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Shopping and produce bags

Bags only reduce plastic if you use them again and again. Pick sturdy ones you will remember to take, and keep a small foldable bag in your coat or backpack.

What to look for

  • Strong stitching and handles that suit your usual load.
  • Washable fabric: mesh and cotton bags can go in the laundry, which matters for fruit and vegetables.
  • Light weight and a small packed size so you really take them along.

What to avoid

  • Buying many bags at once. A handful is enough.
  • Thin bags for heavy items such as bottles.

Editor's pick

ChooseEco

Organic Cotton Produce Bags with Tare Labels, Set of 6

organic cotton

Why it is on the list: Five net bags and one bread bag in several sizes, each labelled with its tare weight and closed with a wooden toggle.

Watch out for: The listing gives machine washing at 30 degrees only and does not mention drying, so expect some shrinkage with cotton.

Check price on AmazonDetails

Price and stock are shown on Amazon.

Quick comparison

ProductMaterialBest forWatch out for
Organic Cotton Produce Bags with Tare Labels, Set of 6ChooseEcoorganic cottonweighed produce and breadThe listing gives machine washing at 30 degrees only and does not mention drying, so expect some shrinkage with cotton.
Cotton Mesh Produce Bags with Drawstring, Set of 6ORGANZABEUTEL24cottonfruit and vegetables at the marketThe listing does not mention tare-weight labels, which some shops need when produce is weighed, and it states the bags are made in China.
Organic Cotton Net Produce Bags, Set of 3pandooorganic cottona basic starter set for unpackaged shoppingWith only three bags in the set, a household buying many different items per trip may want a larger pack.
Organic Cotton Muslin Produce Bags, Set of 6Organic Cotton Martorganic cottonproduce, bread and bulk dry goodsMuslin is a closed fabric rather than a net, so the contents are not visible at the till and the bags may need a quick check at self-checkouts.
Linen Bread Bag with Drawstring, 35 x 42 cmBrotlieblinglinenbread from the bakeryThe listing says it should be hand-washed in lukewarm water only, because the untreated linen can shrink.
Organic Cotton Net Shopping BagKoRoorganic cottoncarrying groceries homeIt is a carrier bag rather than a produce bag, and the listing gives no size or load limit.
Cotton Tote Bag with Gusset, 45 x 38 x 16 cmCottonbag'joecottonbigger grocery tripsThe listing does not say the cotton is organic, and a closed cotton tote is not suited to carrying wet or loose produce.
Cotton Mesh Shopping Bags with Long Handles, Set of 2YFPOPONEorganic cottonfoldable string-bag style shoppingThe bags have an open top with no closure, so small loose items can fall out and the listing gives no organic certification.
Organic Cotton Net Produce Bags with Tare LabelsViedouceorganic cottonfruit, vegetables and bulk shoppingThe cord closes with a spring toggle whose material the listing does not state, so check it if you want to avoid plastic parts.

Our shortlist

We have not physically tested these products. Our shortlist is research-based: we check what the listing says, favour non-plastic main materials and name the limits we can see. Always read the listing for sizes, certifications and care instructions.

Common questions

Do cotton bags really beat plastic bags?

Only with repeated use. A cotton bag takes more resources to make than a single plastic bag, so the benefit comes from using it many times.

How do I clean produce bags?

Most can be machine washed. Check the listing, and let them dry fully before storing to avoid mould.