Zip Top Containers Review: Why I Made the Switch to Reusable Silicone Food Storage

Hey there, fellow eco-friendly foodie! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for ways to reduce waste in the kitchen. So when I first laid eyes on Zip Top‘s colorful collection of reusable silicone food storage, I was intrigued. Could these bags and containers really help me kick my plastic habit for good?

Spoiler alert: After putting Zip Top to the test for several months, I can confidently say that these innovative products have totally transformed my food storage game. In this comprehensive review, I‘m diving deep into everything you need to know about Zip Top‘s mission, products, and performance. Plus, I‘m sharing my honest thoughts on whether making the switch to reusable silicone is truly worth it.

So grab a snack, get comfy, and let‘s explore the world of Zip Top together!

What is Zip Top?

Before we jump into the product nitty-gritty, let‘s start with a quick overview of the brand behind these bright and bold reusables. Zip Top was founded in 2017 by Rebecca Finell, a mom and product designer on a mission to reduce plastic waste. The Austin-based company specializes in 100% platinum silicone food storage products that are totally free of icky chemicals like BPA, PVC, lead, and latex.

In just a few short years, Zip Top has made a big splash in the world of sustainable living. Their innovative designs have racked up multiple awards, including the International Design Excellence Award and the German Design Award. Plus, the brand has been featured in major publications like Good Housekeeping, Martha Stewart Living, and Real Simple.

But beyond the accolades, what really sets Zip Top apart is their commitment to helping people ditch disposables for good. Did you know that the average family uses a whopping 500 Ziploc bags per year? That adds up to a lot of plastic waste clogging up our landfills and oceans. By creating durable, reusable alternatives to single-use plastic bags and containers, Zip Top is empowering consumers to make more eco-friendly choices in their daily lives.

Zip Top Product Overview

Alright, now that you know a bit about the brand, let‘s take a closer look at Zip Top‘s product lineup. The company offers a full range of silicone food storage solutions, including:

• Zip Top Bags: Available in snack, sandwich, and quart sizes, these reusable silicone bags feature a patented pleated bottom that allows them to stand up for easy filling and cleaning.

• Zip Top Containers: With options ranging from 2-cup to 8-cup capacities, Zip Top‘s containers are perfect for storing everything from fresh produce to leftovers.

• Zip Top Cups: Sip in style with Zip Top‘s 8oz and 16oz silicone cups, complete with spill-proof lids.

• Zip Top Baby: Make snack time a breeze with Zip Top‘s 4oz containers and cups designed to fit tiny hands.

All of Zip Top‘s products are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe, with a temperature range of -40F to 450F. And thanks to the thick, high-quality silicone construction, you can count on these bags and containers to hold up wash after wash without cracking or staining.

While Zip Top products definitely require a bit of an upfront investment compared to disposable plastic bags, it‘s important to consider the long-term value. A single Zip Top bag can be reused over 1,000 times (!), which means you‘ll ultimately save money (and a whole lot of plastic waste) in the long run.

My Experience with Zip Top: Honest Product Reviews

It‘s one thing to read about Zip Top‘s promise of eco-friendly food storage – it‘s another to actually put their products to the test IRL. As someone who‘s tried my fair share of reusable food storage options over the years, I‘ll admit I was excited but a bit skeptical about Zip Top at first. Would the bags really be leakproof? Would the silicone material hold onto smells?

After using a variety of Zip Top products daily for the past three months, I‘m happy to report that I‘m a total convert. Here‘s a rundown of my experience with some of the brand‘s bestsellers:

Zip Top Sandwich Bag Review

I opted for the sandwich size bag in a cheery lavender hue, and this thing quickly became my go-to for packing lunches. The 8.5 x 7 inch bag is roomy enough to hold a hearty sandwich or a generous portion of leftovers, with plenty of space to spare.

The real game-changer for me was the pinch-press seal at the top of the bag. Unlike traditional zip-top bags that can be fussy to close (and even fussier to open), Zip Top‘s bags feature a wide, grooved opening that‘s a breeze to seal shut. Simply pinch the top together and press down along the seam – no more fumbling or cursing under your breath!

It took me a few times to get the hang of opening the bag (pro tip: just slide your fingers into the top corners), but now I can easily do it one-handed. And in the many times I‘ve used this bag, I‘ve never once had a leak. The thick silicone creates a tight, reliable seal that keeps your food fresh.

On the cleanup side, I appreciate that the pleated bottom allows this bag to stand up in the sink or dishwasher. No more soggy bags flopping over! The silicone is also stain and odor-resistant, which is a major upgrade from my old plastic containers that always seemed to hang onto stubborn spaghetti sauce stains.

All in all, I give the Zip Top sandwich bag a solid 10/10. It‘s functional, easy to clean, and cute to boot – well worth the $12.99 price tag in my book.

Zip Top Container Set Review

As much as I love Zip Top‘s bags, their silicone containers might be my favorite products from the brand. I opted for the 4-cup container set, which includes a shallow 2-cup dish, a 4-cup bowl, and an 8-cup dish with 2-cup and 1-cup inserts.

Immediately, I was struck by how sturdy and well-constructed these containers are. The silicone is thick and almost bouncy to the touch, with a nice weight that feels substantial without being heavy. And unlike glass or plastic, these containers are virtually unbreakable. I‘ve accidentally knocked them off the counter a few times and they barely even register the impact.

Another small but mighty detail I love is that all of the containers in this set are a solid flat bottom. No more wobbly containers tipping over in the fridge! The lids also fit snugly thanks to the same pinch-press seal as the bags.

One of my favorite ways to use this set is for meal prepping. I‘ll make a big batch of overnight oats in the 8-cup dish, then portion it out into the 2-cup and 1-cup inserts for grab-and-go breakfasts all week. The fact that these containers are microwave-safe makes them extra handy for reheating leftovers, too.

If I had to nitpick one thing about this set, it‘d be that the containers don‘t nest inside each other like some other brands. They do stack nicely, though, so I don‘t mind the slight extra storage space they require.

The 4-cup container set retails for $54.99, which I think is a fair price considering the quality and versatility you get. And if you‘re not in the market for a full set, Zip Top also offers the containers individually.

Zip Top Cup Review

Last but not least, I had to give Zip Top‘s silicone cups a go. I‘ve tried my fair share of reusable to-go cups over the years, from bulky glass to flimsy plastic. But I have to say, sipping my iced coffee from a Zip Top cup just hits different!

I love the squat, stemless shape of these cups that feels good in my hand. And the flexible silicone material means you can give your cup a gentle squeeze as you sip – almost like an adult sippy cup. Call me crazy, but there‘s something so satisfying about that tactile experience!

What really impressed me about Zip Top‘s 16oz cup was the leakproof lid. I‘ve had bad luck with other reusable cups leaking or splattering, especially when I‘m on the go. But I filled this cup with water, popped on the lid, and shook it around like a madwoman – not a single drop escaped. The grooved lip on the top also feels comfortable and natural to drink from, which I appreciate.

On the cleaning front, I‘m happy to report that the cup and lid are both dishwasher safe. And if you‘re someone who likes to keep a few cups in rotation, Zip Top‘s cups conveniently stack to save space in your cabinet.

My only word of caution is that the silicone does get quite hot to the touch if you fill the cup with boiling liquids. I made the mistake of pouring in some piping hot tea and found myself awkwardly gripping the very top of the cup. The insulation works great once your beverage has a chance to slightly cool, though.

A single 16oz Zip Top cup costs $13.99, which I think is reasonable for a high-quality, leak-proof reusable cup. And with 8 fun colors to choose from, you might just find yourself wanting to collect them all!

Tips for Using Zip Top Products

Hopefully by now you‘re feeling inspired to give Zip Top a try for yourself! Before I wrap up this review, I wanted to share a few tips I‘ve learned for getting the most out of these reusable silicone products:

• To open Zip Top bags and containers, slide your fingers into the top corners and gently pull apart. Avoid yanking from the middle, which can put unnecessary strain on the seams.
• If your bag or container is feeling a bit sticky after washing, let it air dry completely before attempting to open. A dusting of cornstarch can also help prevent sticking.
• Silicone is naturally nonstick, so don‘t be afraid to use Zip Top bags and containers for things beyond food! I love using them to store toiletries when I travel.
• While Zip Top products are ultimately very durable, try to avoid placing them in direct contact with sharp objects like knives or metal utensils.

Are Zip Top Containers Worth It? My Honest Opinion

If you‘ve made it this far into my Zip Top review, you can probably guess what my final verdict is. But just to make it crystal clear: Yes, I wholeheartedly believe that Zip Top products are worth the investment for anyone looking to reduce their plastic waste!

After putting a range of Zip Top bags, containers, and cups to the test over the past few months, I‘ve been consistently impressed by the quality, functionality, and ease of use. The thick, food-grade silicone is a major upgrade from flimsy single-use plastics, and I love that I can toss these products in the microwave or dishwasher without worrying about chemicals leaching into my food.

Of course, I have to acknowledge that Zip Top products aren‘t exactly cheap. But when you consider the fact that a single silicone bag can replace over 1,000 plastic baggies, the long-term value becomes clear. By investing in a set of Zip Top products, you‘re not only saving money on disposables over time – you‘re also taking a meaningful step towards reducing your environmental impact.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, making the switch to reusable food storage is a small change that can add up to a big impact. And in my experience, Zip Top makes that switch as easy and enjoyable as possible with their thoughtfully designed silicone bags, containers, cups, and more.

But don‘t just take my word for it – I encourage you to give Zip Top a try for yourself! Start small with a single sandwich bag or 2-cup container, then build your collection over time. I have a feeling you‘ll quickly fall in love with these eco-friendly, hardworking products just like I did.

Here‘s to happy, healthy, and sustainable eating!