When preparing school lunches or keeping vegetables in the freezer, it’s time to say goodbye to unneeded plastic and opt for a more eco-friendly approach. Fortunately, with so many plastic-alternative storage bags on the market, becoming green without compromising function is simple. Where can you get these useful, reusable pouches? Check out five of our best reusable ziplock bags, which are only a click away, and prepare to make a significant shift.
Looking for Best Reusable Ziplock Bags
There are a lot of reusable silicone bags out there, so to find the best one for your kitchen, you should think about the following things.
Material
Silicone is used to make these bags, which makes sense, but not all silicone is the same. If you’re looking at different products and want to put food in them, you should choose bags made from 100% food-grade silicone. It’s also essential to look for silicone that doesn’t contain BPA or PVC, as these chemicals can get into your food over time.
You might also find bags made of PEVA or polyethylene vinyl acetate, which looks and works like silicone but can’t be heated safely.
Size
There are many sizes of reusable silicone bags, from small snack bags to extra-large 2-gallon containers. You should choose a size that fits what you’ll be storing. If unsure, you can always get a set of the best reusable ziplock bags in various sizes.
Heating/Freezing
Some reusable silicone bags can be heated in the microwave or frozen to store food for a long time. But you’ll want to ensure that the material is okay for these temperature changes. Unless it is, the material could melt or break.
Cleaning
Because these bags are meant to be used more than once, you must clean them often. You can put some silicone bags in the dishwasher, but others must be washed by hand. Think about this when shopping, especially if you hate washing dishes by hand.
Type and Material
There are different types and materials for reusable sandwich bags.
These sandwich bags are made of durable silicone that you can clean in the dishwasher. Many don’t leak because they have a zip-top or a pinch seal. They come in different sizes, and some can stand up independently.
Like silicone reusable sandwich bags, plastic sandwich bags are made of food-grade materials. However, if you want the safest food-grade material, choose BPA-free plastic. These may also be leakproof, and feature seals and zip-tops, but many are not dishwasher-safe and may warp, so check the directions carefully. Again, they can be leakproof, just like the silicone ones, and some versions stand up.
Cotton sandwich bags are often made of certified organic materials and are great for dry snacks. Some are lined with polyester to help stop leaks, and most can be washed or put in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
The Best Reusable Ziplock Bags: Food wrap
Typically constructed of cotton and treated with beeswax (or a vegan option), reusable food wrap is an excellent method to keep sandwiches and other lunch items. The wax causes the wrap to cling to itself, eliminating the need for an elastic band to keep it together though some have incorporated buttons. Thread to tie them up for added security, making them seem quaint. They can endure for up to a year.
Best Reusable Ziplock Bags Buying Guide
Reusable Storage Bags
The Reusable Storage Bags are made of PEVA, which is safe for food and suitable for the environment. With their strong zippers, these bags are great for storing solid and liquid nutrition. Even better, these bags don’t leak because the zipper has been upgraded. This makes them great for traveling. And because they are easy to take with you, you can use them to store things like your toiletries.
Because you can put them in the freezer, these bags are great for storing ready-made food and leftovers. But even though these bags are easy to clean with dish soap and water, putting them in the dishwasher could hurt them.
Key Features:
- Brand IDEATECH
- The materials used are silicone, plastic, polyethylene vinyl acetate, and polyvinyl chloride.
- Zipper closure type
- Airtight and leak-resistant design
- 10.2″W x 7.8″H Product Dimensions
- Color Orang+Blue+Yellow
Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag
Stasher bags are made of 100% platinum silicone, so they usually don’t show signs of wear and tear for a long time. Each bag is 7.5 inches by 1 inch by 7.5 inches and can hold up to 15 fluid ounces. They can go in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer without breaking. These bags stand out from the rest because of how long they last. These bags can handle boiling water and oven temperatures up to 400 degrees, so they are great for sous vide cooking—one of the best reusable ziplock bags on our list.
Of course, they’re also great for storing food and keeping it fresh, especially fresh greens and chopped vegetables. Because of their shape and size, they help travel. For example, you can use them to store travel-sized toiletries. They also easily fit into purses, messenger bags, and other items commuters use. The pinch-and-lock seal needs a “burp” to get the air out and a pinch across the top to close. You can find them in 25 colors on the manufacturer’s website so that you can choose your favorite.
Key Features:
- 100% food-grade platinum silicone
- Safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer.
- Pinch-loc seal (patent pending)
- Non-toxic and completely safe
- Reusable and adaptable indefinitely
- It fits packed lunches, laptop chargers, and other small items.
- Alternative to single-use plastic that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly
Bumkins Snack Bags, Reusable Fabric, Washable, Food Safe, BPA Free
Want a cute way to help save the planet? Bumkins has a lot of stylish options that both adults and kids will like. Some of the patterns are so cool that even tweens like them. The fabric used to make these reusable snack bags by Bumkins is stain-resistant and certified by OEKO-TEX. There is no stiff layer of plastic backing. The prints and designs will stay bright for a long time thanks to colorfast technology. We love that these bags can be used for many things, from holding pretzels to holding colored pencils.
This set comes with two reusable snack bags that are 3.5 inches by 7 inches and have zippers. These best reusable ziplock bags make it easy to carry slices of fruit or vegetables. Remember that this bag isn’t suitable for storing liquids or foods that dry out quickly because the zipper isn’t airtight. But both of the bags in the set have zippers that are easy for kids to use because they have small hands. They can be put in the dishwasher and washed in a washing machine. Before putting them in the dishwasher, it’s best to turn the bag inside out and rinse off any food particles. Please make sure the snack bags are dehydrated before you use them again.
Key Features:
- Food-safety testing
- The contents are kept in place by a smooth zipper.
- The use of a single-ply structure inhibits growth between layers.
- Waterproofing, wiping, and rapid drying
- Strong and soft
- Stain and odor resistance
- Breathable and lightweight
- The colors remain vibrant.
- Machine and dishwasher safe (top rack)
Lunchskins Reusable 2 Piece Food Storage Bag Set
Cute lunch bags from LunchSkins are easy for kids to open because they have a Velcro closure. They are made of cloth and come in a lot of fun patterns. You can wash them in the dishwasher. The set comes with two bags of different sizes to pack a sandwich and a smaller snack for lunch.
The brand also makes paper sandwich bags that can be reused and sealed. Also, when you buy LunchSkins, the company gives money to help clean the oceans from plastic waste. One of the best reusable ziplock bags.
Key Features:
- Dishwasher-Safe
- Conforms to FDA food safety requirements
- FREE OF BPA, PHTHALATES, AND LEAD
- Quick-drying, long-lasting, and lightweight fabric
- Excellent for usage at home or on the road.
- Snacks, sandwiches, travel, house organizing, and more uses are possible.
- Zipper Fastening
- Snack measures 3.5 x 7 inches / Sandwich measures 7 × 8 inches
Rezip Lay-Flat Lunch Reusable BPA-Free
The rezip bags are handy because they are made of plastic. Not only can they hold sandwiches, but they can also be put in the dishwasher and freezer and won’t leak. They are also great for putting snacks and toiletries in when you travel so that you can use one bag for more than one thing.
(Re)you can use zip storage bags at home or on the go. (re)zip lay-flat bags come in lunch, snack, and gallon sizes and are safe for food, lead-free, and BPA-free. You can use these bags for snacks, sandwiches, travel, home organization, and more.
They are solid and light. Use them for small travel pouches, healthy lunches, snacks, or bulk grocery items, so you don’t have to change containers at home. The clear design lets you see what’s inside without opening it, and the double-lock closure keeps air out.
(re)zip Lay-Flat Reusable Storage Bags are the best reusable ziplock bags you can put in the freezer and are great for soups, stocks, and fruit. The bags can be stacked and flattened when not in use to save space.
Key Features:
- Excellent for usage at home or on the road.
- Plastic baggies are no longer used for snacks, sandwiches, travel, house organizing, and other purposes.
- It is made with FDA-approved food-safe PEVA.
- The transparent design provides you with a fast peek at the contents.
- PVC-, lead-, and BPA-free
- The leakproof double-lock provides an airtight seal.
- Freezer safe, ideal for fruits, soups, and stocks
- Lightweight and long-lasting
- nest and compress flat for easy storage.
- A single (re)zip may replace up to 300 throwaway baggies.
- Outside bag dimensions: 8.5″ x 7.25″ (21.6 x 18.42 cm): inner bag dimensions: 6″ x 7.25″ (15.24 x 18.42 cm)
- 0.8oz in weight
Final Thoughts
Petroleum-based food packaging pollutes the environment and offers a variety of health hazards, including metabolic diseases and cancer.
While it may be hard to avoid all plastics, selecting eco-friendly food packaging that is biodegradable, less toxic, and recyclable is essential to reducing plastics’ negative impacts on your health and the environment.
It’s worth noting that all of our options are BPA-free and constructed from food-grade materials. Furthermore, although these best reusable ziplock bags cost a little initial investment, you will save money in the long run.
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FAQs
Are reusable ziplock bags safe to use again and again?
Food-grade materials make reusable sandwich bags that are safe to store food in. Still, it would aid if you were careful about using them.
Depending on what it’s made of, you might be unable to put it in the microwave or use the dishwasher to clean it.
Some things aren’t good for raw meat, like beeswax-coated film. After being used, they will wear out, so it’s essential to look for signs of wear and tear.
How should reusable sandwich bags be cleaned?
If specified, you may be permitted to put your reusable sandwich bags in the dishwasher. Still, you may have to keep them on the top rack on a warm or cold cycle. Please read the instructions carefully.
Otherwise, you may hand-wash them in the sink with the other dishes using a little detergent and warm water. To avoid scratching the bag, use the soft side of the sponge.
For more bottomless sandwich bags that may have some stuck-on muck, Fortes recommends a bottle brush. Beeswax wrap should be wiped clean after use, and you may wash cotton sandwich bags on a cold cycle in the washing machine. After washing, all reusable sandwich bags must be air-dried before storage.
To remove stains:
- Mix a paste of one part distilled white vinegar, one part lemon juice, and one part baking soda (two pieces).
- Spread the mixture into the stained bag and set it aside for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with hot water after scrubbing with a gentle dish brush or a bottle brush.
How long can reusable sandwich bags be used?
Plastic and silicone variants are among the most durable reusable sandwich bag options, with the ability to endure for many years, depending on use. According to Fortes, cloth and beeswax/vegan alternatives are less durable, lasting about a year, but may be composted afterward.
Does food stay fresh in reusable snack bags?
Yes, but what counts is the stuff. If you want to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for a long time, it’s best to store them in a silicone bag that you can reuse instead of a fabric bag. Both fabric and silicone bags work well for dry foods like crackers and cookies, but the food may go bad faster in fabric bags.
