Where To Buy Vacuum Seal Bags

If you’re looking to extend the life of your food or organize your home, knowing where to buy vacuum seal bags is the first step. This guide will show you all the best places, both online and in-store, so you can find the perfect bags for your needs and budget.

You have more options than ever before. The right choice depends on how quickly you need them, your preferred brand, and whether you want to see the product in person. We’ll break down every major retailer and what they offer.

Major Online Retailers

Online shopping is often the most convenient way to find a huge selection. You can compare prices and read reviews from other customers easily.

Amazon: This is the giant for a reason. You’ll find every major brand (FoodSaver, NutriChef, Ziploc) and countless generic options. Use filters for size, count, and material. Prime shipping means you can get them very fast.
Walmart.com: Offers great prices, especially on their own in-house brands like Great Value. You can often choose between shipping to your home or picking up in-store, which is a nice flexible option.
Target.com: Carries popular brands and their own Heyday line. Their website is easy to navigate, and RedCard holders get free shipping. The selection is solid but not as vast as Amazon’s.
Home Depot & Lowe’s: Don’t forget these home improvement stores. They stock vacuum seal bags, often in the kitchen appliance or storage aisles online. They’re a good source for heavy-duty or commercial-style bags.

Specialty Kitchen and Food Storage Websites

For specific needs or higher-end products, these sites are worth a look. They cater directly to people who are serious about food preservation.

FoodSaver.com: The official source for all FoodSaver brand bags and rolls. They often have bundles, new product launches, and direct manufacturer warranties. Sign up for their emails for sales.
WebstaurantStore: This is a fantastic resource for buying in bulk. They sell commercial-grade bags and rolls at very competitive prices. The per-bag cost drops significantly when you buy large quantities.
VacuumSealersUnlimited: A retailer dedicated entirely to vacuum sealing. They offer bags for nearly every machine model, including older or discontinued ones, which can be hard to find elsewhere.

In-Store Shopping Locations

Sometimes you need bags today, not in two days. Here’s where to check in your local area.

Walmart: Your best bet for in-store selection. Look in the kitchen gadget aisle near the plastic wrap and foil. They usually have FoodSaver and their own brands in stock.
Target: Similar to Walmart, check the kitchen storage section. Their inventory can be a bit more limited, but it’s reliable for common sizes.
Costco & Sam’s Club: If you have a membership, these warehouse clubs are excellent for value. They sell large multi-packs of name-brand bags, bringing the cost per bag way down. The selection might be limited to one or two types, though.
BBQ & Outdoor Stores: Stores like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, or Academy Sports often carry vacuum seal bags. They’re aimed at hunters and fishermen preserving their catch, so the bags are usually tough and reliable.
Local Kitchen Supply Stores: A locally-owned shop might carry them, especially if they sell vacuum sealers. It’s worth a phone call to check their inventory.

How to Choose the Right Type of Bag

Not all bags are created equal. Picking the wrong type can lead to wasted money and poor results. Consider these factors before you buy.

Material and Durability

Most bags are made from multilayered polyethylene or nylon. Thicker mil (millimeter) ratings mean a more durable bag that’s less likely to puncture. For bones or sharp-edged foods, choose a “puncture-resistant” or “heavy-duty” label.

Bag Style: Rolls vs. Pre-Cut

Rolls: You cut and seal one end yourself. This offers maximum flexibility for creating custom-sized bags, which reduces material waste. Ideal for odd-shaped items.
Pre-Cut Bags: These come in fixed sizes (like quart or gallon). They are much more convenient and faster to use, as you just seal one end. Best for standard portions.

Size and Capacity

Think about what you seal most often. Quart bags are perfect for portions of meat, vegetables, or leftovers. Gallon bags handle larger roasts, whole fish, or bulk items like cereal. Some brands also offer pint, half-gallon, or even 2-gallon sizes.

Compatibility With Your Machine

This is the most critical step. Most systems (FoodSaver, NutriChef, etc.) use proprietary bag textures. Using off-brand bags can sometimes work, but it may void your machine’s warranty or cause poor seals. Always check your manual first.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying the Best Value

Follow these steps to make a smart purchase that saves you money in the long run.

Check Your Sealer’s Manual: Note the recommended bag brands and types. See if it requires a specific texture (like “Textured” or “Smart” bags) for the suction channel.
Audit Your Usage: Do you mostly seal large batches of meat, or small daily leftovers? This will tell you if you need mostly gallon bags or a mix.
Calculate Cost-Per-Bag: Don’t just look at the box price. Divide the price by the number of bags. A larger box often has a much lower cost per bag.
Read Recent Reviews: Look for comments on seal strength, durability, and whether they work well with specific sealer models. Pictures from reviewers are especially helpful.
Consider a Starter Kit: If you’re new, a kit with a mix of bag sizes and rolls is a great way to test what works best for your household without commiting to a huge box of one size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

A few simple errors can lead to dissapointment. Keep these points in mind.

Ignoring Compatibility: The biggest mistake is buying bags that aren’t designed for your machine. A poor seal means freezer burn and wasted food.
Only Buying the Cheapest: Extremely cheap, no-name bags can be thin, have weak seals, or even impart a plastic smell to your food. Quality matters for long-term storage.
Forgetting About Storage: A giant box of 500 bags is a great deal, but do you have space to store them? Make sure you have a cool, dry place like a pantry or basement shelf.
Not Buying a Variety: Starting with only gallon bags is limiting. Having a mix of quart and gallon sizes on hand makes the system much more useful for everyday tasks.

FAQ Section

Can I use any brand of bag with my vacuum sealer?

Not always. Many machines, especially those with automatic sealing, are designed for specific bag textures. Using incompatible bags can cause jams or failed seals. Always check your manual first, but many generic “universal” bags work fine with manual sealers.

Where is the cheapest place to get vacuum seal bags?

For the lowest cost per bag, buying in bulk from warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club) or online restaurant supply stores (WebstaurantStore) is typically the winner. For smaller quantities, Walmart’s Great Value brand or Amazon’s generic options offer good value.

Are reusable vacuum seal bags worth it?

Reusable silicone bags are great for marinating or storing leftovers in the fridge short-term. However, for long-term freezer storage (months), disposable plastic bags generally provide a more reliable, airtight seal and are more sanitary over many uses.

What’s the difference between textured and smooth bags?

Textured bags have a pattern that creates tiny air channels. This allows the air to be sucked out from all around the food, leading to a better seal, especially with liquidy items. Some vacuum sealers require textured bags to function properly.

Can I buy vacuum sealer bags locally?

Yes, you can. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and sometimes even grocery stores carry them. For a wider selection, check BBQ supply stores, home improvement stores like Home Depot, or warehouse clubs if you have a membership.

Tips for Saving Money on Bags

Vacuum sealing saves money on food, but the bags are an ongoing cost. Here’s how to minimize that expense.

Buy in Bulk: This is the number one tip. A 100-count roll is almost always cheaper per bag than a 20-count box.
Use Rolls Wisely: With rolls, you can make the bag just slightly larger than the item. This cuts down on material use compared to a standard pre-cut bag.
Look for Sales: Black Friday, Prime Day, and holiday weekends often see discounts on name-brand bags and kits. Subscribe to retailer newsletters for alerts.
Consider Off-Brands: Many generic or store-brand bags perform just as well as name brands for a fraction of the price. Read reviews to find a reliable one.
Re-use When Possible: For dry, non-porous items like crackers or hardware, you can carefully cut open the seal, remove the contents, and reuse the bag if it’s still in good condition. Never reuse bags that held raw meat.

Finding the right place to buy vacuum seal bags is simple once you know the landscape. For the broadest selection and convenience, online giants like Amazon are hard to beat. For the best immediate need, your local Walmart or Target has you covered. And for serious long-term savings, buying bulk from a warehouse club or restaurant supplier is the smartest move. Remember to always double-check compatibility with your machine, and don’t be afraid to try a small pack of an off-brand to see if it meets your needs. With the right bags on hand, you’ll get the most out of your vacuum sealer and protect your food investment for months to come.