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The Best Food Storage Bags

We want a strong, leakproof bag—reusable or not—that closes securely without a fuss and keeps food fresher for longer.

Lisa McManus
By Lisa McManus ･ Published Jan. 26, 2024.
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Top Picks

Co-Winner, Single-Use Plastic BagsZiploc Freezer Bags Gallon

  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
Full Ratings & Specs

Co-Winner, Single-Use Plastic BagsLK 10" x 12" Gallon Heavy Weight Seal Top Freezer Bags (4 mil)

  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
Full Ratings & Specs

Co-Winner, Reusable Bags(re)zip Gallon Bag 4-Pack

  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
Full Ratings & Specs

Co-Winner, Reusable BagsEllo Reusable Gallon Storage Bags, Set of 2

  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
Full Ratings & Specs
See Everything We Tested

What You Need to Know

We tested top-selling single-use and reusable food storage bags from major brands such as Ziploc, Glad, and Stasher. We focused on “freezer” bags, which are more protective, and opted for the 1-gallon size where possible. In single-use plastic bags, our co-winners impressed us with easy-sealing, secure, leakproof closures; generous capacities; and durable construction. We learned that the right bag made a big difference when it came to keeping food in great condition, especially in the freezer. Choose from Ziploc Freezer Bags Gallon, which are available in supermarkets, or LK 10” x 12” Gallon Heavy Weight Seal Top Freezer Bags (4 mil), which are designed for food service and available in bulk online. In reusable bags, we recommend (re)zip Gallon Bag 4-Pack and Ello Reusable Gallon Storage Bags, set of 2. Both are made from flexible, durable polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA); seal easily; and closely resemble the shape and functionality of gallon-size single-use plastic bags.

Storing food is easy with a sturdy gallon-size bag, whether it’s single-use plastic or reusable. In the test kitchen, we love gallon-size bags for everything from storing fresh herbs, greens, and vegetables to marinating meats and keeping leftovers. We use them when freezing raw and prepared foods, including cookie and pizza dough, soups and sauces, beans, breads, and meats. We’ve even snipped off the corner of a plastic bag to make a piping bag. 

Both single-use and reusable bags have pluses and minuses. Single-use plastic bags are inexpensive, widely available, and convenient, particularly when you can throw them away after storing messy foods or raw meat. Reusable bags cost more upfront, but they can save you money over time. To minimize the environmental impact and potential health issues surrounding single-use plastics, we’ve long recommended reusable bags, though most were previously available only in snack and sandwich sizes. Recently, gallon-size bags have arrived on the market.  

Recycling Tip

Did you know? You can recycle plastic bags, usually at your supermarket. Check out this link for locations near you.

We tested a lineup of large single-use and reusable bags, focusing on “freezer” bags whenever possible, since they are constructed to be thicker, sturdier, and more protective than “storage” bags. Likewise, we opted for gallon-size bags whenever possible, since we like their versatility. We compared the bags’ capacity, ease of use, protection, and durability.

What to Look For

  • Flat Shape: Unless you’re storing extra-bulky vegetables in the refrigerator, flat bags are more versatile, and they let you press out air around food going into the freezer to keep it in better condition. In our freezer tests, flat bags kept food virtually frost-free; looser bags failed. Their compact shape leaves more room in the refrigerator or freezer. Gussets that expand the bottom of some bags rarely proved helpful. 
Flat bags (left) made it easier to press out excess air and space around food for more compact, secure storage and kept frozen food in better condition, compared to a bag with a gusset or wedge shape (right).
  • Wide, Rollable Opening: Bags with openings at least 10 inches across were easier to fill. Wider openings mean you don’t have to wriggle in big items or risk squashing baked goods. Being able to roll back the collar is helpful when you need to prop open the bag for liquids. It also allows you to keep the seal clean and dry while you fill the bag. 
It was easier to fill and retrieve food when bags had wide openings (left) compared to those with narrower ones (right). Rolling back the top of a bag helps form a stiffer collar and keeps the seal dry for easier, neater filling, but some silicone bags can’t be rolled back, or you risk ripping side seams. Propping them open while filling was tricky.
  • Secure, Easy-to-Use Seal: Struggling to line up seal tracks to close a bag is frustrating. It may also leave bags only partially sealed. Our favorites of both single-use and reusable bags had just enough stiffness at the collar to help keep seal tracks aligned and were designed so that the two halves clicked right into place with a satisfying snap.
  • Long, Grippy Top Edge: We appreciated when the top of the bag extended well past the zipper track, with ribs or texture to grab so that we could open the bag without scrabbling. 

We appreciated bags that extended a bit of extra material above the seam, which made it easier to open sealed bags without having to scrabble for a grip. Some were even textured to help.

  • Tough, Leakproof Construction: Bags that keep moisture out and liquids in are neater to handle, and they protect food better in both the refrigerator and freezer. Strong zipper-lock seals that closed completely, as well as tough side seams that kept bags intact during abuse tests, proved bags could stand up to rough handling and accidents. In disposable plastic bags, our top-ranked models felt thicker—and weighed more—than lower-ranked models, and they didn’t burst when dropped. 
  • Easy to Clean: While you can wash and reuse a single-use plastic bag a few times, easy cleaning is critical in reusable bags. Seek out those with simple seals, flat (rather than complex or folded) shapes, and rounded corners that are easier to scrub. Dishwasher-safe bags are a plus.

What to Avoid

  • Thick, Chunky Seal: While this mostly applies to reusable bags, it also holds true for bulkier seals on single-use plastic bags. Thick seals are slow and awkward, and they don’t provide sensory feedback that they’re fully closed. They also make bag openings narrower, and they can’t be rolled back to prop open the bag for filling. 
  • Leaky, Weak Closure: A bag that bursts open or rips when it’s full has limited versatility at best, and at worst it makes a mess. Some silicone seals were the worst offenders, popping open whenever the bags’ contents pushed against them. A slider closure on one single-use bag leaked when the bag held liquid, let water in when the bag was submerged, and allowed frost to build up inside during freezer testing. 
We froze a variety of foods, from bone-in pork chops to burgers, cookie dough, soup, and bread for more than a month, checking for frost and freezer burn. Some bags, like the one at left, kept food in better condition because we could squeeze out air, and the flexible material of the bag stayed snug against the surface of food. Too-loose or stiff bags, right, let frost form, because air trapped in the bag allows moisture in the food to sublimate.
  • Gusset or Wedge Shape: Bags with gussets or wedge shapes proved less versatile than flat bags. They let food roll around, flop over, or break up. It was hard to remove excess air, leading to frost accumulation in the freezer. In reusable bags, folded surfaces also took longer to scrub clean and let air dry.

Pro Tip

To help seals on reusable bags close more easily and last longer, occasionally wipe a thin coat of cooking oil along the inside tracks. Because you wash the bags after each use, the oil won’t get sticky.

Other Considerations

  • Colorful Reusable Bags Hide Stains: If you don’t want to look at discolored reusable bags, don’t buy clear or white bags, which stain easily from foods such as tomato and turmeric. Colored and patterned bags make it slightly harder to view contents but help hide stains. Some brands suggested laying bags in the sun for hours to lighten stains; it did help, but we can’t see ourselves arranging bags for sunbathing on a regular basis. (See “What’s the Best Way to Clean (and Deodorize) a Reusable Bag?”)
  • Calculate the Quantity of Reusable Bags You’ll Need: When you’re used to popping open a box holding more than a dozen plastic bags, it can come as a surprise if you’ve bought just one or two reusable bags and thought you were all set. Remember that you’ll be storing multiple foods, sometimes in the freezer for weeks at a time. Buy more than one bag to start with, and figure on adding more to your collection as you learn how many you need. At $5.00 to $35.00 per bag, reusables can be an investment.

The Tests

  • Pack 4 pounds of raw carrots, seal, and shake upside down 10 times
  • Pack 7 ears of corn, seal, and shake upside down 10 times
  • Fill to capacity with water, seal, and shake upside down 10 times
  • Fill to capacity with water and weigh water 
  • Weigh color-indicating moisture-absorbing desiccant packs and seal inside each bag, submerge bags in water for 6 days, remove and weigh packs, and note any color changes
  • Freeze 4 pork chops, 4 hamburger patties, 12 cookie dough balls, 4 slices of wheat bread, and chicken noodle soup for a month
  • Fill bags with tomato sauce, seal, and push from countertop onto floor
  • Fill reusable bags with vegetable oil, turmeric, cumin, and fish sauce; let sit over a weekend; and then empty and wash, checking for stains and odors
  • Wash reusable bags at least 10 times, by hand or dishwasher as indicated by care instructions
  • Open and reseal reusable bags 100 times 


How We Rated

  • Leak Resistance: How leakproof and air-tight the bags are
  • Ease of Use: How easy the bags are to fill, seal, and handle
  • Durability: How strong the seals, seams, and bodies of the bags are
  • Freezer Protection: How well the bags are able to protect food in the freezer (if they work well in the harsh freezer, they’ll also perform well in the refrigerator)

FAQs

Deciding which type of food storage bag is the best choice for your kitchen is a complex question. Single-use plastic bags are without a doubt the most convenient option: They’re widely available and comparatively inexpensive (the bags in our tested lineup cost about $0.12 to $0.40 per bag), and they’re perfect for containing messy, fragrant, or staining foods and raw meats, because you can dispose of them afterward without worrying about cleaning, disinfecting, or deodorizing them. While you can wash and reuse some plastic bags up to 10 times, they have a much shorter shelf life than reusable bags. Many people are trying to reduce their consumption of single-use plastic products due to their negative effects on the environment and potential health concerns. Reusable bags made of materials such as silicone or PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) offer an alternative. They cost more up front (about $5.00 to $35.00 per bag) but can be reused for years, depending on how carefully they are handled and cleaned. In our tests, we found that they were bulkier and didn’t always seal as securely as single-use plastic bags, especially when storing liquids, but in most applications, the best models could successfully replace disposable bags if you are willing to take the time to wash and dry them after each use.

Read this guide in which we share tips and tested methods for cleaning and deodorizing reusable food storage bags.

While you can benefit the environment by switching from single-use to reusable food storage bags, do plastic and reusable bags have a negative impact on your health? Scientists admit that they don't fully know. However, plastic safety across the board is something we are focusing on as journalists, and our research continues. We have explored the safety of plastic wrap and microwaving with plastic, and suggest glass alternatives to plastic food storage containers. 


So are plastic food storage bags unsafe? "In terms of human health risks, the real answer is, we really have no idea," said Dan Jones, professor in the department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University, and associate director of the MSU Center for PFAS Research, which studies the potential sources and risks of PFAS, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances used in some plastics and related products. 


"There aren’t any acutely toxic chemicals in plastic because we’d know that right away," Jones said. "There’s far more risk from bacterial contamination than anything leaching out of the bag."


The potential concern with both single-use and reusable plastic food storage bags, as Jones explained, centers around substances called plasticizers. “Most plastics that are used in food storage bags are generally kind of rigid materials. So if they’re soft enough to be bags, usually that means other chemicals called plasticizers are blended in to make them softer and more flexible,” he said.


"The plasticizers many people try to avoid are phthalates,” Jones continued. “They have a lot of (health) effects not considered to be great. Most of the PEVA and silicone producers say, ‘We don’t use phthalate plasticizers.’” However, he added, “They probably are using other plasticizers and we don’t know about them as much. Plasticizers do to a certain extent leach out of the plastic, and eventually the plastic will turn more brittle, and break down and fail. I’ve seen this with plastic squirt bottles. After a few years, they form cracks and leak, and have to be thrown away. Not because the plastic itself has gone bad, but the plasticizers are gone.”


The somewhat good news, said Jones, is that “plasticizers are everywhere–but they get broken down by our livers and go away. They don’t persist inside of our tissues for very long.” The bottom line? “We don’t want to raise an alarm if it’s not harmful. Right now we don’t have any evidence that anything leaching out of plastic bags is harmful.” 

When you look at how plastic and reusable bags are made, you’ll immediately run into a lot of terms and abbreviations that describe both what the bags contain and what they don’t. Here are some of the most common ones. 

  • BPA: Bisphenol A is a chemical compound used to manufacture plastics. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concernsover its use. Many plastic products are now noted as BPA-free. 
  • BPS: Bisphenol S, a chemical compound similar to BPA, may be even more of a health concern. 
  • FDA-Grade: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves specific types of plastics as safe for contact with food. This list explains the types of plastics that are approved. 
  • EVA: Ethylene-vinyl acetate is a very flexible plastic known for its durability and lightness. It is considered food-safe.
  • LDPE or LLDPE: Low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene are soft, flexible, and lightweight plastics that are considered food-safe. LLDPE is especially flexible and is used to make plastic wrap. 
  • PEVA: Polyethylene vinyl acetate is a flexible plastic often used in shower curtain liners. It’s considered strong and odor-free. 
  • PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals,” are defined by the EPA as “widely used, long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time.” Manufactured since the 1940s and used in a wide variety of products, they have been linked to significant health issues. 
  • Plasticizers: These substances (typically solvents) are added to plastic to make it more flexible and less brittle. 
  • Platinum Silicone: Silicone that is cured using platinum is more expensive to produce but can have desirable characteristics including greater strength, clarity, and flexibility. (Platinum silicone gets mentioned often, mostly because it sounds fancy.) 
  • PVC: Polyvinyl chloride is a very commonly used type of plastic. It is found in everything from pipes to food packaging, depending on its formulation.
  • Virgin Resin: Resin is the material derived from petrochemicals that is used to make plastic. “Virgin” resin has no recycled content. Recycled plastics are generally not allowed in food-contact products because they may be mixed with non-food-grade plastics, rendering them unsuitable for use with food.

Everything We Tested

Good 3 Stars out of 3.
Fair 2 Stars out of 3.
Poor 1 Star out of 3.

Highly Recommended

  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Co-Winner, Single-Use Plastic BagsZiploc Freezer Bags Gallon

Even with features such as a reinforced “fold & fill” collar and a crosshatch-patterned bottom, this bag was a bit too floppy to truly stay open on its own for filling as promised. Otherwise, it worked perfectly well in every test. It’s roomy and simple to seal securely, and it proved leakproof and tough, staying intact when filled with tomato sauce and dropped from the countertop to the floor. It stayed securely closed when shaken upside down, whether it was filled with seven lumpy ears of corn, 4 pounds of carrots, or a gallon of water. The bag kept a variety of foods, including pork chops, chicken soup, and cookie dough, in good condition in the freezer for more than a month.
Model Number: 00389Type: Single-use plasticMaterial: LDPE and LLDPEClaims: BPA-freeSize: 10 9/16 x 11 inOpening: 10 inWeight (1 Bag): 13 g (0.46 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 176°FDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $4.29 for 14 bags ($0.31/bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
Even with features such as a reinforced “fold & fill” collar and a crosshatch-patterned bottom, this bag was a bit too floppy to truly stay open on its own for filling as promised. Otherwise, it worked perfectly well in every test. It’s roomy and simple to seal securely, and it proved leakproof and tough, staying intact when filled with tomato sauce and dropped from the countertop to the floor. It stayed securely closed when shaken upside down, whether it was filled with seven lumpy ears of corn, 4 pounds of carrots, or a gallon of water. The bag kept a variety of foods, including pork chops, chicken soup, and cookie dough, in good condition in the freezer for more than a month.
Model Number: 00389Type: Single-use plasticMaterial: LDPE and LLDPEClaims: BPA-freeSize: 10 9/16 x 11 inOpening: 10 inWeight (1 Bag): 13 g (0.46 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 176°FDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $4.29 for 14 bags ($0.31/bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Co-Winner, Single-Use Plastic BagsLK 10" x 12" Gallon Heavy Weight Seal Top Freezer Bags (4 mil)

Extra-thick, clear, easy to seal, and tough, these simple 10 x 12-inch bags designed for food service and sold in bulk were a bit larger than other bags we tested. That extra space was helpful when we filled the bag with seven ears of corn or 4 pounds of carrots, or filled it to capacity with water, and the contents stayed in even when we shook the bag 10 times upside down. This bag sprung a pinhole-size leak on one side seam when we filled it with tomato sauce and dropped it off a counter, but the hole was so small that tomato sauce could not spill out. It was the top performer by far in protecting its contents from moisture after being submerged in water for several days. Food we packaged and froze in these bags stayed in very good shape for more than a month.
Model Number: F41012KType: Single-use plasticMaterial: LDPE (100% virgin resin)Claims: No latex, mercury, sulfur, nitrogen, silicon, heavy metals, BPA, polyvinyl chlorides, polystyrenes, polycarbonates, phthalates, BHT, DEHA, DEHP, PFOA, PFOS, PBDE, or PBB; no animal derivative ingredients; no ozone-depleting chemicals used in manufactureSize: 10 x 12 inOpening: 9⅝ inWeight (1 Bag): 16 g (0.56 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 180°FDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $131.00 for 1,000 bags ($0.13 per bag) or $10.99 for 100 bags ($0.11 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
Extra-thick, clear, easy to seal, and tough, these simple 10 x 12-inch bags designed for food service and sold in bulk were a bit larger than other bags we tested. That extra space was helpful when we filled the bag with seven ears of corn or 4 pounds of carrots, or filled it to capacity with water, and the contents stayed in even when we shook the bag 10 times upside down. This bag sprung a pinhole-size leak on one side seam when we filled it with tomato sauce and dropped it off a counter, but the hole was so small that tomato sauce could not spill out. It was the top performer by far in protecting its contents from moisture after being submerged in water for several days. Food we packaged and froze in these bags stayed in very good shape for more than a month.
Model Number: F41012KType: Single-use plasticMaterial: LDPE (100% virgin resin)Claims: No latex, mercury, sulfur, nitrogen, silicon, heavy metals, BPA, polyvinyl chlorides, polystyrenes, polycarbonates, phthalates, BHT, DEHA, DEHP, PFOA, PFOS, PBDE, or PBB; no animal derivative ingredients; no ozone-depleting chemicals used in manufactureSize: 10 x 12 inOpening: 9⅝ inWeight (1 Bag): 16 g (0.56 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 180°FDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $131.00 for 1,000 bags ($0.13 per bag) or $10.99 for 100 bags ($0.11 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Co-Winner, Reusable Bags(re)zip Gallon Bag 4-Pack

These reusable bags were an easy substitute for single-use bags. They have the same flat, rectangular shape as a typical gallon-size single-use plastic bag, but they have rounded bottom corners that are easier to scrub clean and a slightly wider opening that made loading large foods and pouring in liquid very simple. They quickly seal with a satisfying snap. The bags are top-rack dishwasher-safe, which makes them convenient to wash; in our testing, the bag warped a bit in the dishwasher’s heat, but this didn’t affect its function. Its translucent white color became stained with turmeric and tomato sauce, and the stains remained even after vigorous scrubbing and several dishwasher cycles, though the bag didn’t hold on to the odor of cumin or fish sauce. After being submerged in water, the bag kept its contents only slightly less perfectly dry than our top-rated single-use plastic bag. It held soup for freezing without leaking a drop, and it stayed firmly shut when filled with water, seven ears of corn, or 4 pounds of carrots and shaken 10 times upside down. Unfortunately, the tomato sauce–filled bag didn’t stay sealed when dropped from a countertop onto the floor. The bag’s flat shape kept it close to food in the freezer, preventing frost from forming, and after more than a month in the freezer, everything from bone-in pork chops to slices of bread remained in excellent condition.
Model Number: ‎BA935B-4ASRTType: ReusableMaterial: FDA-grade food-safe PEVAClaims: No BPA, lead, or phthalatesSize: 10 11/16 x 11 5/16 inOpening: 10½ inWeight (1 Bag): 54 g (2 oz)Max Safe Temperature: Unspecified; not for sous vide, microwave, or high heat; let hot foods cool before placing in bagDishwasher Safe: Yes, top rack onlyPrice at Time of Testing: $24.99 for 4 bags ($6.25 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
These reusable bags were an easy substitute for single-use bags. They have the same flat, rectangular shape as a typical gallon-size single-use plastic bag, but they have rounded bottom corners that are easier to scrub clean and a slightly wider opening that made loading large foods and pouring in liquid very simple. They quickly seal with a satisfying snap. The bags are top-rack dishwasher-safe, which makes them convenient to wash; in our testing, the bag warped a bit in the dishwasher’s heat, but this didn’t affect its function. Its translucent white color became stained with turmeric and tomato sauce, and the stains remained even after vigorous scrubbing and several dishwasher cycles, though the bag didn’t hold on to the odor of cumin or fish sauce. After being submerged in water, the bag kept its contents only slightly less perfectly dry than our top-rated single-use plastic bag. It held soup for freezing without leaking a drop, and it stayed firmly shut when filled with water, seven ears of corn, or 4 pounds of carrots and shaken 10 times upside down. Unfortunately, the tomato sauce–filled bag didn’t stay sealed when dropped from a countertop onto the floor. The bag’s flat shape kept it close to food in the freezer, preventing frost from forming, and after more than a month in the freezer, everything from bone-in pork chops to slices of bread remained in excellent condition.
Model Number: ‎BA935B-4ASRTType: ReusableMaterial: FDA-grade food-safe PEVAClaims: No BPA, lead, or phthalatesSize: 10 11/16 x 11 5/16 inOpening: 10½ inWeight (1 Bag): 54 g (2 oz)Max Safe Temperature: Unspecified; not for sous vide, microwave, or high heat; let hot foods cool before placing in bagDishwasher Safe: Yes, top rack onlyPrice at Time of Testing: $24.99 for 4 bags ($6.25 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Co-Winner, Reusable BagsEllo Reusable Gallon Storage Bags, Set of 2

These flexible but sturdy reusable bags have the same flat, rectangular shape as a typical gallon-size single-use plastic bag, but with rounded bottom corners that are easier to scrub clean and a top opening that is significantly wider, making them good substitutes for single-use bags. We could easily spread out food and press out excess air when we packed the bags with pork chops, hamburger patties, soup, sliced bread, and more for freezing. This bag always sealed easily and with a satisfying snap—and it stayed sealed when we shook it upside down after filling it with 4 pounds of carrots, seven ears of corn, or a gallon of water. However, the bag filled with tomato sauce did open when we pushed it off the counter onto the ground. When we submerged the bag in water with a moisture-absorbing pack inside, it performed only slightly less well than our top-rated single-use plastic bag. This bag is not dishwasher-safe and did discolor in our staining test, but any stains were gone after we’d hand-washed it 10 times. In the meantime, we appreciated that its lemon pattern concealed stains, and it did not retain odors. This bag remained easy to use and seal throughout testing. The freezer test results were very good; after a month, food remained largely frost-free.
Model Number: 527-2885-035Type: ReusableMaterial: Food-grade PEVAClaims: No BPS; certified to be free of harmful leaching chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, PVC, polycarbonate, lead, cadmium, and latexSize: 11 x 11⅜ inOpening: 10¾ inWeight (1 Bag): 66 g (2.3 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 110°F; not for microwave or sous vide cooking; heat/cold-resistant from -22°F to 110°FDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $9.99 for 2 ($4.99 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
These flexible but sturdy reusable bags have the same flat, rectangular shape as a typical gallon-size single-use plastic bag, but with rounded bottom corners that are easier to scrub clean and a top opening that is significantly wider, making them good substitutes for single-use bags. We could easily spread out food and press out excess air when we packed the bags with pork chops, hamburger patties, soup, sliced bread, and more for freezing. This bag always sealed easily and with a satisfying snap—and it stayed sealed when we shook it upside down after filling it with 4 pounds of carrots, seven ears of corn, or a gallon of water. However, the bag filled with tomato sauce did open when we pushed it off the counter onto the ground. When we submerged the bag in water with a moisture-absorbing pack inside, it performed only slightly less well than our top-rated single-use plastic bag. This bag is not dishwasher-safe and did discolor in our staining test, but any stains were gone after we’d hand-washed it 10 times. In the meantime, we appreciated that its lemon pattern concealed stains, and it did not retain odors. This bag remained easy to use and seal throughout testing. The freezer test results were very good; after a month, food remained largely frost-free.
Model Number: 527-2885-035Type: ReusableMaterial: Food-grade PEVAClaims: No BPS; certified to be free of harmful leaching chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, PVC, polycarbonate, lead, cadmium, and latexSize: 11 x 11⅜ inOpening: 10¾ inWeight (1 Bag): 66 g (2.3 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 110°F; not for microwave or sous vide cooking; heat/cold-resistant from -22°F to 110°FDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $9.99 for 2 ($4.99 per bag)

Recommended

  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Glad Flex’N Seal Freezer Gallon Bags

Stretchy, light, and soft, with a diamond-shaped weave pattern and overall blue color, these unusual bags sealed tightly and expanded to hold the largest, lumpiest foods with ease, though the skinny seal track sometimes felt a bit hard to line up. The top of the bag above the seal was also short and slightly difficult to grab. The bag was nicely watertight even when submerged for several days, and it stayed sealed when we filled it with ears of corn, carrots, or water and shook it upside down. This floppy bag could not stand up for filling without a second person to hold it open, but it was one of only two bags in our lineup that survived perfectly after being filled with tomato sauce and dropped onto the floor; its stretch likely mitigated the impact. Food frozen in this bag was in only fair condition after more than a month; the bag didn’t stick to the foods’ surfaces, leaving several air pockets that filled with frost.
Model Number: 31814Type: Single-use plasticMaterial: PolyethyleneClaims: No PVC, no plasticizersSize: 10 9/16 x 11⅛ inOpening: 10 inWeight (1 Bag): 9 g (0.32 oz)Max Safe Temperature: Unspecified; not intended for sous vide cooking; OK in microwaveDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $16.76 for 4 boxes of 35 ($0.12 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
Stretchy, light, and soft, with a diamond-shaped weave pattern and overall blue color, these unusual bags sealed tightly and expanded to hold the largest, lumpiest foods with ease, though the skinny seal track sometimes felt a bit hard to line up. The top of the bag above the seal was also short and slightly difficult to grab. The bag was nicely watertight even when submerged for several days, and it stayed sealed when we filled it with ears of corn, carrots, or water and shook it upside down. This floppy bag could not stand up for filling without a second person to hold it open, but it was one of only two bags in our lineup that survived perfectly after being filled with tomato sauce and dropped onto the floor; its stretch likely mitigated the impact. Food frozen in this bag was in only fair condition after more than a month; the bag didn’t stick to the foods’ surfaces, leaving several air pockets that filled with frost.
Model Number: 31814Type: Single-use plasticMaterial: PolyethyleneClaims: No PVC, no plasticizersSize: 10 9/16 x 11⅛ inOpening: 10 inWeight (1 Bag): 9 g (0.32 oz)Max Safe Temperature: Unspecified; not intended for sous vide cooking; OK in microwaveDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $16.76 for 4 boxes of 35 ($0.12 per bag)

Not Recommended

  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Stasher Half Gallon Reusable Silicone Storage Bag

While it’s smaller than the other bags we tested, this soft silicone bag has a few things going for it. Its thick seal closed with less fuss than the seals of other silicone bags in the lineup, even that of the other Stasher bag, possibly because the opening is small (only 6½ inches across). Its compact, flat shape made it slightly easier than other silicone bags to press the excess air out of when packing it for the freezer. Holding just half a gallon, this is the largest flat bag that Stasher makes. It held just 2 pounds of carrots or three ears of corn, about half of what we packed into the rest of the lineup. You need another pair of hands to fill it, since the seal area won’t stay propped open and instructions warn not to roll back the top of the bag. It was definitely not leakproof, letting in a good deal of moisture when submerged in water, and it failed instantly when we filled it with water and turned it over to shake it, as well as when we filled it with tomato sauce and pushed it off the counter. The blue tint hid stains, which came off in the dishwasher, though it took several cycles to remove odors completely. When our hands were wet, the seal was slippery and nearly impossible to manage. Frozen food was in only fair condition; even though the bag was packed fairly tightly with food, its walls didn’t adhere closely, so pockets of frost formed on the food.
Model Number: STHG00Type: ReusableMaterial: Platinum food-grade siliconeClaims: No BPA, BPS, lead, latex, or phthalatesSize: 7⅞ x 9⅜ inOpening: 6½ inWeight (1 Bag): 129 g (4.5 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 425°F; usable in oven, freezer, microwave, or sous videDishwasher Safe: Yes, top or bottom rackPrice at Time of Testing: $17.00 per bag
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
While it’s smaller than the other bags we tested, this soft silicone bag has a few things going for it. Its thick seal closed with less fuss than the seals of other silicone bags in the lineup, even that of the other Stasher bag, possibly because the opening is small (only 6½ inches across). Its compact, flat shape made it slightly easier than other silicone bags to press the excess air out of when packing it for the freezer. Holding just half a gallon, this is the largest flat bag that Stasher makes. It held just 2 pounds of carrots or three ears of corn, about half of what we packed into the rest of the lineup. You need another pair of hands to fill it, since the seal area won’t stay propped open and instructions warn not to roll back the top of the bag. It was definitely not leakproof, letting in a good deal of moisture when submerged in water, and it failed instantly when we filled it with water and turned it over to shake it, as well as when we filled it with tomato sauce and pushed it off the counter. The blue tint hid stains, which came off in the dishwasher, though it took several cycles to remove odors completely. When our hands were wet, the seal was slippery and nearly impossible to manage. Frozen food was in only fair condition; even though the bag was packed fairly tightly with food, its walls didn’t adhere closely, so pockets of frost formed on the food.
Model Number: STHG00Type: ReusableMaterial: Platinum food-grade siliconeClaims: No BPA, BPS, lead, latex, or phthalatesSize: 7⅞ x 9⅜ inOpening: 6½ inWeight (1 Bag): 129 g (4.5 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 425°F; usable in oven, freezer, microwave, or sous videDishwasher Safe: Yes, top or bottom rackPrice at Time of Testing: $17.00 per bag
  • Leak Resistance:
  • Ease of Use:
  • Durability:
  • Freezer Protection:

Hefty Freezer Slider Bags, Gallon

This bag’s plastic slider seal and expandable bottom gusset made it fairly easy to fill and close. Four pounds of carrots or seven ears of corn fit comfortably inside, and the seal stayed shut when we shook the bag upside down with heavy food inside (a seam ripped along a fold of the bottom gusset, but this didn’t open the bag). It’s not leakproof. When we laid the soup-filled bag flat to freeze on a baking sheet, it dripped a bit from each top corner; later, water leaked from the same spots, and the bag utterly failed our submersion test, with water pooling inside. The bag was one of few that didn’t fail and spray tomato sauce when dropped off the countertop, but a ½ inch split opened along one side seam (we were able to save most of the contents). Food frozen in this bag was in fair condition, with some frost forming in the bags and bread slices looking shriveled. Bottom line, it's fine for storing dry items in nonchallenging circumstances, but you can do better.
Model Number: N/AType: Single-use plasticMaterial: Polyethylene, plasticClaims: BPA-freeSize: 10 9/16 x 10¾ in (3-in-wide base)Opening: 9 inWeight (1 Bag): 12 g (0.42 oz)Max Safe Temperature: Unspecified; microwave-safe, but “not for roasting, baking or boiling”Dishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $8.12 for 60 bags ($0.14 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance:
  • Ease of Use:
  • Durability:
  • Freezer Protection:
This bag’s plastic slider seal and expandable bottom gusset made it fairly easy to fill and close. Four pounds of carrots or seven ears of corn fit comfortably inside, and the seal stayed shut when we shook the bag upside down with heavy food inside (a seam ripped along a fold of the bottom gusset, but this didn’t open the bag). It’s not leakproof. When we laid the soup-filled bag flat to freeze on a baking sheet, it dripped a bit from each top corner; later, water leaked from the same spots, and the bag utterly failed our submersion test, with water pooling inside. The bag was one of few that didn’t fail and spray tomato sauce when dropped off the countertop, but a ½ inch split opened along one side seam (we were able to save most of the contents). Food frozen in this bag was in fair condition, with some frost forming in the bags and bread slices looking shriveled. Bottom line, it's fine for storing dry items in nonchallenging circumstances, but you can do better.
Model Number: N/AType: Single-use plasticMaterial: Polyethylene, plasticClaims: BPA-freeSize: 10 9/16 x 10¾ in (3-in-wide base)Opening: 9 inWeight (1 Bag): 12 g (0.42 oz)Max Safe Temperature: Unspecified; microwave-safe, but “not for roasting, baking or boiling”Dishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $8.12 for 60 bags ($0.14 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Glad Zipper Freezer Storage Plastic Bags - Gallon

With a wide seal made of yellow and blue tracks that blend to make green, this blue-tinted bag was fairly easy to close, and the white strip across the bag was convenient for labeling contents. However, it wasn’t leakproof or strong. Water seeped in when we submerged it, and the bag immediately burst open when we filled it with water, turned it over, and shook it (we repeated the test and it failed again). It also blew apart when we filled it with tomato sauce and dropped it. A smidge smaller than higher-rated bags, it barely fit seven ears of corn or 4 pounds of carrots, and the entire bottom corner tore off the bag when we turned it upside down to shake the carrots. Food was only in fair condition after a month in the freezer; the bag’s loose fit permitted ice crystals to form. In other words, there are better choices.
Model Number: 30019Type: Single-use plasticMaterial: PolyethyleneClaims: No PVC, no plasticizersSize: 10 9/16 x 10¾ inOpening: 10 inWeight (1 Bag): 12 g (0.42 oz)Max Safe Temperature: Unspecified; not intended for sous vide cooking; OK in microwaveDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $5.99 for 15 bags ($0.40 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
With a wide seal made of yellow and blue tracks that blend to make green, this blue-tinted bag was fairly easy to close, and the white strip across the bag was convenient for labeling contents. However, it wasn’t leakproof or strong. Water seeped in when we submerged it, and the bag immediately burst open when we filled it with water, turned it over, and shook it (we repeated the test and it failed again). It also blew apart when we filled it with tomato sauce and dropped it. A smidge smaller than higher-rated bags, it barely fit seven ears of corn or 4 pounds of carrots, and the entire bottom corner tore off the bag when we turned it upside down to shake the carrots. Food was only in fair condition after a month in the freezer; the bag’s loose fit permitted ice crystals to form. In other words, there are better choices.
Model Number: 30019Type: Single-use plasticMaterial: PolyethyleneClaims: No PVC, no plasticizersSize: 10 9/16 x 10¾ inOpening: 10 inWeight (1 Bag): 12 g (0.42 oz)Max Safe Temperature: Unspecified; not intended for sous vide cooking; OK in microwaveDishwasher Safe: NoPrice at Time of Testing: $5.99 for 15 bags ($0.40 per bag)
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Full Circle Ziptuck Large Reusable Storage Bag

This clear, shiny, crackly-squeaky plastic bag just never seemed meant for food; it looks like product packaging or a see-through purse for stadium events. The gusseted bottom provided ample room for seven ears of corn or 4 pounds of carrots, and the bag didn’t open and dump these vegetables when it was turned over and shaken hard 10 times. The material’s hard texture poked into soft bread slices and made it difficult for us to squeeze out excess air before freezing pork chops and burgers. Frozen balls of cookie dough rolled around comically. It allowed in a moderate amount of moisture during our submersion test, and it failed our leak tests. The bag blew open, dumping water when shaken and tomato sauce when dropped. The walls retained an orange tint and a faint scent of cumin after odor and stain tests, even after 10 rounds of vigorous scrubbing. The seal’s thick plastic channels were difficult and frustrating to press closed, a real burden when we tested opening and closing the bag 100 times. Its material was fairly protective in the freezer; food stayed in good condition except where its baggy fit let some frost accumulate.
Model Number: n/aType: ReusableMaterial: FDA-grade EVAClaims: No BPASize: 11⅜ x 9¼ x 3¾ inOpening: 10¾ inWeight (1 Bag): 76 g (2.7 oz)Max Safe Temperature: UnspecifiedDishwasher Safe: Hand-wash, turn inside out for easy dryingPrice at Time of Testing: $5.99 per bag
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
This clear, shiny, crackly-squeaky plastic bag just never seemed meant for food; it looks like product packaging or a see-through purse for stadium events. The gusseted bottom provided ample room for seven ears of corn or 4 pounds of carrots, and the bag didn’t open and dump these vegetables when it was turned over and shaken hard 10 times. The material’s hard texture poked into soft bread slices and made it difficult for us to squeeze out excess air before freezing pork chops and burgers. Frozen balls of cookie dough rolled around comically. It allowed in a moderate amount of moisture during our submersion test, and it failed our leak tests. The bag blew open, dumping water when shaken and tomato sauce when dropped. The walls retained an orange tint and a faint scent of cumin after odor and stain tests, even after 10 rounds of vigorous scrubbing. The seal’s thick plastic channels were difficult and frustrating to press closed, a real burden when we tested opening and closing the bag 100 times. Its material was fairly protective in the freezer; food stayed in good condition except where its baggy fit let some frost accumulate.
Model Number: n/aType: ReusableMaterial: FDA-grade EVAClaims: No BPASize: 11⅜ x 9¼ x 3¾ inOpening: 10¾ inWeight (1 Bag): 76 g (2.7 oz)Max Safe Temperature: UnspecifiedDishwasher Safe: Hand-wash, turn inside out for easy dryingPrice at Time of Testing: $5.99 per bag
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Ziploc Endurables Large Pouch

We loved this bag’s soft silicone feel and blue tint, which concealed stains. We also loved that it’s dishwasher-safe (top or bottom rack) and emerged odor- and stain-free at the end of several cycles. The open bag was stiff enough to stand up when inverted on the dishwasher rack. We appreciate the material’s versatility. You can use this bag in the refrigerator or freezer, for sous vide, and in the microwave or oven (up to 425 degrees) without fear of melting or cracking it. This bag’s shape is fairly flat, with rounded corners, though it was challenging to squeeze out excess air. At 7½ inches, its top opening is a bit small, and overall the bag is smaller than typical gallon-size single-use bags, holding only about ¾ gallon, so 4 pounds of carrots didn’t fit and seven ears of corn were a tight squeeze. Its main flaw? The thick, clunky seal is fussy to close. We had to press down on the bag and listen for air escaping to know whether it was fully sealed. Worse, it opens with the slightest pressure from within, so water gushed right back out and drenched the tester when the bag was sealed and overturned for shaking. The tomato sauce–filled bag also exploded when it hit the ground. The bag allowed in a fair amount of water when we submerged it too. In the freezer, its slightly baggy fit and somewhat stiff walls didn’t adhere to meat, bread, or soup, leaving space for air pockets to fill with frost.
Model Number: 339967Type: ReusableMaterial: Platinum siliconeClaims: No BPA or phthalatesSize: 9¾ x 9¾ inOpening: 7½ inWeight (1 Bag): 172 g (6.1 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 425°F; usable in oven, freezer, and microwave and for boiling, steaming, and sous videDishwasher Safe: Yes, top or bottom rackPrice at Time of Testing: $14.97 per bag
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
We loved this bag’s soft silicone feel and blue tint, which concealed stains. We also loved that it’s dishwasher-safe (top or bottom rack) and emerged odor- and stain-free at the end of several cycles. The open bag was stiff enough to stand up when inverted on the dishwasher rack. We appreciate the material’s versatility. You can use this bag in the refrigerator or freezer, for sous vide, and in the microwave or oven (up to 425 degrees) without fear of melting or cracking it. This bag’s shape is fairly flat, with rounded corners, though it was challenging to squeeze out excess air. At 7½ inches, its top opening is a bit small, and overall the bag is smaller than typical gallon-size single-use bags, holding only about ¾ gallon, so 4 pounds of carrots didn’t fit and seven ears of corn were a tight squeeze. Its main flaw? The thick, clunky seal is fussy to close. We had to press down on the bag and listen for air escaping to know whether it was fully sealed. Worse, it opens with the slightest pressure from within, so water gushed right back out and drenched the tester when the bag was sealed and overturned for shaking. The tomato sauce–filled bag also exploded when it hit the ground. The bag allowed in a fair amount of water when we submerged it too. In the freezer, its slightly baggy fit and somewhat stiff walls didn’t adhere to meat, bread, or soup, leaving space for air pockets to fill with frost.
Model Number: 339967Type: ReusableMaterial: Platinum siliconeClaims: No BPA or phthalatesSize: 9¾ x 9¾ inOpening: 7½ inWeight (1 Bag): 172 g (6.1 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 425°F; usable in oven, freezer, and microwave and for boiling, steaming, and sous videDishwasher Safe: Yes, top or bottom rackPrice at Time of Testing: $14.97 per bag
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection

Stasher Stand-Up Mega Bag

While this wedge-shaped silicone bag was marketed as a product that “replaces gallon-size plastic bags,” we could not agree. Except for securely holding bulky vegetables such as ears of corn or raw carrots, this bag was disappointing. Its narrow opening meant it fit fewer carrots than other large bags. While it stood up nicely, it wouldn’t stay open for filling, and instructions advise against inverting the bag or folding back the top. Its seal was thick, awkward, and frustrating to secure; we had to press on the bag and listen for any air escaping to know whether it was truly closed. When filled with liquids, it dumped them the instant we turned over the bag, and tomato sauce splattered everywhere when we dropped the full, carefully closed bag from the counter. The white silicone stained deeply with turmeric and tomato sauce, and 10 dishwasher cycles failed to completely remove the odor or yellowish color. Its baggy shape left burger patties, bread slices, and cookie dough balls rattling around, and it was hard to press out excess air before freezing foods to discourage the formation of ice crystals. If all you want is a produce storage bag, it’s a good choice (but pick a color that hides stains). After more than a month, frozen meat, bread, and soup were in only fair condition, with sizable pockets of frost where the wide, loose sides of this bag didn’t stay close to the food.
Model Number: STSUL01Type: ReusableMaterial: Platinum food-grade siliconeClaims: No BPA, BPS, lead, latex, or phthalatesSize: 8 x 9¼ x 4¼ inOpening: 7½ inWeight (1 Bag): 182 g (6.4 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 425°F; usable in oven, freezer, and microwave and for sous videDishwasher Safe: Yes, top or bottom rackPrice at Time of Testing: $34.99 per bag
  • Leak Resistance
  • Ease Of Use
  • Durability
  • Freezer Protection
While this wedge-shaped silicone bag was marketed as a product that “replaces gallon-size plastic bags,” we could not agree. Except for securely holding bulky vegetables such as ears of corn or raw carrots, this bag was disappointing. Its narrow opening meant it fit fewer carrots than other large bags. While it stood up nicely, it wouldn’t stay open for filling, and instructions advise against inverting the bag or folding back the top. Its seal was thick, awkward, and frustrating to secure; we had to press on the bag and listen for any air escaping to know whether it was truly closed. When filled with liquids, it dumped them the instant we turned over the bag, and tomato sauce splattered everywhere when we dropped the full, carefully closed bag from the counter. The white silicone stained deeply with turmeric and tomato sauce, and 10 dishwasher cycles failed to completely remove the odor or yellowish color. Its baggy shape left burger patties, bread slices, and cookie dough balls rattling around, and it was hard to press out excess air before freezing foods to discourage the formation of ice crystals. If all you want is a produce storage bag, it’s a good choice (but pick a color that hides stains). After more than a month, frozen meat, bread, and soup were in only fair condition, with sizable pockets of frost where the wide, loose sides of this bag didn’t stay close to the food.
Model Number: STSUL01Type: ReusableMaterial: Platinum food-grade siliconeClaims: No BPA, BPS, lead, latex, or phthalatesSize: 8 x 9¼ x 4¼ inOpening: 7½ inWeight (1 Bag): 182 g (6.4 oz)Max Safe Temperature: 425°F; usable in oven, freezer, and microwave and for sous videDishwasher Safe: Yes, top or bottom rackPrice at Time of Testing: $34.99 per bag

*All products reviewed by America’s Test Kitchen are independently chosen, researched, and reviewed by our editors. We buy products for testing at retail locations and do not accept unsolicited samples for testing. We list suggested sources for recommended products as a convenience to our readers but do not endorse specific retailers. When you choose to purchase our editorial recommendations from the links we provide, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices are subject to change.

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The Expert

Author: Lisa McManus

byLisa McManus

Executive Editor, ATK Reviews

Lisa is an executive editor for ATK Reviews, cohost of Gear Heads on YouTube, and gadget expert on TV's America's Test Kitchen.

Lisa McManus is an executive editor for ATK Reviews, cohost of Gear Heads on YouTube, host of Cook's Illustrated's Equipment Review videos, and a cast member—the gadget expert—on TV's America's Test Kitchen. A passionate home cook, sometime waitress, and longtime journalist, she graduated from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism and worked at magazines and newspapers in New York and California before returning like a homing pigeon to New England. In 2006 she got her dream job at ATK reviewing kitchen equipment and ingredients and has been pretty thrilled about it ever since. Her favorite thing is to go somewhere new and find something good to eat.

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