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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
To reduce waste, many households are making the switch to reusable products—water bottles, straws, and even those handy little pouches that are perfect for zipping up produce, snacks, sandwiches, and more. Reusable snack bags are a green alternative to the one-time use of food wraps, such as plastic sandwich bags or plastic wrap.
Often made of silicone, vinyl, or fabric, they offer all the convenience of their disposable counterparts—leakproof seals, compact sizes, the ability to see what's inside—and more. They're washable (some can even go in the dishwasher) and more durable.
To help you find the best storage bags for snacks and leftovers alike, we sent top-rated reusable snack bags to our experienced product tester. Each one was carefully assessed during hours of home kitchen testing and was used to store leafy greens, tomato sauce, and dry snack items. Then, the reusable snack bags were all rated on design, size, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
Whether you're looking to corral candies and nuts or package food for sous vide cooking, these are the best reusable snack bags on the market.
Best Overall
Stasher 100 Percent Silicone Reusable Food Bag
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Amazon
Safe for microwave, dishwasher, and freezer use
Secure pinch and lock seal
Stylish design and color varieties
On the expensive side
Stasher bags are made from 100 percent platinum silicone, which basically means this product has a tendency to not show any noticeable signs of wear and tear for quite some time Each bag measures 7.5 x 1 x 7.5 inches and holds up to 15 fluid ounces. They are safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. Their durability is what makes these bags stand out from the competition. These bags can withstand boiling water and temperatures up to 400 degrees in the oven, so they're great for sous vide cooking.
Of course, they're also great for storing and keeping your food fresh, especially fresh greens and chopped veggies. They come in handy for traveling, such as for storing travel-size toiletries, due to the shape and size that make them easy to slip into a variety of purses, messenger bags, and other commuter accessories. The pinch-and-lock seal requires a “burp” to get the air out and a pinch across the top to close them shut. To make them even more of a draw, there are 25 different color varieties (which you can find on the manufacturer’s site), so you can choose your favorite shade.
Price at time of publish: $13 for Sandwich
Material: Platinum silicone | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
"Everything I stored in this bag was preserved well. Kale and a partially chopped green pepper were both still crisp and useable after a couple of days in the fridge." —Rachel Werner, Product Tester
Best Budget
re(zip) 5-Piece Stand-Up Reusable Storage Bag Starter Kit
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Amazon
Affordable
Freezer-safe
Works well for marinating
Smaller than expected
If a more eco-friendly method for packed lunches and travel snacks is a goal that keeps getting put off because of budget constraints, this starter kit is the one to order ASAP. The transparent, leakproof design is a clutch feature that is not necessarily included with similar products from other brands. Plus, “one (re)zip replaces up to 300 disposable baggies,” a big step toward reducing one’s carbon footprint sans a hefty price tag.
This set comes with three 1-cup bags and two 0.5-cup pouches, which are sufficient starter options for first-time renters or new homeowners who are learning how to be more sustainable with food storage and transport. The smaller sizes are also an ideal size for nibbles for babies or toddlers when on the go. The larger bags can be used to marinate tofu or meat, since they don’t leak. Another useful feature is how quickly the bags air-dry—a major plus in regard to being reusable sooner rather than later.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: Food-grade PEVA material | What's Included: Three 8-ounce bags and two 4-ounce pouches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
"I also marinated tofu in one, too, and was quite pleased with how well it worked for that."—Rachel Werner, Product Tester
Best for Kids
Bumkins Reusable Snack Bags, Small 2-Pack
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Amazon
Cute, colorful designs
OEKO-TEX-certified fabric
Dishwasher-safe and machine-washable
Can't hold liquid
Looking for a cute way to save the environment? Bumkins offers many stylish options that appeal to both adults and children. Even tweens think that several of the available patterns are cool! Bumkins uses a stain-resistant, OEKO-TEX-certified fabric to make these reusable snack bags, and there's no stiff layer of plastic backing. The prints and designs will continue to stay bright for many washes, too, thanks to colorfast technology. We love that these bags are versatile enough for a variety of uses, corralling everything from pretzels to colored pencils.
This set comes with two 3.5 x 7-inch reusable snack bags, each with zipper closures. The size lends itself well to transporting veggie or fruit slices. Just keep in mind that because the zipper is not airtight, this isn't the bag for storing liquids or foods that dry out easily. But both bags in the set open with a zipper that is easy for smaller hands to grasp, which is particularly useful for kids. They're dishwasher-safe and machine-washable; it’s best to flip the bag inside out and rinse off all food residue prior to placing it in the dishwasher. Make sure to fully dry the snack bags before reusing them.
Price at time of publish: $11 for Snack Bag 2-Pk
Material: BPA- and PVC-free polyester | What's Included: Two 3.5 x 7-inch bags | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
"I stored various things inside of this bag for a couple of days at a time (including a lemon). I didn't notice any lingering stains or scents."—Rachel Werner, Product Tester
Best Set
W&P Porter Bags Starter Set
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W&P
Microwave- and freezer-safe
Cute and colorful
Lots of different, useful sizes
Tight seal
Pricey
From W&P's Porter line comes this five-count starter set featuring 10-ounce, 34-ounce, and 45-ounce bags, plus 36-ounce and 50-ounce stand-up bags. Each is made from 100 percent food-grade silicone. They're microwave- and freezer-safe, so in addition to storing sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and chips or marinating meats, you can use them for cooking, freezing, steaming, and even sous-viding. The clear front allows you to see the contents inside, while the solid back panel brings a pop of color to any kitchen space. Our tester loved that these bags open wide and have a tight seal, allowing for optimal preservation.
Just about any edible item can be transported in the bag and stay intact. However, a couple of the larger bags in the set are in an unusual shape in terms of height and depth dimensions, so plan accordingly in regard to which purse, pack, or satchel it will fit inside of or opt to solely use those at home.
These attractive food storage bags, which come in blush, cream, mint, slate, and charcoal colors, were designed with curved corners to avoid food buildup in hard-to-reach areas. After use, just flip them inside out to hand-wash, or throw them in the dishwasher. And because the openings on each are a bit wider than other reusable bags, a dish brush or cloth can easily fit inside if need be, to remove food or stains. If you're not quite ready for a set just yet, W&P's Porter Bags are available for individual purchase, too.
Price at time of publish: $13 for 10 oz
Material: Silicone | What's Included: One 10-ounce, one 34-ounce, and one 45-ounce bag, plus one 36-ounce and one 50-ounce stand-up bag | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
"I think these bags are incredibly well made. And very chic, too!" — Rachel Werner, Product Tester
Best Food Wrap
Bee's Wrap Assorted Set, Three Sizes
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Amazon
Eco-friendly materials
Biodegradable
Cute prints
Wraps can be tricky to adhere
Can't use with hot food
For a totally different take on food coverings, beeswax wrap has recently gained popularity. Similar to reusable snack bags, beeswax wrap can be used again and again. Made from organic cotton and infused with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin, this set of three wraps includes one small sheet (7 x 8 inches), one medium sheet (10 x 11 inches), and one large sheet (13 x 14 inches).
To cover your food with these sheets, simply use the warmth of your hands to soften the wrap and form over a bowl or a food item. The wrap creates a seal and stores food naturally as it cools down. You can also use the wrap to cover up your pre-cut produce and cheese. It will keep your food fresh longer.
There are some limitations, however. Our tester found the wraps worked well for items like apples and oranges, but they aren't ideal for soft items, like sandwiches, that can get smashed in transport.
To clean these beeswax sheets, wash with cool water and gentle soap, and let air-dry. Keep away from heat, as the beeswax can melt. With regular use, these wraps should last about one year.
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The Spruce Eats / Katie Begley
Price at time of publish: $18
Material: GOTS-certified organic cotton | What's Included: One small (7 x 8 inches), one medium (11 x 11 inches), and one large (12 x 14 inches) sheet | Dishwasher Safe: No
"Washing the wrap is as easy as rinsing it in the sink with cool water and dish soap."—Katie Begley, Product Tester
The Stasher 100 Percent Silicone Reusable Food Bag is a cult-favorite product for a reason: It's the best of the best. Seriously. You can even cook sous vide-style with it. For a budget option, the re(zip) 5-Piece Stand-Up Storage Bag Starter Kit performed well in testing and is a great value for the price.
How We Tested
These selected reusable snack bags were tested for hours by our product tester for the most authentic results. We rated these food bags based on design, size, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Testing was conducted with different food items, assessing how fresh the bag kept the contents. We also considered whether food like tomato sauce left any stains or lingering smells in a bag.
What to Look for in Reusable Snack Bags
Material
Reusable snack bags are versatile in terms of base materials. Depending on the primary functionality intended by the design, a pouch may be constructed out of vinyl, polyester, silicone, freezable gel, cotton fabric, or a combination. One key consideration when comparing brands is to take note of whether a particular product is waterproof, BPA- and PVC-free, certified organic, and dishwasher-, freezer-, or microwave-safe.
Snack Type
Storing food for later use at home or as sustenance to be consumed at an alternate locale can be tricky if the right containers are not on hand. Consider whether the snacks or meals most likely to be stashed away in the snack bags you’re looking to purchase will need to be easily accessible to small hands (e.g., mini muffins, baby carrots, pineapple chunks); semi-solid or liquid (e.g., cottage cheese, soup, apple sauce); or possibly reheated inside of the bag (e.g., leftover pizza, scrambled eggs, rice). Read customer reviews to get a better idea of which reusable bags have worked well for the types of eats your household gravitates toward.
“Each type of bag has particular foods that work best in them," says Addie Fisher, "Old World New" founding editor and sustainable lifestyle advocate. "Snack crackers, sandwiches, nuts, chips, and other crunchy items work well in fabric bags. Silicone bags are able to trap liquids inside, so they are good for items that can get messy, like raisins, sliced fruit and veggies, and snacks that may need to be reheated. They also work well for the crunchy items, too.”
Size
Knowing how much food a bag can hold is an important specification be clear about prior to purchasing. Many products’ capacity sizes are stated in ounces rather than in cups, like their disposable counterparts. Thus, one good metric conversion to keep in mind when shopping online is that 8 ounces are equivalent to 1 cup.
FAQs
Why use reusable snack bags?
“Reusable snack bags are a cute and sustainable solution to keep 'hangry' feelings at bay," says Fisher. "Plus, they don’t create plastic waste. I come from a family that reuses plastic cups and plastic bags, so reusing what I already have is normal for me. Now I just do so with fabrics and bags that are made for that purpose.”
How do you clean reusable snack bags?
Fisher recommends the following regimen: “To clean reusable snack bags, I turn them inside out and make sure all of the crumbs are wiped out. Then, I either hand-wash them if they are made of fabric or put larger silicone bags in the dishwasher.”
How do you store reusable snack bags?
“I store my reusable bags in a drawer, but another solution I am considering is getting a basket for them and placing them in the pantry,” Fisher states. The latter is a method she found to be particularly effective when she replaced paper towels with reusable cloth versions, providing “really easy to access them” when needed.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Cheyenne Elwell has actively been researching ways to reduce waste for her work as a writer and in her personal life. She has tested out and currently uses a number of eco-friendly alternatives to one-use plastics, including reusable straws, food coverings, and several of the reusable snack bags on this list.
Rachel Werner, who updated this roundup, is a consumer expert whose vegan lifestyle includes using sustainable products like reusable paper towels and snack bags—whether at home or on the go. She also has been interviewed by PopSugar for ethical shopping advice. A passion for educating others on holistic wellness and eco-friendly living inspired Rachel to start freelance writing as a side hustle eight years ago. She continues to write for several print and digital publications while also teaching for The Loft Literary Center and Hugo House. She tested four of the items featured on this list.