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Image: MomJunction Design Team
Reusable food bags are an environmentally friendly alternative to paper and plastic bags. We have made a list of the best reusable food storage bags to help reduce packaging waste while storing fruits, sandwiches, and other perishable foods. These tried-and-tested storage bags are made of food-safe materials to ensure safety and are eco-friendly. You can store beans, nuts, grains, pasta, and more in them.
Akino Ogata, a Japanese food expert and content creator, says, “Plastic bags take up to 20 years to decompose (1). Thus, just a small change in our choices can make a difference on Mother Earth. In my case, I always cut vegetables and store them in reusable bags for the Bento the next day. This helps me save time and energy in the busy morning and do my bit for the environment.”
Opt for reusable food storage bags that match your requirement from this list. They are available in various sizes and designs to meet your needs.
Top Picks
11 Best Reusable Food Storage Bags For Your Kitchen In 2024
1. Best Non-Slip:Zessti Reusable Food Storage Bags
These reusable zipper-lock bags are made of food-grade PEVA material and come in a pack of 12 bags in multiple sizes. The combination of six sandwich bags, four snack bags, and two gallon-sized bags is perfect for use as a starter kit, allowing you to easily store large pieces of meat, snacks, and other foods. The non-slip zipper and wide-sided, flat design make cleaning, opening, and closing easy. These reusable freezer bags are ideal for frozen meat because they prevent freezer burns and keep the food fresh.
"I've found these reusable bags sturdy, leak-proof, and excellent for freezing items. They even survived my camping escapades unscathed. They do take a little long to dry after washing, yet they're totally worth giving a try."
Quick tip2. Best Leakproof:Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 4,893 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
The SGS-certified Homelux’s silicone food bag includes two large and two medium-sized bags. The larger bag is ideal for storing marinated meat, larger fruits, and preserving meal preparations. In contrast, the medium bag is suitable for leftovers, lunches, snacks, and food-on-the-go. These reusable dishwasher-safe bags are suitable for freezers, ovens, microwaves, while also being leakproof and heat-resistant. These tried-and-tested bags are air-tightly sealed to extend the life of food while maintaining freshness. The soft foldable material allows you to organize the kitchen and effectively utilize refrigerator space.
"These freezer bags are easy to use by following the instructions. The top-quality silicone material makes them perfect for freezing my herbs; no more waste! They are easy to clean and stand upright to dry. It's evident they're built to last."
3. Best Airtight:Bayco Reusable Food Storage Bags
The transparent design of the Bayco storage bags allows you to view the bag’s contents without opening each bag. The reusable BPA-free bags are made of high-quality, food-grade PEVA material and do not contain harmful PVC, lead, and chloride. Each bag has a double-lock zipper design to ensure it is leakproof and airtight, making it a hygienic option for storing all types of food and liquids.
These reusable freezer-safe bags can maintain the freshness and taste of food from being scalded by the refrigerator. It is easy to clean by hand or with a bottle brush, and all odors and food residues can be removed by quick soaking.
"Buying these reusable bags has reduced my single-use bag consumption, a perfect start to reducing waste and doing my bit for the environment. I find them indispensable for storing my toddler's daily lunch and fresh produce."
4. Best Eco-Friendly:Ideatech Reusable Storage Bags
The Ideatech Reusable Storage Bags are eco-friendly and made of food-grade PEVA material. These storage bags are leak-proof, and their ziplock mechanism offers a secure and tight seal. They are lead-free, chloride-free, PVC-free, and BPA-free. The reusable zip-top bags are heat- and cold-resistant, sustaining temperatures of 22℉ to 104℉. As per reviews, these multipurpose storage food bags can be washed with soapy water. However, they are not dishwasher-safe.
"I've just started using these ziploc bags, and so far, I love their capacity. They seem durable, although I've noticed some difficulty in closing them after the first wash. I think with careful handling, they could last long. Overall, I'm optimistic."
5. Best Dishwasher-Safe:SPLF Reusable Food Storage Bags
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 3,434 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
SPLF reusable storage bags are ideal for storing and preserving food in refrigerators and freezers. The upgraded double non-slip zipper ensures that it is leakproof and easy for children to operate. They are made of environmentally friendly food-grade PEVA material, free from BPA, PVC, chlorine, and lead.
This 12-piece set includes three bags of different sizes, five reusable snack bags, five sandwich bags, and two gallon-sized bags that are entirely airtight to retain your food’s original flavor. They are dishwasher safe and hand-washable too.
"These bags seal incredibly well. Keeping them clean is simple, but the insides can take time to dry. Their compact size aids in maximizing space in my lunchbox. With these reusable bags, I am happy to be cutting down on my disposable plastic bag usage."
6. Best Chemical-Free:Sodpe Reusable Food Storage Bags
These are made of food-grade PEVA produced by Sodpe and do not contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, PVC, lead, and chloride. They have a wide side design, are easy to fill, and equipped with airtight zipper closure, making them leakproof and waterproof. This reusable transparent bag allows you to see the contents, making them easy to sort office supplies and cosmetics.
The package is a combination of large, medium, and small-sized zip-top bags that are durable and easy to clean with a bottle brush, similar to reusable produce bags. According to the reviewers, the bags do not retain food odors and can keep perishable food fresh for a long time.
"I found these bags great for food storage and occasional toiletry storage during travel. They’re leak-proof and durable, and the color coding helps with easy organization. I've had these for a while, and they're still holding up well. They're a worthwhile investment."
Quick tip7. Best For Flavor Preservation:Tiblue Reusable Gallon Food Storage Bags
Tiblue’s food-grade PEVA bag set includes four gallon-sized storage bags, perfect for marinated meats, portioned dinners, and organizing extra clothes or school supplies. These can be safely stored as bulky reusable meal prep bags, in the refrigerator and prevent the refrigerator from burning while maintaining the food’s freshness and flavor.
The non-slip zipper is easy to open and close, and the wide side design makes filling easier. The airtight seal makes the transparent bags leak proof and waterproof.
8. Best Waterproof:EcoLifeMate Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
EcoLifeMate’s storage bag is made of food-grade silicone and consists of two gallon-sized reusable bags. These XL, reusable leak-proof bags are equipped with airtight sealing sliders to ensure food freshness and are waterproof. The bag’s front has a measurement indicator, making it suitable for sauces or liquids that need to be stored in a measured amount. They can be immersed in hot water to cook food in a sous vide container as long as you keep the slider out of the warm water.
"These bags have been helpful in reducing my plastic bag usage. Using the sliders required some getting used to. I use them for storing veggies upright in the fridge. I would repurchase these."
9. Best Tear-Resistant:Baily Cheer Reusable Food Storage Bags
The FDA-approved Baily Cheer food storage bags are fortified with wider edges and extra thickness to make them tear-resistant and long-lasting. They are leak-resistant and ideal for transporting snacks and sandwiches. Made of food-grade PEVA material, this 12-pack reusable lunch bag set includes six sandwich bags and six snack bags and can also be used in the refrigerator. These expert-approved bags are children-friendly as they are easy to open and close and are ideal for school lunches. For quick cleaning, you must rinse them with soapy water and a bottle brush.
"These bags are kid-friendly, reliable for lunch packing, and even withstand my sharp acrylic nails. They are easy to clean and an eco-conscious choice for storing a variety of foods. Although I was apprehensive at first, I'd now recommend these remarkable leak-proof bags."
10. Best Pinch-Lock Sealing:Stasher Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag
The Stasher bag is made of non-toxic platinum silicone resin to ensure that your food is protected from various contaminants and foreign bodies. This reusable silicone bag is equipped with a cutting-edge airtight pinch-lock sealing system to keep your salads green and food fresh. You need to “discharge” the excess air, which can effectively retain the food’s nutritional value. They can withstand boiling water temperatures up to 400 degrees, making them suitable for sous vide cooking. These half-gallon bags with pinch-top seals are free of BPA, PVC, and latex, and safe to use in microwave ovens and dishwashers.
"These bags are versatile, reusable, and eco-friendly. And as they come in various sizes, they suit my diverse needs. They are airtight and secure, giving me confidence when carrying food around. A fantastic investment I would say."
Do remember11. Best Microwave-Safe:Jomarto Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
Jomarto food storage bags are airtight and leak proof. They are FDA-approved and free of PVC, BPA, and latex, to ensure your food retains its freshness, flavors, and natural juices. The versatile reusable sous vide bags are freezer and microwave safe and can withstand temperature variations from -58°F to +392°F, making them ideal for storing freezer meals. The multipurpose certified bags can double up as a toiletry kit to keep your clothes safe from shampoo spills.
How To Choose The Right Reusable Food Storage Bags?
While choosing reusable food storage bags, it is essential to consider the factors below to get yourself a bag that meets all your requirements.
- Material: Ensure to choose food storage bags that are made of expert-recommended materials. Whether you are looking for reusable food pouches or storage bags, narrow down the ones made of silicone or PEVA. PEVA is biodegradable, so it is an environmentally friendly plastic choice. It contains no chemicals and is odorless. PEVA bags have antibacterial properties and are easy to clean and maintain.
However, this material has a low heat resistance and cannot be used in microwaves. Silicone has exceptionally high-temperature resistance, so you can safely use the bags in freezers, microwave ovens, and dishwashers. They are not biodegradable but can be recycled and can withstand the test of time.
- Food-grade: Do make sure the storage bags are food-safe and non-toxic. Read the label for a “food grade” tag.
- Leakproof and freezer-safe: Choose a reusable vacuum seal bag that is also leakproof. Double buckle bags or double zipper bags are ideal for liquids. The bag should be freezer-safe to prevent freezer burn and preserve the food’s shelf life.
- Size: As reusable bags come in different sizes, choose the sizes you need. Consider the quantity and type of food that will be stored. Reusable gallon bags are suitable for large pieces of meat and meal prep items, while the reusable sandwich bags are ideal for picnics and school lunches, and the snack bags are suitable for food-on-the-go.
- Multiple size sets: These bags usually come in multiple sizes. Make sure you choose the one with the maximum number of bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are reusable bags dishwasher-safe?
Most reusable bags are dishwasher-safe. So you can toss them in the top rack of the dishwasher.
2. Are reusable storage bags microwave-safe?
Reusable storage bags made of food-grade microwavable silicone are safe in the microwave. However, ensure you remove the plastic attachments before putting the bag in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze reusable bags?
As per food and home experts, silicone or PEVA bags free of BPA, latex, and phthalates are safe in the freezer. If you are storing food, ensure it is properly cleaned and has no signs of tear.
4. How long should I use a reusable storage bag?
Some reusable bags are safe to be used for three to five years, ensuring proper maintenance, while others come with instructions mentioning the number of times you may use the bag.
5. Are reusable storage bags worth it?
Reusable storage bags eliminate the need to make use of single-use plastic bags for storage. Some storage bags are also environmentally friendly and safe for the planet.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is an experienced writer and reviewer of household and kitchen products and is here to help you make good choices. In this post, he brings you a curated list of the best reusable food storage bags after going through extensive customer reviews and product listings online. He also offers you a buying guide to help you choose the best product.
The Bottom Line
Store your food safely and securely with the best reusable food bags. These bags, made from food-grade materials, help you store food while reducing household waste. They also come in various sizes, and based on the type of food you decide to store, you can choose a compatible and preferred size. Before picking up these bags, ensure they are food-safe and non-toxic, completely sealed and leakproof, and come in multiple sets for everyday use. Among the options listed here, we recommend the Zessti Reusable Food Storage Bags for storing frozen food and the Ideatech Reusable Storage Bags for being temperature-resistant. The Stasher Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag, in particular, stands out for its revolutionary pinch-lock sealing system.
Infographic: How To Choose A Good Reusable Food Storage Bag
Almost every household uses plastic bags to store food and other things, which results in heaps of plastic waste at the end of the day. Therefore, reusable food storage bags are an eco-friendly and practical alternative to disposable plastic bags. The below infographic includes some features a good reusable food storage bag should have.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- The Lifecycle Of Plastics; WWF
https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/the-lifecycle-of-plastics
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