We Tested The 5 Best Reusable Snack Bags of 2023 - Taste of The Kitchen (2024)

To reduce waste, many households are making the switch toeco-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 testedsome 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

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

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

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 tomarinate tofuor 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

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