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Types of Plastic Food Bags

Last updated on Dec 5, 2024

Plastic food bags are essential for foodservice establishments to package and transport a variety of items safely. Understanding the different types of plastic food bags available is crucial for selecting the right option for your specific needs. From produce bags for grocery stores to freezer bags for cold storage, each type offers unique benefits in terms of durability, flexibility, and clarity. By knowing the characteristics of each type of plastic food grade bag, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their food storage and packaging processes.


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Plastic Food Grade Bag Types

Plastic food grade bags are a versatile packaging solution in commercial kitchens across the globe. Made from high-quality, food-safe materials, these bags are designed to meet strict food safety standards and regulations. Here are some of the most common types of plastic food bags you can use for your business:

Restaurant Equipment

Bread Bag

Bread bags are a popular choice for bakeries and food service establishments to package various types of bread, including loaves, rolls, and baguettes. These food grade plastic bags are made to keep bread fresh and protected from outside contaminants, making them ideal for storage and display purposes. Available in various sizes and thicknesses, bread bags are a versatile packaging solution that helps maintain the quality of baked goods while also providing a convenient way to transport and distribute products to customers.

  • Ideal for storing loaves of bread or baked goods to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out
Restaurant Equipment

Candy Bag

Candy bags are essential for businesses that sell bulk candies or sweet treats, like candy stores. These bags are typically made of food grade polyethylene or polypropylene, ensuring they are safe for packaging food items. Candy bags come in various sizes, from small individual serving bags to larger party favor bags, allowing businesses to cater to different customer needs. They are also available in clear or colored options, providing versatility in presentation. Additionally, some candy bags feature resealable closures, making them ideal for customers who want to save their treats for later.

  • Designed to package and display various types of candies, chocolates, and other confectionery items
Restaurant Equipment

Cookie Bag

Cookie bags are a popular choice for bakeries, cafes, and food trucks looking to package their sweet treats. These food-grade bags are typically made from clear plastic, allowing customers to easily view the delicious cookies inside. Cookie bags come in various sizes to accommodate different cookie dimensions and quantities, making them versatile for both individual cookies and larger orders. Some feature convenient self-sealing closures, providing a secure and hygienic packaging solution for on-the-go customers or for retail sales.

  • Perfect for packaging cookies and other baked treats individually or in bulk quantities

 

Restaurant Equipment

Deli Bag

Deli bags are a popular choice for packaging deli meats, cheeses, sandwiches, and other perishable items in delis, grocery stores, and foodservice establishments. These bags are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, ensuring they are durable and safe for food contact. Deli bags are available in various sizes and styles, including flat and gusseted options, to accommodate different food items and storage needs. Their clear or opaque design allows for easy identification of contents, making them ideal for grab-and-go items and food display.

  • Used for packaging deli meats, cheeses, and other deli products to keep them fresh and hygienic.
Restaurant Equipment

Food Storage Bag

Food storage bags are essential for maintaining the freshness and quality of food products in commercial kitchens. Made from food-grade plastic materials, these bags are durable, leak-proof, and resistant to punctures. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, food storage bags are perfect for storing ingredients, prepped foods, and leftovers, making them a versatile and practical solution for foodservice establishments.

  • Versatile bags that are suitable for storing a wide range of food items, including fruits, vegetables, snacks, and leftovers
Restaurant Equipment

Hot Food Bag

Hot food bags are essential for transporting and delivering hot foods while maintaining their temperature and quality. These bags are designed to withstand high temperatures and keep food warm for extended periods. With features such as insulation and secure closures, hot food bags are ideal for catering businesses, food delivery services, and restaurants looking to ensure that hot meals reach their customers fresh and ready to enjoy.

  • Manufactured to keep hot food items warm during transportation or delivery
Restaurant Equipment

Oven Bag

Oven bags are a versatile option for commercial kitchens looking to streamline their cooking processes. Made from heat-resistant plastic, these food-grade bags are made to withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for roasting meats, poultry, and vegetables. Oven bags help retain moisture and flavors while reducing cooking times, resulting in tender and juicy dishes. They are also convenient for marinating and storing food items before cooking, making them a valuable tool for busy foodservice operations.

  • Heat-resistant bags that can be used for cooking or roasting food items in the oven, providing a convenient way to prepare meals

 

Restaurant Equipment

Produce Bag

Produce bags are a popular choice for storing and transporting fresh fruits and vegetables in commercial settings. These food-grade plastic bags are designed to maintain the quality and freshness of produce while also providing visibility for easy identification. Produce bags are available in various sizes, thicknesses, and styles to accommodate different types of fruits and vegetables, making them a versatile option for grocery stores, markets, and food service establishments.

  • Typically used for storing and transporting fruits and vegetables, helping to extend their shelf life and maintain freshness
Restaurant Equipment

Seafood Bag

Seafood bags are created to safely store and transport various types of seafood products. These bags are made from high-quality, food-grade plastic materials that ensure the freshness and quality of the seafood. They are available in various sizes and thicknesses to accommodate different quantities of seafood and provide optimal protection against moisture and odors. Seafood bags are commonly used by fish markets, seafood suppliers, and restaurants to maintain the integrity of their seafood products during storage and transportation.

  • Specifically manufactured for storing and packaging seafood products, such as fish, shrimp, and shellfish

Plastic Food Bag Materials

There are a number of different plastic materials available that can be used for plastic food bags. Each type of plastic material offers unique properties and benefits that cater to specific needs in the food industry.

pasta being poured into a large plastic bag

1. HDPE Plastic

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) plastic food grade bags are known for their durability and strength. They are resistant to moisture, chemicals, and punctures, making them ideal for storing and transporting a wide range of food products. HDPE plastic bags are commonly used for packaging items such as meats, frozen foods, and dry goods.

2. LDPE Plastic

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) plastic food grade bags are flexible and light weight. They are perfect for packaging items that require a high level of flexibility, such as sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. LDPE plastic bags are also resistant to moisture, making them suitable for storing perishable items.

3. LLDPE Plastic

LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) plastic food grade bags offer a balance between flexibility and strength. They are commonly used for packaging items that need to withstand rough handling or transportation, such as bulk grains, cereals, and snacks. LLDPE plastic bags are tear-resistant and provide excellent protection against moisture and contaminants.

4. Nylon

Nylon food grade bags are known for their superior strength and durability. They are commonly used for vacuum sealing and sous vide cooking applications due to their high heat resistance and impermeability to air. Nylon bags are suitable for packaging meats, cheeses, and other perishable items that require extended shelf life.

5. Polyethylene

Polyethylene food grade bags are versatile and cost-effective. They are available in various forms, including HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE, offering a wide range of options to cater to different packaging needs. Polyethylene bags are suitable for a variety of food products, from dry goods to liquids, making them a popular choice in the food industry.

6. Polypropylene

Polypropylene food grade bags are light weight and have excellent clarity, making them ideal for showcasing food products such as candies, snacks, and baked goods. They are heat-sealable and provide a barrier against moisture and contaminants, ensuring the freshness and quality of the packaged items.

Closure Styles for Plastic Bags

Choosing the right closure style for your plastic food grade bags depends on the specific needs of your foodservice operation. Consider factors such as ease of use, resealability, and the level of protection required for the contents when selecting the appropriate closure style for your plastic bags Here are some popular closure styles for plastic food grade bags:

person closing a zip bag with strawberries in it

1. Flip Top Closure

Flip top closures are convenient and easy to use. These closures feature a hinged flip-top lid that can be easily opened and closed with a simple flip motion. They provide quick access to the contents of the bag while securely sealing in freshness.

2. Lip and Tape Closure

Lip and tape closures are a cost-effective and reliable option for sealing plastic food grade bags. These closures feature a fold-over lip with an adhesive tape strip that creates a tight seal when pressed down. Lip and tape closures are ideal for packaging items that need to be securely sealed for storage or transportation.

3. Slide Closure

Slide closures, also known as slider zippers, are a popular choice for plastic bags used in food packaging. These closures consist of a slider mechanism that moves along a track to open and close the bag. Slide closures offer resealable convenience, allowing users to easily open and close the bag multiple times without compromising the freshness of the contents.

4. Zip Top Closure

Zip top closures are a versatile and secure option for plastic food grade bags. These closures feature interlocking plastic teeth that create a tight seal when zipped shut. Zip top closures are perfect for storing items that need to be accessed frequently while keeping them airtight and fresh.

Gusset Styles of Plastic Bags

The gusset of a bag refers to the additional material that expands the bag's capacity and creates a more spacious interior. Whether you require a bottom gusset for stability, a no gusset for a sleek presentation, or a side gusset for added capacity, choosing the right gusset style can enhance the functionality and appeal of your packaging solution.

person putting medium sized pretzels in flat bag

  • Bottom Gusset: Bags with a bottom gusset are manufactured to expand at the base, providing extra room for bulkier items or products that require more space. This style is ideal for packaging items like bread loaves, produce, or larger quantities of ingredients. The bottom gusset helps the bag stand upright, making it easier to load and display items for sale.
  • No Gusset: Some plastic food grade bags, also known as flat bags, are constructed without a gusset, offering a sleek and simple design. Bags without a gusset are best suited for flat or light weight items that do not require additional space. These bags are commonly used for packaging items like sandwiches, cookies, or small pastries.
  • Side Gusset: Bags with side gussets expand along the sides, allowing for increased storage capacity without compromising the bag's overall shape. Side gusset bags are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of products, including snacks, candies, or bulk items. The expandable sides make it easier to pack items efficiently and maintain the bag's structural integrity.

Plastic Food Bag Features

Make the most of your food grade plastic bags by choosing those with features that cater to the different needs and requirements of your food service establishments.

person placing celery in  ziplock bag with the word celery written on it in sharpie

  • BPA-Free: These plastic food grade bags are made from materials that are free from Bisphenol A (BPA), ensuring that they are safe for storing food items without the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into the contents.
  • Dispenser Box: Many plastic food bags come in a convenient dispenser box, making it easy to access and dispense bags quickly and efficiently in a busy kitchen environment.
  • Freezer Safe: Choose plastic food bags that are manufactured to be freezer safe, allowing you to store frozen foods without the risk of freezer burn or moisture damage.
  • Microwavable: Some plastic food bags are microwave-safe, enabling you to conveniently reheat food items directly in the bag for quick and easy meal preparation.
  • Recyclable: Plastic food bags that are recyclable help reduce environmental impact by promoting sustainability and waste reduction in commercial kitchen operations.
  • Resealable: Plastic food bags with resealable features allow for easy opening and closing, ensuring freshness and preventing spills or leaks during storage and transportation.
  • Vented: Vented plastic food bags are designed with small perforations that allow for air circulation, making them ideal for storing fresh produce and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Write-On-Block: Plastic food bags with a write-on-block have a designated area where you can conveniently label and date the contents, helping you stay organized and maintain proper food rotation practices.
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