There are various types of reusable sandwich bags available, including flat, stand-up, and wrap options, and several materials like silicone, plastic, and cotton. While all of them are great for sandwiches, Anita Fortes, professional organizer and founder of professional home organizing services A Neater Life, suggests using flat reusable sandwich bags for freezer storage, and standing silicone or plastic sandwich bags for pantry organization. Our top pick for the best reusable sandwich bag is the Stasher Sandwich Bag, thanks to its hardy build that is designed to last. It’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe, comes in an array of colors and sizes, and is totally leakproof. As if that wasn’t enough, it pinches shut effortlessly. Here are the best reusable sandwich bags, based on materials, durability, and effectiveness. Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to spend so much on one sandwich bag. It was quite an easy decision choosing Stasher’s Sandwich Bag as our top pick for the best reusable sandwich bag. For starters, it’s incredibly durable and hardwearing. It’s made from platinum food-grade silicone with no PVC, BPA, or latex. Sure, you can use it for sandwiches, but you can also put it in the refrigerator and freezer for meal prep and leftovers, or in the microwave to heat up your food. You can dunk it in a pot of boiling water to poach an egg, or sous vide, and even put it in the oven at up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. These reusable sandwich bags are completely leakproof and airtight. To get them closed, all you have to do is remove any excess air, then pinch the seal shut—it’s effortless thanks to Stasher’s patented Pinch-Loc seal. They’re safe to wash in the dishwasher, so you don’t have to worry about washing them by hand. They come in numerous colors, and you can get them in taller pocket sizes, and smaller snack sizes, and they also come in bundles, too. Product Details:
Features: Microwave-, freezer-, oven-, stovetop-safeSize: 7.5 x 1 x 7.25 inchesMaterial: SiliconeCare: Dishwasher-safe
Price at time of publish: $13 Who it isn’t for: People who want more color and size options. As another top contender for one of the best reusable sandwich bags, the Everspring Reusable Food-Safe Bag is freezer-safe, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. It’s made of durable, BPA-free platinum silicone, meaning it will pretty much last forever, and it’s very similar to the Stasher Sandwich Bag, but slightly cheaper. The bag also comes in a quart-size option in the same neutral green shade. It may not have the same versatility as Stasher’s bag, but it can stand up on its own to stay upright in a pantry or refrigerator shelf, and it’s still an excellent choice for people who just want to store and carry their lunch and snacks around safely. It’s also a top choice for anyone who doesn’t want to have to wash their sandwich bag by hand. We also love the cool green minimal color, which can make any pantry Instagram-worthy. Product Details:
Features: Microwave- and freezer-safeSize: 6.5 x 1.6 x 7.9 inchesMaterial: SiliconeCare: Dishwasher-safe
Price at time of publish: $10 Who it isn’t for: People who want a waterproof sandwich bag. If you’re on a plastic-free journey, finding a good set of sandwich bags is quite the task, but we’ve found the best reusable sandwich bags with no plastic in sight. These snack and sandwich bags from Juniperseed Mercantile on Etsy are made from certified Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) unbleached and chemical-free cotton canvas and muslin. There are three of these handmade sandwich bags in each pack, and you can choose from the sandwich size that is seven inches, or the smaller snack option which is five inches. Each reusable cotton sandwich bag has a fold-over closure at the top to keep the food tucked in securely, and the bags are machine washable for easy cleaning. Though cotton sandwich bags don’t last as long as plastic or silicone options, they are much friendlier to the environment, and these bags can be composted when they’re ready to be retired. Product Details:
Features: NoneSize: 7 x 7 inchesMaterial: Organic unbleached cotton, muslinCare: Machine-washable
Price at time of publish: $19 Who it isn’t for: People who want microwave-safe reusable sandwich bags. We love the clean and clear look of these durable and reusable sandwich bags by SPLF. This particular set comes with six quart-size bags, which are ideal for sandwiches and snacks. You can also order packs that include larger bags, which are great for picnics as they can fit enough sandwiches for the whole brood. The stand-up design of these sandwich bags makes them perfect for organizing kitchen cabinets and, since they are clear, you can easily see what’s inside even if they are stored sideways for space-saving efficiency. These extra-thick bags have a double zipper closure to ensure that nothing escapes, and they’re tear-resistant too. They’re made from PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate), and though the texture is more fabric-like than plastic, PEVA is still, unfortunately, considered a plastic. You can wash them in the dishwasher on a cool setting, though the company suggests alternating between handwashing and the dishwasher to keep them in their best shape. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the Stasher or Everspring reusable sandwich bags, these might not be quite as versatile, but they’re still worthy competitors, especially seeing as they work out to a fraction of the cost at only a remarkable $2 per bag. Product Details:
Features: Freezer-safeSize: 8.07 x 2.17 x 5.71 inchesMaterial: Silicone, PEVACare: Dishwasher-safe
Price at time of publish: From $13 for 6-pack Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to wash their sandwich bags by hand. With 8-20 reusable sandwich bags in each set, meal-preppers can get a whole week’s meals ready and frozen using only this economical set, which works out to just over $1 per bag. There are two different sizes for storing different food types, and each size is color coded for easy identification. These durable bags are suitable for use in the refrigerator and freezer, but can’t be used in the microwave or the dishwasher. Thanks to their natural construction of food-grade PEVA, these bags are free from BPA, chloride, PVC, and lead, and they can conveniently be recycled when they reach the end of their lifecycle. But don’t count on them giving up on you any time soon—these bags are super hardy, and have a strong seal that is totally leakproof even if you put soup in them. Product Details:
Features: Freezer-safeSizes: 10.2 x 7.8 inches; 8.5 x 7.1 inchesMaterial: Silicone, PEVACare: Hand wash only
Price at time of publish: From $14 for 15-pack Who it isn’t for: People who want a more versatile sandwich bag that is airtight and leakproof. With seven different designs and colors to choose from, including a green one with feathers, a blue set with cute fish, and some modern geometric patterns, these reusable fabric sandwich bags are the ideal sandwich and snack holders. The materials are eco-friendly and free from heavy metals, phthalates, PVC, BPA, and lead. There are five bags in each set in three different sizes, and, if anything were to happen to any of the bags within a year, the company will provide a replacement totally free of charge. Though these cotton bags are not entirely plastic-free due to their food-safe polyester lining, which prevents any sandwich sauces from leaking out through the fabric, they still contain a lot less plastic than most other sandwich bags. The closure is a handy zipper, but it doesn’t keep food airtight. The best part is that these bags can be washed in either the washing machine or dishwasher so you don’t have to mess around with hand washing them in the sink—just turn them inside-out and pop them in the top rack with the rest of the load. Product Details:
Features: NoneSizes: 7 x 7.8 inches; 6.5 x 6.5 inches; 6.5 x 3.5 inchesMaterial: Cotton, polyester, plasticCare: Dishwasher-safe
Price at time of publish: $20 for 5-pack Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to buy a variety pack. Especially ideal for parents toting around baby food and soft snacks that could get rather slushy, these reusable sandwich bags have a leakproof and airtight double-seal that’s easy to close and stays tightly shut. They’re great for keeping food in the freezer as their airtight capacity will prevent food from getting freezer burn. They’re dishwasher-safe too, as long as you put them in the top rack on a cool cycle, though it’s always better to hand wash reusable sandwich bags and let them air dry to keep them in optimal condition. Their clear construction is thick and tear-resistant, and you can neatly store all the bags in one of the larger bags for storage when not in use. This particular pack comes with 10 bags in three different sizes, and each size has a different color zipper so you can easily identify them. There are also other sets available within the same range—a 12-pack and a 20-pack—which will allow you to have enough bags for meal prepping, and for freezer, refrigerator, and pantry organization. Product Details:
Features: Freezer-safeSize: 11 x 11 inches; 8.5 x 7.8 inches; 8.5 x 5.4 inchesMaterial: PEVACare: Dishwasher-safe
Price at time of publish: From $30 for 10-pack Who it isn’t for: People who need leakproof sandwich bags or people who want a vegan-friendly option. Food wrap can provide more flexibility than a sandwich bag in several ways: You can wrap up a burrito or wrap without having to cut it up, and the same goes for oddly-shaped fruit and vegetables and other food items like hot dogs. Bee’s Wrap is a USA-made product that is super handy, whether for home use (storing things in the fridge, food cabinets, or pantry), or for taking food with you when you’re out. It’s made from organic cotton and comes in cute “bees and bears” and “monarch” prints that will appeal to children too (hopefully persuading fussy little eaters to finish their lunch). It’s completely plastic-free, but it is coated in beeswax to create a sticky film enabling the wrap to stay closed, which means that the product is not vegan-friendly. There are three wraps in the set; one larger one with a button closure, and two smaller wraps ideal for snacks such as fruit and nuts. You have to wash them by hand with soap and cold water, then allow them to air dry naturally after each use. The wraps last around 12 months, and you can compost them, burn them, or use them as fire starters when they reach the end of their life. Product Details:
Features: NoneSize: 13 x 13 inches; 10 x 11 inches (medium)Material: Organic cottonCare: Hand wash only
Price at time of publish: From $25 for 3-pack
How to Shop for Reusable Sandwich Bags Like a Pro
Type and Material
Reusable sandwich bags can come in several types and materials.
Silicone: These sandwich bags are made from a durable silicone which is most often dishwasher-safe for ease of cleaning. Many are leakproof with either zip-top or pinch-seal fastenings. They come in several sizes, and there are standing options too that can stay upright. Plastic: Similarly to silicone reusable sandwich bags, plastic sandwich bags are made from food-grade materials, but do make sure you opt for BPA-free plastic for the safest food-grade material. These, too, can be leak-proof and have seals and zip-tops, but many are not dishwasher-safe and could warp, so make sure to read the instructions. Again, like the silicone versions, they can be leakproof, and there are stand-up versions as well. Cotton: Cotton sandwich bags are often made from certified organic materials and are great for dry snacks. Some have polyester linings to better contain leaks and most can be thrown in the washing machine or dishwasher for easy cleaning.Food wrap: Most often made of cotton and coated with beeswax (or a vegan alternative), reusable food wrap is a great way to store sandwiches and other lunch items. The wax makes the wrap stick to itself, so you don’t need an elastic band to hold it together (though some have embedded buttons or string to tie them up for extra security, which makes them look quite quaint, too), and they usually last for up to a year.
Food Type
You can pretty much store any type of food in plastic or silicone sandwich bags—the leakproof standing ones can even hold soup. These types of reusable sandwich bags are great for storing food in the freezer too. Beeswax wraps, vegan alternatives, and cotton bags aren’t ideal for pantry use; you’re better off using these for daily lunches and dry food instead. Beeswax-style wraps are not suitable for raw meat.
Size
Like disposable sandwich bags, reusable options come in various sizes, but you won’t get any particularly large ones. The smallest reusable sandwich bags range from 2-5 inches, and the largest ones go up to around 10 inches. They are typically either square or rectangle in shape. In relation to sandwich wraps, these are usually sized at around 9-13 inches.
Care
Unless specifically stated, you shouldn’t wash reusable sandwich bags in the dishwasher or washing machine. However, many are dishwasher-safe, and some of the cotton ones are suitable for the washing machine. Washing them gently with dish soap with warm water is all that’s required to get reusable sandwich bags clean, and they must all be thoroughly air dried before storage. If a reusable sandwich bag has been ripped or punctured, it won’t be suitable for food but, if you don’t want to throw it away, you might be able to find use in it for other things such as keeping bits and bobs neat in a storage cupboard, i.e., nails, screws, etc.
Use
Though they’re technically designed for sandwiches, reusable sandwich bags can do so much more than that. Fortes says that reusable sandwich bags can be used to store leftover foods in the refrigerator and freezer and to keep it fresher for longer. You can store anything from half a lemon to bread, cheese, cold cuts, and herbs. Silicone bags can be used to poach fish, steam vegetables, and marinade food. Instead of buying expensive snack-sized bags of chips, candy, and popcorn, you can empty large family-sized snack bags into reusable sandwich bags to make smaller portions for the family on movie night. They can be used to carry dog treats when you take the dog for a walk. They’re great for traveling, storing jewelry, makeup, and toiletries. You can also use them for storing other items in the kitchen, such as small utensils, pastry cutters, and food mixer attachments. They’re even good for storing small craft items like beads and sequins, and office supplies like paperclips, and staples. Wax wraps can be used to cover bowls, too. Reusable sandwich bags have a plethora of uses, will always come in handy, and you’ll never run out of ideas for what to do with them.
Questions You Might Ask
What are the pros and cons of reusable sandwich bags?
The pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to reusable sandwich bags, but it’s always a good idea to evaluate both when shopping for the best reusable sandwich bags for your needs. Pros: Fortes says that sandwich bags are an eco-friendly and popular choice for people who want to reduce the use of single-use plastic and who find it wasteful to throw away a plastic bag after only a few hours of use. Many reusable sandwich bags are also made from certified food-safe materials like BPA-free plastic or don’t contain any plastic at all. Other perks, Fortes tells us, include the ability to keep food fresher for longer due to having a better seal than disposable options, and also being leakproof, so there will be no nasty surprises in your work bag. Some even have a protective interior lining that avoids snack crushing. Though initially more expensive than disposable options, reusable sandwich bags can work out cheaper in the long term because you can use them for years. Some come in sets, too, with different-sized compartments for different types of foods, providing more flexibility. They are lightweight, and easy to handle and carry, and you can label them or write directly on them for pantry organization. Reusable sandwich bags come in a wide choice of materials, styles, and designs to appeal to everyone, including those who like to color coordinate or who have a preference for specific fabrics. There are even sandwich bags with cute and jazzy designs for children that might encourage them to eat their packed lunches. Many reusable sandwich bags have extra perks such as being dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. Some are stackable and space-saving, and a lot can be used as storage containers too. In addition, there are bags that can be used for cooking, such as for steaming and poaching. Cons: “Reusable sandwich bags can be a bit of an expensive up-front cost,” says Fortes, “especially if you need many, for instance, if you have several kids who are taking packed lunches to school.” She also mentions that some sandwich bags might not be as eco-friendly as the manufacturers claim, i.e., silicone manufacturing uses a lot of energy and some cotton bags have a plastic lining. Check the labels and the company’s websites for eco-certifications if that’s an important aspect for you. Another con is that disposable bags are easier in that they don’t need to be washed, which explains why so many people choose them over the more eco-friendly versions. “Hand-washing reusable sandwich bags can get a bit fiddly,” Fortes says, “especially wax wraps.” Another factor to consider is manageability. “If the seal is extremely good, that’s great for the seal-proof factor, but then they might be hard to open for children, the elderly, or those with a disability,” Fortes says.
How do you clean reusable sandwich bags?
If expressly stated, you’ll be able to put your reusable sandwich bags in the dishwasher, but you might have to keep them on the top rack on a warm or cold cycle. Be sure to read the instructions. Otherwise, you’ll be able to hand wash them in the sink with the rest of the dishes with a mild detergent and warm water. Use the soft side of the sponge so as not to scratch the bag. Fortes suggests a bottle brush for the deeper sandwich bags that might have some stuck-on mess. Beeswax wrap should be wiped clean after each use, and some cotton sandwich bags can go in the washing machine on a cool wash. All reusable sandwich bags will need to be air dried after washing and before storing away. To get rid of stains, you could make a paste of distilled white vinegar (one part), lemon juice (one part), and baking soda (two parts). Spread the mixture on the inside of the stained bag and leave for 15 minutes. Scrub with a soft dish brush or a bottle brush and rinse with hot water.
How long do reusable sandwich bags last?
Plastic and silicone versions are among the most durable types of reusable sandwich bags available and have the potential to last many years depending on the usage. Cloth and beeswax/vegan alternatives, Fortes says, are less durable, lasting approximately 12 months, but they can be composted afterward.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading US online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed and tested multiple reusable sandwich bags and researched and considered factors such as each reusable sandwich bag’s type, size, material, and how long it lasts. She also spoke to Anita Fortes, professional organizer and founder of professional home organizing services, A Neater Life.
