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 walk you through how these bags perform in real-life use - from sealing deli meat to (unfortunately) soggy cucumbers.

✅ Quick Answer: Are FoodSaver reusable vacuum sealer bags worth buying?
Yes, FoodSaver reusable vacuum sealer bags are a practical option for short-term fridge and pantry storage. They're easy to use, reduce waste, and can be resealed multiple times - though they're not ideal for long-term freezer storage. A good choice for meal prep and everyday food preservation.

Whether you're into meal prep, food preservation, or just tired of flimsy plastic tubs, this review will help you decide if these bags are truly worth the squeeze if you're looking for a smart, space-saving way to store food in your fridge or pantry.

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 is the FoodSaver® Reusable Quart Vacuum Zipper Bags and are sold 10 to a box.

FoodSaver Reusable Quart Vacuum Zipper Bags

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FoodSaver zipper bag closure tool

It also includes a handy dandy zipper bag closure gadget! Use it... it works wonders. You should have seen me messin' around with just my fingers trying to seal the zipper part (sigh).

Below are the FoodSaver® Reusable Gallon Vacuum Zipper Bags which are sold 8 to a box and they also come with the bag zipper closure tool.

FoodSaver Reusable Gallon Vacuum Zipper Bags

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Best Tips for Success with FoodSaver Reusable Bags

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’s the Best Hose for Sealing These Bags?

Surprisingly enough, the hose I bought (with the green ends, shown below) isn't a FoodSaver brand. Why? Because I couldn't find one. Admittedly, Amazon doesn't have everything, though Lord knows they try.

Bear in mind you'll find that this hose does an admirable job of drawing out the air. A lot of fun, actually.

Accessory Hose Compatible with FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer

Accessory Hose Image

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TIP: When using a FoodSaver to seal Mason jars or these reusable bags, it's up to you to turn off the vacuum when you "think" it's done.

I am surprised that my FoodSaver didn't turn off, but it is "old." (Jeez, I keep on saying how old the poor thing is, it'll be getting an old-age complex soon).

I've been using this machine for years (there I go again!), so I can pretty much hear when the FoodSaver was ready to switch on over to the Seal function.

I know that doesn't help YOU right now, but just know that when the sound is pretty high compared to the low buzz when it starts out, you'll know when to turn off the machine.

A quick way to stop the vacuum sealing process is simply to tilt the black rubber end "sideways" to "unseal" it if you will, and then you can turn off the FoodSaver. It really doesn't matter how you turn it off, to be honest. But with my little trick, it saves a precious few seconds when you don't want to crush your strawberries.

And yes, ESPECIALLY when vacuuming Mason jars, I want you to do that sideways tilt removal thing BEFORE you try to take off the sealing gadget top.

WHY? Doing so allows the lid to come off easily as it relieves the pressure and leaves the sealed lid ON the jar where you WANT it to be! Sorry, I digressed.

Pawcute Demo Video Using the Hose Shown Earlier

Is a Portable Vacuum Sealer Worth It?

Hey, Amazon does have a handheld pump with the right "suction end" on it (meaning suitable for these reusable bags).

I think that would be neat to use because you can take it with you on camping trips, you know, to re-vacuum a bag of chips. OK, seriously, that would be pointless for me. Once the bag is opened, they're g-o-n-e.

Look at this MINLUBAOLUO Handheld Vacuum Sealer, it's yet another interesting option for anyone serious about food storage.

It's designed for both regular and wide-mouth Mason jars, and this little device is good for both bags AND Mason jars.

It's rated 4.6 stars (granted, it's new to the market).

Handheld Vacuum Sealer

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What you get: The hand-held USB rechargeable(!) vacuum gadget, a wide-mouth sealer, a regular-mouth sealer (that I refer to as a lid) that sits on top of the jar(s) to make the tight lid seal, along with 5 matching size lids to fit each jar (10 lids in all, great for backups!). You also get some large and medium-sized vacuum-sealer bags. (What you don't get that are shown in the image are the Mason jar and the rectangular container with flaps.)

It also comes with a lid remover, too. You also get the USB charging cable, of course, but you will need to have the USB plug that goes into the wall so you an plug the USB charging cord into it.

There are also two additional tools to use that are stored inside the base beneath a flap. You can inflate blow-up balls etc. with it. You gently screw in those tools in the port at the VERY top of the handheld vac. With the suction part open to the air, it draws it in, and expels it through the "needle."

I know I'm gushing about this because I wish I would have seen this first!

Oh, what the heck, I've just ordered one... and I'll do a review on it, too!

Watch This Demo: Sealing with FoodSaver Reusable Bags

In this video, I'm sealing up plastic cartons of blueberries and strawberries - separately.

What I want you to do is to LISTEN to the sound of the FoodSaver so you can gauge when to stop the vacuuming. Also, watch the "Pawcute Demo Video" (again, scroll back up a bit!) and listen to me gauge when it's done.

Also, read the Pawcute review here.

And yeah, I didn't know that the BLACK BAG ZIPPER was in the box when trying to "hand-seal" the zipper. Duh to me.

FoodSaver Reusable Bags vs Standard Vacuum Sealer Bags

While FoodSaver’s reusable bags have that built-in valve so you can wash and reseal them, the regular FoodSaver bags - the cut-and-seal kind - are more of a one-and-done deal.

Yes, the reusables cost a bit more upfront, but they make up for it fast. You can wash, dry, and reuse them several times, so you’re not constantly buying new rolls. It’s easier on your wallet and less waste in the trash - win-win.

Are These Reusable Bags Worth Buying? My Honest Take

To me the reusable vacuum sealer bags are worth it, and I hope they are worth it to you, too. It's a great way to store stuff in the refrigerator without pockets of air (think tubs). I'm picking on those tubs again.

It reminds me of those "under the bed bags" that squash a king size quilt down to a single sheet thickness (well, almost). Same principle. Less air, thinner bag.

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

I really like the bags. They are good quality, nice and thick. I'm so glad they included the black zipper lock thingy. Makes that task super simple (and I enjoy doing it!). Doesn't take much to make me smile!

The good thing with bags is that they can be stood on end and stored in your refrigerator so you can pull a bag out, much like you would a book from a shelf.

Here's a quick breakdown of the main pros and cons I've found after using these bags regularly:

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.
  • Great for deli meat, produce, and dry goods – Works well with low-moisture items.

Cons of FoodSaver Reusable Vacuum Sealer Bags

  • Not for long-term freezer use – They’re better suited for fridge or pantry.
  • 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.

The alternative was to use lidded tubs like I was doing, and then you have no choice but to stack them. And unstack and restack just to get to the one you want (because what you want is never in the top box).

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 (Real-Life Method)

I’ve tested several cleaning approaches, but this one works best for me:

  1. Wash: Fill the bag with warm, soapy water (regular dish-washing liquid works fine). Swish it around and use your fingers or a soft brush to scrub inside corners.
  2. Rinse: Empty and rinse thoroughly until there’s no soap residue.
  3. Dry: Let the bag air-dry if you can - the tricky part is keeping it open! I prop mine open with a jar or spatula handle.
  4. Towel-Dry: To speed things up, I use clean sheets of paper towel to finish drying the inside.

💡 Pro Tip: Once dry, I store my cleaned bags in the freezer - it keeps them flat, odor-free, and ready for next use.

Are FoodSaver Reusable Vacuum Sealer Bags Worth It?

Can you vacuum seal these bags more than once?

Yes, these bags are built for multiple uses. Just make sure the zipper and air valve are still sealing properly after each use.

Do I need a specific hose for these bags?

You’ll need a compatible accessory hose. It doesn’t have to be FoodSaver brand—as long as it fits the valve snugly, it’ll work.

How many times can I reuse a FoodSaver bag?

Typically, you can get 5 to 10 uses per bag. If it stops sealing or the valve gets loose, it’s time for a new one.

Can I clean these bags after use?

Yes, hand-wash them with warm, soapy water and let them dry fully before reusing. Avoid using them with raw meats to reduce contamination risk.

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

FoodSaver's reusable vacuum zipper bags are suitable for short-term freezer storage. However, for long-term storage, it's recommended to use FoodSaver's heat-sealed bags, which are specifically designed to prevent freezer burn and maintain food quality over extended periods .

Thanks for sticking around for my honest take on FoodSaver reusable vacuum sealer bags. If you're looking to level up your food storage game or just want to try your hand at preserving tasty meals for later, these bags are a handy addition to your kitchen pantry (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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