The best reusable tote bags for groceries in 2023

The excessive usage of single-use plastic bags can be lessened significantly by switching to reusable grocery bags. Plastic bags continue to appear frequently in daily life, whether you're dashing to the drugstore for a few household essentials or to your neighborhood farmers market to buy food. Only 1% of all plastic bags are recycled, and the vast majority of those bags wind up in the garbage. The consequences of an immediate decision to choose plastic will far outlast our daily errands, with a lifespan of about 1,000 years.

In spite of the fact that we enjoy each of these choices, we advise you to shop wisely and select a durable bag. The ideal reusable grocery bag only benefits the environment when it is utilized frequently enough to offset its ecological expenses.

Here are the best grocery tote bags to bag your produce, as well as some upgrade options if you’re feeling fancy.

The Reusable PP Non-Woven Farm BoyT-Shirt Bag

Like the going out tops hanging pretty in the closet, I’d call these the “nice bags” in my grocery bag stash; the ultra-lightweight sacs quietly blend in with my outfits thanks to their cold-brew hue. Most importantly, they can house a 4L bag of milk, plus several glass bottles, and show no sign of stress. The all-in-one construction means they’re less likely to come apart with heavy use, and the soft woven material means I can throw them in the washing machine with no fear of plastic straps tearing off, plus the fabric doesn’t agitate winter-worn dry hands. Farm Boy makes a more structured version as well, made of recycled water bottles, with louder colors and branding.

The Reusable PP Woven Sobeys Bag

After giving up plastic bags in January 2020, the East Coast grocery behemoth has improved their reusable options beyond the simple bag. Their huge ones are a striking apple green, and inside they have clever pockets that hold bottles upright and in their own space, preventing them from crashing over my mushy berries or baked goods. You'll adore these if you frequently purchase huge bottles. However, be careful because big loads might strain the handles; after several journeys, one of mine tendered its resignation. They effortlessly fold down for simple storage.

The Reusable PP Woven Metro Bag

Two variable strap lengths make the design highly adaptable; I can sling one over my shoulder for longer walks or keep one in my hand for crowded metro rides. But, I have seen some fraying around the shorter handles, indicating a potential handle separation. In contrast to the shapeless stuffed sacks that eventually wind up as lumpy balls in various regions of my house, these bags stand up straight and can help you construct a localized rectangle of spares. Although they won't fold down into a little square easily, they are wonderful for herding other bags.

The Reusable PP Woven Ikea Säckkärra Carrier Bag

The large bag, which is an updated version of Ikea's iconic blue and yellow Frakta, is ready for trips to Costco or pantry restocking missions because its rigid framing makes it possible for me to store awkward goods like boxes upright. It is aesthetically beautiful and has never failed me down thanks to its stronger-than-average handles. I've repeatedly overloaded it, and despite my conviction that it is unbreakable, it still didn't break.

The Reusable PP Woven No Frill Bag

The catchy taglines and lemonade color make my boring shopping experience more enjoyable. They also provide plenty of support. With durable handles that come in two lengths to accommodate different carrying heights, these capacious totes, which measure 16 inches high by 25 inches wide, can easily fit three days' worth of groceries. As a result of their shapelessness, your packing strategy must be thoughtful: If the weight is unevenly distributed, they will easily tip, as I discovered the hard way with a box of warm croissants. On my wish list is the heated version.

The Recycled Ripstop Nylon Baggu Bag

The GOAT for good reason, one standard Baggu can tote two to three bags worth of groceries in hand or over your shoulder. The colors are joy inducing, but the durability keeps me coming back. I recently used one to tote a gigantic sherpa coat, which I was convinced it couldn’t accommodate, but it magically expanded as Baggus does. I love using these in place of gift wrap, too: It’s an extra useful treat for the receiver, and the prints are so incredible lately, they rival traditional wrapping paper.

Credit: BY KATHERINE FLEMMING/ THE KIT

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