Plastic baggies are a savior forpacking lunches—they’re lightweight, fit anywhere, and seal perfectly—but they’re wasteful andpotentiallybad for your health. So if you aren’t packing your kids’ snacks of pretzels and carrot sticks in a plastic bag, then what’s the best alternative?Mason jarsare heavy; plastic containers can be cumbersome. The solution is a product that combines the convenient portability of the classic plastic bag with the reusability and easy cleaning of a jar or plastic container. In other words, a reusable snack bag. They might not be stocked on grocery shelves like zip-lock bags, but they’re easy to find online. Here are some we love:
Stasher Bags
If you can’t let go of the transparent look of a classic plastic bag, go for a reusable version that mimics that original. Thesesilicone reusable storage bagsare great for lunches, but they’re also great for storing things in the freezer. (You can also use them with yoursous vide machine.) TheseBlue Avocado Reusable Sandwich Bagsalso look like classic zip-lock bags, but they come with brightly colored zippers.
Chevron Insu-Bags
These zip-lock bags are insulated, so they’ll keep food cold (or warm, but what are you packing, tuna melts?) until lunchtime. The bag is made of nontoxic, BPA-free material that’s 100% recycled. And at 8¼x8½", it tucks easily into a lunchbox. The green and purple chevron patterns are super cute, and there’s a space on the front to write your child’s name (or a hint about what’s inside) .
Built NY Mini Snack Tote
This insulated bag is made from machine washable neoprene and looks like a little purse. The material expands, so it can fit a variety of foods and has an easy-to-seal zipper top. The little snack purses come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your child’s (or your own) preferences.
Bumkins Reusable Snack Bag
These snack bags are made from easy-to-wipe material; they’re machine washable and dishwasher-safe; and they’re single-ply, which means they’re lightweight and food won’t get trapped between layers. While these bags aren’t insulated, they’re perfect for snacks where temperature doesn’t matter, and they come in tons of kid-friendly patterns.
ChicoBag Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags
These brightly colored baggies are made with recycled materials, they’re lightweight, and they’re foldable. Rather than a zipper, these reusable bags have a Velcro top. They’re made with totally safe, stain-free materials and can be thrown in the washing machine, no problem.
Lunchskins Sandwich Bag
These delightfully twee reusable sandwich bags are made of lightweight, quick-drying cotton. It closes with Velcro (although they also makea zipper version) and can be labeled with marker. They’re easy to wash right in the regular washing machine.
