Are Sous Vide Plastic Bags Safe?

Yes – as long as you buy the right ones. The reason why so many people often question the safety of using plastics with sous vide is because of BPA chemicals and the possibility of melting the plastic or seal. Luckily, nearly all food-grade bags today are BPA-free, and since the bags are BPA-free, you don’t have to worry about the plastics in your sous vide container since they won’t touch your food.
Any vacuum bags or bags that are specifically made for sous vide should be fine. If you enjoy using Ziploc bags, just be sure to look for the extra thick “freezer-style” bags which also often say food-grade.

Sous Vide Vacuum Bags

zipcca sous vide bag

  • BEST Performance
  • Safe
  • Reusable
  • No Power Needed

Sous vide vacuum bags are perfectly safe and are the most recommended method for sous vide cooking. Vacuum sealing creates a tight wrap around your food resulting in more surface contact with the hot water and more precise cooking temperatures. In addition, these sous vide bags can be used with high temperatures as the seals resist breaking and spoiling food.

Heavy Duty Ziploc Bags + DIY Valve

 Ziploc bags with diy valve

  • OK Performance
  • Safe, if below 158F
  • Cheap

If you’re in a pinch, heavy duty Ziploc bags can be used for sous vide cooks as long as the temperature is below 158F. Plus, you can install magic DIY valve to get air out of the bag to create a short period of vacuum time. While it doesn’t get all of the air out like a vacuum bag does, it’s certainly enough for sous vide. But again, if cooking at higher temperatures, just use sous vide bags (vacuum seal-type bags).

Conclusion

Plastic sous vide bags are perfectly safe to use as long as you purchase the right type. Sous vide vacuum bags are absolutely the best choice for most sous vide cooks. They can handle any temperature and offer the best performance (less floating bags, better surface contact).

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