Roundup of reusable snack bags and sandwich wraps that are perfect for zero waste back-to-school lunches and on-the-go snacks.
Back in the day, the lunch I brought to school was pretty standard: a sandwich, a piece of fruit, some crackers or chips and a couple of cookies (if I was lucky!) The lunches I pack for my two boys are pretty similar but with one main difference: I use reusable lunch containers and reusable snack bags and sandwich wraps instead of wasteful disposable bags.
Why Bother with Reusable?
Yes, plastic baggies are easy but there are many reasons to make the switch to reusable. Here’s why I switched to using zero waste, reusable lunch gear and never went back:
Environmental: For environmental reasons, it’s pretty obvious that switching to waste-free packaging and using less plastic is a smart idea. A few plastic baggies a day might not seem like a big deal but over time those bags add up to major pollution – in landfills and in oceans – as I’m sure you’ve heard. One stat you may not have heard: More than one million plastic bags are used every minute worldwide. That’s crazy!
Food safety: Chemicals from plastic can leach into your food – especially food that is oily like cheese or when the plastic gets warm. A plastic-free bag is your safest choice!
Cost: Let’s do the math: Say a plastic ziplock bag costs 5 cents and a reusable snack bag costs $6. It would take 120 plastic bags to equal the same cost as a reusable bag. Given an average of 180 school days in a year, you’ve easily made up the cost in one year. But a well-made reusable bag will last you many years – so a reusable snack bag is a slam dunk cost savings!
The cool factor: Pulling a snazzy snack bag out of your lunch is fun! With so many fun fabrics available – from cute animals to bright flowers to modern graphics – there’s something for everyone!
RELATED: Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly School Supplies for Kids
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Favorite Reusable Snack Bags
Snack bags are available in so many sizes. I use small bags for snacks like pretzels, carrots or grapes. Large reusable bags are perfect for sandwiches or longer items. Not only are snack bags great for lunches but they are awesome for travel too – I always take a couple with me on trips!
Here’s what I look for in a reusable snack bag:
- Durable fabric (not too thin), with strong stitching
- Lined with food safe nylon (not 100% necessary but it’s easier to clean)
- A strong velcro closure or a zipper if you need to make sure food won’t spill out
- Organic cotton is better for the planet (but not as widely available)
- Silicone bags are very durable, are made from a non-leaching type of rubber and are most similar to plastic ziplock bags
Nowadays you can find snack bags in many gift stores and natural food co-ops and stores like Whole Foods. If you can’t find what you want locally, there are tons available online. Now that my boys are teens, I’ve had to drop some of the cutesy kid bags out of rotation, and we lean more toward basic prints and solid colors. Personally, I love the bold, fun graphics like the Lunchskins or some of the Etsy shops listed below!
Here are a few of the best reusable snack bags to choose from:
Reusable Sandwich Bags and Sandwich Wraps
Sandwich wraps are the perfect solution when you need something small for a sandwich instead of a bulky food container. Plus they double as a placemat for lunches on-the-go!
The 3 primary materials I’ve seen for sandwich wraps are:
- Cloth – Similar to a snack bag but a fabric square that folds up and seals with velcro
- Beeswax – Cotton fabric coated with beeswax that is self sealing (the beeswax sticks lightly to itself when folded)
- Plastic – Safe #4 plastic (BPA and phthalate free) with velcro closure
Here are a few sandwich wraps to choose from:
DIY Reusable Snack Bags
If you’re the DIY type, it’s easy to make your own reusable snack bags. Check out my popular handmade snack bag tutorial on the blog!
Do you have a favorite reusable snack bag or sandwich wrap?
P.S. If you’re into planet-saving reusable products – check out more of them here: Reusable products on Mindful Momma.
Katie says
I have been looking for reusable baggies! Thanks for the great recommendations! Can’t wait try some out for school lunches this year.
Micaela says
OH good – hope you find some you like Katie!
Jas says
I definitely need to invest into a reusable snakc bag bc I have not been that friendly to the environment when its come to snackingš
Thank you for sharing,
LovJasš
Micaela says
I find that having reusable snack bags helps me eat healthier too. I’m less inclined to grab something unhealthy or a prepackaged snack bar if I have some veggies or nuts with me!
Heather says
I started using Lunchskins probably about 6 years ago and have never looked back. I seriously thought the bundle I bought would last a year or so and then I’d need to buy more. The bags are still in great condition, the seams are in tact and the velcro is still just as strong. I think I bought 8 (combination of sandwich and snack) and we have only lost 2. I love that they can go in the dishwasher. Great post, love all these other options.
Micaela says
I’m so happy to hear that Heather! My Lunchskins have held up really well too – I’d say they are one of the best options out there!
Wayne Moran says
Gosh, you have so many great ideas. Yes, I learned something. š
Micaela says
Glad to hear it Wayne!
Sheila Rygwelski says
Which do you recommend for keeping snacks/sandwiches from getting stale/drying out? I have a lunchskins velcro bag and my sandwich dries out. Thank you!
Micaela says
Hmmmm….have you tried beeswax wrap? That might keep the moisture in better. Or use a sealed container instead of a bag. Hope you find something that works for you!
Aurora Sidell says
Hello Micaela,
I am a 2nd grade teacher in Colorado and I am trying to promote a zero waste culture in my classroom.
As I have taught over the years I have observed an incredibly large amount of waste in the school and in my classroom. I am looking to connect with someone like you to donate (with the understanding that I would promote your company to my classroom parents and to the entire school. If you are interested on any level please let me know.
Thank you for your time and your interest/efforts for the earth,
Aurora Sidell
Micaela says
Sorry – I don’t have any product to donate myself but if you contact the companies mentioned in this post, maybe they can help you! Best of luck with your zero waste efforts!
Joshua Howard says
Thank you for sharing this information! I live the eco-friendly lifestyle and avoid using plastic because it’s really toxic and can harm our health. I have several reusable snack bags. My favorite one is made from silicone, I really like it. The others are made from waterproof fabric, they are also good.