As a lunch packer, finding the perfect storage solution is no easy feat. Certain plastic containers get warped (and may be dangerous) to put in the microwave, and while glass is durable, it adds extra bulk to your commute. Then, there’s the struggle of opening your lunch bag only to find that the lid on your trusty container wasn’t quite as sealed as you though. Gross.
So, what’s a meal prepper to do? Buy Stashers silicone bags, says basically everyone on Amazon. It’s the number one best seller in the “Food Savers” category and has an 4-star-average rating from nearly 700 reviewers.
“The Stasher bag protects the content from leaking or encroaching spillage, which wipes away easily," wrote one reviewer. "I filled it 1/3 with water and placed it upside-down for 4 hours, and the bag did not leak. Needless to say, the seal is great and easy to operate, even for school-aged kids. It is flexible but keeps its form.”
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These crazy popular bags zip-lock and can be used over and over again. Unlike the plastic variety, they are safe for the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and boiling water — a.k.a. perfect for your lunch-packing, leftover-saving, and sous-vide-cooking needs. They are also made without petroleum, PVC, and latex. You can stock up in 11 colors and patterns and three different sizes: 4.5-inches, 7-inches, and a 10-inch option that can hold up to a half gallon.
These bags basically pay for themselves, too. Yes, four bags will cost you around $40, but if you spend an average of $15 on Ziplock bags a month you’ll cover the cost in a little over 10 weeks. After that, that you’ll have an extra $180 a year to spend on whatever you want. (Hello, vacation fund!)
The Good Housekeeping Institute loves these best-selling silicone bags, too. “In our Kitchen Appliances Lab’s test, the Stashers were super leak proof and much more airtight compared to other reusable storage options like beeswax wrap,” says Betty Gold, senior editor and product analyst. “And we love that they are a greener alternative to using disposable bags.”
The bottom line: These reusable bags are a must-have for lunch packers. Stock up for yourself and for back-to-school.
Lindsey works with the Good Housekeeping Institute to test and review products including appliances, bedding, baby items, pet products and more.
