Keeping a sandwich fresh can be tricky, especially when it’s left in the fridge for extended periods. To test the best method, I compared three popular sandwich storage options: a standard Ziploc bag, a reusable sandwich container, and eco-friendly beeswax wraps. I ran this test over a one-day and a seven-day period to see which container would best maintain sandwich quality. Let’s dive in and see how these storage methods stacked up.
Purchase Info
Below are links where you can purchase the products discussed in this review.
The Contenders
The Ziploc Bag
First up, we have the classic Ziploc bag. I picked up a pack of 90 sandwich bags for around $4. They feature a “grip and seal” design that promises to keep air out and freshness in.
The Sandwich Container
The sandwich container, priced at $14 for a two-pack, claims to be spill-proof with a locking lid to prevent leaks and keep sandwiches fresh.
Beeswax Wrap
The beeswax wrap, at $19 for a set, is an eco-friendly option designed to seal in freshness by molding around the food when warmed by hand. This pack includes two beeswax bars, four wraps, and a produce bag.
The Sandwich Setup
For consistency, I prepared seven identical sandwiches, each with provolone cheese, deli turkey, lettuce, and mustard on sandwich bread. I used one sandwich as a “control,” leaving it unprotected in the fridge, while placing the others in their respective containers.
Results at 24 Hours
The Control Sandwich
After 24 hours in the fridge with no protection, the control sandwich was in rough shape. The top bread slice felt rock-hard, while the bottom slice was soggy. The lettuce looked limp, and the turkey was only semi-fresh. This sandwich clearly needed some sort of barrier to preserve its quality.
The Ziploc Bag
The Ziploc bagged sandwich had soft bread but felt slightly damp overall, especially on the bottom slice. The lettuce was even more wilted, resembling wet tissue, and didn’t look appealing. While this method was slightly better than no protection, the Ziploc bag didn’t do a stellar job of keeping things fresh.
The Sandwich Container
The sandwich container produced better results, with bread that was soft yet not overly damp. The lettuce was still somewhat wilted but not as sad as the Ziploc bag’s. Overall, the sandwich container held up the best at the 24-hour mark, with the sandwich remaining the most appealing of the bunch.
Beeswax Wrap
The beeswax-wrapped sandwich was surprisingly fresh. The bread felt nice on the outside and only slightly moist on the inside. While the lettuce was a bit wilted, it wasn’t too bad, and the turkey and cheese were well-preserved. This sandwich came close to the sandwich container in terms of quality.
Results at 7 Days
The Ziploc Bag
By the seven-day mark, the Ziploc bag had not held up well. The bread was practically liquefied, leaving visible fingerprints when touched. The lettuce was unrecognizable, and the sandwich was not edible. This was by far the worst-performing method for long-term storage.
Beeswax Wrap
The beeswax-wrapped sandwich fared significantly better, with only a mild dampness on one side of the bread and some wilting in the lettuce. The turkey was still fairly fresh, and the overall appearance was decent considering the seven-day stretch. It wasn’t perfect, but it held up surprisingly well.
The Sandwich Container
The sandwich container continued to deliver solid results after a week, with only mild sogginess on one side of the bread. The lettuce, while wilted, wasn’t too terrible, and the bread maintained a firm, edible texture. This container was the best at preserving freshness over the long term.
Conclusion
So, which method won the battle for sandwich freshness? Both the sandwich container and the beeswax wrap performed well, though the container slightly edged out the beeswax wrap over a week. The Ziploc bag, on the other hand, was a clear disappointment in both short-term and long-term tests, resulting in soggy bread and sad lettuce.
For anyone looking to keep their sandwiches fresh, especially for longer periods, I’d recommend investing in either a reusable sandwich container or beeswax wrap. Both offer decent performance and are well worth the upgrade over the traditional Ziploc bag. How do you keep your sandwiches fresh? Share your favorite methods in the comments below!
Video Review
Watch the complete review in the video below.