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.
Best Overall: Stasher 4-Pack Lunch/Travel Bundle Silicone Storage Bags
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.
Best Budget: Qinline Reusable Food Storage Bags 10-Pack
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.
Best Compact: Re(zip) 5-Piece Stand-Up Pack ‘n Go Kit
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.
Best for Kids: Bumkins Reusable Snack Bags
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.
Best Design: W&P Porter Bags Bundle
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.
Best Set: Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
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.
Best Food Wrap: Bee’s Wrap Assorted Set, Three Sizes
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).2
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.