Swap the single-use plastic for a more durable option.
Summer is a freelance food and travel writer who began by writing about Swedish cheesemaking traditions in 2018. Inflatable Ghost
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From the rising popularity of beeswax wraps to the classic food storage containers we all know and love, there are myriad ways to keep foods fresher for longer without relying on single-use plastics. Reusable food storage bags are a newer entry into the market, but they can be just as useful (and far less bulky) than conventional plastic containers or glass storage.
We tested over ten market-favorite reusable bags, putting each through a series of tests, like slicing produce to test for freshness and filling it with water to assess leakage. We then made our final assessments based on design, performance, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Next time you’re packing up leftovers from a dinner party’s shared plate, or when you realize you’ve chopped more green onions than you actually needed, consider reaching for a reusable food bag. Our five favorites are below.
These are sturdy bags that keep food fresh for days. They can also be used for cooking.
They’re a little pricey.
These bags are by far our favorite. What really sets Stasher’s reusable storage bags apart is that they’re microwave and oven-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can use them to reheat food. You can even use these bags for sous vide cooking thanks to their ultra-strong seal. We were even able to boil fish in water without any water getting into the bag.
The Stasher bags aced our avocado test, keeping two halves fresh for three days. Baked goods stayed soft and moist for up to five days, bananas froze with no ice crystals, and sliced apples and pears both fared well with minimal browning. We also love that Stasher bags are stain- and odor-resistant, holding up nicely through boiling, baking, and dishwashing.
Stasher reusable bags may cost more upfront than some competitors, but after our tests, we believe their durability and multi-purpose functionality make them worth the investment.
Price at time of publish: $45
Food & Wine / Kathryn Standing
We love the tight, leak-proof seals and useful stand-up bottoms.
They're technically dishwasher safe, but hand-washing is recommended.
re(zip)’s reusable stand-up food storage bags rivaled Stasher in terms of quality, durability, and a trustworthy seal. These bags flew through our tests with no lingering stains, smells, warping, or stretching, and food stayed nice and fresh — including the halved avocado.
While re(zip) also offers lay-flat reusable bags, we love the space-saving convenience of the stand-up base. These bags are great for stashing in the fridge or freezer, and even though re(zip) doesn’t recommend putting them in the dishwasher, they’re easy to wash by hand. We found that the bags came out perfectly clean (including tomato sauce residue) with just a few drops of Dawn dish soap.
Price at time of publish: $25
Food & Wine / Rachel Thalhuber
Leakproof and effective at keeping foods fresh, this pack is a great value.
The frosted-transparent material may require a closer look to confirm contents.
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, this 10-pack of reusable storage bags should do the trick. Our tests proved that the performance of these bags rivaled more expensive competitors, holding strong during leakage tests and keeping produce fresh for days.
One of our testers even used these bags to hold toiletries and other beauty products during a family trip, since the reliable seal meant she could count on a space-saving lack of spills and easy clean-up after her travels.
Overall, these are great for both travel and food prep. We love that you can prep ingredients for big cooking projects ahead of time and store them in the fridge without taking up too much space. And with ten included in one purchase, we think it’s a steal.
Price at time of publish: $12
Food & Wine / Jennifer Zyman
These are super-sturdy, ultra-versatile bags for more than just storage.
They’re definitely a splurge.
Just like our Stasher pick for best overall, these versatile bags are capable of lots more than just food storage. Use these bags in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, freezer, or even for sous vide cooking. They passed our tests with flying colors, cleaning up easily with no residual stains or smells.
While the price may seem steep for four bags, given their diverse functionality and long-term quality, as one of our testers wrote, “If they hold up for at least a year, I think they’re worth the price. They’re high-quality and can do a lot.”
Price at time of publish: $66
These are large-capacity bags perfect for use in the freezer.
These aren’t dishwasher or microwave safe.
Even if you’re not an avid food prepper, sometimes it’s nice to be able to throw something in a bag and stash it in the freezer or fridge for later. These bags from IDEATECH are durable, spacious, and, thanks to the generous pack of 20, you’ll have plenty on hand whenever you need them. They proved to be effective at preventing leaks and keeping food fresh — though, admittedly, our avocado had noticeably browned after three days.
Unlike some of the other bags on our list, these reusable food storage bags are not safe for use in either the microwave or the dishwasher, so be sure to wash them by hand and keep them away from heat sources.
Price at time of publish: $22
We’re big fans of the reusable bags from Stasher. These bags are ultra-durable, and the flexibility to also use them for reheating and cooking makes them well worth the higher price point.
We tested 13 different reusable bags, putting each through a series of tests to make our final assessments based on design, performance, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
First, we tested against leaking. Each bag was filled to capacity with water, then tightly sealed and left to lay on its side atop a kitchen towel for five minutes. Testers recorded how much, if any, water had leaked. Bags were then used to store foods with a propensity for staining — think tomato sauce, red beets, turmeric, and so on. After three days, testers washed and dried the bags, noting whether any stains or odors remained. Next, we tested for freshness. For this test, an avocado was halved, peeled, and pitted before being placed into a storage bag for three days. Testers made their notes on the appearance of the avocado.
Finally, we asked our testers to incorporate food storage bags into their daily lives. This could mean anything from meal prep to produce storage, wet or dry ingredients, fridge or freezer, or countertop. Bags that were touted as dishwasher- or microwave-safe were used in these appliances, with testers making notes on how well the bags held up.
The material of your reusable food storage bags should be determined by how you plan to use them. If you’d like to store cheese, bread, or anything else that benefits from a breathable material, opt for beeswax wraps or bags. Otherwise, most produce or leftovers can be safely placed in silicone or PEVA. If you need freezer capability, silicone or PEVA is also a good choice. In addition, look for bags with seals that easily open and close and won't leak in your bag or into your fridge when placed on its side.
It’s best to have reusable storage bags in a variety of sizes so you’re always prepared. Smaller, snack-size bags are great for packing quick snacks to take on the go or if you have a small handful of leftover herbs, and medium and sandwich-size bags are good for leftovers or storing fruits and veggies. Finally, it’s always a good idea to have larger bags on hand if you need to freeze something in large batches or you’ve ended up with more leftovers than anticipated. Also, reusable bags that stand up straight are great for storage and organization and aid when pouring things like drippy sauces.
Read the care instructions on your specific food bags, but you’re generally safe to rinse them in cool water and allow them to air dry. Some storage bags are even dishwasher-safe, though watch out for warping after exposure to heat.
“Don’t underestimate the power of hot water,” says Cara Harbstreet, MS RD LD of Street Smart Nutrition. “Sometimes all you need to sufficiently clean your reusable food bags is some hot water. A scrubbing brush can lift residue, but be careful not to use a material that is too abrasive for the bag.” Harbstreet also notes that some bags are dishwasher-safe. For those that aren’t, or for other bags that shouldn’t be used with hot water, she recommends natural solutions like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to remove stains and odors.
“But I also recommend making peace with the fact that some foods will naturally stain other materials, including reusable food storage bags,” says Harbstreet. “As long as there is not a food safety risk involved, the extra effort or time spent trying to remove any evidence of the foods a bag once held may not be worth it.”
Some storage bags are microwave-safe, others are not. Be sure to check the use and care instructions of your chosen bags before putting them in a microwave oven.
“The biggest threats to perishable food are air (oxidation), moisture (which can lead to mold), and time,” says Harbstreet. “Reusable storage bags can be a good environment to store leftovers or prepared food, but don’t let the bags fool you into thinking you don’t still have to be mindful about storage.”
Harbstreet recommends removing excess air and moisture before sealing food bags and placing them in visible areas of the refrigerator to keep them top of mind.
Homelux Theory Reusable Freezer Bags ($30 at Amazon)
Though these bags proved versatile thanks to their ability to stand upright and be used in microwaves and dishwashers, testers found that fresh produce didn’t keep as well as expected.
Xomoo Reusable Silicone Food Bags ($27 at Amazon)
Testers liked these bags for simple produce storage, but they weren’t leakproof, and a banana put in the freezer developed ice crystals after just a few days.
W&P Porter Flat Bags Bundle, 3-Pack ($40 at W&P)
These bags performed well overall, but they stained too easily for the price point.
We also tested reusable food storage bags from SPLF, Bumkins, and Lunchskins, but these bags either lacked in durability, stained too easily, or weren’t airtight.
This article was written by Summer Rylander, a food and travel journalist who has written about food, beverage, and cooking products for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, and The Kitchn. For this piece, Summer used insights from our internal product testing. We prioritize unbiased and rigorous testing to give the most precise and thorough results.
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