Tired of flimsy single-use plastic produce bags? Reusable produce bags are a great eco-friendly alternative with even more benefits! Made from either cotton or synthetic polymer, they are sturdy and breathable, come in different convenient sizes, and keep your produce fresh and crisp. Plus, they can help streamline your grocery shopping and storage routine.
In our list of favorites, Qinline's biodegradable reusable produce bags took the top prize because of the convenient assorted sizes and materials, their sturdiness and strength, and tare labels. Continue reading to find out what other reusable bags made the cut in our top 9 list and check out our buying guide reviewed by an environmental scientist to find tips for choosing bags that will protect both your produce and the planet.
Quick List - Top Reusable Produce Bags
Gwen Lynn is an environmental health and safety scientist who provides environmental and safety consulting and monitors air, land and water resources. She is also the founder of In A Green Minute, who creates podcasts and informational videos on environmental progressiveness and green technology.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
On average, American consumers use and throw away 100 billion plastic bags per year. This generates an enormous amount of waste, which pollutes ecosystems and kills wildlife. It's estimated that plastic bags are used for only 12 minutes, but they take over 500 years to fully degrade in a landfill.
Because plastic is synthetic, there is also a potential risk that chemicals will leach into produce stored in plastic bags, and cumulative exposure to these toxins could put your own health at risk. Another downside is that plastic bags can cause your produce to rot more quickly since there is no breathability or air circulation.
To tackle these issues, reusable produce bags were born. You can use these bags over and over again, minimizing your environmental footprint. These bags are strong and long-lasting, so you won't have to worry about wasting plastic or feeling environmental guilt.
Plus, reusable produce bags are made of materials that are safer and more breathable than plastic, so there are fewer chances of health risks and spoiled produce. Even better, these bags come in various designs, colors, and sizes, so you can say goodbye to boring bags and hello to an organized fridge and pantry!
Lastly, reusable bags are more versatile than single-use plastic bags, especially because most have some sort of closing mechanism, like a drawstring. You could use them to store travel items, office supplies, or toys, for example.
When choosing a reusable produce bag, make sure to consider factors such as the size and the material of the bag. This buying guide will give you some tips for choosing bags that work wonderfully for you grocery shopping and storage routine.
Mesh produce bags have a breathable web-like construction, so your vegetables and fruits will stay fresh. However, make sure that you only use them for items that won't slip through the holes! Small produce, like berries, or bulk items, like grains or coffee, will not work well with mesh bags.
Solid produce bags don't have any holes and are usually made from muslin. They are suitable for carrying dry items like bread, grains, or nuts. However, wet produce may not be ideal for this type of bag depending on the material's breathability since you don't want moisture and ethylene gases to be trapped, increasing the likelihood of rotting.
Also, consider the transparency of the material. If the bags are see-through, it will be easy to see what's inside the bag, and cashiers can easily ring up your items without opening your bag and touching the produce.
Reusable produce bags can be made from various materials, including cotton, nylon, or polyester. So consider the pros and cons of each material before making a purchase!
Cotton is known for its soft, smooth texture and durability. It's also biodegradable and easy to wash. However, it's a non-wicking fabric, meaning it absorbs moisture quickly and can get completely saturated. So if your cotton bag gets wet, it might take a long time to dry.
You're better off using these for items that have thick skins or are naturally on the dry side, like bananas, potatoes, onions, or avocados.
There are various types of cotton that you can choose from, including traditional, organic, and recycled.
Conventional cotton is usually treated with agrichemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, or defoliants. Recycled cotton is a sustainable option since it's made with reclaimed cotton scraps and waste fabrics. The most expensive cotton is organic, which is sustainably grown and harvested without the use of synthetic agricultural chemicals.
Synthetic polymers, such as nylon, polypropylene, and polyester, are frequently used to make reusable produce bags. They are super lightweight, strong, and durable. Synthetic bags are also water-resistant and easy to clean.
These types of bags are good for watery produce, items that might be crushed easily, or freshly-washed produce, such as leafy greens and grapes. However, synthetic materials don't biodegrade, so you'd have to decide if nylon or polyester bags are worth it considering how many plastic bags you will save.
When you finish buying fruits and veggies at a farmers market or greengrocer, you might need to get your items weighed. But you probably don't want to pay for the weight of your bag, right?
To avoid overpaying for your groceries, look for a reusable produce bag that has a tare label that shows how much the empty bag weighs. You can then subtract this number from the scale to pay for only the weight of your produce!
An ideal tare label will list the weight of the bag in pounds, ounces, and grams. Some tare labels are different colors or color-coded by size, for organizational convenience.
Reusable produce bags come in various sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, so you should determine which sizes will fit your needs. Also, check how much weight each bag can hold. Another consideration is the size of the bag opening.
If you tend to buy bulk grains, you might want to choose a large bag with a size of around 14 by 18 inches and a weight tolerance of over 15 pounds. But if you only need a bag to carry a few apples or oranges, a medium bag with a weight tolerance of around six pounds will give you plenty of room!
The sizes and weight tolerances of the bags might vary depending on the manufacturer and the materials, so check the product's description for more detail. If you're unsure of what you might need, look for a variety set that includes different sizes.
"Reduce, reuse, and recycle is our mantra," Gwen says. "Environment progression is an ongoing learning process, but the only way to learn how to swim is by getting into the water. I keep multiple reusable bags in my car and at least one folded tight in my backpack. You never know!"
Produce bags aren't usually sold individually. You can find sets with a variety of sizes or several of a single size. Look for a set that will work for everything you typically buy.
When you're selecting the right size and quantity, think about your grocery shopping habits. Do you take shorter shopping trips a few times per week, or do you make large grocery hauls a few times a month?
What's normally in your pantry or fridge? If you tend to buy large items like green onions or long-leaf lettuce, look for a set that can accommodate those. If you buy a lot of different kinds of products in one shopping trip, choose a set with a variety of bag sizes and styles.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Qinline Reusable Produce Bags | ![]() | A Variety of Double-Stitched Mesh and Muslin Bags | |
2 | Earthwise Reusable Mesh Produce Bags | ![]() | Speed Up Check Out Time With These Transparent Bags | |
3 | purifyou Premium Reusable Mesh Produce Bags | ![]() | Extra Durable Eco-Conscious Mesh Bags | |
4 | Naturally Sensible Eco Friendly Produce Bags | ![]() | These Nylon Mesh Bags Fold Up for Convenience | |
5 | Simply Eco 8 Cotton Reusable Produce Bags With Drawstrings | ![]() | Find the Perfect Size and Material for All Your Produce Needs | |
6 | Leafico Organic Cotton Produce Bags | ![]() | Biodegradable Cotton With Optimal Air Circulation | |
7 | Ecowaare Reusable Mesh Produce Bags | ![]() | Stay Organized With Different Sizes, Colors, and Labels | |
8 | Hotshine Cotton Mesh String Bags | ![]() | Tote Up to 40 Pounds | |
9 | Simple Ecology Reusable Organic Cotton Muslin Grocery Shopping Produce Bags | ![]() | Durable Organic Cotton That Keeps Produce Secure |
This set includes both muslin and mesh bags, giving you the flexibility to choose which type of bag you need while shopping. You'll get bags made of both materials in three different sizes. Also included is a shopping bag with a long handle.
The bags, made from double-stitched cotton, are both lightweight and heavy-duty and come with different colored tare weight labels. If you use one of these bags, you could save up to 1,000 plastic bags. Furthermore, these bags are biodegradable and food-safe, and the packaging is zero-waste.
Two reviewers were unhappy because their order was missing some bags. Two other reviewers complained about the size; one said they thought the bag openings weren't wide enough. Happy buyers were impressed by how much weight these bags could hold and liked the easy cleaning and convenient drawstring closure.
Made from durable tear-resistant mesh polyester, these bags weigh less than one-third of an ounce and are completely see-through, so cashiers can easily scan each item without having to open the bags or touch your produce. For ultra-convenience, you can wash your produce while it's still in the bag, let everything dry, then put the bag in the fridge.
Some reviewers lamented that the bags don't have a locking mechanism, so you'd have to tie a knot in the string to keep the bag cinched. Other buyers experienced tearing and holes upon arrival or a single washing, and some reported that they didn't receive the right quantity of bags and that the packaging was different than what appeared in the picture.
Many reviewers were impressed by how lightweight the bags were, how well they could hold heavy amounts of produce without tearing, and how easy they were to clean. Others really liked the transparent material, which made checking out at the store much faster.
These sturdy see-through breathable mesh produce bags are made of durable double-stitched polyester and free of BPA, lead, mercury, and other harmful chemicals, They come in three sizes, extend the shelf life of non-leafy produce, lock with a drawstring, and are machine-washable. Each differently colored tare label doubles as a color-coding tool.
Also included are two fish-shaped key chains to remind you of the detrimental effects of plastic bags on marine life and to help you remember to bring your sustainably made reusable bags. These bags can also be used to hold household items or serve as laundry bags or strainers for nut milk or cheese curds.
Some reviewers complained that the bags did not keep certain produce fresh in the fridge. Others wished the material was more transparent, and a few said the bags were poorly made. However, many reviewers liked that they were multi-purpose and washable, didn't tear, and come in multiple sizes.
Made of strong see-through nylon mesh, these reusable produce bags will hold up well. They have pop-locks and drawstrings, so you won't have any trouble closing or opening them. Each bag has its own earth-tone color hem and fold down compactly enough to be stashed in your purse, bag, or backpack.
Some reviewers did not approve of the plastic non-eco-friendly packaging the bags arrived in. Others had trouble with the drawstring closure and found the pop-locks to be quite flimsy. A few reviewers mentioned that the color bled when they washed the bags. Others reported snagging and ripped seams.
Happy buyers reviewers were satisfied with the size and durability of the bags. Many liked the easy cleaning and cute colors. Others, including a grocery store cashier, appreciated that the mesh material allows for easy viewing of what's in the bag.
This set contains all of the reusable produce bags you need for bulk items and produce: muslin, mesh, and a bag specifically for leafy greens. The muslin bags have see-through windows that allow you to see what's inside.
The bags are made of unbleached cotton and free of BPA and polyester. The material is breathable, allowing air to circulate and ethylene gases or moisture to escape. Each bag is color-coded with tare labels and closes via drawstring and wooden toggle.
A few reviewers wished there were bigger sizes, and a couple of buyers had shrinking issues. Many buyers got compliments at the grocery store. They found the bags effective for storing fresh produce and bulk goods and were happy with the quality, durability, and compact storage.
Made of 100 percent natural cotton, these reusable produce bags are smooth and soft and provide breathing room for your produce. Each double-stitched bag comes with a removable tag for labeling. As an eco-friendly plus, the bags are biodegradable and packaged without plastic.
The manufacturer accounts for shrinkage, so they add an extra inch of fabric on each side to ensure your machine-washable bag is the promised size. You'll receive 12 bags, which can be used not only for food storage but also straining, crafting, traveling, and gifting.
Some reviewers complained that the bags shrunk too much. Three reviewers wished the bags had tare labels but didn't like the sewn-on tags with the brand name. A couple of others experienced quality control issues, receiving bags that were soiled or had holes. Happy buyers said the bags were durable and withstood multiple washes.
These mesh produce bags are almost completely transparent so you and cashiers can easily see what's inside and barcodes can be scanned. Each drawstring bag has a closure bead, tare label, and colored tag sorted by size to help you organize your groceries. You can rinse them with water or wash them in the laundry.
A handful of reviewers noted that the closure beads broke off easily, so be gentle when closing your bags. Other buyers were unhappy that their leafy greens wilted in these bags. A few reported that cashiers were unable to scan barcodes through the bag. However, most reviewers reported no problems with the barcodes.
Other happy buyers said the bags were sturdy but lightweight and easy to wash and liked the variety of sizes, which can accommodate even big, heavy, and awkward-shaped produce. Other buyers liked the convenience relative to plastic bags, which they find hard to open.
You can load up to 40 pounds of produce in these stretchy expandable bags, which is much more than regular grocery bags can accommodate! What's nice about these machine-washable chemical-free bags is you can hoist them over your shoulder while you shop, but they store compactly. Choose five bags in either grey-blue, beige, orange, or purple.
Keep in mind that the mesh is wide, so these bags would work only for larger produce, not bulk items. Happy buyers were glad to find an eco-friendly alternative to plastic grocery bags. They said bags were sturdy, strong, and stretchy. A couple of buyers liked that they could hang the handles on hooks.
You can feel confident that these 100 percent cotton bags are truly eco-friendly: the manufacturer is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standards, which means the business meets the highest standards for environmental and social responsibility from the cotton field to your home!
These breathable muslin bags are designed to last with double-stitched seams and overlocking stitched edges and intended to either hold bulk foods or keep your leafy greens and thin-skinned produce fresh. They are washable but note that the unprocessed fabric will shrink after the first wash.
Displeased reviewers complained of an unpleasant odor, mold issues, wilting or rotting vegetables, too much shrinking, and the opaque material. However, happy buyers said the bags were durable and sturdy enough to hold bulk items. Many also loved that their greens stayed fresh for an extended period of time.
Looking for more reusable options that are eco-friendly? We've got you! Check out our articles for more suggestions that will help you lead a greener lifestyle.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary on July 7, 2022. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Qinline|Reusable Produce Bags
No. 2: Earthwise|Reusable Mesh Produce Bags
No. 3: purifyou|Premium Reusable Mesh Produce Bags
No. 4: Naturally Sensible |Eco Friendly Produce Bags
No. 5: Simply Eco|8 Cotton Reusable Produce Bags With Drawstrings
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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