Sandwich bags come in a variety of sizes to meet different needs. The most common size for a regular sandwich bag is approximately 7 inches wide by 6 inches tall when laid flat. This provides enough room for most regular sized sandwiches while still being compact and portable.
Typical Dimensions of Regular Sandwich Bags
Most major brands produce their regular sandwich bags in roughly the same dimensions give or take half an inch or so. Here are the typical dimensions:
- Width: 6.5 – 7.5 inches
- Height: 5.5 – 6.5 inches
- Thickness: 1.5 – 2 mil
So on average, a regular sandwich bag measures about 7 x 6 inches. The most standard size is 7 x 6 inches. Thickness is generally 1.5 to 2 mil, which is the thickness of the plastic material. The mil refers to 1/1000 of an inch, so 1.5 mil is 0.0015 inches thick.
What Fits in a Regular Sandwich Bag?
At 7 x 6 inches, a regular sandwich bag can fit a wide variety of sandwiches and snack items. Here are some examples of what you can fit in a standard sandwich bag:
- A regular sized sandwich with two slices of bread
- 1-2 energy bars or granola bars
- A medium apple or orange
- About 1 cup of snacks like chips, pretzels, etc.
- A small salad or leftovers portion
- A muffin or cupcake
- A few cookies or biscuits
As you can see, regular 7 x 6 inch sandwich bags are great for transporting sandwiches, snacks, and small meal items on-the-go. The compact size makes them easy to pack in a lunchbox or bag.
Different Types of Sandwich Bags
While regular sandwich bags measure around 7 x 6 inches, there are some other common sandwich bag sizes to be aware of:
- Snack Size – About 5.5 x 5 inches; good for snacks like nuts, cookies, energy bars
- Mini Size – Around 4.5 x 3.5 inches; for very small snacks or sandwich halves
- Square Shape – 6 x 6 inches; alternative shape to hold square sandwich slices
- Sandwich Bag Quart Size – 8 x 7 inches; fits most larger sandwiches and some meal leftovers
- Sandwich Bag Gallon Size – 10 x 8 inches; great for packing lunches or large portions
So if you need something smaller than a regular sandwich bag, go for snack or mini sizes. And if you need more room, look for quart or gallon sized bags. The regular 7 x 6 inch sandwich bag is the most versatile middle ground size.
Popular Brands of Sandwich Bags
There are many brand name and store brand manufacturers that make quality sandwich bags in the standard 7 x 6 inch size. Here are some of the top brands to look for:
- Ziploc – The most well-known sandwich bag brand; makes regular bags in the 7 x 6 size
- Glad – Another major brand making regular sandwich bags
- Hefty – Known for durable plastics; has regular and slider closure bags
- Target – Store brand bags comparable to name brands
- Walmart – Great Value brand bags are affordable
- Kroger – Quality bags under the Kroger brand name
You really can’t go wrong with any of the major national brands or store brands when buying regular 7 x 6 inch sandwich bags. Focus on the quantity you get, strength of the plastic, and special features like zipper closures.
Sandwich Bag Materials
The majority of sandwich bags are made from polyethylene plastic. Specifically, low density polyethylene (LDPE) is used to create sandwich bags. Here are some key properties of LDPE:
- Translucent appearance
- Flexible but tough
- Resists punctures and tears
- Heat sealable to create airtight seals
- Doesn’t easily retain odors
- Affordable to produce
These qualities make LDPE an ideal material for disposable sandwich bags. The plastic protects food while remaining see-through and lightweight. Some brands also use non-toxic chemical additives to enhance grip and prevent fogging.
Are Sandwich Bags Recyclable?
Standard LDPE plastic sandwich bags are technically recyclable. However, because they are very thin plastic, most municipal recycling programs do not accept them. If you want to recycle sandwich bags, you need to find a specialty plastic bag recycling program in your community or mail them to a facility that accepts bags for recycling.
To be more eco-friendly, consider reusable sandwich bags made from washable fabrics. Or use recyclable materials like parchment paper or beeswax wrap to contain sandwiches and snacks. But for one-time use, regular plastic sandwich bags are hard to beat for convenience.
Factors to Consider When Buying Sandwich Bags
When shopping for regular sandwich bags, keep the following factors in mind:
- Quantity – Balance bulk value with avoiding waste; 50-100 bags is good for individuals
- Closure Type – Zipper seal bags are more airtight than press-to-close
- Thickness – 1.5-2 mil provides protection without bulk
- Extras – Some bags have grip-strips, double seals, or write-on space
- Special Features – Look for leak resistance, freezer and microwave safety, etc.
- Brand Reputation – Stick with reputable brands for quality and safety
Also consider whether you want scented or unscented bags. Scented bags can help mask food odors but some find the fragrance overwhelming. Clear bags let you easily see contents. Opaque or colored bags keep light away from food.
Storing Leftovers and Food in Sandwich Bags
Regular sandwich bags are handy for storing all kinds of food, not just sandwiches. Here are some tips for safely storing food in sandwich bags:
- Allow hot food to cool completely before packing in a bag
- Press out excess air before sealing to reduce condensation
- Use freezer-safe bags for perishable items; don’t reuse after freezing
- Don’t microwave bags with metal zipper closures; switch to a microwave-safe dish
- Don’t overload bags – leave some room for expanding frozen foods
- Label bags with contents and date for easy identification
Sandwich bags are BPA-free and food safe. Be sure to only use bags labeled for contact with food. Wash reusable bags frequently to avoid bacterial growth. Discard disposable bags after one use.
Freezing Food in Sandwich Bags
In addition to storing leftovers and meals, regular sandwich bags work great for freezing and preserving foods. Some freezing uses for sandwich bags include:
- Freezing berries, fruits, and vegetables
- Freezing herbs in oil or water
- Freezing chopped onions, garlic, or ginger
- Freezing meat marinades and sauces
- Freezing breads, muffins, or cookies
- Freezing small batches of soups or stews
Just be sure to use freezer bags, press out excess air, and leave room for expansion during freezing. Clearly label bags with contents and freeze-by date. Handle frozen bags gently to avoid punctures.
Reusing Disposable Sandwich Bags
Standard sandwich bags are designed for single use when packing food on-the-go. However, many people wash and reuse disposable bags to reduce waste and save money. You can safely reuse sandwich bags if you follow these steps:
- Rinse bags thoroughly with hot water immediately after use
- Wash bags in hot soapy water; air dry completely
- Visually inspect bags for damage before reusing
- Don’t reuse bags with food stains, grease, or punctures
- Replace bags that have become worn, cloudy, or misshapen
- Designate reusable bags only for non-perishable items
Avoid reusing disposable bags more than a few times. For a more durable and sustainable option, invest in reusable sandwich and snack bags.
Sandwich Bag Alternatives
In addition to disposable and reusable plastic sandwich bags, there are some other great sandwich bag alternatives to consider:
- Reusable Fabric Bags – Sturdy, machine washable bags; eco-friendly choice
- Silicone Food Pouches – Flexible, freezer-safe, and watertight
- Wax Paper Bags – Compostable sandwich wrap option
- Stainless Steel Containers – Durable lunchboxes; keep food hot or cold
- Glass Storage Containers – Great for leftovers; plastic-free
- Parchment Paper – Biodegradable sandwich wrap
- Beeswax Food Wraps – Reusable eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap
The right sandwich bag alternative depends on your priorities like reducing plastic, durability, temperature retention, and ease of carrying. For kids’ lunches, disposable and reusable sandwich bags tend to work best.
Interesting Uses for Sandwich Bags
In addition to food storage, regular sandwich bags can be used creatively around the home:
- Mini freezer bags for storing cosmetics or toiletries when traveling
- Protect important documents like passports and tickets
- Bring a few bags as makeshift rain protection for your phone or camera
- Use as a sleeve for icing piping tips or other small kitchen tools
- Store hardware like screws, tacks, washers in labeled bags
- Keep collectibles like coins or stamps organized
- Create homemade sensory bags for kids
Sandwich and snack size bags are handy for all kinds of organizing, crafting, and storage uses beyond just food. Keep a box on hand for miscellaneous DIY and household projects.
FAQs
What is the standard size of a sandwich bag?
The most common and standard sandwich bag size is approximately 7 inches wide x 6 inches tall when laid flat. Major brands produce their regular sandwich bags in this size range.
Are sandwich bags microwave safe?
Regular plastic sandwich bags are safe for use in the microwave. However, bags with metallic closures like zipper seals should be taken out of the bags before microwaving. The metal can damage the microwave or spark.
Can you freeze sandwiches in sandwich bags?
Yes, you can freeze sandwiches in regular freezer-safe sandwich bags. Just be sure to press out excess air before sealing and leave some room for the sandwich to expand as it freezes. Clearly label the sandwich bags before freezing.
How long can you store leftovers in a sandwich bag?
Properly stored leftovers packed into a sealed sandwich bag will typically last 3-4 days in the fridge. Use freezer bags for longer storage. Make sure foods have cooled completely before packing into a bag.
Are used sandwich bags recyclable?
Most standard sandwich bags are made from #4 LDPE plastic which is technically recyclable but not accepted by many municipal recycling programs. You may be able to find a plastic bag recycling drop off location to recycle used sandwich bags.
Conclusion
Regular sandwich bags provide a convenient storage solution for sandwiches, snacks, leftovers, and more. The standard size is around 7 x 6 inches and can fit a wide range of items. Major brands like Ziploc and Glad make quality sandwich bags using LDPE plastic. While disposable sandwich bags are handy, reusable options like fabric bags are better for the environment. Use sandwich bags carefully for food storage and get creative with other organizing uses around home.