FoodSaver Reusable Vacuum Sealer Bags Review: Worth It?

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Susan Gast, Author and Food Preservation Enthusiast
Susan has been dehydrating and preserving foods for over a decade, sharing practical, tested methods that help readers make healthy, long-lasting meals at home.

In this FoodSaver reusable vacuum sealer bags review, I'll show you how these bags performed in real-life use — from sealing deli meat to producing one very disappointing, soggy cucumber.

✅ Quick Answer: Are FoodSaver reusable vacuum sealer bags worth buying?
Yes. FoodSaver reusable vacuum sealer bags are a practical choice for frequently accessed foods in the refrigerator or pantry. They're sturdy, easy to reseal, and can reduce waste, but the zipper and valve need to maintain a reliable vacuum. For very wet foods or longer unattended freezer storage, I prefer a heat-sealed bag.

At a Glance

Best for: Deli meat, cheese, dry foods, meal prep, and refrigerator items you open and reseal frequently

Not ideal for: Very wet foods or food you plan to leave unattended in the freezer for a long time

Bottom line: Convenient and genuinely reusable—but always check that the zipper and valve are still holding the vacuum

Quart and gallon FoodSaver reusable vacuum zipper bags with black zipper sealer tool shown in front on kitchen counter.Quart and Gallon FoodSaver Reusable Bags are shown with a black bag zipper sealer in front (included in each box).

Get them on Amazon here:
Quart Bags link to Amazon  ~  Gallon Bags link to Amazon
(Both are my Amazon Affiliate links, thanks!)

I was getting tired of using the tubs that the deli meat comes in; the lids started to crack at the corners, and, well... I'm not able to draw the air out of them.

The image below shows the FoodSaver® Reusable Quart Vacuum Zipper Bags, which are sold ten to a box.

FoodSaver Reusable Quart Vacuum Zipper Bags

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FoodSaver zipper bag closure tool

Each box also includes a handy-dandy black zipper closure tool. Use it—it works wonders and helps prevent a tiny gap in the zipper from ruining the vacuum. You should have seen me messing around with just my fingers before I realized the tool was in the box. (Sigh.)

Below are the FoodSaver® Reusable Gallon Vacuum Zipper Bags, which are sold eight to a box. They also include the black zipper closure tool.

FoodSaver Reusable Gallon Vacuum Zipper Bags

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How FoodSaver Reusable Bags Performed in Real Use

If you know "for sure" what's going in the bag, take the time NOW while it's empty to write what's in it and more importantly, the DATE. Much easier to tackle that now, than later. (Ask me how I know...)

Soggy cucumber sealed inside a FoodSaver reusable vacuum bag – a not-so-great test result for high-moisture foods.Soggy cucumber in a reusable bag

I'm a bit miffed at my SOGGY cucumber - it didn't do too well. Probably because of its high water content - still, I did expect it to last more than a measly week. Some you win, some you lose.

If you discover your bags have lost their seal, double-check the zipped end. Even after using the black zipper closure tool, I run my thumb down the entire strip, just for the heck of it, and then draw the air out.

If, after a few uses, the seal doesn't hold at all then the bag is worn out. It's probably NOT the zipper part, but the bag valve itself. I know they call them "reusable" but that does not mean for an eternity.

What I learned from using these bags:

  • Lower-moisture foods are a much better fit than watery produce.
  • The black zipper tool helps, but I still check the entire zipper with my thumb.
  • If a bag loses its vacuum, check both the zipper and the valve before blaming the sealer.
  • Reusable does not mean indestructible. When a bag no longer holds a reliable seal, it's time to replace it.

Which Sealers and Hoses Work with FoodSaver Reusable Bags?

FoodSaver recommends using these reusable bags with a FoodSaver handheld sealer or a FoodSaver machine equipped with a compatible handheld accessory.

The hose I use — with the green ends shown below — isn't a FoodSaver-branded hose. It worked with my older machine because its suction end fit the bag valve securely. That's my tested setup, though, not a promise that every third-party hose will fit every FoodSaver model. Check your machine and the hose specifications before ordering.

Accessory Hose Compatible with FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer

Accessory Hose Image

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TIP: My older FoodSaver doesn't always stop automatically when I use the accessory hose. I listen for the sound to rise as the air leaves the bag, then stop the machine when the vacuum looks complete.

To release the hose without disturbing the seal, I gently tilt the rubber end sideways before lifting it away. You can see and hear exactly what I mean in the demonstrations below.

Pawcute Demo Video Using the Hose Shown Earlier

Is a Portable Vacuum Sealer Worth It?

A portable handheld sealer can be worthwhile if you don't want to pull out a full-size FoodSaver every time you reopen a bag. It's also handy for camping, travel, or any place where you might want to reseal food away from your kitchen counter.

I later tried a rechargeable handheld model that works with compatible bags and Mason jars. Rather than turn this FoodSaver bag review into a second equipment review, I've put that demonstration and my older-FoodSaver workaround on my Pawcute Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer review page.

And yes, you could take one camping to re-vacuum a bag of chips—although that would be pointless in my world. Once the chips are opened, they're g-o-n-e.

Watch This Demo: Sealing with FoodSaver Reusable Bags

In this video, I'm sealing plastic cartons of blueberries and strawberries separately inside FoodSaver reusable bags.

Listen to the machine as it removes the air. The sound rises as the vacuum develops, which helps me judge when to stop my older FoodSaver. You can also watch the Pawcute demonstration above to hear the same change in sound with the accessory hose.

And yes, I filmed this before realizing the black zipper tool was hiding in the box. Duh to me.

FoodSaver Reusable Bags vs Standard Vacuum Sealer Bags

FoodSaver reusable zipper bags and standard heat-sealed bags solve different storage problems.

Reusable bags have a zipper and built-in valve, so you can open, wash, and reseal them. I like them for foods I reach for regularly, especially in the refrigerator or pantry. Standard FoodSaver bags — the cut-and-heat-seal kind — must be cut open, but they are my preference when I want a more permanent seal for longer storage.

The reusable bags cost more per bag upfront, but repeated use can offset that cost. The tradeoff is that they must be washed and dried completely, and the zipper or valve can eventually stop holding a dependable vacuum.

Feature Reusable Zipper Bags Heat-Sealed Bags
Opening again Open and reseal repeatedly Cut open; resealing requires another heat seal
Best use Frequently accessed refrigerator or pantry foods Longer unattended storage
Very moist foods Harder to clean and dry; moisture can complicate sealing Usually the better choice when properly prepared and sealed
Cleaning Hand-wash and dry completely Generally treated as single-use
Possible failure point Zipper, valve, or puncture Heat seal or puncture
Equipment Compatible handheld sealer or accessory Heat-sealing vacuum machine

Who FoodSaver Reusable Bags Are Best For

To me, FoodSaver reusable vacuum sealer bags are worth buying — especially for food I use regularly from the refrigerator or pantry. They remove the pockets of air you get in ordinary containers, and because the bags stand upright, I can organize them like books on a shelf instead of unstacking six tubs to reach the one that is inevitably at the bottom.

They're thick, sturdy, and much easier to close with that little black zipper tool. Just remember that the zipper and valve have to keep doing their jobs. If either one wears out and the bag stops holding a vacuum, the bag has reached the end of its reusable life.

The bags also shrink around the food and save space — the same principle as those under-the-bed bags that squash a king-size quilt down to almost nothing.

I wish I could use one on me to make myself thinner.

Here are the main pros and cons I've found from actually using them:

Pros of FoodSaver Reusable Vacuum Sealer Bags

  • Sturdy and high quality – The bags feel thick and well-made.
  • Reusable multiple times – Save money and reduce waste versus single-use bags.
  • Stand upright in the fridge – Easy to organize like books on a shelf.
  • Zipper tool included – The black closure gadget makes sealing easier.
  • Useful for deli meat, cheese, dry goods, and selected produce – Low-moisture foods are the safest bet; very watery produce may disappoint.

Cons of FoodSaver Reusable Vacuum Sealer Bags

  • Not my first choice for long unattended freezer storage – Although FoodSaver markets them as freezer-safe, I prefer heat-sealed bags when I want a more permanent seal.
  • Seals can weaken over time – Especially around the valve after several uses.
  • Can be tricky to clean – Not ideal for raw meat or sticky items.
  • Soggy results with high-moisture foods – Cucumbers and similar foods may not hold up well.

Cleaning and Reusing FoodSaver Bags: What Actually Works

It's not an easy task, to be honest. I love this lady from "America's Test Kitchen" and what she says about cleaning reusable bags makes a lot of sense! Check it out. Great tip at the end (it's only 48 seconds long, you've got this!)

How I Clean My Reusable FoodSaver Bags

I've tried several cleaning approaches, but this straightforward method works best for me:

  1. Wash: Fill the bag with warm, soapy water. Swish it around and use your fingers or a soft brush to reach the inside corners.
  2. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly until no soap or food residue remains.
  3. Air-dry: Prop the bag open with a clean jar or spatula handle so air can reach the corners.
  4. Finish drying: If necessary, use a clean paper towel to remove the last traces of moisture inside. The bag, zipper, and valve should be completely dry before storage or reuse.

My preference: Even though FoodSaver provides cleaning instructions for bags used with raw meat, I personally prefer not to reuse a bag after storing raw meat. That's my cautious kitchen choice rather than a claim that the manufacturer forbids it.

💡 Pro Tip: Once my bags are completely dry, I store them flat in the freezer so they're odor-free and ready for the next use.

FoodSaver Reusable Vacuum Sealer Bag FAQs

Can you vacuum seal these bags more than once?

Yes. They are designed to be opened, cleaned, and vacuum-sealed again. Before every reuse, check that the zipper closes completely and the valve still maintains a reliable vacuum.

Do I need a specific hose or sealer for these bags?

FoodSaver recommends a FoodSaver handheld sealer or a FoodSaver machine with a compatible handheld accessory. I successfully used the third-party hose shown earlier because it fit my older machine and the bag valve securely, but check compatibility with your own equipment before buying a hose.

How many times can I reuse a FoodSaver bag?

There isn't one guaranteed number of uses. A bag's lifespan depends on what you store, how it is washed, and whether the zipper and valve continue to maintain the vacuum. If either part stops holding a dependable seal, replace the bag.

Can I clean these bags after use?

Yes. FoodSaver says to hand-wash the bags promptly with mild detergent, rinse them thoroughly, and let them dry completely before storage. The company also provides cleaning guidance for bags used with raw meat, but I personally prefer not to reuse mine after raw meat because cleaning every corner thoroughly can be difficult.

Can these reusable bags be used for long-term freezer storage?

FoodSaver markets its reusable zipper bags as freezer-safe. I still prefer them for foods I will access within a shorter period and use heat-sealed FoodSaver bags for longer unattended freezer storage. A reusable bag relies on both its zipper and valve, so I check the vacuum periodically rather than assuming it will hold indefinitely.

Thanks for sticking around for my honest take on FoodSaver reusable vacuum sealer bags. They aren't perfect for every food or every storage job, but for frequently accessed refrigerator and pantry foods, I find them sturdy, convenient, and genuinely useful.

Check the zipper, keep an eye on the valve, and don't expect one reusable bag to last until the end of time. Do that, and these bags can earn their place in your kitchen pantry's gadget division!

And before you go, be sure to download the free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF (below) — featuring my go-to favorites like carrot soup, spicy beef jerky, and banana cinnamon rolls!

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