silicone material.
This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews, and Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce-writing experience. It was updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 13 reusable food storage bags and evaluated them on design, size, performance, durability, and ease of cleaning. We also consulted Elia Wolberger, founder and meal prep chef at Feed Your Sister; and Anita Fortes, professional organizer and founder of A Neater Life, a professional home organizing service.
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