I Tried Stasher Bags. Are They Worth It?

You’ve likely seen them at your local Target, Whole Foods, or CVS: Stasher bags, the reusable silicone bags that all but promise to replace regular plastic storage bags. But are they as good as advertised? And at a significantly higher price than Ziploc bags, are they worth it? After using them to store liquids and solids, throwing them in the freezer, zapping them in the microwave, and seeing if they could withstand multiple dishwasher cycles, my answer is a resounding yes.

What Are Stasher Bags?

Launched in 2016, Stasher bags are reusable storage bags made of platinum silicone, which makes them incredibly multifaceted: You can use them to store snacks, freeze produce, pop popcorn in the microwave, and even put them in the oven. But they’re not relegated to the kitchen — the bags can act as a first aid kit or storage for pens and pencils. They come in a range of sizes, colors, and sets, from a small “pocket” bag that holds 4 ounces to a stand-up mega bag that holds 104 ounces. There are two types of Stasher products: bags great for storing snacks or leftovers and bowls meant for “eating on the go” or storing bulky foods.  

Unlike regular plastic storage bags, Stasher bags can be bought in a variety of colorful sets (though singles are available). To test the product, I bought a six-pack of two sandwich bags, a half-gallon bag, a stand-up midi bag, and two small snack bags, all in a soothing blue, green, and white “ocean” color scheme.

How Durable Are They? 

At first glance and feel, Stasher bags seem incredibly durable. The silicone material is sturdy, and the bowls are stiff enough to stand upright. The seal is easy to zip and unzip, even when coming out of the freezer. 

I used the bags in a few different ways to determine their durability. I poured leftover pho, broth and all, into the stand-up midi bag, sealed it, then vigorously shook the bag to see if any leakage occurred. Good news: Not a drop fell out, which certainly beats the tragic time I used a Ziploc bag to store chili. I put sliced bananas into a rectangular snack bag and tossed them in the freezer; later there were no issues with freezer burn or the seal freezing shut. They also proved to be sufficiently airtight — one month after filling the half-gallon bag with homemade granola, the mix remained as fresh as when I made it, despite opening and closing the Stasher multiple times. But one of my favorite things about the bags is that you can move leftovers from the fridge straight to the microwave without worrying about plastic melting all over your food. As long as you open the bag slightly to vent, Stasher bags are completely microwave safe. 

Are Stasher Bags Easy to Clean? 

A major draw to Stasher bags is that they can be cleaned in the dishwasher. I tested this repeatedly and was pleased to see that, not only did the bags emerge from the dishwasher clean, but they didn’t suffer any wear and tear. In fact, they looked brand new after each wash. I also tried cleaning them by hand, which is sufficient but took longer to dry. Stasher is emphatic that you should not turn bags inside out to scrub — doing so can damage the bonded edges. The company advises that, to avoid stains and odors, you can soak Stasher bags in a mix of 50/50 warm water and vinegar, store them with the seals open, and place them in sunlight to bleach stains. 

So, About That Price

Stasher bags aren’t cheap when compared with their single-use counterparts. While a 75-count box of Ziploc gallon storage bag costs around $10, Stasher bags run from an $8 pocket bag to a $205 13-pack starter kit. It’s an investment — but, I found, a worthwhile one, since they perform better than other storage bags I’ve tried and will last for years. In short: They're worth splurging on, especially if you find yourself using the plastic version frequently, and using silicone bags makes for a more eco-friendly kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Are Stasher Bags Sold?

In addition to the Stasher website and Amazon, Stasher bags can be bought at a variety of retailers, including World Market, Bed Bath & Beyond, Whole Foods, CVS, Sur La Table, and Target. Use the company’s store locator to find a bag near you.

What Are Stasher Bags Made Of? 

Stasher bags are made of platinum silicone, and while they’re not biodegradable, will last much longer than the average plastic storage bag. In fact, the company promises to provide a prepaid shipping label if you ever need to “retire” a bag. 

Are Stasher Bags Microwave and Dishwasher Safe?

Yes, Stasher bags can be thrown into the microwave or dishwasher. They can even be used in the oven, as long as they’re on an oven-safe sheet and the oven is set to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or below. 

Can You Freeze Stasher Bags? 

Absolutely. Just make sure to rid the bag of excess air before placing it in the freezer.