The Best Reusable Sandwich Bags of 2026

Since the proliferation of using reusable straws and grocery bags, many Americans are becoming more aware of the waste left behind by single-use plastic items. For example, those plastic sandwich baggies that go straight into the garbage after lunch. To save the environment (and your conscience), try eco-friendly reusable sandwich bags—like our favorite the Lunchskins Reusable 2-Pack Bag Set .

These baggies are typically dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean and reuse for your favorite sandwiches when bringing that classic brown bagged lunch to work or school. There are a few brands out there creating reusable food storage bags which range from fun patterns to that classic plastic bag look. These products are great for holding snacks or various supplies when you're on the go.

What to Know About Reusable Sandwich Bags

Are Reusable Sandwich Bags Safe?

When shopping for the right set of bags, one of the first things you'll want to look for is whether the material is food-safe. Most options are made from plastic or silicone, which might be concerning at first, given the proven health risks of certain plastics.

But not all plastics are created equal: All of the bags we tested are made with food-grade materials, which means they're free of harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, and phthalate. Just check the bag's label or website description to be sure the materials you choose are safe to use and reuse.

How to Wash Reusable Sandwich Bags

You might be turned off from the idea of reusable snack bags because of the hassle. "Another thing to wash at the end of the day?" But trust us: The minimization of waste (and the money saved from nixing disposable bags) is worth the extra effort. Plus, all of the bags we tested are machine-washable, which means you can toss them in the dishwasher with the rest of your load at the end of the day.

Sometimes, though, you might need a little extra elbow grease to get rid of lingering stains from things like sauce, fruit, and veggies. In that case, we recommend using hot water and regular dish detergent (or a homemade blend of baking soda and vinegar) with a kitchen sponge or brush. If the bag seals, you can swish the water and cleaning solution around while it's closed to break up any tacked-on foods, then scrub the rest by hand.

And if you're dealing with mold in the corners of your bag, let it sit in white vinegar or boiling water before running it through the dishwasher again.

How to Dry Reusable Sandwich Bags

Drying a reusable sandwich bag properly is the second most important way to maintain it (behind washing it well, of course), in order to avoid any mold growth. And this part can be tricky; your bag probably won't just air dry in the dishwasher like your plates do.

Once your bags are clean, you'll want to keep them open, facing down on a drying rack for a while to make sure all the lingering drops fall out. You can also place some paper towels or absorbent dish towels inside to speed up the drying process.

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