Are glassine sandwich bags the best plastic-free option for lunches?

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Short answer: For typical school lunches, yes—choose grease-resistant glassine that keeps hands and lunchboxes tidy without plastic. We compared glassine to unbleached paper bags, “plant-based” compostables, and reusables. If PF-100 matters, this pick is the simplest daily swap.

🏆 Winner: Royal7 Glassine Wet-Wax Paper Sandwich Bags (6 × 7 × 3/4, 500-count) — our pick for truly plastic-free sandwich storage.

PF-Silicone badge — food-contact is metal/ceramic; gasket is silicone.

PF-100: no plastics in materials that touch food — glassine/wet-wax paper only; no PLA/PBAT liners and no plastic windows. See our PF Scale.

When glassine is the best choice (for school lunches)

  • Messy-but-not-saucy sandwiches (PB&J, turkey/cheese) — glassine’s grease resistance keeps hands and lunchboxes tidy.
  • Fast morning prep: no washing or drying; easy for kids to open.
  • PF-100 priority: no plastic liner; avoids compostable bioplastics.

When not to choose glassine

  • Very wet/saucy fillings → use a rigid container or wrap the sandwich in parchment first.
  • If you want reusable long-term gear → pick a stainless snack container (PF-Silicone gasket).

Why we like it:

  • Real glassine/wet-wax paperno plastic liner, naturally grease-resistant.
  • Standard sandwich size with a 3/4″ gusset so bread doesn’t tear.
  • 500-count box = quick, everyday school-lunch swap.
  • Made in USA, unprinted and semi-translucent (no dyes).

Best for: daily school lunches, bake sales, picnics
Specs: 6″ × 7″ × 3/4″ • 500-count • glassine/wet-wax paper • semi-translucent
Care tip: For juicy fillings, fold tightly or nest inside a rigid lunch container to prevent seepage.

Transparency: It’s paper, not air-tight like plastic. For saucy foods, add parchment or use a rigid container.

Learn More

Looking for other plastic-free lunchware? See our Lunchware hub.

Method: desk research (brand specs + buyer reviews). No hands-on testing yet.