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We Tested Reusable Snack Bags—These 8 Kept Food the Freshest

These finds help you save your money, food, and the planet

Re(zip) 5-Piece Stand-Up Pack 'n Go Kit collaged on green striped background

The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis

To reduce waste, many households are making the switch to eco-friendly and 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.

To help you find the best storage bags for snacks and leftovers alike, we tested some of the top-rated reusable snack bags. Each one was carefully assessed during hours of kitchen testing and 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.

Amazon Stasher Silicone Reusable 4-Pack Lunch/Travel Bundle

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Size
    5/5
What We Like
  • Safe for microwave, dishwasher, and freezer use

  • Secure pinch and lock seal

  • Stylish design and color varieties

What We Don't Like
  • 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. They're safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer, and they can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees in the oven and boiling water—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. We tested these trendy bags out with a wide range of food items, including peeled avocados, marinara sauce, fresh-cut strawberries, melon, lettuce, dried cereal, and shredded chicken. We even used one to make a boil-in-bag omelet for breakfast with delicious results. The bags passed our leak tests with flying colors, as well.

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.

Half an avocado in the Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag

The Spruce Eats / Laurel Randolph

Material: Platinum silicone | What's Included: (2) 28-ounce sandwich bags and (2) 12-ounce snack bags | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Amazon Qinline Reusable Food Storage Bags

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
What We Like
  • Multiple colors and sizes

  • Easy to clean

  • Leakproof

What We Don't Like
  • May be difficult to close

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 large set offers great value and includes 10 bags in three different sizes, each of which has a different colored top to help keep everything organized and avoid cross-contamination.

Despite the low price tag, these bags performed remarkably well in our tests. We loved them for travel and food prep, using them during family trips both for beauty products and snacks like bulk candy and pretzels for the plane. The thick zippered closure resists leaks and keeps food especially fresh—it even kept half an avocado green after a few days in the fridge.

Material: Food-grade PEVA | What's Included: (2) 11 x 10.56-inch bags, (4) 8.62 x 7.62-inch bags, (4) 8.62 x 5.25-inch bags | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Re(zip) 5-Piece Stand-Up Pack 'n Go Kit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
What We Like
  • Versatile sizes

  • Works well for marinating

  • Lays flat for storage

What We Don't Like
  • Material is thin

This semi-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 two 1-cup bags, two 2-cup bags, and one 4-cup bag, 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.

During testing, we used these bags for storing shelf-stable snacks, refrigerated produce, and packing lunches to take to the office. We love that the set includes various sizes, all of which can lay flat for storage but also have a flat base to stand up in the fridge. The bags are flexible and can contort just like a regular plastic bag, so it's super easy to add and remove food.

Hand holding a cherry from the re(zip) 5-Piece Stand-Up Reusable Storage Bag Starter Kit

The Spruce Eats / Rachel Thalhuber

Material: Food-grade PEVA material | What's Included: (1) 4-cup/32-ounce bag, (2) 2-cup/16-ounce bags, (2) 1-cup/8-ounce snack bags | Dishwasher-Safe: Top rack only

Amazon Bumkins Snack Bags, Reusable Fabric, Washable, Food Safe, BPA Free - Bird Park & Urban Bird (2-Pack)

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Cute, colorful designs

  • OEKO-TEX-certified fabric

  • Dishwasher-safe and machine-washable

  • Durable material

What We Don't Like
  • Can't hold liquid

Bumkins offers many stylish options that appeal to both adults and children. They're made using a stain-resistant, OEKO-TEX-certified fabric, 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 reusable 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.

Our testing involved storing different foods inside the bag for a couple of days at a time, including lemons and tomato sauce. We did not notice any lingering stains or scents, and the leafy greens looked as fresh as day one. The zipper kept everything sealed securely, so we never noticed any leakage.

Material: BPA- and PVC-free polyester | What's Included: (2) 3.5 x 7-inch bags | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Amazon W&P Porter Bags Bundle

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.3/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    4.3/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Microwave- and freezer-safe

  • Cute and colorful

  • Lots of different, useful sizes

  • Tight seal

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

From W&P's Porter line comes this three-count starter set featuring 10-ounce, 34-ounce, and 46-ounce 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. We 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. They're made using thick silicone that's flexible yet sturdy, and we appreciated the versatile sizes during testing. The smaller bag works well for carrot and cucumber sticks, while the large bag is great for storing items like washed lettuce and blocks of cheese.

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 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 to remove any stubborn 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.

Material: Silicone | What's Included: (1) 10-ounce bag, (1) 34-ounce, and (1) 46-ounce bag, | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Amazon Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Size
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • Wide opening

  • Measurements

  • Hanging hooks for storage

  • Removable sliding closure

What We Don't Like
  • Difficult to close

This complete set includes two large 6-cup bags, two medium 4-cup bags, and two small 2-cup bags. They have removable slider openings that are airtight, and each one has a different-colored top to help you keep track of what's inside. The flexible silicone is dry-erase marker-friendly for labeling, and there are printed measurements in cups, milliliters, and fluid ounces on the sides.

We used these reusable bags to store fresh-cut strawberries in the freezer for over a week. We also tested them with chunks of watermelon, cantaloupe, and leftover lettuce in the refrigerator, as well as dried cereal in the pantry. The mouths of the bags are large enough to add and remove food with ease, which is definitely a great feature when it comes to storing leftovers.

The only issue we found was with the larger size—we needed two hands to open and close the plastic slider to seal the bags since they tended to fall over. However, they're completely leakproof, and cleanup is simple in the dishwasher. We even got some stubborn marinara stains out by soaking the bags in warm soapy water.

Material: Silicone | What's Included: (2) 6-cup/50-ounce bags, (2) 4-cup/30-ounce bags, (2) 2-cup/15-ounce bags | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Bee's Wrap - Assorted 3 Pack - Made in USA - Certified Organic Cotton - Plastic and Silicone Free - Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps - 3 Sizes (S,M,L)

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    3/5
  • Size
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    3/5
What We Like
  • Eco-friendly materials

  • Biodegradable

  • Cute prints

What We Don't Like
  • 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. During our testing, we discovered that 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. 

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

Amazon Zip Top Reusable Food Storage Bags

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    3.8/5
  • Size
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Bags stand up and stay open

  • Made using thick silicone

  • Wide opening

What We Don't Like
  • Not ideal for liquids

  • Easily stained

These stackable bags can replace food storage containers and reusable bags with one product. The set of three comes with a small 16-ounce size, a medium 24-ounce size, and a large 32-ounce size, but they're also available in sets of one, two, eight, and nine with varying heights. We love the cute colors, too—there's frosted white, gray, lavender, peach, teal, and multicolor.

Since they stand up while open and feature a wide mouth, you can eat right out of them for lunch or snacking. There was no warping or damage to the bags during testing, and they kept their shape amazingly well. Foods like tomato sauce and turmeric stained the bags, however, and the zipper top wasn't completely leakproof with liquids during our tests. They're better suited for solid foods—or even non-food storage use like makeup or toiletries.

Material: Platinum silicone | What's Included: (1) 3 x 7 x 4-inch bag, (1) 3.5 x 8 x 4.5-inch bag, (1) 4 x 9 x 5-inch bag | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Final Verdict

The Stasher 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 conveniently-stackable option, the Zip Top Reusable Food Storage Bags performed well in testing and comes in several stylish colors.

How We Tested

All of the reusable snack bags on this list were tested for several weeks and rated on design, size, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value. We used different items like peeled and pitted avocados, leafy greens, and other perishable foods to assess how fresh the bag kept the contents. To see if the bags were leakproof, we filled each one to its maximum capacity with water, sealed it shut, and shook it vigorously for five minutes.

To evaluate longevity, we considered whether food like tomato sauce or turmeric left any stains or lingering smells in the bags and also used them for other tasks like marinating, sous-vide, microwaving, freezing, and storing in the pantry. We also packed foods like sandwiches and snacks to see how well the bags traveled.

Other Options We Tested

  • Lunchskins Reusable 2 Piece Zippered Food Storage Bag Set: Although we loved the stylish patterns, these reusable bags fell short in our tests. The zipper didn't feel sturdy, and the bags themselves had limited uses since they weren't airtight and couldn't maintain freshness. Overall, they were more on par with a typical disposable plastic bag than the others on this list.

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.

A W&P Porter Bag inside a dishwasher

The Spruce Eats / Carolyn Malcoun

Snack Type

Storing food for later use at home or on the go can be tricky with the wrong containers. 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 (think mini muffins, baby carrots, pineapple chunks); semi-solid or liquid (cottage cheese, soup, apple sauce); or possibly reheated inside of the bag (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.”

Pieces of fruit inside a Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bag

The Spruce Eats / Emily Johnson

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.

A Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag on a wood surface

The Spruce Eats / Laurel Randolph

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?

Rachel Werner 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.

Katherine Gallagher is an associate commerce editor for The Spruce Eats with over six years of experience reporting on sustainable lifestyle and design. Apart from writing and editing, Katherine worked in the restaurant industry for more than a decade, where she gained knowledge about what to look for in kitchen gear, drinkware, and serveware.

Originally written by
Cheyenne Elwell
Cheyenne Elwell
Cheyenne Elwell is a freelance writer for The Spruce Eats specializing in food and coffee. She has written for Business Insider, MSN, and her own coffee blog.
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Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Food and Drug Administration. Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in food contact application.

  2. United States Department of Agriculture. Labeling organic products.

  3. Global Organic Textile Standard. The Standard.

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