Sandwich bags come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different types and quantities of sandwiches. The most common sandwich bag sizes are:
Quart Size
Quart size sandwich bags are approximately 6.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches tall when lying flat. When filled, they expand to about 3 inches deep. Quart size bags are best for larger sandwiches made with bigger bread slices, sub rolls, bagels, or wraps. They can fit a standard 6-inch submarine sandwich. Quart size bags can also hold multiple regular sized sandwiches stacked on top of each other.
Snack Size
Snack size sandwich bags measure around 5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall when lying flat. Filled, they expand to about 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Snack bags work well for petite sandwiches made with smaller bread slices or rolls. They are good for slimmer sandwiches like those made with deli meats and cheese. Snack bags can hold a single regular sandwich, but it may be a tight squeeze. These bags are best for halves or quarters of regular sandwiches.
Sandwich Size
Sandwich size bags are the most common choice for regular sized sandwiches. They measure about 6 inches wide by 5 inches tall when flat. Filled, they expand to around 2.5 inches deep. Sandwich size bags easily accommodate most standard bread slices and rolls. They have enough room for typical sandwich fillings like meats, cheeses, veggies, and condiments without squishing the bread. Sandwich size is ideal for traditional sandwiches made with two slices of bread or subs made with 6-inch rolls.
Jumbo Size
Jumbo sandwich bags are extra large, measuring about 9 inches wide by 7 inches tall when lying flat. Filled, they can expand up to 4 inches deep. Jumbo bags are best for overstuffed sandwiches made with lots of fillings. They can also hold multiple regular sized sandwiches stacked on top of each other. Jumbo bags are great for big sub sandwiches made with footlong rolls. They have plenty of room for bulky ingredients like lettuce, tomato, onion, and ample cold cuts and cheese.
Gallon Size
Gallon size sandwich bags are the biggest choice. They are around 10 inches wide by 12 inches tall when flat. Filled, they can be up to 6 inches deep. Gallon bags offer the most space and flexibility. They easily hold multiple regular or oversized sandwiches stacked on top of each other. Gallon bags can fit long sub sandwiches made with footlong or longer rolls. They also work for big, rounded sandwich shapes like wraps, pinwheels, and stuffed pita pockets.
Factors Affecting Sandwich Bag Size
There are a few factors that determine what size sandwich bag is best for your needs:
- Bread size – Wider and longer bread slices require bigger bags.
- Fillings – More fillings mean you need more room so sandwich doesn’t get squished.
- Sandwich thickness – Thicker sandwiches take up more depth when packed.
- Number of sandwiches – Multiple sandwiches require larger bags.
- Sandwich shape – Rounded or irregular shaped sandwiches may need more room.
Choosing the Right Size Bag
Follow these tips for picking the optimal sandwich bag size:
- Measure your bread – Lay a slice flat and measure width and height to determine minimum bag dimensions needed.
- Account for fillings – Add an extra inch of width and height if using lots of meat, cheese, veggies, etc.
- Consider sandwich thickness – Thick sandwiches with multiple layers need bags with more depth.
- Think about sandwich quantity – Get jumbo or gallon bags if packing multiple sandwiches.
- Understand sandwich shape – Irregular shaped sandwiches may need more room than rectangular ones.
- Don’t pack too tightly – Sandwiches need a little room so bag doesn’t burst and bread doesn’t get smashed.
Popular Sandwich Bag Brands
There are many brand options when buying sandwich bags. Some details on popular brands:
| Brand | Sizes | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ziploc | Snack, sandwich, big bag, jumbo, XL | Double zipper seal, flex bottom expands when filled |
| Glad | Snack, sandwich, large, jumbo | Locking zipper seal, odor shield technology |
| Hefty | Snack, sandwich, slider, giant | Easy grip texture, slider closure |
| Great Value (Walmart) | Snack, sandwich, storage, jumbo | Affordable price point |
| Kirkland (Costco) | Sandwich, jumbo | Slider closure, thick durable plastic |
Sandwich Bag Materials
Sandwich bags are primarily made from plastics like:
- Polyethylene (PE) – Most common, affordable option. Can be low/high density.
- Polypropylene (PP) – More durable, used for thicker reusable bags.
- Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) – Moisture barrier for better food storage.
- Nylon – Stronger, more expensive material used in reusable bags.
- Foil – Used in laminated bags for enhanced food storage.
Benefits of common plastic materials:
- PE – Lightweight, inexpensive, disposable.
- PP – Withstands higher temperatures, reusable.
- PVDC – Prevents food odors and keeps items fresh.
- Nylon – Durable, washable, lightweight.
- Foil – Blocks light and moisture, retains heat.
Reusable vs. Disposable Bags
Both reusable and disposable sandwich bags have pros and cons:
Reusable Bags
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly – Generates less waste
- Cost effective – Use over and over to save money
- Durable materials – Withstand repeated use
- Custom sizes – Available in many sizes to suit needs
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost – Pricier than disposable initially
- Cleaning required – Must be washed between uses
- Less convenience – Reusing and cleaning is more work
- Can wear out – Eventually needs replacing after extensive use
Disposable Bags
Pros:
- Low cost – Cheap to buy boxes of disposable bags
- Maximum convenience – Just toss when done
- No cleaning – Simply throw away after use
- Precut sizes – Available in set snack/sandwich/jumbo sizes
Cons:
- Wasteful – Single use generates plastic trash
- Not as durable – Can split or leak with pointy foods
- Size limits – Only come in certain preset dimensions
- Ongoing cost – Must continually buy new boxes
Tips for Using Sandwich Bags
Follow these tips to get the most out of your sandwich bags:
- Pick an appropriately sized bag – Don’t overload or underfill.
- Distribute contents evenly – Arrange filling to fit bag shape.
- Gently press out excess air – Removes air pockets without squishing food.
- Seal carefully along entire closure – Prevent leaks.
- Use plastic wrap or foil for extra protection if needed – Great for juicy or messy sandwiches.
- Label contents and date with marker – Help identify sandwiches, especially in lunchboxes.
- Store appropriately – Keep refrigerated sandwiches chilled.
- Prewash reusable bags before first use – Remove manufacturing residues.
- Wash reusable bags promptly after use – Prevent staining and odors.
- Replace disposable bags when worn out – Don’t reuse with split seams or holes.
Other Uses for Sandwich Bags
While designed for sandwiches, versatile sandwich bags can also be used for:
- Packing snacks like fruits, veggies, crackers, cookies, nuts, jerky, etc.
- Portioning out small food items like granola, trail mix, dried fruit, seeds.
- Storing leftovers from meals, dividing into single servings.
- Holding ingredients for recipes like marinades, dressings, breadcrumbs.
- Protecting food for outdoor activities like picnics, lunches, hikes.
- Freezing and storing excess foods like sauces, soups, baked goods.
- Organizing small items like jewelry, cosmetics, electronics, hardware.
- Packing tiny breakable objects for travel like ornaments or souvenirs.
Conclusion
Sandwich bags come in a variety of convenient sizes to fit everything from petite snacks to giant sub sandwiches. Factors like bread dimensions, filling quantities, sandwich thickness, and number of sandwiches determine what size works best. Both reusable and disposable bags have their pros and cons. Following tips like properly sealing bags, evenly distributing contents, and washing reusable bags helps maximize sandwich bag performance. With the right size bag, sandwiches and other foods can be securely transported and stored.
