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The Best Silicone Food Storage Bag Buying Guide
Reusable Silicone food storage bags are better for the environment and, in the long run, save you money; therefore better than disposable plastic ones. Since the bags are reusable, they help reduce packaging and plastic waste. Additionally, although the upfront expense is higher than disposable bags, you do save money by not having to replace the bags as frequently, so it pays off in the long run.
Reusuable Silicone Bags
Reusable silicone bags come in varying degrees of durability, temperature ranges, and closure types. One of the things I've noticed is that it can sometimes be clarified what the features to indicate higher or lower temperature points or dishwasher and microwave safety of the bags are. Therefore, make sure you know which bags you're getting.
When you are in the market for purchasing silicone products, be mindful that you should not store food in silicone bags made with inexpensive filler chemicals. An easy way to decipher if the silicone has filler chemicals is to test by pinching or twisting the silicone bags. The color will change when there is a chemical filler, and the silicone most likely has filler chemicals. But on the other hand, pure silicone, when twisted, will remain clear.
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Reusable Food Grade Silicone Bags
The best reusable food storage bags have some things in common. First and foremost, they should not leak. The bags that do not leak benefit from a zipper design that is more advanced than three interlocking strips of silicone, which most bags offer. Second, bags made of plastic retain smells and stains the worst and are not dishwasher- or microwave-safe.
On top of being more eco-friendly, this is another reason to reach for silicone as the better material for these bags. My preference and I love bags that offer the best of both worlds: tough enough to stand upright while filling or when in the fridge. But not too stiff that they are challenging to open or force air out of them. Plus, they must be sufficiently flexible to fit into tight spaces like produce drawers but not so relaxed that they fall over when not full or reversed on a drying rack.
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My Top Picks
The Durbl Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags are leakproof, plus easy to fill and clean, making them a favorite. Another brand we like is the Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags, a close runner-up.
To reduce kitchen waste, switching to reusable food storage bags is a suitable and eco-friendly solution. They can help reduce the number of discarded single-use plastic bags like storing leftovers, packing lunches, prepping produce, and more. Plus, there is much more you can like: packing toiletries or even microwaving popcorn and cooking sous.
I've been trying to find a fuss-free bag to fill, store, and clean—and resist leaks, stains, and lingering smells. Since I prefer to buy food in bulk, I've also been looking for some bags and containers for storing frozen meats, fruit, and vegetables long term.
The Best Reusable Food Storage Bags
Durbl Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
courtesy amazon
Alternative Pick
Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
courtesy amazon
Benefits of food grade silicone:
- Highly resistant to damage and degradation from extreme temperatures
- If cared for appropriately, it shouldn't damage such as harden, crack, peel, crumble, dry out, rot or become brittle over time
- Are Lightweight, save space, easy to store and transport
- Food safe and odorless – Nontoxic and do not have any BPA, latex, lead, or phthalates
- Bags recyclable through partnership with TerraCycle
The Silicone Food Storage Bag Tips and Advice
- If you encounter issues with the “zipper” closure of your silicone bag sticking, getting stuck, or not sealing completely. The simplest solution is to lubricate it by applying some edible oil, such as olive or avocado, with something with a small cotton head over the groove or slider.
- Since some silicone bags are not dishwasher-safe, you can easily clean them with a bottle brush or turn them inside out. Allow the load to dry with the opening pointed downward, and place it over a mug, cup, or spoon to keep them open. It will need to be able to air dry.
- For dishwasher-safe bags, turn them inside out before washing them to avoid any residue getting stuck in a corner.
Reusable Food Storage Bags For Freezer, Food, Sandwich and Snacks
courtesy amazon
courtesy amazon
courtesy amazon
courtesy amazon
courtesy amazon
courtesy amazon
Is silicone safe for food?
Some sous vide-style silicone bags are as pure as glass but without being space hogs. Silicone is safe to store produce and food and put in the microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher. Yes, you can cook right in your bag, sous vide style. It won’t leak, break down, or degrade over time. Some great wooden cooking utensils are made of silicon too, which will not scratch your nonstick cookware.
Is silicone BPA free?
Yes, food grade silicone, used to make bags, is free of chemicals like BPA, BPS, and other phthalates. Be sure to read the label of your bags before you purchase them.
Is silicone better than single-use plastic?
While I think so, the FDA even stated that raw materials for making silicone are safe for food grade applications. But let’s be true o ourselves and honest: while silicone replacements alone will not fix our global single-use plastic issues, swapping single-use items for reusables is a big step in the right direction. Plus, the more people make the swap, the more significant the positive impact on the environment.
For example, according to Stasher, our Stasher Squad has prevented more than one billion (and counting) single-use plastic bags from entering our waste stream.
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