We tried it: Switching to reusable food storage.

The Stasher is supposed to be the end-all and be-all remedy to all your food storage woes.The large size means you can easily load it up with prepped ingredients or all of your leftovers.

The plastic-free design is microwave-safe, sous vide-ready, dishwasher-safe, freezer-friendly, and oven-strong.

The strong zipper and gusseted bottom allow the bag to stand up in the refrigerator, microwave, or oven. Best of all, it claims to be endlessly reusable.

I speak from experience when I say the Stasher is not an on-the-go solution. This heavy-duty bag is specifically designed for use at home, for storing leftovers, fresh ingredients, and other foods.

So after stocking up on a bulk order of spinach, I loaded up the bag with half of it to freeze for later, and the thick structure kept its shape without putting pressure on or crushing the leaves. I also used the Stasher bag a few times to store dinner leftovers — one of my favorite features is that you can remove the bag from the refrigerator or freezer and stick it right in the microwave to defrost or reheat the food.

So after using the Stasher will it become a new favorite in my rotation, or is it destined to be stashed in the back of the cabinet? Not a chance.

The Stasher will become a regular part of my leftovers routine. I particularly like it for storing liquids because of its structured base. I foresee using it to freeze extra homemade marinara, stews, and even salads.

The claim: An essential storage trio

The three-pack of Grove Co.’s BPA-free, reusable storage bags claims they’re an essential part of your daily routine, featuring leak-proof, easy-to-clean designs that keep your foods nice and fresh.

What you get: This set included one very large bag, one sandwich bag, and one snack-sized bag. The large bag and the snack bag feature a gusseted base that allows them to stand up. The sandwich bag is a flat design.

The experience: So many sizes, so many uses

Of all three products I tried, Grove’s own plastic bags have to be my favorites. They may not be as thick as the Stasher, but I used these bags a ton over two weeks, and they had no problems holding up to everything I threw their way.

There’s no debating this one for me. The Grove Reusable Storage Bag Essentials Set is here to stay.

I have found that I’m reaching for these bags time and time again. I especially love the large one for loading up with snacks or gear and taking on the go. I have only scratched the surface of how many ways I can use these bags. I could see using them to organize toiletries in a suitcase, organizing items in a trunk or glove box, and housing essentials in the bottom of a busy, crowded purse.

The claim: They're the bee's knees for freshness

Bee’s Wrap Food Wraps are wax-coated fabric wrappers that claim to be an easy, sustainable alternative to sandwich bags, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil.

The experience: What's all the buzz about?

I had a teen who was very enthusiastic about helping me out with these fun lunchbox alternatives, using them to wrap up her peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The generous size of the sandwich wrap made it very easy to cover up the sandwich completely, and a little button closure keeps it shut. But when my daughter got home, she reported that her sandwich tasted like wax, and the wrap made her hands sticky.

The wraps work well for covering bowls before putting them in the fridge, though. Just don’t let the Bee’s Wrap get too warm in your hands, or you’ll end up with waxy fingers.

I wanted so much to love the beeswax sandwich wraps, which would make it so easy to pack my kids’ sandwiches each day. But alas, they’re not kid-approved, although I’ll still use them for covering dishes and perhaps other things … but packing school lunches won't be one of them.

All in all, I don’t think it would be too tough to switch to reusable plastic bags and do away with the one-use numbers. It’ll take a bit of an investment at the outset, but I can see how it’ll save me money in the long run.

About the author: Carly Reynolds is a writer and a mom of three, trying hard to keep everyone clean and clothed. She's been writing for Grove since 2020.