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NOTE: A SAMPLE OF THE PRODUCT DESCRIBED BELOW WAS PROVIDED AT NO COST FROM STASHER BAG. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. I HAVE RECEIVED NO MONETARY COMPENSATION IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS REVIEW, HOWEVER, I MAY RECEIVE COMMISSION FOR PRODUCTS SOLD VIA AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS ON THIS PAGE.
Product: Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag Review
The Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag (called the Stasher bag from here on out) is a 100% silicone, self-sealing, multi-purpose, food-safe bag. It’s marketed as ideal for food, travel, storage, and was created as a healthy alternative to plastic bags and containers. Stasher bags contain no petroleum, no latex, and no PVC. They are safe for the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and boiling water. Find more information on the Stasher website.
Claims:
- Easy to use: YES. The Stasher bags are just as easy, or even a little easier to use than Ziploc or other plastics bags. We both decided they’re easier to seal than classic Ziploc bags as well. We had no difficulty using the Stasher bags.
- Easy to clean: YES. To wash, I placed the Stasher bag open end down in the top rack of the dishwasher. They tended not to get dry on the inside unless I shook them out or wiped out the inside of the bag, but they were clean every time.
- Ultimate multi-tasking bag: YES. This comes down to the fact that I’ve never used a Ziploc in even half of the ways a Stasher bag can be used, PLUS they’re REused for tons of purposes. We used the Stasher bag for food travel and food storage at home, but I’m positive it would be great for a small first aid kit, nail polish, or a travel cosmetic bag.
- Microwave and boiling water safe: Confession! I did not actually test either of these out. But, I did do a little research. The product is 100% food-grade silicone, which, according to the FDA, poses no health risks for cooking. It’s safe in temperatures up to 450 degrees F (according to Stasher). I also recently discovered that Stasher bags can be used for sous-vide cooking! I seriously need to try that.
- Freezer safe: YES. I used a Stasher bag in the freezer and it worked perfectly.
Pros:
- Replaces my plastic Ziplocs: How many plastic sandwich bags do you think you’ve thrown away in your lifetime? Not using so much plastic makes me feel good. I tried thinking of times when a Ziploc would serve the purpose better, and I really couldn’t. During the past couple weeks, I’ve stored lots of cut up fruits and veggies in the bags. Chopped onion more than once. I used to use a Ziploc for these purposes, but now I don’t have to. The only time I might use a Ziploc instead is if I knew I would not be able to bring the Stasher bag home, or I didn’t want to lose it (I don’t know what reason this would be, maybe a plane trip?).
- Pinch seal: The seal is super easy to open and close. I prefer it to a Ziploc closure.
- More useful than a Ziploc: Cooking, heating, traveling, freezing, sous-viding (that’s a word now), and more. In some of those cases, a plastic bag simply won’t work.
- Company message: Stasher, as a company, really has their head on straight not only about reducing q2plastic usage, but about loving our planet in general. I feel good about using products when I know the company actually cares about their impact and the environment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSMUjiCAGJo/?taken-by=sdm350
Cons:
- Drying in the dishwasher: I’ve found that the Stasher bags take a little more vigor to dry than other dishes (even when propped open and upside down in the dishwasher). I’ve been shaking them out and then setting them up outside of the dishwasher to dry.
- Not suitable for traveling liquids: The pinch seal is NOT designed to stay closed under pressure from liquids. If you fill the bag halfway with water, seal it, and hold it upside down, it bursts open from the pressure of the water on the seal. However, it would still work for freezing liquids with care.
- Cost: Not really a con, but at first appearance, I’m sure some would say these are much more expensive than Ziploc bags. The key is to remember these are reusable, and do the math if you aren’t convinced. A box of 150 sandwich Ziplocs at my local Target costs $3.99, while one sandwich size Stasher bag costs $11.99. You get your money’s worth after about 450 uses of the Stasher bag (and think of how much plastic is saved!!).
- Size: If the Stasher bags had an extra inch on each side, or a slightly larger opening, I would be SO happy. If you make a thick sandwich, you’re going to have trouble getting it inside.
Conclusion:
The main reason I’m drawn to this product is because it has revolutionized my dependence on plastic sandwich bags. As an environmental science graduate, I always cry a little inside when I find myself using a Ziploc. I think Stasher bags can change that! During the past couple weeks, we’ve been using our Stasher bags in a few ways with no problem at all. I love the feeling of using a product from a company that shares my values. With the amount of ways to use Stasher bags and the plastic you’re saving when you do, I see no reason why a Stasher bag isn’t worth the investment. I can’t wait to try sous-vide cooking with one of these babies!
If you’re interested in purchasing the Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag, please begin your shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link in this paragraph. I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Interested in having your product reviewed? Project Meal Plan is happy to provide an honest review of any food item or kitchen product, particularly related to meal planning, cooking, and meal preparation. If you are a manufacturer or professional affiliate and would like your product reviewed, please email danielle@34.211.113.157 to arrange. Sending an item for review does not guarantee a positive review. I do not accept monetary compensation in exchange for reviews. All opinions are my own.
L Wille says
I have used other silicon products in the past. Such as my turner with a silicon handle. I found that with age it got very sticky since the silicon breaks down. I also had this same problem with the silicon muffin holder that got sticky too, and was hard to clean.
Hopefully, with age of the Stasher product that will not happen.
Danielle says
You make a good point, I do know what you mean. The good news is I have not noticed that issue with any of my Stasher bags yet, but it’s only been a couple years. They seem to be a bit thicker than any other cooking silicone I have, such as the silicone muffin liners.
Rickard says
I’ve had my stasher bags for 2 years, and they are very sticky, to the point that I don’t want to touch them. It’s pretty hard to get the residue off your hands after just touching the bag, and I don’t want that residue on my food.
Danielle says
Hey Rickard, sorry to hear this about your Stasher bags. May I ask how you generally clean them? If you run them through the dishwasher, does that help at all? I’ve never had this issue with any of my Stasher bags so I’m not sure how that could be happening. Hope it can be resolved. Perhaps reach out to the company themselves? I bet they would help ๐ Good luck! -Danielle
Caroline says
I’m having the same problem with my Stasher bag! I’m trying to find a way to clean it. So far I’ve used baking soda and vinegar, but when it dries it just becomes sticky again.
Danielle says
So sorry to hear this! Have you tried the dishwasher? I put them on the top rack, upside down over a few prongs to keep them open.
Caroline says
I would if I could but my dishwasher is broken! I tried baking soda again and let it sit as a paste for a few hours. It seemed to work a little better.