Including leak-proof, dishwasher-safe, and silicone options.
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Reusable sandwich bags are an eco-friendly way to reduce the copious amounts of plastic waste thrown into landfills daily. In the long run, buying them can be cheaper than repurchasing disposable food storage bags, since a reusable set can last for years. Plus, they are sturdier and more durable than disposable bags, so you can keep foods, liquids, and other contents fresh and protected.
“Reusable storage bags are an upfront investment but you end up saving money over time because you aren’t constantly buying single-use plastic bags,” says Elia Wolberger, founder and meal prep chef at Feed Your Sister. “From traveling to medications to lunch and snacks, they’re so versatile and easy to care for.”
To determine the best reusable food storage bags, we tested 13 options and evaluated them on type and material, food compatibility, care, and other factors. In addition to Wolberger, we also consulted 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 from afar.
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 testing, we found that it kept food fresh, especially avocados which are notoriously quick to brown. They’re also made of food-grade PEVA, making them easy to clean by hand or toss in the dishwasher on the top rack. We also like that this 10-pack has three sizes to keep everything from produce to sandwiches fresh, and were especially impressed by its 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.
Price at time of publish: $15 for 10-pack
Sizes: Gallon, sandwich, snack | 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.
While reusable sandwich bags are often more expensive than disposable sandwich bags due to their durability, the budget-friendly Ideatech 20-Pack Reusable Storage Bag Set reduces single-use plastics while remaining affordable. Most reusable storage bag sets come in packs of 10 or less, but this bundle is double that and includes three different sizes to fit various foods. During 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 eliminates 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.
Price at time of publish: $22 for 20-pack
Sizes: Gallon, sandwich, snack | 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. Stand-up sandwich bags are 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 throughout our real-world testing. We found that the seal is strong enough to hold liquids, and although they can stand on a flat surface, the bases can also 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.
The material is frosted, making the contents not totally visible, but we don’t mind it too much since it has such a convenient stand-up shape. It’s also not available in a gallon size, which is something to keep in mind if you need to store large items. However, its versatility and overall quality make them one of the best reusable food storage bags we tried.
Price at time of publish: $25 for 5-pack
Sizes: Quart, 2-cup, snack | Material: PEVA | Safe For: Top rack dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator
They are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
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 and punctures when compared to PEVA, PVC, and other materials commonly used for reusable food storage bags. Although this pick is one of the most expensive options on our list, the quality and durability of the Stasher 4-Pack Storage Starter Bundle make it a worthy investment.
Unlike its competitors, Stasher bags are dishwasher-safe, microwave safe, completely transparent, and can stand upright. We tested these by microwaving leftover lentils and storing foods like diced tomatoes, frozen fruit, and roasted peanuts—each test yielded impressive results. The silicone material of these bags allows for freshness and durability, while their size is ideal for compact storage from the crisper drawer to your lunch bag.
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 warping or discoloration. These bags are worth the price if you want your reusable food storage bags to last for years.
Price at time of publish: $66 for 4-pack
Sizes: Gallon, stand-up mid, sandwich, snack | 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 our testing—plus, it's a more affordable silicone option. It passed our leak test with flying colors and kept foods like melon, shredded chicken, and dry cereal fresh. We also tested these bags with a boil-in-bag omelet recipe, and while the plastic sealers could not handle the heat, the bag remained intact and could handle up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit. We also like that the mouth of each bag has a wide opening that's easy to fill and that it's available in four different 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. If you want reusable food storage bags made of silicone that are also leak-proof, this pick is your best bet.
Price at time of publish: $32 for 6-pack
Sizes: Gallon, 50 ounces, 30 ounces, 16 ounces | 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 kids’ 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 (although it can be challenging to clean those tiny grooves). We also like that these 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 it up or packing leftovers.
Price at time of publish: $46 for 4-pack
Sizes: Sandwich, snack | 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 over a 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, or beets for three days in a 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 routine, 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.
You can pretty much store any type of food in plastic or silicone food storage bags—the leak-proof standing ones can even hold soup. These types of reusable food storage bags are great for storing food in the freezer too. Elia Wolberger, founder and meal prep chef at Feed Your Sister, 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 ideal for pantry use; you're better off using these for daily lunches and dry food instead. Beeswax-style wraps are not suitable for raw meat.
Like disposable food storage bags, reusable options come in various sizes, but you won't get any particularly large ones. The smallest reusable sandwich bags range from 2-5 inches, and the largest ones go up to around 10 inches. They are typically either square or rectangle in shape. In relation to sandwich wraps, these are usually sized at around 9-13 inches.
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 suitable for food but, 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 sandwiches, reusable sandwich bags can do so much more than that. Anita Fortes, professional organizer and founder of A Neater Life, a professional home organizing service, says that reusable sandwich bags can be used to store leftover foods in the refrigerator and freezer and to keep it fresher for longer. You can store anything 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 on movie night.
They can be used to carry dog treats when you take the dog for a walk. They're great for traveling, storing jewelry, makeup, and toiletries. 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 storing 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.”
Wax wraps can be used to cover bowls, too. Reusable food storage bags have a plethora of uses, will always come in handy, and you'll never run out of ideas for what to do with them.
Xoomoo 6-Pack Reusable Storage Bag Set: We like these reusable sandwich bags since they’re stable while upright and 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.
The pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to reusable food storage bags, but 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 people who want to reduce the use of single-use plastic and who find it wasteful to throw away a plastic bag after only a few hours of use. Many reusable food storage bags are also 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,” says Wolberger.
Other perks, Fortes tells us, include the ability to keep food fresher for longer due to having a better seal than disposable options, and also being leak-proof, so there will be no 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 work out cheaper in the long term because you can use them for years. Some come in sets, too, with different-sized compartments for different types of foods, providing more flexibility. They are lightweight, and easy to handle and carry, and you can label them or write directly on them for pantry organization.
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.
Many reusable food storage bags have extra perks such as being dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. Some are stackable and space-saving, and a lot can be used as storage containers too. In addition, there are bags that can be used for cooking, such as for steaming and poaching.
Both Fortes and Wolberger say that one of the biggest cons of reusable bags is their price.
"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 that disposable bags are easier in that they don't need to be washed, which explains why so many people choose them over the more eco-friendly versions. "Hand-washing reusable sandwich bags can get a bit fiddly," Fortes says, "especially wax wraps."
Another factor to consider is manageability. "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.
If expressly stated, you'll be able to put your reusable food storage bags in the dishwasher, but you might have to keep them on the top rack on a warm or cold cycle. Be sure to read the instructions. Otherwise, you'll be able to hand wash them in the sink with the rest of the dishes with a mild detergent and warm water. Use the soft side of the sponge so as not to scratch the bag.
Fortes suggests a bottle brush for the deeper food storage bags that might have some stuck-on mess. Beeswax wrap should be wiped clean after each use, and some cotton sandwich bags can go in the washing machine on a cool wash. All reusable food storage bags will need to be air dried after washing and before storing away.
If you’re using reusable bags to store foods that stain easily (like anything turmeric or tomato based), Wolberger recommends a sneaky hack.
If you are storing something with a red sauce like chili, try a reusable bag that matches the color,” she says. “A red, orange, or darker color can conceal hard-to-clean stains.”
To get rid of stains, you could make a paste of distilled white vinegar (one part), lemon juice (one part), and baking soda (two parts). Spread the mixture on the inside of the stained bag and leave for 15 minutes. Scrub with a soft dish brush or a bottle brush and rinse with hot water.
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.”
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. To compile this list, we tested 13 reusable food storage bags and evaluated them on design, size, performance, durability, and ease of cleaning . Kat and Daniela 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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