The 11 Best Produce Savers That Actually Extend the Life of Your Veggies

Raise your hand if you've never tossed a head of wilted, old lettuce or some moldy berries.

The USDA estimates that 30 to 40 percent of the food supply in the U.S. goes to waste. And on that list is produce that spoils in the refrigerator or on the counter before we get to eat it. Composting is one way to curb the waste, but better than that is using what you have before it goes bad.

There are different reasons why fruits and vegetables go bad. Moisture degrades foods like lettuce and berries, as pooled water will break them down faster.

On the other hand, moisture keeps some foods fresh (think: hardy veggies like carrots and celery, per the CDC). And then there's a class of fruits and veggies — such as mangoes and peaches — that give off ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening of nearby produce, according to the CDC.

But here's a novel perspective that might cut down your food waste: "I think the process matters more than the vehicle," says Shannon Garcia, RD, LDN, of KISS in the Kitchen Blog. "If we're buying produce and then washing, drying and prepping it before we stash it in the fridge — versus just putting it in the fridge in the same baggie you got at the point of purchase — that ready-to-eat version makes it easier to eat faster, and less likely to get lost and spoil in your drawer."

Keeping our groceries fresh can be simple with these produce savers.

We spoke to registered dietitians for their top product recommendations and chose these produce savers based on the following criteria:

• Ease of use and versatility
• Efficacy (i.e. how well they maintain produce freshness)
• Sustainability
• Price

If you've ever wished for a better solution for that other half of your banana, or tomato or lemon, Food Huggers is the answer. Exactly as the name implies, they hug your leftovers and create an airtight seal to help them last longer.

Popular on Amazon, the FreshWorks Produce Saver has 4.5 stars and more than 20,000 reviews. Professional foodies have even road-tested these containers and given them the thumbs up. They come in six different sizes.

Said to be leakproof, dishwasher-safe, eco-friendly and non-toxic, there's a reason why you see so many dietitians raving about Stasher bags on social media. The half-gallon size is great for all of your food storage needs, and you can also find Stasher bags in sandwich and snack sizes.

The produce-preserving element is thanks to an activated carbon filter that traps and absorbs the ethylene gas that ripens some types of fruits and vegetables. The Green Saver comes in multiple sizes, including one for your herbs.

This beginner's set comes with BPA-free and reusable plastic bags (four total) as well as a hand vacuum to go along with them! It also comes with two glass containers and matching vacuum lids.

Visually similar to the Rubbermaid FreshWorks containers, Luxear's BPA-free containers get unique points for being partitioned. Think: Berries in a colander on one side and fresh lettuce on the other. You have the option to buy a two-piece or three-piece set.

BPA-free, leakproof, washable and recyclable in gallon, lunch and snack-sized bags, these are the cheaper cousin to the Stasher bag. It's definitely a great way to dip your toe into reusable baggie-style storage.

Sturdier veggies like carrots, beets and broccoli, as well as some herbs and leafy greens can be stored in these North Carolina-made terry bags. Pack your produce into the bags after you've dampened them with water and they should keep it all fresh for a week or more. This bag could also double as great storage for a fresh loaf of bread.

For an on-the-go lifestyle, these cups are functional. Rinse your berries or freshly cut veggies in the colander insert and drop them into the cup — no paper towel to dry your delicate berries required. Just don't forget that cute, practical to-go mini fork, before you hit the road. And it comes in four colors!

Dubbed the "natural alternative to plastic wrap," this reusable food wrap is good for a year. Simply wash it with water and soap in between uses. It's ideal for sturdy veggies and equally helpful to cover leftover dishes, wrap your favorite cheese or even a loaf of bread.

A more recognizable version of the Mepal product, this BPA-free berry pint basket comes with a clear outer container that's sealable. It's dishwasher-safe, too.