The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Bulk Food Storage Bags

Hygiene and safety are two essential aspects when it comes to ensuring the freshness of food or meal. Proper food storage and packaging are crucial aspects whether you’re a restaurant owner, home chef, or a culinary enthusiast. With increasing emphasis on minimizing food waste and increasing shelf-life, choosing the right food bag can make a significant difference. Also, it is necessary for businesses to meet FDA regulations and other required industry standards for plastic packaging for food. Properly sealed food storage bags can retain food taste and texture, and reduce the risk of foodborne infections by enhancing the shelf life. Considering the immense significance of food storage bags, this post offers information on storage bags in use today and the guidelines for proper food storage. This post also highlights different types of storage bags, including plastic meat bags, plastic produce bags, and slide seal bags to help you make informed choices.

Read more

Types of Food Storage Bags

Here are some common food storage bags essential for effective food preservation.

• Vacuum-sealed Bags: These bags are airtight, preventing freezer burn and extending the shelf life of food. These bags are commonly used for long-term storage and meal prepping. Therefore, vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for storing raw meat and poultry, vegetables, soups, sauces, and stews.
• Zipper-lock Bags: These bags are not completely airtight. Hence, they are ideal for items that don’t require storage for extended periods. They are resealable, which makes them easy to open and close. The zipper mechanism ensures a tight seal, keeping air and moisture out. Zipper-lock bags can store leftovers, snacks, dry ingredients, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and more.
• Reusable Food Storage Bags: As a sustainable plastic storage solution, reusable food storage bags are the best alternative to single-use bags. These bags are made of quality materials, such as silicone and are BPA free. Therefore, they can be washed and reused many times. Reusable bags store dry ingredients, sandwiches, frozen fruits, and more.
• Plastic Meat Bags: These bags are a reliable and essential tool for butchers and meat suppliers in the food retail industry. These low-density gusset meat bags are designed to provide secure and safe packaging for various types of meat, ensuring proper handling and storage. Manufactured from high-quality seamless tubing, they are bottom-sealed for enhanced durability and strength, with no slits or side seals, preventing leaks and contamination. These bags are printed with clear, safe handling guidelines, offering customers helpful information on proper meat care.
• Slide Seal Bags: These bags have a zipper with a sliding mechanism for opening and closing. These are designed to store dry snacks, nuts, or refrigerating chopped vegetables. Manufactured with a variety of thick plastics, these bags can be washed and reused several times.

Proven Tips for Proper Food Storage

Here are some proven and easy-to-follow tips to ensure the food stays fresh and safe.

• Choose the Right Size: The bags must fit your food item well. Overcrowding can lead to air pockets, which can compromise food quality. You can use multiple small-sized bags to store dry fruits or snacks to fit them in constrained spaces.
• Label Your Bags: Labeling plays a key role when storing food. This can help track what’s inside and when it is stored. This practice benefits frozen items as it can prevent the “mystery meal” phenomenon.
• Remove Air: Removing the air inside a bag retains the freshness of the food product and this is essential for long-term storage. This helps prevent freezer burn and spoilage, allowing your food to retain its flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overfilling: It is important to leave extra space at the top of your bags, especially for liquids. This helps avoid spills and ensures that the bag seals properly.
• Right Temperature: Set an appropriate freezer temperature, considering the type of food stored inside the bag. Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower for frozen items. Ensure your fridge is set at 40°F (4°C) or lower for refrigerated items.
• Keep Bags Dry: Ensure the bags are dry before sealing your food in bags. Any moisture present inside can lead to food spoilage.

Plastic bags are not just food storage tools but allies in safe and efficient food management. However, the quality of food storage bags makes a significant difference. If you need food storage bags, consult a reliable player who supplies bags meeting FDA requirements for food applications. Universal Plastic is a renowned name in the packaging industry. The company offers premium quality plastic bags, food and fish bags, and more. You can browse our zip-lock bags for food and fish, plastic meat bags, slide-seal bags, and plastic produce bags.

When it comes to food service operations, having the right bags is essential for packaging, storage, and customer convenience. High-quality food service bags designed to meet the needs of restaurants, grocery stores, delis, and more.

The best food service bag depends on your business needs, budget, and sustainability goals. If you’re transitioning to eco-friendly packaging, start with compostable or reusable options to attract environmentally conscious customers.

How to Choose the Best Food Service Bags for Your Business

Selecting the right food service bags is crucial for functionality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. With so many options available, how do you pick the best one for your needs?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when choosing food service bags, including material, durability, eco-friendliness, and cost.

Determine Your Needs

Before selecting a bag, consider its primary use:

• Takeout & Delivery Bags – Need insulation and leak resistance.
• Fast Food Bags – Must handle grease and hot foods.
• Bakery Bags – Should be breathable or moisture-resistant.
• Grocery Bags – Require strength for heavier items.

Choose the Right Material

Eco-friendly, compostable, good for branding.

• Kraft Paper – Sturdy and biodegradable.
• Grease-Resistant Paper – Treated to prevent oil leak

Biodegradable/Compostable Bags

Made from plant-based materials (PLA, PBAT), sustainable. Keeps food hot or cold.

• Aluminum-lined – Best for heat retention.
• Thermal bubble-lined – Lightweight insulation.

Consider Strength & Durability

• Weight Capacity – Can it hold 10 lbs, 20 lbs, or more?
• Reinforced Handles – Essential for heavy orders.
• Leak-Proofing – Critical for soups and saucy foods.

Size & Custom Branding

• Small (8×10 in) – Single meals.
• Medium (12×15 in) – Combo meals.
• Large (18×20 in) – Family-sized orders.
• Custom Printing – Boost brand visibility with logos or designs.

Eco-Friendliness Matters

More customers prefer sustainable packaging. Look for:

• BPI Certification (for compostability)
• FSC-Certified Paper (responsibly sourced)
• Reusable Options – Encourage customers to return them.

Eco-Friendliness Matters

More customers prefer sustainable packaging. Look for:

• BPI Certification (for compostability)
• FSC-Certified Paper (responsibly sourced)
• Reusable Options – Encourage customers to return them.

“Eugene and his team at Kim Paper have been an integral part of our restaurant and catering operation over the past 5 years. The Kim Paper team is always responsive and willing to work with us as we continue to source new products. As our business has grown, they have been willing to take the necessary steps to accommodate us. Kim Paper has been a great vendor to work with and we plan to continue doing business with them for a very long time.”

Eric Silverstein, Founder, The Peached Tortilla 

Top Food Service Bag Recommendation

Food Industry Chooses Kim Paper for Packaging Excellence

Explore our top food service bag options below and find the perfect fit for your business!

Brown & Color Merchandise Bags

Made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and FSC® certified, these bags are a sustainable and stylish solution. The twist handles offer comfort and strength—ideal for retail and foodservice alike.

Order Now ????

Brown Grocery Bags:

A reliable staple for takeout and grocery use. These moisture-resistant and 100% recyclable bags offer a great balance of strength and environmental responsibility.

Order Now ????

Goto ARTISANS to know more.

Carryout Bags:

Engineered with die-cut handles and a lock-in system for better grip and heat retention, these bags are a smart choice for modern food delivery. A 20% stronger handle means fewer accidents during transport.

Order Now ????

Food Storage Bags:

Crafted from LDPE, our gusseted food storage bags expand to fit bulk items and are fully FDA compliant. They deliver great value and performance for storing ingredients or leftovers.

Order Now ????

Grocery Sack:

Strong and convenient for high-volume grocery or deli applications. These handle-up and bottom-barrel bags provide secure carrying with minimal hassle.

Order Now ????

Poly Stock Bags:

Versatile, FDA-compliant polyethylene bags that work for both food and industrial applications. Seal with heat, tape, or twist tie for custom closure solutions.

Order Now ????

Reclosable Bags:

Perfect for food that needs to stay fresh. With zipper-style seals and 1.5″ secure track, these bags are reusable, resealable, and ready for anything.

Order Now ????

Sandwich & Side Order Bags

Designed for single servings, these FDA-approved, seamless bottom-sealed bags keep sandwiches and side items fresh, neat, and leak-free.

Order Now ????

T-Sak Bags

Trusted by delis and kitchens everywhere, T-Sak bags are built for convenience and durability in high-speed environments.

Order Now ????

White Grocery Bags

Classic and clean—our white grocery bags are a crisp solution for foodservice, grocery, and retail use.

Order Now ????

Why Choose Kim Paper?

• Local Service in Central Texas
• Fast Delivery you can count on
• Top-Quality Products from trusted manufacturers
• Eco-Friendly Options that meet today’s sustainability goals

Ready to Stock Up?

Don’t let your operation run short on essentials. Get the bags your business needs—delivered fast and priced right. Kim Paper – Your Trusted Partner for Quality Food Service Packaging!

Shop All Food Service Bags Now ????

Have questions or need bulk pricing? Contact us today!

The company is the world’s best Bulk Food Storage Bags supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.