Is there a difference between freezer bags and sandwich bags?

Author: Marcel Bednar I  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Although they may cost the same, freezer bags tend to come in a 30-count box while the regular storage bags come in a 40-count box. THE BOTTOM LINE For storing food in the freezer, use freezer bags because they are thicker and thus better at keeping moisture in and odor out.

Can you use regular sandwich bags as freezer bags?

If it's something that will be used quickly, sandwich bags are fine. For items like meats or soups that you want to keep for longer, use freezer bags. In summary, while you can use sandwich bags in the freezer for short-term storage, it's best to use proper freezer bags for long-term preservation.

What is the difference between a freezer bag and a Ziploc bag?

Freezer bags are bigger, thicker than regular zip-top bags, which makes them tougher and more durable when it comes to storing food in the freezer. While they often look and feel pretty similar to other plastic storage bags, freezer bags are slightly thicker than regular zip-top bags.

Can you freeze bread in sandwich bags?

If you are creating bags or small packs of bread, you can wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Or you can place each piece in a ziplock sandwich bag. Place on a level surface in the freezer and freeze.

Can you freeze water in sandwich bags?

Take your zip-top bag and fill it with water until it is 2/3 of the way full. You can also opt for less water, but don't overfill it! You want room in the bag for the water to expand as it freezes. Put it in the freezer, ideally sort of nestled between some other things to give it a bit of shape.

Difference between freezer bag and storage bag

Can I put my liquids in a sandwich bag?

✔️ Sandwich Bag: Sandwich bags feature a grip n' seal technology which keeps the contents fresh when packed inside. However, the brand itself warns consumers that it is not recommended for storing liquids. Zip locks will break way faster compared to quart-size bag zippers.

Are plastic bags in the freezer safe?

Food grade materials, such as aluminum foil, heavy freezer-weight plastic bags, heavy plastic wrap and parchment or freezer paper are excellent choices. It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in its supermarket wrapping, but this type of wrap is thin and lets air in.

Can you store banana bread in a Ziploc bag?

Just like with room temperature storage, wrapping is key. Use plastic wrap, foil, or an airtight container. I often wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and then place it inside a resealable plastic bag to ensure maximum freshness. How Long Does Refrigerated Banana Bread Last?

Can I freeze brownies in sandwich bags?

absolutely - brownies freeze very well and thaw within minutes. Be sure to wrap them air-tight and place in plastic bag/bin.

What are the best freezer bags?

Choose from Ziploc Freezer Bags Gallon, which are available in supermarkets, or LK 10” x 12” Gallon Heavy Weight Seal Top Freezer Bags (4 mil), which are designed for food service and available in bulk online. In reusable bags, we recommend (re)zip Gallon Bag 4-Pack and Ello Reusable Gallon Storage Bags, set of 2.

Do freezer bags matter?

A better seal means less food waste and a happier planet. Thicker walls mean better protection. This is why freezer bags are built to be robust, and ready to shield your food from the harsh conditions of the freezer.

What's the difference between a Ziploc bag and a freezer bag?

There is one important difference that sets them apart: thickness. While they often look and feel pretty similar to other plastic storage bags, freezer bags are slightly thicker than regular zip-top bags. This translates into a storage bag that's sturdier and even more durable.

Can I use two regular Ziploc bags instead of freezer bags?

The experts over at Ziploc told me that their freezer bags “are designed to protect in very low temperatures and harsh environments against punctures and tears.” So, in other words, while you can use a normal Ziploc bag to freeze food, chances are it won't escape the clutches of freezer burn and will be more prone to ...

Are plastic sandwich bags safe?

81% of total plastic sandwich bags tested had indications of PFAS “forever chemicals.” 9 detections from 11 plastic sandwich bags had organic fluorine above 10 parts per million (ppm) according to our lab, Ranges of organic fluorine, a marker of PFAS, were from 9 ppm to 34 ppm. [Updated 4 additional tests in 2/2025.

Should I wrap banana bread in foil or saran wrap?

Once the loaf is fully cooled, cover it in plastic wrap. Then, wrap the loaf in aluminum foil. This will ensure it's airtight and will keep the loaf from drying out and avoid freezer burn.

Will bananas last longer in a Ziploc bag?

Don'ts: Wrap completely in plastic: Never store an entire banana in a plastic bag. These sweet treats will rot very quickly in a warm and moist environment and will be inedible. Store it directly next to other fruit: Please mind the gap!

Is it better to leave banana bread out or in the fridge?

Never store it in the refrigerator. A refrigerator circulates cool air, which removes moisture and can prematurely dry breads and cakes. Place your cooled loaf on a plate and cover it in plastic wrap, or store it in an airtight container. Store it for up to four days on your counter.

Can I use sandwich bags as freezer bags?

Use the Right Gear: You must use containers, bags and wraps designed for the freezer. These are thick enough to keep moisture in and freezer odors out. Even when you double up regular sandwich bags or plastic wrap, they are simply not thick enough to do the job.

What does aluminum foil do in the freezer?

Proper packaging helps maintain quality and prevent freezer burn. Aluminum foil, freezer paper, plastic containers, and plastic freezer bags will help food maintain optimum quality in the freezer. Plastic wrap alone will not provide enough protection by itself, but can be used to separate foods within another package.

What to use instead of plastic freezer bags?

Beeswax wraps are non-plastic freezer bags that are waterproof, reusable and an eco-friendly alternative to clingfilm and tupperware. They even break down in your home compost bin! Silicone may be a loose relative of plastic, but it's a lot more reusable (and therefore sustainable).

What is the best bag to freeze soup in?

I generally use quart-sized Ziploc freezer bags. Don't overfill the bags: Liquids expand as they freeze, so be sure to leave a little extra room to account for this.

Are mason jars freezers safe?

Jars with tapered sides or straight sides are freezer safe; shouldered jars are not.

What soups should not be frozen?

Freezing soup with milk or cream in it.

Soups that contain milk or cream, like chowders and bisques, also don't hold up well in the freezer — they tend to take on a grainy texture and separate when defrosted and rewarmed.

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