It's a no-brainer that using a reusable shopping bag for your weekly trip to the supermarket is an effective way of helping to stop the use of single-use plastics.
In 2019/2020, main supermarket retailers sold 59% less single use plastic bags compared to 2018/2019 and down a whopping 90% since the plastic bag charge was introduced in 2015 to curb single-use carrier bag sales. Success!
With reusable shopping bags becoming more popular for all the right reasons, we've selected the best to buy for style and substance.
Not only are these bags more eco-friendly, they're stronger too for lugging heavy shopping and definitely more stylish!
15 of the best reusable shopping bags
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15 of the best reusable shopping bags
1 of 15BeeGreen 12 Pack of Reusable Shopping Bags
Best Bulk Buy for Reusable Shopping BagsFoldable reusable bags are always really handy to have in your handbag, but after one use you can forget to put that one back in. With multicoloured designs available, make sure you're never at a loss for a reusable bag with this charming bulk-buy selection.
2 of 15Trolley Bags Original Vibe Reusable Shopping Bags Set of 4
Best Trolley Fitting Reusable Shopping BagTake your shopping organisation to the next level with these reusable trolley bags. Designed to fit in your regular supermarket trolley, these heavy duty bags will make for an easy Scan&Shop or for loading and unloading from checkout to your kitchen counter with ease.
3 of 15BeeGreen 6 Pack of Reusable Shopping Bags
Best Foldable Reusable Shopping BagThese convenient and easy-to-carry bag pouches are sturdy, waterproof and easy to pack in your handbag for the shops without taking up too much space. We like the geometric navy patterns, though plenty of others are available.
4 of 15Turtle Bags Organic Long Handled String Bag
Best Reusable String Shopping BagThis string bag is robust and comes with long handles for easy carrying. Perfect for packing produce or other shopping items, we particularly like these from Turtle Bags which are certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard. This means they contain no chemicals and the workers who helped produce these bags worked under safe conditions with agreed wages.
5 of 15Accessorize Canvas Shopping Bag
Best Reusable Canvas Shopping BagThis spacious and sturdy canvas bag is ideal for shopping trips and comes with a magnetic popper fastening too for added security. Carry over your arm and shoulder and add a pop of colour with this choice of lilac.
6 of 15Levi’s Striped Cotton Tote Bag
Best Reusable Cotton Tote Shopping BagThough slightly more expensive than alternatives on this list, we love the subtle design and the versatility of the straps allowing for different wear uses. Made from 100% cotton, this bag will make for a sturdy but comfortable shopper.
7 of 15Sainsbury's Lemon Canvas Shopping Bag
Best Reusable Shopping Bag for Summer StylingThis zesty lemon print bag has two top carry handles and is the perfect size for all your shopping needs. Spacious and made of a sturdy canvas, the fun, cheerful print is sure to brighten your day.
8 of 15Sass and Belle Bluebird Foldable Shopping Bag
Best Cute Design for a Reusable Shopping BagAnother eco-friendly foldable bag but one comes with a quirky, beautiful design that we had to include. The bag folds into the body of the bird and has a drawstring attachment so it's easy to open and close. You can buy this in conjunction with other Sass & Belle foldable bags - buy 3 get 1 free!
9 of 15Accessorize Packable Shopping Bag
Best Zip-Up Reusable Shopping BagNot many reusable shopping bags have a zip-up top for added security but this one from Accessorize has just that, as well as the easy clean polyester material, comfortable shoulder straps and a lightweight design that can be packaged within itself! This one ticks all the boxes.
10 of 15Onya Large Shopping Bags
Best Recycled Reusable Shopping BagOnya are one of the big names for reusable shopping bags. They have a versatile foldable design, are lightweight and strong and are made from rPet material - recycled plastic drink bottles. It's exciting to think that the bag you carry your shopping home in is made of "rubbish" otherwise destined for landfill.
11 of 15Typo Difference Tote Bag
Best Budget Reusable Shopping BagAt only £1, these reusable shopping bags are not only great options to buy on a budget, 100% of the proceeds from the sales go towards supporting The Typo Difference and their educational projects in Uganda. Practical and available in some great designs, you can help more than just the environment with this tote.
12 of 15JSENGE Insulated Reusable Foldable Shopping Bags
Best Insulated Reusable Shopping BagNone of us want our ice cream to have melted before we reach the front door! These large insulated bags will keep food fresh, hot or cold, with its foil lining, foam insulation and durable outer shell.
13 of 15Large Reusable Shopping Box Bags
Best Reusable Shopping Bags for SizeThese shopping bags are super sturdy and extra large, reportedly able to hold 14kg! Reinforced in a box-shape, the bags keep their form for easy packing, great for doing a Scan & Shop and can fold down for easy storage. We also really like the stylish chevron design.
14 of 15Toomett Foldable Shopping Bag with Wheels
Best Reusable Shopping Bag with WheelsShopping just got wheel-y easy! This foldable shopping bag is made of high-quality, waterproof, Oxford Cloth with a strong, sturdy design. Carry as an over-shoulder tote and should your shopping get too heavy, fold out onto it's pop-out wheels for convenient pulling home.
15 of 15CleverMade SnapBasket LUXE Shopping Bag
Best Reusable Shopping Bag for StorageThis bag offers the best storage solutions! The bag's SnapHinges allow for it to pop up in use and then be collapsed flat to less that 2 inches when it needs packing away. It can pack a whopping 30 litres and has handy inner zippered storage pockets for on-the-go storage too.
Are reusable shopping bags hygienic to use?
In short, yes! However, it's worth taking these steps to keep your bag as clean as possible.
• Make sure to wash your bag regularly to eradicate any germs. You can do this by following the care label on the bag, washing cloth bags in the washing machine with detergent or scrubbing down plastic-lined reusable bags with hot soapy water
• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping cooked and raw ingredients separate. You can do this by putting raw meat, fish and poultry in a disposable plastic bag to help contain any juices that escape
• Store your bags in a cool, dry place. It might tempting to leave your bags in the car for the next shop but the increase in heat can cause bacteria to multiply
• Try to avoid using your bag for anything other than shopping, or dedicate different reusable bags for different things. Mixing gym gear, food, books, bottles, keys and tissues is only going to help spread germs.
Feeling crafty? Why not make your own!
If you have some fabric lying around or a particular design you'd like to see on your bag that you haven't found in our list, try making your own at home. It's sure to spark a conversation with friends you bump into at the supermarket!
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