Best Reusable Sandwich Bags for a Zero Waste Lunch

9 Best Reusable Sandwich Bags

Packing your lunch is a great way to save money. However, it can be terrible for the environment if you’re constantly using wasteful plastic bags. That’s why you should make the switch to reusable sandwich bags!

Since there are so many different types of reusable snack and sandwich bags available, you’ll have no problems finding some to suit your needs. So grab your eco-friendly lunchbox and check out this list of the best reusable sandwich bags to decide which ones you’ll start using to instantly begin reducing your waste!

The Problem With Plastic Sandwich Bags

The average American family uses around 500 Ziploc plastic bags every year. All of this plastic consumption contributes toward the more than 12 million barrels of oil used every year to make just plastic bags.

However, it’s not just the oil consumption that makes plastic sandwich bags so terrible for the environment. Most plastic sandwich bags are used once and thrown away.

Not only are they now clogging up the landfills, but many bags also make their way into our waterways, and ultimately the ocean.

Thousands of aquatic animals choke and die from ingesting plastic. Many more are being slowly poisoned by dioxin and other pollutants that leach off of plastic.

Additionally, when plastic bags start to breakdown, they break into tiny pieces called microplastics. Microplastics have been discovered in pretty much every corner of the planet — from ice in Antarctica to the deepest trenches in the oceans.

They’ve even recently been discovered in humans. While scientists are still studying what this means for our health, we already know microplastics absorb heavy metals and pesticides and fish that consume plastic have brain damage and behavioral disorders.

The Best Reusable Sandwich Bags

So now you know why it’s so important to switch from plastic bags to reusable sandwich bags. But what type of bag should you get?

Whether you’re interested in organic cotton bags, silicone bags, or recycled bags, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for when you check out this list of the best reusable sandwich bags!

1. Etee

Etee has an outstanding selection of eco-friendly products that can help you reduce waste in every part of your life, including reusable sandwich bags. Much like their easy-to-use beeswax food wrap, these beeswax food bags are made with organic cotton muslin, non-toxic dyes, and USDA-approved certified organic beeswax.

This set includes 3 bags that are plastic-free and reusable. You care for them the same exact way you care for reusable beeswax food wrap.

After you use one, simply rinse it in cool water using a gentle, eco-friendly soap. Then hang the bag or stand it upside down to dry.

I’ve found that this reusable bag drying rack is a convenient way to dry every type of reusable bag I use.

Once a bag reaches the end of its useful life, you can toss it in your compost bin because it’s completely compostable.

Best of all, these bags come from one of the best zero waste online shops, so you can rest assured everything you order will be shipped right to your door without any plastic waste!

2. Stasher

Stasher has an outstanding selection of reusable snack and sandwich bags in just about every size you need, including larger sizes that are outstanding for safely storing leftovers without using plastic. You can also get these bags in different colors!

This plastic-free reusable sandwich bag is made of 100% pure platinum silicone, which means it’s non-toxic, hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and BPS-free.

Every bag helps prevent thousands of single-use plastic baggies from entering our landfills and oceans because they’re made to last a lifetime. However, if something should happen to your bag and you need to dispose of it, Stasher will take it back through their repurposing program.

The bags feature a pinch-lock seal that makes them completely leak free. They’re also amazingly versatile because you can use them in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, stovetop, refrigerator, and even in the freezer.

The sandwich bag can hold one healthy-sized sandwich. If you need something smaller, you can also pick up these reusable silicone snack bags.

3. Lunchskins

Lunchskins reusable sandwich and snack bags

I love to use these Lunchskins reusable bags when I pack a zero waste lunch for my son. They come in a lot of fun designs, and they’re durable and easy to use.

They have a grease-proof and moisture-proof lining that helps keep food fresh. They’re also BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free. If you’re worried your kids will accidentally lose their bags, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a spot on the bag where you can write their name.

Not only are these bags dishwasher safe, but you can also toss them in the washing machine to clean them.

In addition to the easy-to-open Velcro closure, the bags are also available with a zipper closure. Plus, for times when we need something disposable, (like when my son goes on a field trip and can’t bring his lunchbox) I like to use these unbleached and compostable paper sandwich bags.

4. Full Circle Home

Full Circle Home makes all types of eco-friendly alternatives to common household items, including a great selection of reusable food storage bags.

You can pick up this set of 2 reusable bags. Or, if you’re shopping for your children, they’ll absolutely love these kids reusable sandwich bags with fun designs on them.

Both options are made with FDA-approved food-safe EVA material that’s BPA-free, phthalate-free, and PVC-free.

The leak-proof, airtight design makes these bags ideal for holding more than just sandwiches. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and lay flat for easy storage.

You can find Full Circle Home products at EarthHero. If you decide to pick some up, be sure to use the code EARTHFRIENDLY to enjoy 10% off your order!

5. Greenlife

Silicone bags are a great alternative to plastic sandwich bags. But they’re also definitely a case of getting what you pay for, so they can be a bit pricey at times.

If you’re looking for something that offers the same benefits at a more budget-friendly price, check out these Greenlife reusable bags! They’re made from safe, healthy, and eco-friendly PEVA material that’s free of BPA, PVC, lead, and chloride.

They can also withstand cold temperatures, so you can stick them in the freezer. Plus, the zip-closure forms a leak-proof, airtight seal designed to keep food fresh longer.

After you finish using one, simply hand wash it and hang it up to dry before using it again!

6. ChicoBag

ChicoBag was created by environmentalists with the goal of being a truly zero-waste company that offers the most eco-friendly products possible.

Their recycled sandwich bags are made completely from recycled plastic bottles. They also feature a water- and stain-resistant liner for easy cleaning.

You can expand the bag so it holds a sandwich, or fold it to make it the perfect size for snacks. After you use a bag, you can either wash it by hand or toss it in the washing machine.

Plus, not only is ChicoBag a Certified B Corporation that’s a proud member of 1% for the Planet, but you can find these bags at Ecoternatives. Ecoternatives is an affordable eco-friendly store that always puts the Earth first.

When you shop their excellent selection of sustainable products, you get to choose which cause you want to support with your purchase. Additionally, everything arrives at your door in sustainable packaging and with carbon negative shipping.

7. WeeSprout

If you’re trying to find plastic-free, non-toxic products to make mealtime safer for your kids, you can find absolutely everything you need at WeeSprout! These leak-proof reusable bags are the perfect size for sandwiches, snacks, fruit, and more.

They’re also an effortless way to swap out single-use plastic food storage bags and containers.

Since they have a 100% leak-proof and airtight seal, you know your food will stay fresh and you don’t have to worry about any leaks in the lunchbox.

They’re made with ultra-durable FDA-approved silicone, which means they’re non-toxic and free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. Plus, they’re safe to go in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.

8. Fluf

Fluf started out as a sustainable pillowcase company. However, when founders Terra Kushner and Nathalie Butterfield discovered how few eco-friendly options there were in the lunch bag industry, they pivoting from bedding to lunch bags.

Today, not only does Fluf make sustainable backpacks designed to last school year after school year, but you can also get adorable organic cotton reusable snack bags.

These easy-to-use 100% certified organic cotton bags are lined with water-resistant rPET, which also makes them perfect for holding everything from sandwiches to snacks. This also means they’re free from BPA, phthalates, heavy metals, toxic dyes, and formaldehyde.

The bags feature a Velcro closure that’s perfect for tiny hands, and you can easily rinse or machine wash them to use them over and over again.

9. Life Without Plastic

Not only is this snack-size organic cotton waxed bag from Life Without Plastic the perfect size to hold your favorite snacks, but it’s also ideal for packing your sandwiches. It’s made with organic cotton and coated with certified organic beeswax, pine resin, and homemade coconut oil.

The versatile bag has a handy flat bottom to make it easier to get your food in and out, and you can seal it by simply rolling the top down to fit the contents.

While it’s not airtight, it does protect your food from the air longer than a conventional cotton bag. Plus, this bag is safe to use in the freezer.

Since it’s made from all-natural materials, it’s completely compostable when it reaches the end of its useful life.

Pack a Zero Waste Lunch With Reusable Sandwich Bags

Plastic sandwich bags not only create a lot of dangerous waste, but they’re also a waste of money! Fortunately, whether you’re shopping for yourself or everyone in your family, you can save money, reduce waste, and help out the environment when you choose one of these best reusable sandwich bags.

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