By PFAS Database · Updated July 24, 2026
Do Ziploc Bags Contain PFAS? What Families Need to Know
Ziploc bags are among the most commonly used food storage products in American households, but growing concern about PFAS contamination in plastics has prompted many consumers to ask whether they are present in these bags. Based on available materials and public disclosures from SC Johnson, the company that manufactures Ziploc products, the brand has stated that their bags do not intentionally add PFAS. However, third-party independent testing of Ziploc bags specifically remains limited in published peer-reviewed literature. This article examines what we know about Ziploc and PFAS, the honest risk level, and alternatives that carry lower concern based on current evidence.
What Is the PFAS Issue in Food Storage Products?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in countless consumer products for their water-resistant and grease-resistant properties. In food storage and packaging, PFAS have historically been used to create non-stick surfaces and barriers that repel moisture and oils. Thousands of PFAS variants exist, and they persist indefinitely in the environment and bioaccumulate in human blood serum.
The concern with food storage containers is migration: PFAS chemicals can leach from the packaging into food, particularly when containers are heated, microwaved, or used repeatedly. Some PFAS variants have been studied for associations with immune suppression, thyroid dysfunction, and developmental effects, though causation in humans has not been definitively established. Because food contact is direct and frequent, food storage products represent a potential cumulative exposure pathway that many families wish to reduce.
What Has Ziploc Stated About PFAS in Their Bags?
SC Johnson, the manufacturer of Ziploc brand food storage bags, has publicly stated that Ziploc products do not intentionally add PFAS to their formulations. This is a brand-stated claim, not an independent third-party laboratory verification. The company has not published detailed ingredient disclosures or published third-party testing results in peer-reviewed journals specifically confirming the absence of PFAS in Ziploc bags at detectable levels.
When evaluating any brand claim of "PFAS-free" or "no PFAS added," it is important to distinguish between:
- Brand statements made in marketing or customer service responses (not independently verified)
- Third-party laboratory testing results published in peer-reviewed literature (independently verified)
- Ingredient disclosure and manufacturing process transparency (verifiable but not always comprehensive)
For Ziploc bags, consumers should be aware that the absence of intentional addition does not guarantee zero PFAS presence, as contamination can occur during manufacturing or through recycled plastic sources.
Which Ziploc Products Are We Discussing?
Ziploc offers a wide range of products, including freezer bags, storage bags, sandwich bags, and reusable silicone bags. The concern about PFAS applies most directly to the traditional polyethylene plastic bags and any products marketed with grease-resistant or water-resistant properties. Ziploc's plastic bag line, including their gallon-size freezer bags and quart-size storage bags, falls into this category.
The company also manufactures Ziploc brand containers, which are made from polypropylene plastic. The PFAS concern in rigid containers is generally lower than in treated films or bags designed with specific barrier properties, but the principle remains the same: transparency about formulation and independent testing provide stronger assurance than brand claims alone.
What Does Independent Research Tell Us About Plastic Food Storage?
Recent peer-reviewed studies have detected PFAS in various food contact materials, including some plastic storage containers and packaging. A 2021 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found PFAS in several consumer products, though specific brand-level results vary. No widely published independent laboratory study of Ziploc bags has appeared in major peer-reviewed journals to date based on available literature.
General findings about plastic food storage and PFAS show that:
- Polyethylene and polypropylene plastics may contain trace PFAS from manufacturing processes or recycled feedstock
- Repeated heating, freezing, and washing can increase leaching risk
- Products marketed specifically for grease resistance or non-stick properties carry higher theoretical risk
- Transparent, comprehensive ingredient disclosure and third-party testing remain rare across the industry
What Is the Honest Risk Level for Families?
Based on available materials and data, the risk level associated with occasional use of Ziploc bags for room-temperature food storage is considered modest, particularly for short-term storage. Risk increases with prolonged storage, repeated heating, and microwave use. However, absolute quantification requires brand-specific independent testing, which is not publicly available for Ziploc at this time.
Families seeking to reduce PFAS exposure from food storage should consider this part of a broader exposure-reduction strategy, as PFAS accumulate from many sources including drinking water, non-stick cookware, and treated textiles. Eliminating Ziploc bags alone will not eliminate PFAS exposure, but switching to alternatives with lower concern may reduce this particular pathway.
What Alternatives Carry Lower Concern?
Several food storage alternatives have been evaluated by our model-based assessment process and show lower concern profiles based on materials, disclosure, and available testing:
Reusable Silicone Storage Bags
Stasher Original Bags 4-Pack and Stasher Stasher Storage Bag 4-Pack both received a grade of A (100/100 safety estimate) in our model-based assessment. These reusable silicone bags offer a durable, washable alternative to single-use plastic. Our grade reflects available materials, ingredient transparency, and lack of PFAS-specific treatment in silicone formulations. Silicone itself does not require PFAS for its functional properties.
Glass and Ceramic Storage Containers
Airtight Caraway Food Storage Set received a grade of A (100/100 safety estimate). Glass and ceramic containers eliminate plastic exposure entirely and are non-porous, preventing PFAS migration. These containers are ideal for long-term storage and microwave reheating.
Comparison Table: Food Storage Options
| Product Type | Material | PFAS Risk Profile | Durability | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ziploc Bags (traditional) | Polyethylene plastic | Moderate concern; brand claims no intentional PFAS but third-party testing limited | Single-use | Low ($5–15 per box) |
| Stasher Silicone Bags | Food-grade silicone | Lower concern; Grade A estimate; reusable; silicone does not require PFAS | High; reusable 3000+ times | Medium ($40–60 per set) |
| Caraway Glass Containers | Borosilicate glass with silicone lids | Lower concern; Grade A estimate; non-porous; no plastic contact | High; lifetime | Medium–High ($80–150 per set) |
| Beeswax Wraps | Organic cotton coated with beeswax | Lower concern; natural materials; no PFAS treatment | Medium; 1–2 years | Low–Medium ($15–40 per set) |
How Can Families Reduce PFAS Exposure from Food Storage?
Immediate Practical Steps
- Avoid heating food in plastic bags or plastic containers when possible. If using plastic for storage only, transfer to glass or ceramic for heating.
- Do not microwave Ziploc bags or other plastic food storage items, as heat accelerates PFAS migration.
- For items you store frequently, consider transitioning to reusable silicone or glass alternatives over time as your budget allows.
- If you continue using Ziploc bags for occasional storage (sandwich bags, freezer storage at cold temperatures only), risk is considered lower than daily repeated-use scenarios.
Longer-Term Transitions
Visit our Food Packaging guide for a comprehensive review of lower-concern options across all categories. Stasher Original Bags 4-Pack and Airtight Caraway Food Storage Set are both accessible entry points for families seeking to shift away from single-use plastics.
What About Ziploc Brand Containers (Rigid Plastic)?
Ziploc also manufactures rigid polypropylene food storage containers separate from their bag products. Rigid plastics generally carry lower PFAS risk than films designed for grease resistance, but the principle remains: containers designed for durability and repeated use benefit from independent testing that Ziploc has not published at scale. For rigid plastic food storage, glass and ceramic alternatives carry demonstrably lower concern based on material science alone.
Bottom Line
Ziploc bags are not labeled as containing PFAS based on the company's public statements, and they do not intentionally add PFAS to formulations. However, third-party independent laboratory testing of Ziploc bags remains limited, and brand claims are not equivalent to verified testing. Families concerned about PFAS exposure from food storage can reduce risk by avoiding microwave use of plastic bags, limiting repeated heating cycles, and transitioning to reusable silicone bags like Stasher Original Bags 4-Pack or glass containers like Airtight Caraway Food Storage Set, both of which carry lower concern based on our model-based assessment. PFAS exposure from food storage is one of many pathways, so a comprehensive reduction strategy should also include water filtration and avoidance of treated textiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Ziploc bags officially PFAS-free?
A: Ziploc's parent company, SC Johnson, has stated that Ziploc bags do not intentionally add PFAS. This is a brand-stated claim, not an independent laboratory certification. No major third-party testing of Ziploc bags has been published in peer-reviewed journals to verify the complete absence of PFAS at all detection limits. Brand claims and independent verification are different; we recommend distinguishing between them when evaluating product safety.
Q: Is it safe to microwave food in a Ziploc bag?
A: No. Regardless of PFAS content, heating plastic bags in a microwave increases the risk of chemical migration into food. If you need to heat food stored in a Ziploc bag, transfer it to glass or ceramic first. For cold storage only, heating risk is eliminated.
Q: What is the best PFAS-free alternative to Ziploc bags?
A: Based on our model-based assessment, Stasher Original Bags 4-Pack and Stasher Stasher Storage Bag 4-Pack both carry a Grade A estimate. These are reusable silicone bags with no plastic or PFAS-requiring materials. For a one-time investment, Airtight Caraway Food Storage Set offers glass containers with a Grade A estimate. Neither product has been independently tested in published labs to certify "PFAS-free" status, but our materials-based assessment reflects lower concern relative to plastic alternatives.