The 8 Best Reusable Sandwich Bags of 2023

Final Verdict

Whether you want to take sandwiches to work for lunch or keep your leftovers in the fridge, the Stasher Sandwich Bag is the best reusable sandwich bag and our overall top pick. It's the most versatile sandwich bag, suitable for use in the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, sous vide, and even in the oven. It's leakproof, extremely durable, easy to pinch closed, and is available in many sizes and colors.

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.