Introduction
There is nothing worse than opening your favorite bag of chips only to find it is stale. Luckily, there are various methods you can use to seal your bag without a clip. Oftentimes when we do not have a clip, we just fold the open end of the bag and tuck it under, but that doesn’t always keep the chips fresh. This article aims to provide you with creative, eco-friendly and easy-to-follow ways to keep even the most stubborn snack bags tightly sealed.
5 Creative Ways to Seal Chip Bags without Clips
Here are five creative ways to seal chip bags without using clips:
Rubber bands
Place a rubber band around the opening edge of the chip bag, making sure to secure the top of the bag tightly. Rubber bands are stretchy, so they will conform to the size of the bag. You might want to use more than one rubber band for larger bags.
Binder clips
Binder clips are a common office supply, but they work well to seal chip bags too. Simply fold the top of the chip bag over and clip it with a binder clip. You can even use larger binder clips for larger bags.
Clothespins
Clip clothespins on opposite sides of the bag opening. The tension of the clothespins holds the bag closed. This method is especially useful when you need to reopen the bag easily.
Wine corks
Wine corks can work amazingly well to seal open chip bags even though they are not specifically made for that. Cut a small piece of cork, and then slice it lengthwise to make it more pliable. Insert the opened edge of the chip bag into the slice, and roll it back. It’s best to use larger corks for larger bags.
Chopsticks
Roll the opening of the chip bag around a chopstick a few times, and then insert the chopstick into the rolled-up portion of the bag. This holds the bag securely closed while allowing you to remove the chopstick easily.
All of these methods work well to seal chip bags, and they are budget-friendly too. However, there are a few advantages and disadvantages to consider for each method.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Close Snack Bags without Clips
If you are keen on reducing waste and protecting the environment, these eco-friendly alternatives can help you seal chip bags without clips:
Reusable silicone food bags
If you’re willing to invest even more in eco-friendly options than a reusable silicone bag can be a great choice.They’re flexible, seal with airtight pressure, and are completely dishwasher safe. These bags are versatile and can be used for more than just chips. Plus, they’re food-safe and free of harmful chemicals.
Fold-over bag clips
Fold-over bag clips are great alternatives to plastic bag clips. They can seal any type of bag, including snacks, frozen foods, and produce. They come in various colors, and you can even write on them with a marker to keep track of the date or contents.
Reusable hair tie
If you don’t want to go out and find fancy clips, a reusable hair tie can also work. Simply wrap the opened end of the chip bag with the elastic band. The best part about the hair tie is that you probably have one just lying around the house.
Eco-friendly alternatives to sealing chip bags are not only beneficial for the environment but can also keep your chips fresh for longer while being budget-friendly.
Quick and Easy Ways to Seal an Open Chip Bag
When you don’t have any clip or aren’t able to access any alternative, these quick solutions can come in handy:
Folding down the top of the bag
Folding the bag down repeatedly in small increments along with the open edge and tucking it into the end of the fold helps to keep chips fresh without clips. The roll technique is simple and uses no additional hardware to keep the bag closed.
Twisting and tucking the bag under
Twist the bag near the top of the chips, and then tuck the twists under the bottom of the chips, or wherever they would naturally fold. Push the folds and twists close to the chips. This method can keep chips fresh for several days if done correctly and works well as a temporary solution.
Other quick methods for sealing chips bags
If the mentioned methods do not work, try using pipe cleaners, paper clips, or ribbon to keep the bag closed.
While these methods are quick and easy, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method before settling on one.
DIY Chip Clips: Easy to Make and Use
If you are a DIY enthusiast or you simply don’t want to invest money in buying clips, try making these homemade clips:
Using shower curtain hooks
You can recycle shower curtain rings to make chip clips. string the ring through an elastic band. The elastics hold the two sides of the clip together. You can use any type of elastic, including hair ties, scrunchies, and ribbon.
Making magnetic clips out of paper clips and magnets
By wrapping a paper clip with a magnet strip and attaching it to the fridge, these clips stick to magnetic surfaces without the need for clips.
Other simple DIY chip clips
You can use clothes hangers, binder rings, and even zip ties as homemade chip clips. Making DIY clips can be a fun and unique way to keep your chips fresh while saving money.
Why You Don’t Need a Chip Clip: Alternatives to Keep Snacks Fresh
If you’re skeptical about whether alternatives to chip clips really work, here are some useful ways to keep snacks fresh without resorting to any clip:
Storing chips in an airtight container
Transferring your chips to an airtight container helps to lock in freshness. Mason jars can work well for smaller bags, while larger bags require containers with airtight lids.
Using a vacuum sealer to remove excess air from the bag
Vacuum sealers are known for their ability to keep food fresh. These machines remove air from the bags and then seal them. While they are a bit pricey, they’re worth the investment if you care about prolonging the shelf life of your snacks and other food items.
How air affects snack freshness
Air exposure destroys the integrity of snacks like chips by introducing oxygen that can chemically alter the oils and fats in the food. The fats may oxidize and break down, which can lead to rancidity. This can also cause the chips to lose their crunchiness and flavor.
While chip clips can be convenient, there are other methods that are even more effective at keeping snacks fresh.
Conclusion
Now you understand that sealing chip bags without clips is easy. You have learned different creative and eco-friendly alternatives to chip clips, quick fixes, DIY options, and other ways to prevent air from passing through and messing up the freshness of your snacks. Choose the option that works best for you and get to preserving your snacks.
