Reusable Sandwich Bags and Snack Pockets: An Easy, Eco Alternative to Plastic Wrap

I discovered reusable sandwich bags and snack wraps a few years ago and I am not kidding when I say that I was instantly in heaven.

I mean, what’s there not to love about something that looks gorgeous, doesn’t cost an arm or a leg, is super-easy for your toddler to open and close and best part, is reusable, earth-friendly and food-friendly too?

Yeah.

Here is why reusable sandwich bags and snack bags are an excellent way to carry berries, biccies, sandwiches and more to school, office, the park or a play date.

1. Food Grade Fabric Means No Nasty Chemicals Leaching Into Food

Plastic wrap, besides being hugely wasteful and as a result, not environmentally friendly or budget-friendly, is also made of PVC that has been softened with “plasticisers” such as Phthalates and DEHA (di-(2-ethyhexyl)adipates which are known to be endocrine disruptors.

Newer plastic wraps are made of polyethylene and it is said that amounts that leak from this material into our food is minute but really, I’d rather go for zero leaching than “minute” leaching, right?

Now compare this with something like a gorgeous, reusable, food grade fabric sandwich baggie or snack bag that you not only use over and over and over again but also not have to worry for a minute that toxic chemicals are finding their way into your little one’s littler digestive system.

2. Fun Prints and Designs Make Sandwich Bags a Style Statement

One of the things that I love about carrying fabric food and snack wraps is the delight that I can see each time I take them out of my tote. Other mums instantly want to know where I got mine from and my daughter loves carrying them herself. Yes, pretty prints, smart styling and cool colours make this mum very happy about packing snacks for a road trip!

3. Easy-to-Use and Easier-to-Clean Keeps Mum Happy

Ever had a toddler have a meltdown because the clingy plastic wrap on their sandwich was too clingy? **raises hand**

The fact that reusable wraps, pockets and baggies come either with Velcro or with an easy-to-use ziplock makes me want to kiss them! My independence-loving little one can easily open and take out her snack.

Plus, they’re so easy to clean. I just turn them inside out, shake the crumbs out and toss them into the washing machine. Most of them are dishwasher safe too so if you have a dishwasher, just toss them into that.

Done.

4. Eco + Economical Lunch Bags

For younger kids, in daycare or nursery, the large reusable sandwich bags easily double up as inexpensive lunch bags.

They don’t need a “big” lunch. A sandwich and a few biccies or a slice and a few berries or grapes suffice. So, you can easily use them for lunch bags as well.

Even now, when she’ll start Grade 1, she’ll take a sandwich bag for the small “meal” and her Lunchbots for the “main” one.

They’re eco-friendly AND economical. A winner, I say.

Do YOU use fabric sandwich bags or snack pockets? Share with us in the comments or join the Lime Tree Kids parent community on Facebook.