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The Best Grocery Tote Bag

Last updated on September 23, 2022

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If you’re concerned about the environment, you’re probably looking for ways to reduce your household’s carbon footprint. One way to do that is to cut down on single-use plastics, which have been cited as a top contributor to environmental issues. In fact, we produce 300 million tons of plastic every year across the globe, 91 percent of which ends up either in landfills or discarded as litter.

Like other single-use plastics, grocery bags don’t break down easily. In fact, experts say they can take up to 1,000 years to fully degrade, and recycling isn’t a viable option because it costs more to recycle plastic bags than what they’re worth. Most curbside recycling programs ban grocery bags, forcing consumers to either toss them into the regular garbage or take them to a grocery store that accepts them for recycling.

Reusable grocery tote bags have become a great alternative to grocery store plastic. Not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they’re also easier to use. You can stand them up on the carousel and fill them, then slide them into your trunk to take home. Typically, you can squeeze far more groceries into each bag, resulting in fewer trips from your trunk to your kitchen when you arrive home. But there are a few things you need to consider when choosing grocery tote bags, including capacity and ease of use.

Our Picks For The Top Grocery Tote Bags

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

NERUB Eco-Friendly Grocery Tote Bags, 10-Count

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

NERUB

Eco-Friendly Grocery Tote Bags, 10-Count

Simple, yet strong is the best way to describe this grocery tote bag set. Each bag features a different solid color, such as yellow, red, blue and green. The bags are outfitted with durable handles and made to handle up to 40 pounds of groceries at a time.

Overall Take

Easy to CleanDid your package of chicken leak inside this grocery tote bag? If so, simply toss the bag in the washing machine for easy cleaning.

 Runner Up

BeeGreen Collapsible Grocery Tote Bags, 12-Count

BeeGreen

Collapsible Grocery Tote Bags, 12-Count

Although these grocery tote bags have an extra-large capacity, they fold up nice and small to fit in your closet or car trunk. The set includes a total of 12 bags, each of which features a cute geometric print. The bags have double-stitched handles for added strength and cardboard inserts to keep the bags in an upright position during the bagging p...

Overall Take

Cute PrintsThis grocery tote bag has a weight capacity of up to 50 pounds.

 We Also Like

Household Essentials Collapsible Canvas Grocery Tote Bag

Household Essentials

Collapsible Canvas Grocery Tote Bag

If storage space is an issue in your home, you'll love that this grocery tote bag collapses flat when not in use. The tote is water-resistant and features a large inner compartment, as well as four handy outer pockets. The two carry handles are strong and reliable, so you can carry your load with confidence.

Overall Take

Most VersatileIn addition to using this grocery bag tote to cart food from store to home, you can also use it to store craft supplies or organize your closet.

 Strong Contender

CleverMade SnapBasket LUXE Inside Zipper Pocket Grocery Tote Bag

CleverMade

SnapBasket LUXE Inside Zipper Pocket Grocery Tote Bag

This canvas grocery tote bag is quite elegant in design. It features two long carry handles that are comfortable to hold, as well as plenty of storage space for items weighing up to 30 pounds. Shoppers will love the included inner zipper pocket, which can be used for storing car keys, credit cards and candy.

Overall Take

Super StylishWhen not in use, this grocery bag tote folds up flat for easy storage.

What to Look For

  • As you choose your grocery tote bags, picture the size of the carousels at your favorite grocery store. If you do self-checkout, you’ll need to be especially aware of whether your chosen bags will fit into the slots.
  • Having tote bags with rigid sides is helpful, as they will hold the bag open while you’re loading and unloading them.
  • When you aren’t shopping, you’ll need to store your tote bags. Some fold down to easily slide into your pantry or your trunk, while others fold up into small squares. You can also find bags that come with a zipper pouch to hold the bags between uses.
  • The handles of your tote bag will come into play, as well. Longer handles are convenient for tossing over your shoulder, but shorter handles may give you more control. Remember that you’ll probably be toting heavy items like canned goods and gallons of milk, so choose a bag with reinforced handles and tear-resistant fabric.
  • Insulated bags are bulkier and thicker, but they free you up to make a few stops on the way home without having to worry about your refrigerated and frozen items getting warm.
  • Over time, your grocery tote bags will accumulate dirt and grime. Some bags can be tossed in the washing machine to clean, then line dried. Others will need to be wiped down.

More to Explore

When you use a reusable tote bag, you and the environment benefit, but so does the store. If every customer brought reusable tote bags, grocery stores would save considerably on the number of plastic bags they have to purchase and stock each year. While they’ll never be able to eliminate bags completely, some grocery chains are incentivizing reusable bags by offering discounts for those who bring their own bags. Some shoppers have no choice, though. California has a statewide ban on plastic bags in grocery stores, and that type of legislation is starting to spread to jurisdictions across the globe.

More to explore