If you’ve ever been on a shopping trip to Trader Joe’s, then you know they make some of the most durable and reliable insulated bags. However, how long do these bags keep food cold or frozen?
These ingenious reusable bags are light weighted and compact enough to fit easily in any lunch bag or backpack.
They also contain a foil lining that helps keep cold items chilled and helps them stay fresh. Best of all, they can be reused over and over again.
These bags can keep food cold for around 3 hours easily. It is best to grab your trading handbag an hour before lunchtime to enjoy your meal without worrying about spoilage.
Here are some important details about Trader Joe’s insulated bags:
Why Use Insulated Bags?
Trader Joe’s insulated bags are designed to help maintain the temperature of your grocery items for an extended period. They are made with an aluminum-coated fabric that helps reflect heat away from the bag’s contents, keeping your food fresh and cool during transport.
The insulation also helps protect against spoilage by keeping groceries at a consistent temperature, even when outside temperatures rise or fall drastically.
The bag also features easy-to-carry handles and a zipper closure to help ensure that your food stays securely inside when transporting it.
How Long Do They Keep Food Cold?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the type of food being stored, how much time you have before eating it, and how hot or cold it is outside.
Generally speaking, though, tests show that Trader Joe’s insulated bags can keep food cold for up to 3 hours, depending on these variables.
If you want to take your lunch to work or school and still have it nice and cold by lunchtime, then Trader Joe’s insulated bags are worth considering.
Regardless of which bag you choose, it is always crucial to ensure that it is clean before using it, as any dirt or debris can cause the insulation to degrade over time and reduce its ability to keep food cold.
It is also important to fill the bag sparingly, as this can cause heat to build up inside the bag and reduce its ability to keep food cold.
What We Found Out
The black Trader Joe’s insulated bag with red straps is one of the most popular models. According to customers who have used the bag, it works pretty well to keep food cold, even when temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, customers have also noted that filling the bag with as much frozen/cold stuff as possible is key; if it isn’t filled enough with cold items, it will warm up faster.
Additionally, customers have said that they use their bags for 30-minute trips by subway and find that their frozen items make it home still intact.
Do They Work?
The short answer is yes. While there will always be some cooling over time due to external factors like temperature fluctuations throughout the day, tests have shown that using one of these bags can help keep your food cold longer than if you had just put it in a normal grocery bag without any insulation.
Additionally, these bags are designed to stand up to everyday wear and tear, so they should last for quite some time.
Tips for Keeping Food Cold
When using Trader Joe’s insulated bags to keep food cold, there are some tips you should follow to get the most out of them:
- Fill the bag with as much frozen/cold stuff as possible. If it’s half empty, it will get warmer faster.
- Consider prepping your bag beforehand by putting it in the freezer for a few hours.
- Add extra ice packs if needed.
- Avoid storing food items like ice cream that tend to melt quickly.
- Stick to short trips (30 minutes or less) when transporting perishable items.
Conclusion
When looking for an affordable way to keep your food and beverages cool while on the go, Trader Joe’s insulated bags are worth considering.
While they can’t quite withstand extreme temperatures forever (we wouldn’t recommend using them to transport ice cream in hot climates), these handy bags can help you maintain chilled items during short trips or day-long excursions.
When packing your insulated bag with food or drinks for your next road trip or picnic outing, remember to fill it with plenty of cold items and throw in some extra ice packs, just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put Ice in an Insulated Bag?
Yes, you can put the ice in your insulated bag, but remember that the ice will melt eventually, and you’d have to deal with the water inside the insulated bag. If you use ice, you should dry the bag after use.
Can I Put Trader Joe’s Insulated Bag in the Fridge?
It does not make sense to put an insulated bag inside the refrigerator because it will insulate itself from the coldness of the fridge. It will take up a lot of space anyway, so it’s recommended to keep the items in the fridge individually.
